I was going to start off today’s post with a rant about the Senate hearings yesterday, but there’s a superseding news story.
About 8:00 last night it was reported that there was a shooting in the 500 block of South Front Street, near the Memphis Farmers Market, and that the victim was well-known in Memphis circles. A little while later it was reported that Phil Trenary, president of the Greater Memphis Chamber, had been shot and killed. I read on social media that there had been a Chamber event at Loflin Yard and he was possibly walking back from the event. A man with dreadlocks was seen speeding away from the scene in a white pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-150.
I did not know Phil well, although I’m sure I met him a time or two. However, from the outpouring on social media, it’s clear that Phil was loved by many, and was a man of service who did a lot to better the city of Memphis. My prayers and condolences to his family, co-workers, and all who knew and loved him.
The Uptown Porch Series returns tomorrow, 5-8 PM, at Treedom at N. Second and A.W. Willis. Soul singer Gerald Richardson will perform. It will be a picnic-style setting and you can be a part of Cat Pena’s interactive art installation.
The Grizzlies are hosting an open practice, free for the public to attend, tomorrow at noon at FedExForum. Doors open at 11:30. Free parking in the FedExForum garage.
Jam Up and Jelly Tight is the theme at this Saturday’s Memphis Farmers Market. The Market’s vendors have all kinds of jellies and jams, including favorites like strawberry as well as some flavors you have probably never heard of before. UT College of Pharmacy students will be there with information about diabetes and healthy living. Live local music all day. The Market happens every Saturday through the end of October, 8 AM-1 PM, under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson.
Hmmm… Earnestine & Hazel’s has been closed lately, but they have a Facebook event for Trolley Night tonight. I would think it’s a remnant from the days before they decided to close the place, but it can’t be… the event was added September 24, this past Monday. Weather today should be perfect, so I may have to mosey on down there and see if I can find out what’s going on.
Amazon will hire more than 1500 in Memphis for their distribution and sortation center. Hiring for more than 800 of the jobs will begin Tuesday and you can fill out an online application today.
Very happy to hear this: The FCC has fined a robocaller who spoofs real numbers $37.5 million. I get 5 to 10 robocalls a day and I hate them. It’s to the point that I keep my phone’s ringer off all the time, but sometimes that causes me to miss texts from friends.
It’s Disco Night at Sunset Skate Night tonight at Beale Street Landing, 6-8 PM.
Skylar Gregg, Kelly Hunt, Bob Ray and Tori Tollison will perform at Songwriter Night #97 at South Main Sounds tonight, 550 S. Main, 7-9 PM.
Wiseacre has announced they will have 20% discounts for their Oktoberfest celebration tomorrow for anyone wearing lederhosen, dirndls, or anyone who brings in their own stein. Brewery tours at 12 and 1, live music and three food trucks 2-6.
Here’s a link to register to vote in Tennessee. If you are reading this from out of state, Lifehacker has info on how to register in every state. I confirmed my voter registration this morning. After yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearings yesterday, I HAVE HAD IT.
I won’t be voting on Democrat vs. Republican lines.
I won’t be voting on liberal vs. conservative lines.
I will be voting on Party of Reagan vs. Party of Trump lines.
The party that once stood for fiscal responsibility and family values is now the party of trillion dollar deficits and trade wars. It’s the party that rubber-stamps the actions of a president who endorses pedophiles, who brags about grabbing women by the pussy, who refers to white supremacists as “some really fine people.” The Republican party has become the party of fear and hate. It’s become the party of angry old white men.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many good people in the Republican party at the state and local levels. Many of them are my friends, and I respect them even if their views on the issues are not the same as mine. But the national GOP is a corrupt organization, plain and simple. It’s got to be burned to the ground, the way Sherman burned Atlanta in 1864, to be saved from itself.
That’s why I will be casting my vote for Phil Bredesen this fall. I invite any of my Republican friends who are disgusted with what their national party has become to join me.
I can’t wait for early voting to begin.
Back tomorrow with more news.