It’s Mueller Time! + Monday news

Usually on this blog, I have a policy of putting anything political at the end of posts, so that readers who don’t care about political stuff can skip it without missing any Downtown news. I’m amending that policy – anytime an indictment is handed down or there are other developments of similar or greater magnitude, I’m not waiting until the end. Keep reading, because I do have a lot of news today. But first…

PAULIE WALNUTS IS GOING TO PRISON!!!!!

Late last week, President Trump announced the release of many of the JFK files. As soon as he did that, I knew something big was about to go down. The release of the files was a classic Trump strategy to divert the attention of the media. This morning former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, along with his longtime assistant Rick Gates, was taken into custody. The indictment was unsealed (read it here), revealing at least 12 charges related to activity in the period 2006-2016, including conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, failure to report foreign bank accounts, failure to register as foreign agents, and giving false and misleading statements when they did register.

Of course, Manafort and Gates are innocent until proven guilty, but an investigator at Muller’s level would not convene a grand jury without firm belief that guilt beyond a reasonable doubt could be proved.

Also today, it was revealed that former campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos has plead guilty to lying to the FBI in an investigation into Trump campaign/Russia ties back in January. Although Manafort is the bigger fish, Papadopoulos may turn out to be more relevant going farther, because his indictment involves collusion with Russia.

On to the news… There are several job openings at the Memphis Airport, including a newly-posted Customer Relations Program Manager position.

The South Main Association will have its November meeting on Tuesday, November 14, on the ground floor of the new ServiceMaster headquarters. Farmers Market vendor The Grecian Gourmet, soon to open a restaurant on South Main, will provide appetizers. This will also be SMA board member election night. 6:00 social, 6:30 presentation. Free for SMA members, $10 for non-members.

YOGA! Your Inner Yogi at 10 N. Second will offer a Teacher Training program February 10-May 27 of next year. No matter what style of yoga you practice, this teacher training will provide you with the skills to introduce others to your passion. The course also looks at the philosophy behind the poses and is therefore good for anyone who wants to delve deeper into their practice, whether or not they choose to become a teacher.

Mayor Strickland invites the public to follow the MPD Training Academy on Facebook for an insider’s look at what happens there.

An #EmptyNeyland movement has started among Tennessee fans who are fed up with their incredibly embarrassing and mediocre football program. They are threatening to boycott the Vols’ home game on Saturday, the homecoming game against Southern Miss, if current head coach Butch Jones is not fired. Sounds like a great idea to me. How far the mighty Vols have fallen since winning the Life Championship last year.

Just got a call from a 901-875-xxxx number. As always, I never answer calls from numbers not in my contacts. Instead, I Google the number. Gotta be a Memphis number, right? Nope… Jammu and Kashmir, India. These scammers are getting more and more sophisticated.

The 5-1 Western Conference leaders the Memphis Grizzlies host Charlotte tonight at FedExForum at 7 PM.

I’m going to hit happy hour at the Silly Goose after work, where Brittani will ask me “Where are my ribs?” Because, you see, if you’re a member of a BBQ team you can magically produce 16-hour slow-smoked ribs at any time, even if it’s October and BBQ Fest is in May. Go Grizzlies, and go Hustle, because they have their lone preseason game tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.

Quick post

Yesterday was Halloween party Saturday and I dressed up as my little troll figurine who stands on the bar next to my phone and my PBR. I had a green troll wig, green makeup for my nose, and my “Parental Advisory: I’m a Troll” shirt.

I started off at Bardog and then went over to the Blind Bear. Late afternoon I started to get hungry, and I realized I hadn’t had a steak at the Majestic Grille in a while. I got the Gorgonzola-encrusted 8 oz. filet, medium rare, with garlic mashed potatoes and a side of sauteed mushrooms. Steaks at the Majestic are really, really good.

The only thing I’m a bit mad at myself about is, I paid full price for my dinner! Every December, the Majestic has a half-price gift card sale. You can pay $25 and get a $50 gift card, and you can get as many as you want. There are some restrictions – you can’t purchase alcohol with them, and you can’t use them until the new year. Still, though, the gift card sale is one of the best deals going Downtown. Right around the time of last year’s gift card sale, I paid cash for a car, nearly emptying my bank account. So I didn’t buy any gift cards. Not repeating that mistake this year! I’ve got a friend who is working from home that day so he can go to the gift card sale, which is always on a Wednesday. I’m going to give him $125 which will get turned into $250 of Majestic dining. That’ll get me some steak days in 2018!

The Hail Mary that was a metaphor for the University of Tennessee athletic program, its coach, and its fans:

My prediction is that Butch “He Means Well, But…” Jones will survive one more week, then after the Vols lose to Southern Miss it’ll be time to pull the plug.

John Paul Keith plays Loflin Yard’s Front Porch Series today at 3.

Tonight is the annual Kooky Canuck Halloween party. This is one of the best Halloween parties Downtown. 10 PM start time.

Off to Sunday brunch at the Blind Bear. Back tomorrow with more news.

Saturday update

Got a few more Halloween parties to tell you about, and of course don’t forget that the biggest party of them all, Sinners for Saints, is tonight.

Twerk or Treat happens at Earnestine & Hazel’s today. Blues Express and Evan Farris will play E&H, and Blake and Brandy and DJ Decepticon will play 5 Spot. $10 cover after 10 PM.

Oshi Asian Kitchen will have a Halloween party tonight starting at 9. Free to get in. $4 wells, $2.50 drafts, and $6 large sake.

Alice in Daisyland: Halloween with The Crystal Method happens at the New Daisy toinght. DJ Tree, Scotty B, and Defcon Engaged will also perform.

YOGA! And bicycles! On Sunday, November 12, Revolutions Bicycle CoOp, Downtown Yoga and the Silly Goose are teaming up for Bicycles and Yoga. Meet at Downtown Yoga at 2 PM that day with your bike, helmet, and yoga mat. There will be a ride over the Harahan Bridge and around Downtown at an easy pace that allows for chatting. The ride will end at the Silly Goose where Amy from Downtown Yoga will lead a free 30-minute all-levels yoga class. After the class, participants are invited to stay at the Goose for drinks. This event is weather-dependent.

Well, Deyonta Davis and Ivan Rabb weren’t with the Memphis Hustle for long. The Grizzlies recalled them. They were just down there for the day yesterday to participate in the Hustle training camp scrimmage.

High Cotton put a post on Instagram yesterday asking that customers not bring in outside food or beverages anymore, in hopes that people will order from the place next door instead. Well, I guess my days of heating up a Banquet salisbury steak dinner in the microwave and then walking to The Edge are over. It paired so well with the Scottish Ale too.

Learn about the witches of South Main at The Broom Closet in this week’s Memphis Flyer cover story.

Well, well, well! Interesting news coming out of Washington: The grand jury has approved the first charges in Special Counsel Mueller’s probe of the Trump/Russia campaign. Those charged could be taken into custody as early as Monday. Flynn? Manafort? Carter Page? I don’t think they’ve gotten to Trump or the junior Trumps yet. By the way, the reason the Trumpster ordered the release of the JFK files is because he knew this was coming and wanted to distract the media, not because he has any interest in justice.

It’s a rare day when I don’t know my plans for the day. Normally Bardog is my 11 AM stop but it gets super busy on race days. I will walk down there and if I see 10 people hovering outside waiting for them to unlock the door, I will continue south to Blind Bear for D-RANKS with B-RAD. If I don’t, Bardog it is. Probably holding off on RiverArtsFest until tomorrow because I will have my Halloween costume on today and it’s one that would cause a lot of kids to want their picture taken with me. Back tomorrow with more news.

Friday update

If you’re planning on dressing up in an elaborate Halloween costume tomorrow night, I have some inside info from one of the organizers of the Sinners for Saints Halloween Ball tomorrow night at Madison and Danny Thomas (Stop 345/Brinson’s/Tad Pierson’s indoor trailer park). She said that she had seen first-hand over THREE THOUSAND dollars worth of prizes to be split among the winners of the costume contests. That is the highest prize purse I have ever heard of for a Downtown Halloween event!

Not surprised they raised that much. I am friends with most of the people who organize Sinners for Saints and they are very well-connected down here, knowing many restaurant, bar, and business owners who are all happy to donate to this event which is a fundraiser for the Church Health Center. Whoever wins those contests is going to have some SWEET gift cards coming their way. 7 bands on 3 stages including Aquanet and Charvey Mac, karaoke in Brinson’s, food from some great restaurants, beer, punches, craft Jello shots, spiked gummi worms. If you want to be at the biggest Halloween party Downtown, this is the place. $60 at the door but as of this morning you can still buy tickets for $50 online. Party starts at 9 PM tomorrow.

I’ve learned that two bars Downtown are being re-done by Jon Taffer and his staff with the Bar Rescue TV show: Havana Mix, the cigar lounge on Peabody Place, and People’s, the pool hall on Beale. Taf and his folks were at another bar yesterday afternoon (not one being rescued) teaching the Havana Mix staff how to make cocktails.

Tonight is both South Main Trolley Night and the free night of RiverArtsFest, with live music on the G.E. Patterson stage. South Main Book Juggler will host a signing for Libertyland: Images of Modern America. Here’s a book description:

“Images of Modern America: Libertyland is a chronological look at the theme park’s life, from blueprints to its razing and beyond. Photographs were gathered from former park employees, guests, historians, Memphis-area libraries, and the Shelby County Archives. Born and raised in Memphis, author John R. Stevenson V rode his first roller coaster at Libertyland and considers his childhood days spent at the park unforgettable. This book is not only a tribute to Libertyland’s legacy, but also a history lesson for generations of Memphians to come.”

South Main Sounds Songwriter Night #70 is tonight at 550 S. Main from 6:30 to 8:30. They moved the time back a little to accommodate RiverArtsFest. Kentucky country artist Camille Rae will join Paul Crum, Sydney Carty and JB Whalen.

Check out these tips for jub hunting using LinkedIn, including one from my friend @CopelandCoach. If you’re job hunting in Memphis, she can help you.

The movie Trolls will be shown on the lawn tonight at Highpoint Church, 6 PM.

The 2017 Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction is tonight at the Cannon Center, honoring Roy Orbison, The Memphis Horns, Maurice White, Irvin Salky, Frank Stokes, Cassietta George and Cowboy Jack Clement. The induction this year is being held in conjunction with the International Music Cities Convention being held in Memphis this week.

Grizzlies players Deyonta Davis and Ivan Rabb have been assigned to G-league affiliate the Memphis Hustle.

Weekend is a few hours away! Back tomorrow with more news.

Thur update: Burger Fest news, Halloween events Downtown, and more

Seth from Best Memphis Burger Fest posted an announcement today: With attendance declining and the donation to Memphis Paws getting smaller each year, Seth feels Burger Fest needs a reboot. Given all the time the festival has already taken from his duties as a husband and a father, Seth has decided he is not in a position to make that reboot happen. So for now Burger Fest is a thing of the past, although if someone wants to step in and take it over he will happily make his resources available.

Seth, THANK YOU for all you have given the community for the past six years. A lot of Memphians have discovered that great burgers go far beyond just Huey’s because of you. It has been an honor to compete at Burger Fest and raise money for Memphis Paws. This last festival especially really brought my team closer together. I wish you well in whatever your future brings.

With the rise of craft brewing in Memphis, we’ve seen a lot of interesting beer pairings the past few years… and on Saturday, November 18, we’re going to see a new one. Donuts and Fancy Beer will happen that day from 11:30 AM – 1 PM at Wiseacre. They’ll have their usual brewery tour, but there will be a lot more beer… and Gibson’s Donuts… and BEER! They will be releasing Charlemayne, a Belgian Stout which, in collaboration with Phillip Ashley, has been aged in Cognac barrels with chocolate. Yum!

Got news on three more Halloween parties Downtown. The Dirty Crow Inn will become the Scary Crow Inn this Saturday the 28th, with BooBerry shots and a costume contest paying out prizes to the top three places. Defective Agency will be spinning 9 AM to 1 PM.

Also on Saturday night, Paula & Raiford’s becomes the Haunted Disco.

The View atop the Residence Inn will be doing a Spooktacular weekend today through Saturday, 4-9 PM. Pumpkinilla cocktails, candy corn shots, chili and chili dogs.

The Downtown Memphis Commission is serious about getting the building housing Murray’s/Jerry’s on the Main Street Mall sold and occupied… and they’re putting their money where their mouth is. The building is listed on commercial real estate sites at $799,000, but so far the fish aren’t biting. The DMC purchased an option to buy the building for $710,000. They currently have a Request for Proposals out, looking for someone willing to renovate the building and make it a thriving part of Downtown. If the DMC finds someone who can meet their requirements, they will exercise their option and buy the building for $710,000, then immediately turn around and sell it to the renovator for $500,000. Savvy move by the DMC. If they can’t find a developer, they just let their option expire without taking on the risk of actually buying the building. If they do find a developer, he/she will immediately have more than $200,000 equity. Read more at the MBJ

The Grizzlies have announced their local and regional Official Watch Party schedule for away games. There will be one Watch Party Downtown. It will be Monday, February 26 vs. the Boston Celtics at The Vault, 124 G.E. Patterson. 6 PM tip.

The final Memphis Farmers Market of the 2017 regular season happens this Saturday, 7 AM to 1 PM under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson. The Market thanks everyone who stuck with them in 2017 through construction, mud, and dirt. After Saturday, they will be off until April, except for a special Holiday Market December 9.

Tennessee Vols running back John Kelly is suspended from the Kentucky game for being arrested along with another player for possession of marijuana. Kelly leads the Vols in total rushing yardage and is second on the team in receiving yardage. With players who can’t stay out of trouble and the most embarrassing coach in D-I, UT is going to be lucky if they can win three more games and get bowl-eligible.

“YEAH BUT BOYYYY I TELL YOU WHUT. NEXT YEARRRR… THAT’S GONNN BEEE ARRRRR YEARRRRR!”

Pro tip for criminals: If you’re wanted for carjacking, don’t stop for lunch across the street from 201. Geez.

Legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross is currently doing a tour in support of his book Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling. When asked if he’d consider a stop in Memphis, this was his reply.

That’s it for now. Gonna get through an afternoon at work followed by happy hour at Silly Goose. Back tomorrow with more.

Wednesday update

The menu has been posted for the Chef Collaboration Dinner, hosted by City Tasting Tours Monday night at Rizzo’s, featuring a fusion of Asian and upscale Southern food by Chefs Jimmy Sinh (Sushi Jimmi) and Michael Patrick (Rizzo’s), with each course expertly paired by mixologist Q Shakur.

Amuse Bouche
Spicy Crawfish Seafood Cone

1st Course
Memphis BBQ Eel

2nd Course
Ichiban Soup

3rd Course
Fried Sweet Potato Seafood Salad

4th Course
Duck Confit with Red Curry Coconut Jasmine Rice

Dessert
Green Tea White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Mango Mochi

As of last night a few tickets were still available. Get tickets here.

Clayborn Reborn, the plan to renovate historic Clayborn Temple, will be getting a boost. Today the temple was named as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s portfolio of National Treasures. There are 88 total sites in the portfolio. The temple has also been accepted into the National Fund for Sacred Places.

Bluff City Coffee will be cash only Friday through Sunday during RiverArtsFest. Their hours will be 6:30 AM to 4 PM.

Just in time for trick-or-treating, WREG has a story about the “candy mecca” right under your nose: Wayne’s Candy Company on Carolina Avenue Downtown. The store has 2500 types of candy.

Here’s something I didn’t know: You can sign up to take a tour of the Memphis airport. The Jon K. Thompson World Class Tour gives the public a close-up look at the airport and a better understanding of the role the airport plays in the local economy. Tours include a continental breakfast, presentations on several aspects of the airport, and bus tours of the FedEx World Hub and the Tennessee Air National Guard facility. Thursday, November 2 is the next tour.

Kids’ event Rock & Romp makes its return this weekend. It will be at Memphis Made Brewing Co. this Saturday from 2 to 5. There will be costumes and candy, and live performances by Cassette Set, Cloudland Canyon, and The Stereograms.

Ghost River has announced that this Friday’s Dock Party has been canceled due to technical difficulties. They will return to the party scene with Juju Bushman opening their One Year Party on November 4.

That’s it for this post. Back tomorrow with more.

Tue update #2: MCA to close and more

Very sad news was released this morning: Memphis College of Art will close. The college has stopped accepting new students and will shut down by 2020. Real estate debt and declining enrollment have led the board to believe that a fine arts and design college is no longer feasible here. As a former college instructor, my heart goes out to the professors who will have to find new places to work, and to the alumni who thought the school would be around as long as they lived.

There will be a More than Pink block party at Peabody Place and Main 5-8 Friday evening, kicking off the Susan G. Komen race weekend. Arnishia King and “The Lady Parts” Band will perform, the Amurica photo booth will be there offering free photos, and Bluefin and Silly Goose will offer extended happy hours. Race participants with bib will get discounts at Margie’s 901 Ice Cream and Lenny’s. Admission to the block party is free.

Blind Bear is planning a special Spookeasy Halloween Weekend this Friday the 27th through next Tuesday the 31st. The following food and drink specials will be in effect:

$5 Beef Tacos
$8 Bear Balls
$10 Hibernation Fries
$3 Moonshine Shots
$6 Moonshine Cocktails
$4 Silver & Grapefruit Tequila Shots
$6 Silver & Grapefruit Margaritas
$8 Bleeding Dark & Stormy
$6 Bloody Marys
$3 Bloody Beers
$2 PBR 16oz Cans !!!
$4 Angry Orchard 12oz Cans

The Michael Brothers will perform Friday night at 10, and The Memphis Blues Masters featuring Queen Ann Hines Saturday at 10.

Do Good with Food, a brunch at Bleu benefiting the Mid-South Food Bank, will happen Sunday, November 12 from 11 AM to 2 PM. This is a buffet-style brunch with live music by Pam & Terry. Free valet parking and a cash bar. Tickets are $30. Purchase them here.

Tennessee Republican Senator Bob Corker unloaded on President Trump in three news interviews this morning. Highlights: Corker said

  • Trump is not a role model for our children
  • Corker absolutely will not support Trump for re-election in 2020
  • Trump is “an utterly untruthful president” and accused Trump of “constant non-truth telling”
  • Trump is “not going to rise to the occasion of president” and not only is he not evolving as president, but he seems to be devolving
  • Trump will be remembered for “debasing our country”

Corker also started the #AlertTheDayCareStaff hashtag on Twitter, building on his quote a few weeks ago that the White House under Trump has turned into an adult day care.

Corker is the first Republican leader (as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee) to have the balls to say these kinds of things about Trump publicly. Now if other Republicans change their tune, they know they will not be alone. Trump has lunch scheduled with Senate Republicans today and it will be a very awkward meeting with Corker there. Thanks Sen. Corker for speaking your mind.

That’s it for now. This is my second post today so keep reading if it’s your first visit.

Tuesday update: RiverArtsFest, Halloween on the Island, Kooky Halloween party and more

The biggest festival of the year for the South Main Arts District, RiverArtsFest, happens Friday-Sunday this weekend. Friday is a sneak preview and is free to the public. Saturday and Sunday there is a $5 cover each day, with South Main blocked off from Huling to Georgia.

The biggest draw to the festival is the hundreds of artist vendors who set up booths on Main to sell their wares. Bring money, because this is a chance to buy some very nice stuff to hang on your walls and decorate your home. Good chance to find Christmas presents too. The food vendors tend to be a higher quality than the average festival. I can speak from experience that the Mediterranean Cuisine and Hibachi 4 Hire vendors put out some great food. There will be food trucks as well including Fuel, MEMPopS, and Reverb Coffee. Live music on one stage Friday night and three Saturday and Sunday. This festival is one I recommend for sure, at least for one day of the three. Come take in that South Main vibe.

Bring the kids to Halloween on the Island on the 31st, 6:30-8:30, for a night of trick-or-treating and walking the Haunted River Walk. $5 admission includes a ride over on the monorail, Sparkman the Magician, and costume contests. Concessions will be available.

The annual Kooky Canuck Halloween party will be Sunday, October 29 beginning at 10 PM.

High Ground News reports that spoken word lives on at The Den, a venue out in The Edge at 656 Marshall. Weekly events include The Word, an open mic event with Tonya Dyson, The Early Show, a comedy open mic; and a local market called Bohemian Wednesdays and Soul Market. In some ways the venue is the successor to Precious Cargo, a popular Pinch Venue of the 1990s-2000s.

From the MBJ: The Downtown Memphis Commission has been crossing many buildings off its Top 10 Redevelopment Sites list that past 12 years. (with “Then and Now” slideshow)

The final 2017 installment of Hot Rods on Beale Street happens tonight 6-10.

An American in Paris will be at the Orpheum tonight through Sunday.

Meme on Facebook yesterday: “The Vols are so fucked that their games will now be broadcast on PornHub.”

That’s it for now, off to work. Back at lunchtime or tomorrow with more news.

Monday update

The Foo Fighters concert at FedExForum, which was to have happened tomorrow night, has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 3, 2018. An unspecified family emergency was specified as the reason for the moved date. The Nashville concert date has been rescheduled also.

Krista Shows plays South Main Sounds tonight at 7 PM. 550 S. Main.

The Memphis Hustle have announced their training camp roster and there are a couple of names familiar to Memphis Tigers fans. Trahson Burrell and Austin Nichols made it onto the roster. For my fellow Arkansas fans, Dusty Hannahs is on the roster as well.

Investigators say arson is to blame for the fire Sunday morning at dive bar and live music venue The Buccaneer.

Last month I predicted that our streak of warm Saturday Halloween party nights would come to an end this year. Looks like I was right. MemphisWeather.net is predicting a high in the mid 50s and a low in the upper 30s for the 28th.

Speaking of Halloween parties, Coyote Ugly has announced their Scream Queen Prom Edition party for Saturday night.

Wonder if Butch Jones has this inspirational message posted in the Vols’ locker room next to the trash can:

Good thing the Vols don’t dunk the ball in the trash can after an offensive touchdown. That would be one empty trash can!

Historian Jimmy Ogle will lead a walking lunchtime tour of B.B. King Blvd. tomorrow at 11:45 AM. Meet at the Sterick Building at Third and Madison. The tour will then proceed south to Beale Street.

I have to say I really enjoy the tweets of the University of Memphis president, Dr. David M. Rudd, on Twitter (@UofMemphisPres). He’s clever on that medium and is clearly there to interact with those in a stake in the university, not just talk AT them. He’s also a big supporter of the athletic programs. Give him a follow if you love the U of M.

National Geographic Traveller India has a nice article about Tad Pierson and American Dream Safari, the best way to tour Memphis and learn about its place in music history. Hopefully that article will bring some Indian tourists to our city!

The Memphis International Auto Show comes to the Cook Convention Center Friday through Sunday, featuring over 250 of the best new cars, trucks, and SUVs.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.

Sunday update

Sometimes I give the troll a day off and take photos with beautiful women instead.

This may be one of the best weekends for Memphis sports ever. Two days after the Memphis Tigers beat Houston, enabling them to write their own ticket going forward, the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. The Grizzlies held a large lead for much of the game and Steph Curry threw his mouthpiece out of frustration. That led to him being ejected by a ref, and Kevin Durant argued the call and got ejected too.

Stock & Belle is having an indoor vendor marketplace this coming weekend to celebrate South Main Trolley Night and RiverArtsFest.

A Memphis live music institution is likely no more. The Buccaneer caught on fire last night. From photos on Facebook the damage appears to be quite extensive.

If you drive Downtown on Saturdays, might want to make a note of the map of the Susan G. Komen 5K happening next Saturday the 28th. Expect delays driving.

MATA will start testing the trolleys on the entire stretch of Main Street, 547 N. Main to Central Station, beginning November 6.

I got into a discussion about hot dogs, of all things, yesterday at Blind Bear. Joe told me the best hot dogs in the world are not Chicago hot dogs, but rather ones made in North Carolina – “all the way dogs” with chili, mustard, onions, and slaw. I know members of championship hot dog team Squeal Street read this blog. Perhaps they should make a road trip to NC for inspiration. Joe mentioned Little Richard’s in particular.

The October installment of The River Series at Harbor Town Amphitheatre is this afternoon. DJ Hot Tub Eric at 3, Little Bandit at 4, Coco Hames at 5. $5 donation at the door benefits Maria Montessori School.

Tennessee alum Paul Finebaum: “I would not have let (Butch Jones) get on the plane last night” following the loss to Alabama. Some reports say UT will keep Jones on through the Kentucky game. Finebaum commented that if a win over Kentucky is what the Vols need to legitimize themselves, they might as well shut the whole program down. Shutting down sounds like a mighty fine idea to me. Let’s open up a spot in the SEC for a team with recent victories over Navy and Houston, not to mention a head coach who isn’t the biggest joke in all of the FBS.

Off to do a fundraiser for the Pabst Brewing Co. Back tomorrow with more news.