Next year Paul Morris won’t be able to say “I Run DMC” anymore. Plus Saturday 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!!!

RIP Mr. Spock, plus Friday news

Sad to hear of the passing of Leonard Nimoy, Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek series, this morning. He was 83.

Jerry Seinfeld returns to the Orpheum in May. He will be in town for a May 29 performance, with tickets going on sale March 6.

Tonight is South Main Trolley Night, with many shops and galleries open until at least 9, and live music up and down the street. Great time to shop and mingle with your neighbors. One particular live music note: Kirk Smithhart, winner of the Albert King Award for “Best Guitartist” in the 1998 International Blues Talent Competition, will take the stage at Double J from 8:30 until 12:30 tonight.

If you haven’t tried food from the Say Cheese grilled cheese sandwich food truck yet, it will be parked outside High Cotton Brewery at 598 Monroe from 4 until 9 this evening.

The entrance ramps onto westbound I-40 from Front and Riverside will be closed Sunday 6 AM to midnight for construction.

Holly has updated info about the return of Brewery Untapped. Dates will be April 9 through May 31, Thursdays through Sundays.

Big SEC game tomorrow: #18 Arkansas vs. #1 Kentucky, on CBS at 3:00. AP Sports has a preview. It’s a battle of the SEC’s two top teams. Kentucky is undefeated this season, but the Hogs hold three straight victories over the Wildcats.

The Church Health Center’s food blog just got a makeover. Check it out.

The CA has an article about Rizzo’s reopening and an exciting new brunch dish about to be added to the menu.

In Mosul, Northern Iraq, ISIS thugs are destroying statues from ancient Mesopotamia that are up to 3000 years old. This reminds me of mid-2001, when the Taliban blew up ancient Buddha statues in Afghanistan. Know what the Taliban did a few months after that? Attacked the World Trade Center.

Tech blog Gizmodo covers all the latest gadget trends, no matter how creepy and gross they are. If you watch porn on your phone or mobile device, now you can charge that device while you watch, using Jack ON. I have no words for this. Wait, I do have one word: Eww.

Grizzlies/Clippers tonight at 7. Doors open for everyone at 5 and first 5000 will receive vouchers for Grizzlies flip-flops. Get there early if you want a pair. Hmmm… so people who get there early may very well end up drinking two extra $10 beers to get a $1 pair of flip-flops… I’m starting to understand how the promotions business works.

A few hours away from the weekend. By the time we come back to work on Monday, February, which has more than lived up to its reputation as the most useless month on the calendar, will be but a memory, and March will be roaring like a lion. I’ll probably get in at least one more post before February ends, though, so check back.

A flip-flop flop and Thursday news

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.

Music Fest lineup and more Wednesday news

Memphis in May has announced the 2015 lineup for the Beale Street Music Festival. I’m not a Music Fest person – around that time of year my team is busy gearing up for BBQ Fest – but most of the reaction to the lineup I have seen so far has been positive.

The FedExForum will be accepting food and money donations for the Mid-South Food Bank at tomorrow’s Tigers vs. SMU game. Every dollar donated buys three meals, thanks to the food bank’s purchasing power.

The Memphis Flyer’s Hungry Memphis blog discovered a restaurant just on the other side of Downtown, Sir Latimore Love’s River Bluff Diner, at 855 Kentucky which I believe would be near Crump. Here’s a link to the diner’s home page and if you scroll down the page a bit, you will see the menu. Po’ boys, burgers, meat and 2-3-or-4 plates, veggie plates, wings, tenders, breakfast.

Graceland is having a job fair tomorrow with dozens of open positions.

From Huffington Post: Most wildly popular type of store for each state. For Tennessee it’s brewing supplies.

A cruise line is adding new riverboat cruises with stops in Memphis beginning in 2017.

Here’s a reminder that there are people in this world who really suck, courtesy of the @memphisscanner Twitter account that tweets highlights of the Memphis Police and Fire Department scanner channels: “Person has dumped a bag of puppies on Bill Morris Parkway at Riverdale. Animal Services dispatched to scene.”

$20,000 was raised to re-open Cozy Corner Monday at a Swine & Wine fundraiser. The Flyer has photos.

Working from home today, and I am about to enjoy a perk of doing so: A walk a few doors down Main Street Mall for loaded chili from Court House Deli. Since I have no evening commute, I will be out at the usual spots as early as 4:50, and hopefully I will have some snow to look at. Time to eat, back tomorrow.

Duckmaster Pumbaa and more Tuesday news

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.

Moody Ques team update

The Moody Ques BBQ team had a small planning meeting Thursday evening (which I attended) and a cook’s meeting this weekend (which I did not). If you’re on the team, you should have received an email update. Here’s what’s going on.

Several people in the Thursday meeting said they’d like to see a focus on team unity and camaraderie this year. “In the past, it seems like we’ve thrown a big party for other people,” was one comment. “We threw a party for WordPress (our 2012-13 sponsor). We threw a big party for Start Co. (20114 sponsor). We threw a big party for a bunch of our friends who weren’t on the team but who came and hung out for much of the weekend. Why don’t we take a year to throw a party for ourselves?”

Much of the 2015 sponsorship money will be put up by businesses associated with the team. We’re still open to talking to potential sponsors (email paul@paulryburn.com if interested and I will get you in touch). However, we’re perfectly fine with it if we don’t have a presenting sponsor that makes a big donation this year. That will allow us to focus on ourselves.

We are also going to handle the cooking internally, rather than bring in outsiders. Our head cook will be our team treasurer, Frank, who as you remember really stepped up on Saturday of BBQ Fest last year. Clay, Dusty, Erik, and Coleman will assist with the cooking. There’s a lot of BBQ experience among that group, and they are people we know will not abandon us.

At the Thursday planning meeting, I raised my hand. “If we want to promote team camaraderie and unity, then we need to stop having meetings like this, where it’s board members and a few friends of the board members who happen to be around at the time. We need to have FULL TEAM MEETINGS so everyone will feel like they’re part of this.” Someone else added, “Every member needs to feel like they helped make the Moody Ques what it is, not like they’re people who paid dues and then just showed up the third week in May. Some people will want to just pay dues and show up, and that’s fine, but let’s give every team member at least the chance to help build the team.” There’s an additional reason full team meetings are important: It’s hard for first-year members to get to know people once BBQ Fest is underway and everyone is busy with team stuff. New members need get-togethers in March and April when they can get to know their teammates.

The others agreed and as a result, two meetings have been scheduled. The first will be Saturday, March 7 at 3:00 at the Silly Goose. (Why the Goose, rather than Blind Bear which has been our usual meeting spot? Because Dusty, who is one of the cooks, is bartending that shift at the Goose and we want his valuable input in the meeting.) We plan on bringing a few shoulders for you to try, Dusty will have happy hour drink prices for you, and you’ll hear more about the plans for the booth and the food. We’re asking that people RSVP to moodyques@gmail.com so we can get an idea of how many shoulders we need.

The second meeting will be Sunday, March 21 at Brent’s house in Midtown (we’ll send out directions at a later date). Brent and his company Holliday Flowers were key to the booth designs that won us two successive Best Booth awards in 2013 and 2014. We are excited to have Brent and Travis back on board. For this meeting, we are asking team members to bring $10 to help with the costs. The event is BYOB, although Brent is saying he may get a keg. Again, more details to come.

Last year we had a number of people who are our good friends, but not on the team, who spent a considerable amount of time hanging out in our booth, especially during the peak hours of Thursday and Friday night. We’re glad we could provide a spot you could use as your BBQ Fest headquarters. However, this year we would like to invite you to become full paid team members. Since we want to focus on throwing a party for ourselves this year, we are going to limit guest access as compared to past years, and non-team members won’t be able to just hang out the entire weekend. We are also going to limit non-member access to liquor, which was a financial drain to the tune of four figures in past years.

What will you get as a team member? You’re going to get FED, that’s what, and not just our award-winning Moody Ques microwave popcorn that our friends at Squeal Street talk about all the time. The cook team is planning to serve three meals a day, with serving times approximately 12:00, 4:00, and 8:00 with plenty of finger foods in between. The one exception to that menu schedule will be Saturday which is judging and awards ceremony day. I don’t have full menu details, but you will hear a lot about the food at the March 7 meeting. We are once again entering the shoulder competition category.

You will also get access to our large, two-story structure. We are not on the river side but the second story will have a river view where you can watch the sun set or watch people pass by on the sidewalk. Since we won Best Booth last year, we see little need to make a lot of changes to our structure, although we may expand the kitchen area for the cooks’ convenience. You’ll be well sheltered from rain on the first floor. We have a new industrial-grade water-sealing material, rarely even seen in the South, that we will use instead of Visqueen to waterproof the second story floor.

“But Paul,” some of you may be asking around this point, “how do we know we can believe you? Last year the team made promises that weren’t kept.” Valid point. The reason you can believe us this year is that we are doing it all OURSELVES. We are not depending on a large food donation from a supermarket chain that vanishes at the eleventh hour. Our head cook has been with the Moody Ques since day one, and was with our predecessor team the Ques Brothers since day one of that team. He’s one of the most responsible guys I know, and he doesn’t own a restaurant that is more important to him than the team. The three new assistant cooks, Dusty, Erik, and Coleman, are rock-solid guys who stepped up for the team in a big way last year. They’re experienced cooks, and by the way, they know how to clean ash out of a smoker.

One other note: Our team president Moody, while retaining her presidency in name, is stepping back from a leadership position on the Moody Ques this year so she can focus on her career. We certainly understand that, and we have a group of people in place who are passionate about the team and who are committed to carrying it on.

I had offers to join two other BBQ teams this year, both very strong teams. However, after hearing plans for the Moody Ques for 2015, I made the decision that this is still the team I want to call home. My dues are paid as of about a week ago. I hope you will join us. Dues need to be in by April 1 and you can pay them here or get a check to Clay.

 

Winter Weather Advisory, new website and menu for Max’s Sports Bar, and a ton more Sunday news

Rizzo’s Diner has announced that it will be open this week, with its first dinner service tomorrow beginning at 5 PM. They don’t have their liquor license yet, so for the time being they will be BYOB. They will have liquor and wine soon, and will have Wiseacre on tap by this coming weekend. “Like” Rizzo’s on Facebook to keep up with the latest news.

Max’s Sports Bar has a new website and expanded menu. I knew they had a lot of TVs, but I didn’t realize the ratio was one flat screen to every three seats. Max absolutely nailed the description of his bar – it’s more than just a sports bar, it’s a hub for South Main residents and one of the friendliest bars in the entire city. As for the menu, Max has retained customer favorites like the BBQ nachos, the lunchroom pizza, and the wings. He has added 10 subs, made with Boar’s Head meats. There’s also a “build your own sub” option.

We have ANOTHER Winter Weather Advisory and could see up to an inch of snow 7 PM-3 AM tonight. The MemphisWeather.net blog has the details. I’m getting really tired of this stuff and am ready for March.

Interesting animated graphic from NPR: The most common job in every state 1978-2014. As a software developer, I would find a lot of jobs in Virginia, Colorado, Utah, and Washington.

Normally I don’t link to items from girl magazines but a friend of mine posted this to Facebook yesterday and it’s pretty awesome: 30 signs you’re a lucky girl dating a simple guy. This article is spot on. Guys who get jealous of their girlfriend’s friends, and who don’t give their girlfriends the time and space to pursue her own interests, are losers and douchebags.

GREAT High Ground News article (but then, has there every been such a thing as a bad High Ground news article? I don’t think so) about the Tennessee Brewery and the second round of Brewery Untapped. I’m very happy to hear that whatever is done with the brewery building, Billy Orgel plans to seek local input and make sure the use of the building is a good fit for the surrounding neighborhood.

Wow, I did not know this: According to this map, I could get in my car and drive to Appalachia in less than an hour.

Best Memphis Burger Fest has posted its charitable grant application form. Check it out if you run a charity that you think would be a good fit to benefit from the burger festival.

One of my Facebook friends posted a photo of kim chee fried rice from the Kiwk Check in Midtown. Wow. That would be worth a drive out there. Kim chee, like sriracha, is one of those universal condiments that makes everything better.

On another food-related topic, I ate at Bluefin recently and thought to myself, “You know, it’s time I tried something not on the sushi menu.” So instead of three rolls like I usually get, I got two rolls and crawfish fritters. Those were the best fried crawfish I have ever put in my mouth, even better than the ones Sleep Out Louie’s used to serve. Definite recommendation to try them if you like fried seafood.

I really want to post a Moody Ques team update, but I want to get with our team vice-president first and make sure I have my talking points correct. Hopefully I will get to do that today and will have a post tomorrow about the 2015 BBQ team. By the way, I ran into a member of the PorkOsaurus BBQ team yesterday and talked BBQ with him for a few minutes. That is one of the most fun things about being on a team – talking to people from other teams and learning what they do. Take a look at their Facebook page. If you click “See More” on the right you will see a team roster listing every member and even the associate members. That sends a message that every team member is important. I like it. Perhaps my team could take some time to church up our Facebook presence a bit.

It’s time for Sunday Fun Day! It will be the usual routine: Brunch with Bloom at Bardog at 11, D-RANKS with B-RAD at the Bear at 1. The WWE Fastlane pay-per-view is tonight so I will not be playing poker this evening. I think there may be some kind of awards ceremony tonight but I really couldn’t care less. Time to hit Publish and begin my Sunday workout of lifting a beer mug over and over again.

 

Triple H does what’s best for business, plus lots of news including Pints for Pups and BEER

If the Oscars bore you as much as they do me, there’s an alternate form of entertainment tomorrow night: The WWE Fastlane pay-per-view live at FedExForum. First match is at 6:30. If you can’t make it to the show live, you can watch it on the WWE Network. When I last blogged about this show a month ago, I was not excited about it because the main event was listed as a tag match with the aging Big Show as one of the participants. The card has since changed and it looks pretty good:

  • Roman Reigns, who the WWE sees as the future of the business, won a shot at the WWE World Championship last month by winning the Royal Rumble battle royal. However, he has been ordered to put his title shot on the line against Daniel Bryan, the most popular wrestler in the WWE, who had to give up the championship last summer due to injury. Winner goes on to face Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania.
  • John Cena, the face of the company for the last 10 years, will face undefeated Bulgarian brute and Russian sympathizer Rusev, managed by the beautiful Russian, Lana. Rusev plays the evil foreign heel role to perfection, even better than Kamala and Umaga did in the past. The match is for Rusev’s U.S. Championship.
  • Bad News Barrett defends the Intercontinental Championship against “The Lunatic Fringe” Dean Ambrose. Ambrose is probably my favorite wrestler in WWE right now.
  • It’s possible (but not confirmed) that The Undertaker may appear to set up a match with Bray Wyatt for Wrestlemania.
  • Triple H will confront the vigilante, Sting. The story here is that Sting was the franchise of WCW in the 1990s, when that company almost forced WWE out of business and would have taken Triple H’s livelihood away. Sting has recently shown up in WWE and has been interfering in the matches of Triple H’s faction, The Authority.

It’s too bad Triple H doesn’t own a bar in Downtown Memphis. If he did, I bet he would do what’s best for business.

The Green Beetle is hosting a fundraiser called Pints for Pups tomorrow at noon. It’s to benefit foster and rescue dogs at ALIVE Rescue and your $6 cover includes one drink. You can purchase raffle tickets to win some really nice prizes, and if you choose you can drop off supplies or a donation to the rescue while getting a beer or something to eat.

wiibowling
Wii Bowling is back at the Silly Goose

The Silly Goose is starting what sounds like an awesome local beer night every Tuesday beginning March 10. Beginning at 7:30 on Tuesdays, the Goose will sell pints of local craft beers from Wiseacre, High Cotton, and Memphis Made for only $2. That’s not a typo, folks, TWO dollars. A live acoustic show will start at 8:30 featuring Jeremy Stanfill and Josh Cosby, and the Pat Fusco Jazz Trio.

Do you need advice on ways to improve your small business? Start Co.’s Upstart accelerator is offering free office hours at the Flying Saucer Wednesday, February 25 from 3 to 7 PM. You can sign up here for a 30-minute time slot (RSVP is required) and your first beer is on them.

Speaking of the Saucer, they will host their first of four beer dinners for 2015 Thursday, March 12 at 7 PM. The dinner will feature the beers of Schlafly and there will be five beers paired with four courses. Tickets are $30 if you’re in the bar’s UFO Club, $35 general admission. Beer dinners are one thing the Saucer does really well, and it’s a good chance to take some notes and really learn about the beers you are drinking.

Jason Wexler of the Grizzlies explained why some ticket sales information is withheld from the public. It prevents ticket scalpers from taking advantage of people on the street.

According to Weatherbug, in the time it has taken me to type this post the temperature has dropped from 52 to 42. What is up with this weather?

There’s a free trial of NBA League Pass today and tomorrow.

That’s the news. I’ll be at Panda’s bar at Bardog at 11, even if I have to walk through torrential rain to get there.

Free tickets to tonight’s Tigers game and more Thursday news

The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team plays UConn tonight at 8 and you might be able to score some free tickets. An anonymous donor did not want to see an empty stadium due to this week’s weather, so he or she purchased tickets to be given away. Tickets can be picked up beginning at 7 tonight, first come first serve.

In other Tigers news, @WojYahooNBA reports that former Tiger guard Will Barton has been traded to the Denver Nuggets.

In even more Tigers news, the 2015 football schedule has been posted. Notable games include a road game at Kansas, a home game vs. Ole Miss, and a first-ever meeting with Navy.

The Lenten Preaching & Waffle Shop has begun once again at Calvary Episcopal weekday lunchtimes through March 27. You can view the schedule here.

Congratulations to Paula Raiford of Paula & Raiford’s Disco for being named Fireball bartender of the month.

MemphisWeather.net posted a blog on tomorrow’s predicted ice event in Memphis yesterday afternoon. As of this morning, they said “it’s still in pretty good shape,” meaning the information they posted yesterday, not the expected conditions of the roads tomorrow! Freezing rain and sleet, primarily in the afternoon, with 1/4-inch ice accumulation expected. Sounds like a good day to work from home if you can, and if you can’t, keep a close eye on the radar (put it in Winterize mode) and be prepared to hit the road early if any seriously threatening ice makes a move toward Memphis.

That’s it for today. Time to brave the cold and get some lunch.

Gus’s, Beck, a professional development workshop, and tons more news

We may not be done with icy weather yet. MemphisWeather.net’s forecast calls for a chance of light snow late Thursday night with a low of 20. Friday, sleet and freezing rain are expected with an accumulation of a quarter inch of ice, with the precip converting over to rain Friday night. The high is predicted to be 33, only one degree above freezing. Ugh. This could be one of those scenarios when people get up Friday morning and say, “Well, it’s clear now, I’m not going to not drive to work because it MIGHT sleet or snow” and then it does and the interstates become a skating rink nightmare as everyone tries to get home while they still can. Be sure to check the weather Friday morning and use common sense.

The big buzz this morning is that Gus’s is going national. New locations are planned for Atlanta, St. Louis, Knoxville, Los Angeles, Fort Worth, Kansas City (Kansas), Chicago, and Philadelphia. Here’s an article about the planned Chicago location from Chicagoist.com.

Beck will play the Mud Island Amphitheater Saturday, May 16. That could create a conflict for some people; it’s the Saturday of BBQ Fest.

There’s a free professional development workshop called “Branding Yourself” next Tuesday, February 24, at Buckman Hall on the Christian Brothers University campus. Career coach Angela Copeland will discuss dressing for success, resume writing, and branding yourself online. It’s a good way to prepare for the upcoming Multicultural Career Expo. More info and a link to sign up for the workshop here.

The Eric Hughes Band plays the Hard Rock Cafe Saturday at 9, with no cover. Share the event on Facebook to receive your choice of an Eric Hughes Band sticker, or a pony.

Elmwood Cemetery is hosting its first-ever Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28. The hunt is for kids 10 and younger, admission is free, and the Easter Bunny will be on hand.

Ever ordered a drink with mint in it and wondered why the bartender smacks the mint before putting it in your glass? This article explains why.

Single-digit temperatures tonight. PLEASE bring your pets inside! The cold won’t stop me from being out and about this evening.