Wed update: B.B. King, Panera, Mpact Memphis, Jillian’s to increase trivia prizes and more

Another business meeting at the Saucer today.  I’m sure that will prompt an “ugh Downtowners” comment from one of my Facebook friends again.  This one concerns the personal finance software I’ve talked about for the past week… we’re going to make plans to make final revisions and then get the program to market.  More details to come soon.  I’m excited about it because we’re going to be doing the kind of viral marketing Seth Godin talks about in his books.

B.B. King plays his club tonight.  I’ve heard the show is sold out.  The rumor is that this may be his last show, due to the fact that he’s 83 and his diabetes is getting worse.  Several celebrities are said to be attending the event tonight.  Justin Timberlake and Sheryl Crow are among the names I’ve heard dropped.

Metro Memphis got its first Panera yesterday. A location opened out in Collierville, and one is coming to Laurelwood soon.  They say they plan to eventually open 12 locations in Memphis, and I’ve heard talk that one of them may be Downtown.  I wonder how well a Panera would do in the core considering we already have Blues City Pastry… perhaps one would work well toward the north end of the core (maybe in the ground floor of the Lincoln-American Tower?) or in the Pinch, which has been hurting for a bakery/coffee shop since Cafe Francisco closed.

There’s a good article in the Commercial Appeal about Mpact Memphis executive director Gwyn Fisher.  Congrats to Gwyn on the article, and for making Mpact so much fun this year.  I’m looking forward to their “How I Holiday Bash” tonight.  “Lose the shoes and find the pickle” is the tagline for this event.  Don’t ask me; I have no idea what it means either.  The point is, it’s a party where you can share how you celebrate the holidays.  Attn ladies who have been talking about “Christmas tube tops” lately:  This would be a good chance to show them off.

Congrats to the Rapscallions who came from way behind to pick up a second-place finish in trivia last night, bringing our total to $50 for our next party.  Attn Ann: Where was your team last night?  The Weiss Asses won first place, their first trivia victory since 1856, the year that a lot of their members celebrated their 40th birthdays.  I think I’m going to start sitting at window seats, rails, and on couches more often, because I’m tired of dealing with a certain bartender.

Speaking of trivia… I’ve heard that Jillian’s has decided to increase their Thursday night trivia prizes to $100 for first place, $65 for second, and $35 for third.  Not a bad idea, considering that Thursday is a tough night to do trivia.  If they want the night to work, they need to develop a regular following before rooftop party season starts up again in April.  Since they read my blog, I’m going to point something out:  It should never ever take more than two minutes to get a beer at the bar.  If there are problems with the kegs, etc., those need to be sorted out before 7 when trivia starts, not when there are already 15 thirsty people waiting.  With several new locals’ spots open or about to open (Bardog, Voodoo Lounge @ Orleans on Front, Silly Goose), a bar with 200 beers and hot waitresses across the street, and the Rooster competing for game-watching crowds, Jillian’s cannot afford to screw up if it wants a piece of Downtowners’ business.

Panhandler alert:  There’s an extremely aggressive panhandler who goes by the initials “G.M.” who has been going around begging a lot lately.  His opening line is usually something like, “Hey, big dog.  Sir.  Sir.  Scuse me.  Sir.  Hey, look here, big time, I ain’t no bum or nothin’, I’m just trying to get me about fifteen billion dolla so I can put some fuel in my corporate jet.  Can you help me out?”  I can’t believe people are actually giving this guy money.  Of course, he goes through the usual sob story about how he’s going to turn his life around, but you can tell he’s been saying that for 20 years or more.

Time to prepare for my meeting… I can’t find the product manual, which is kind of a problem.  For those going to Mpact’s party, I’ll see you tonight.

Pint Night at Bardog Tavern tonight

Since it’s only the second week, I figure I’d better remind everyone that Bardog Tavern is doing Pint Night on Tuesdays now, with all ten draft beers only $3 from 7 PM to 3 AM.  That’s a discount of a buck or two on most of them.  With PBR it’s a 50 cent upcharge, so unless you really love PBR it’s a good night to drink something else.

Google Street View now available

Well, there goes my productivity for the afternoon.  Google Maps has lauched its StreetView of Memphis.  You can zoom in on your neighborhood, click the icon that looks like an orange man, and then use the arrows to take a virtual walk around.

Looks like Downtown was shot on a weekend morning, because most of the parking lots are empty.  It was probably shot at least a year ago, because the Red Rooster didn’t yet exist when I “walked” down Second.

Then I took a “walk” around the neighborhood South of the FedExForum.  Some of the bums are known to crash at a house on Allen Street – and when I “walked” down Allen, there they were on the front porch.  Virtual bums!

I’ve already had people e-mail me to say they looked for me in the window of the Flying Saucer, but it apparently hadn’t opened yet.

Shrine Building resident needs roommate

I got a message on Facebook this morning from a guy who lives in the Shrine Building.  His roommate just moved out and he’s looking for a new one.  Send me an e-mail at paul@paulryburn.com if interested and I’ll pass it on.

I shot him a message back asking for more details about the living space itself… will post those when I get them.  The Shrine is in the heart of the Downtown core, at Front and Monroe.  You’d be a 3-block walk from Autozone Park, less than a block walk to fine dining (Stella, Felicia Suzanne’s, McEwen’s), about 4 blocks to Beale Street and 5 to the FedExForum.  There’s a Walgreens a block away and two small grocery stores (Jack’s and Easy Way) 3 blocks away.  If you want to meet the locals, there’s a friendly bar (Bardog) across the street on Monroe.  Lots of good dining on Union and Second nearby.

After 7 years down here, I can’t imagine living anywhere but the Downtown core.  There’s no place like home.  E-mail me if interested, and I’ll try to get more details about the place.

Gotta love Germantown people

Yesterday afternoon I updated my Facebook status to say that I had a 3 PM business meeting at the Flying Saucer.  A Germantown resident responded,

“How can you have BUSINESS meeting at the Saucer.  Ugh Downtown people!”

Well let’s see… I needed to schedule a meeting somewhere where there was Wi-Fi, so I could show my consulting client the updates I’d made on his website.  So I figured, why not meet somewhere near home where there’s not only Wi-Fi, but $2.75 Dos Equis Lager on Mondays and waitresses in short skirts.  The meeting lasted 20 minutes, we agreed upon next steps, the client wrote me a check, and suddenly my last appointment of the day was over and I had a 0 second commute to the bar for Pint Nite.  That’s how we do it Downtown.

I keep forgetting to mention in my weekly “what’s going on Monday night” posts that the Saucer has trivia at halftime of the Monday Night Football games.  I’ve been there the past two weeks and have signed up as “Paul Ryburn playing as The Rapscallions,” but they’re all football questions, not my strong suit, so I haven’t added anything to the team winnings.  I think the prizes are $25, $10, and $5 gift certificates.  Bartender Brittney announces trivia over the PA every week – she runs her mouth all the time anyway, so it’s good to see the Saucer leverage that trait into something useful.

Wow… still a slow news week.  The only new thing I really have is that Restaurant.com has another discount promotion – enter code ONLINE at checkout for 70% off through December 11.  That’ll get you $25 face-value gift certificates for $3 instead of the normal price of $10.  Discount also applies to their Dinner of the Month Club.

I guess everyone’s got holiday parties to attend, which is why there aren’t that many public events to talk about.  I’m going to Mpact Memphis’ party tomorrow night.  Saturday night I have an ugly sweater party to attend… still have to run next door to Murray’s or Jerry’s and find a sweater.

I updated my LinkedIn profile to reflect that I’m once again searching for something full-time.  I’m definitely open to short-term (1-6 month) project/contract work, although I’d consider a full-time permanent position as well if it’s with a great company.  In the meantime, I’m still open to more freelance work as well.  Currently helping a professional turn his thoughts and ideas into a website, using WordPress as the platform so he’ll be able to edit it in the future without my intervention.  I think I’m particularly good at that kind of thing – the “people” side of computing.

Also continuing work on the personal finance software I’ll soon be telling you about… listening to Seth Godin’s Tribes in audio format again, to mine the book for ideas.  I’ll be at the Saucer for trivia tonight.  Trivia starts at 7 (not 7:30 as it says on their table cards), but I’ll probably be there around 5.

Mon update: Dempseys @ Huey’s this Sunday; what’s going on tonight

Sorry for the lack of posts today, but there’s really not that much going on.

The main thing to report today is that The Dempseys will play Downtown Huey’s Sunday, December 14 at 8:30.  They always have a lot of fun on Sundays and cut loose and entertain the crowd, and the stage is right up close.  This time of year there are sure to be a few Christmas songs in their sets.  I like catching the Dempseys at the Saucer and Blues City, but in my opinion Huey’s is the best place to see them.

Let’s see what’s going on tonight:  Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets at the FedExForum at 7; Eric Hughes plays Alfred’s; Di Anne Price plays the Westin lobby; Pint Nite at the Flying Saucer with most draft beers $2.75; unlimited bowling at Jillian’s for $10; discounts on Super Cold Coors Light, blue kamikazes, tequila shots, and wings during Monday Night Football at Big Foot Lodge; trivia night at the Blue Monkey (8 PM) and Huey’s (9 PM).

I have a business meeting at 3, which I scheduled for the Second Street Branch Office so I can begin Pint Nite a couple hours early.  I anticipate staying there until the Grizzlies crowd lets out about 9, then making the move to Bardog.

Announcing my newest site: College Logo Cornhole

I’ve been selling cornhole games on Mid-South Alcoholic Supply for a while, and they’ve become one of the most popular items.  Cornhole is a game that is usually played outdoors, with two tilted boards or platforms, and eight bags filled with corn.  The object is to toss the bags so that they land on the platform and ideally go through the hole in the platform.  They’re a perfect game for any outdoor activity – cookouts, tailgating, yard parties, BBQ Fest.  The cornhole boards were selling so well that I decided they deserved to have their own site, which I’ve named College Logo Cornhole.

College Logo Cornhole is a storefront that sells cornhole boards imprinted with the logo of your favorite college team.  It also sells generic cornhole boards, extra corn bags, cornhole scoreboards, and drink holders for cornhole players.  Secure checkout and delivery is handled by Amazon.com. I get a report of what was sold, but I never see your name or credit card information. In exchange for referring the sales, I get commission from Amazon, which is on a sliding scale, but will probably end up being 7.5% or 8% per item sold this month.

Unfortunately, this means I’m limited to inventory that Amazon carries, and they don’t carry any Memphis Tigers cornhole items, which I think is a shame.  There are items for most other regional teams (Arkansas, Ole Miss, Vandy, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia).

All right… with the new store announced, it’s time to brush my teeth, shave, and head to the Saucer.  I don’t feel like washing my hair, so I guess it will be a Santa hat day.

Saturday recap: Wedding, personal finance software, Hoop’s new place

Last night my friends Clay and Jessica got married in St. Peter’s Catholic church on Adams.  I’d never been inside the church before, and it was absolutely beautiful… probably one of the most gorgeous church interiors in town.  I liked the service too… being a Catholic church, I expected a long service full of ritual, but it was only 30 minutes long.  The priest told the couple a story he had personally picked out for them, after getting to know them and their families earlier in the week.  Then they said their vows, exchanged rings, and lit a unity candle.  Earlier in the service they had lit a candle in memory of Clay’s dad, who unfortunately passed away before he had a chance to meet Jessica.  I’m sure his spirit was there though.

The priest introduced the newly married couple, and then it was off to the Majestic Grille for the reception.  What a reception it was… there was a large buffet, an open bar, and servers walking around handing out crab balls and other goodies.  There was also an enormous dessert table.  It just seemed like too special an occasion to order PBR at the bar, so I went with white wine as my drink of choice for the evening.  There were toasts by the bride’s father, the best man, and maid of honor, and the couple had their first dance.  Just a tremendous celebration with good friends.  Best wishes to Clay and Jess for a happy life together.  They leave for their honeymoon today.

The wedding was not the only reason Saturday was an eventful day for me.  Some of you know that about five years ago, I programmed a piece of personal finance software, an entirely new paradigm in personal finance invented by a guy who took a Computer Literacy course from me at the U of M in the late ’90s.  Although it’s been a long time since I finished programming it, we couldn’t do much with it because we were waiting on a patent.  We couldn’t risk someone stealing our idea.  In September of this year we finally received the patent.  So yesterday the inventor came to Memphis (he lives in Nashville now) and we met at the Flying Saucer to discuss what to do next.  “Paul, it’s a whole new world out there,” he told me.  “People need this program more than ever.”  So we’re going to market it.  The program will be available very soon, and it will be very affordable.  If you’re unsure what to do in this time of financial crisis, this will be a tool that can help.  Look for more info soon.

I’ve learned that the downstairs bar at Orleans on Front (formerly Cayenne Moon) is Hoop’s new place – Hoop, who ran the extremely successful Hoop’s Bar on the second floor of EP’s.  I’ve also been told it will be open until 3 every morning.  Hmmm interesting.  I still need to get the important question answered – do they have PBR, and if so, how much does it cost?  I need to run by there this week and get the info.

Skipping another brunch this morning because my latest website is very close to being done.  Expect a post about that within the next hour or so.  I’ll be at the Saucer about 1 for the usual Sunday Fun Day festivities.

Sat update: Special for military at the Orpheum, Majestic Grille news, and more

News of the day to come in a moment, but first of all, congratulations to my friends Clay and Jessica who are getting married today.  Here are a few pics from their engagement party back in February, when Clay was telling us the story of how he proposed:

So I have a wedding to go to tonight… no Stumbling Santa for me this year.  I’ll be glad to get it over with, because I’m tired of hearing the girls in the group discuss to death what they’ll be wearing.  Wonder how much food the Nuh-Uh Girl will eat at the reception tonight?

In case there are any last-minute inquiries about Stumbling Santa, here’s what you need to know:  Show up at 7 PM at Earnestine & Hazel’s, with a toy to donate to a child, dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, a reindeer, a Christmas tree, or some other Christmas icon.  From there you’ll be given directions what to do.  You can buy costumes at Party City at Poplar and Highland.  Bring cash to pay your tabs, because there won’t be time for everyone to run credit cards.

The Orpheum is giving military personnel an early Christmas present.  In appreciation for their service to our country, the Orpheum is inviting military personnel and their families to attend their upcoming Broadway show The Pajama Game (Tuesday, December 9 through Sunday, December 14), and purchase tickets for any seat in the house for only $25.  They did a similar promotion earlier this year, and over 200 people in uniform and their families took advantage of the offer.

If you missed the Majestic Grille’s half-price discount gift card sale, I’ve got good news for you – they’re doing it for a second day.  On Tuesday, December 16, you can buy $50 gift cards for $25 from 9 AM until they run out or 6 PM, whichever comes later.  They can’t be used until January 2 and can’t be used for alcohol, but they still provide a heck of a bargain on Patrick’s fantastic filet, their whole roasted chicken, their famous grilled cheese (with BACON!!!), the “John D Breakfast” at Sunday brunch, or any of their other fabulous food items.

They’ve also informed me that they will once again be doing their same deal for New Year’s Eve – their regular menu at regular prices, no upcharges because it’s a big party night, no cover at the door or any of that other BS.  Just good food and good times.  Patrick always comes up with a few special appetizers and entrees to add to the menu for the evening.  I speak from experience (two years of it) when I tell you, NYE at the Majestic is a good time.

Annabelle, the 5-year-old girl with spina bfida whose wheelchair was stolen last month, has a new wheelchair thanks to donations from the community.  Just in time too… she’s going to be a princess at a gala event at the Peabody tonight, and she needed her “legs” in order to be able to dance.

Sitting here drinking my morning Mountain Dew as I type this… my health guru AL still thinks I need to give up Mountain Dew.  I’d be more willing to do so if the product shown below actually existed:

Congratulations to the Grizzlies on their win over the L.A. Clippers last night.  Got a question.  Looking at my tracker, I see that I have a few blog readers from Los Angeles.  Does anyone out there care about the Clippers?  I mean, in New York you have Yankees fans and Mets fans.  In Chicago there are people who like the Cubs and people who like the White Sox.  But when I think of basketball in Los Angeles, it seems like there’s the Lakers and “oh yeah, that other team.”  Do the Clippers actually have fans?

I watched the game at the Saucer last night.  I was there for a friend’s plate party.  They finished the tab and left to go to Hooters for $1 draft beer… I contemplated joining them, but came to the conclusion that Hooters just absolutely sucks no matter how cheap the beer is.  After the game let out, the Grizzlies crowd packed the Saucer, and I got bored and moved to Bardog.  As usual, I ran into people I hadn’t seen in months and had a great time chatting.  Bardog is damn near perfect.

Reminds me… I ran into former BFF Lauren at Bardog night before last, and she told me that she’s going to start working at the downstairs bar at Orleans on Front (formerly Cayenne Moon) in a couple of weeks.  I have a feeling that may turn into a very cool little locals’ spot.  I need to stop by and get the details.  In particular, I need to get an answer to the first question Downtowners ask when a new bar opens – “Do they have PBR, and if so, how much is it?”

All right.  Got a business meeting at the Saucer at 2:30 and then the wedding, which starts at 7.  What’s proper etiquette for time to show up to a wedding?  Half hour before it starts?  Wow, I just realized, this’ll be the first time I’ve seen the inside of a church since 1999.  Outta here for now, going to work on my newest website between now and 2:30.

Friday update

A blog reader who is on a BBQ Fest team e-mailed me today.  He received a letter from Memphis in May telling his team that the only change in setup for 2009 is that some of the larger lots will be reduced in size.  It doesn’t appear there will be a change in fees.  So it looks like the rumor that entry fees will go way up next year is not true.

Last night I went to Court Square Center’s holiday party and open house, and some friends and I got to tour some of the upper-floor units.  They are really neat… extremely high ceilings, some units with loft bedrooms accessible by ladder and with a separate entrance the next floor up.  Wood paneling on the windows, great-looking kitchens… they did a great job, and it’s good to have new apartments on the market in the Downtown core.  Check out their website for more info, and also info on the Lowenstein and CA2 buildings.

Big Foot Lodge has settled a lawsuit regarding similarities in its name and concept to two restaurants in California.  With that behind them, according to this Commercial Appeal article, the restaurant is now looking to expand to a second location.  The article notes that despite the slow economy, sales at the Downtown location have been extremely strong.    Glad to see them looking to the future… with their fun menu and creative desserts, I think it’s a concept that would work really well in the suburbs.

Stopped by the Saucer last night for a beer… they have signs up that their leftover John McCain glasses are now on sale for $2.50.  “Christmas gifts for your Republican friends!” the sign reads.  “Sure to be a collector’s item!”  Hmmm… the Saucer wasn’t around in 1984, but if it had been, I kinda doubt that Walter Mondale glasses would be “collector’s items” today.  Every time I see those leftover glasses I think, “who would be dumb enough to buy one,” but then I remember that the Saucer has a location in Cordova.

Restaurant.com is running a new promotion: Enter code LIST at checkout for 60% off through Sunday, December 7.  That means you can buy $25 face-value gift certificates to some of Memphis’ most popular restaurants for $4 instead of the usual price of $10.  You can also give someone a membership to their Dinner of the Month Club and save 60% on the purchase through Sunday.

Happy birthday a day late to my friend Clay… his very-soon-to-be wife Jessica organized a surprise party for him at Itta Bena last night, although he totally had it figured out beforehand.  Good to be at the bar at Itta Bena again, haven’t been there in a couple of months.

Don’t forget that there’s a Downtown group meeting outside the Arcade restaurant at 7:30 AM tomorrow to cheer on the marathon runners.

Time to get busy… gotta troubleshoot a WordPress installation, then work on my latest website idea.  So far my only plans for tonight include a friend’s plate party at the Saucer.