Friday update

I was driving home from work last night, going north on I-55 having just crossed back into Tennessee. In the far right lane there was a minivan, going about 60, with its flashers on. 65 is the speed limit, so the driver was going a bit slow, but it’s OK because 1) He was driving in the slow lane and 2) He had his flashers on, indicating some kind of emergency.

People were TAILGATING him. I mean, half a car length behind tailgating.

What if his check engine light had come on and he turned on his flashers because his engine could stall out at any minute? When it does, that half car length is not going to give you sufficient time to avoid rear-ending him.

What if he was driving his pregnant wife to the hospital to give birth? What if he slows down and you hit him, and for the rest of your life you have to live with the fact that you killed a baby moments before it was to be born?

Drivers in this town need to get some common sense. Slow down. Have some consideration for your fellow drivers. And get off your damn phones!

The Navy’s new tagline, “Forged by the Sea,” was created right here in Downtown Memphis by Y&R Memphis. It’s part of a $457 million campaign for rebranding recruitment by the Navy.

I’ve got a reader who is looking to volunteer to feed the homeless Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day. Anyone know of places where she can volunteer? Email me at paul@paulryburn.com and I will pass it on.

I loved my Weather Channel calendar I got for Christmas as a teenager. So much information. Now you can shop local for a weather calendar to give as a gift:

Get discounts on beer at the Ghost River taproom for 12 days (December 9-24 on the days they are open) when you give to receive. They will be collecting donations for three charities:

: Pet food and more, follow link to see other desired donations

50% off the Beer of the Day when you bring a donation. Beers of the Day:
Dec 9th – Golden Ale
Dec 10th – 1887 IPA
Dec 13th – Grindhouse Cream Ale
Dec 14th – Midnight Magic
Dec 15th – Citra SMASH
Dec 16th – Bruns Upe (or Red)
Dec 17th – Sinful Sister
Dec 20th – Howzit Gose
Dec 21st – P.S. I Love You American Strong Ale
Dec 22nd – ULFBERHT
Dec 23rd – Prestige
Dec 24th – SMASH Test Dummy’s Daddy

The 23rd will be a sweater party at Ghost River: Wear a sweater, bring a sweater to donate to the Union Mission.

Ono Poke will be set up in the Ghost River taproom today not only for lunch as usual, but dinner as well.

Liberty Bowl news:

Mint Cream Studios at 525 N. Main has a grand opening party tonight from 6 to 10. The shop appears to be an extension of the Mint Cream lifestyle blog.

The Redbirds have a holiday package complete with tree ornament:

The Grizzlies host the Toronto Raptors tonight at 7 at FedExForum. They have also announced Social Media Night ticket promotions for their 8 PM game against Oklahoma City tomorrow at FedExForum.

Tin Roof’s inaugural onesie party is tonight.

Exactly one year after I got her, I found out my troll’s official name in the Trolls movie collection. She’s not one of the more widely-known trolls, so up until yesterday I didn’t know. I found this video talking about each of the 12 trolls in the Trolls Blind Bag Series 2 (fast-forward to 8:50). There are six Blind Bag Series total, each with 12 for a total of 72. Damn, that’s a lot of trolls!

I’m not changing my troll’s given name at this point but her movie name is Karma. I swear, some days the jokes just write themselves.

Weekend! Having had a 4-day weekend followed by a 4 1/2-day weekend, this 2-day weekend is going to fly by. Check back tomorrow for more news.