Yesterday was such a newsy day that I nearly wore out my phone battery trying to keep up on Twitter. We had the death of sitcom star and film director Penny Marshall. We had a judge again delay the sentencing of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, saying he may have to consider prison even though Special Counsel Mueller recommended no time served. The judge asked DOJ officials if they’d ever considered charging Flynn with treason. We heard that the Grizzlies planned to acquire Austin Rivers off waivers, only to then have the story backtracked and say that four to five teams are interested in Rivers.
The big local news, though, was that the City Council, now down to 10 members, had another meeting. Not only did they not fill the 3 open seats, but there was a debate as to what constitutes a majority vote: 6 out of 10 currently serving Council members, or 7 out of 13 as if all the seats were full. As a citizen who has been sitting back hearing/reading about this entire process in the news, I want to offer some feedback.
To the 5 white Council members – You’re opposing a candidate who is seemingly well-qualified, and who is African-American, as a bloc. In 2018, do you not realize how racist that looks? Can’t some of you try to work across the aisle and reach a compromise?
To the 4 black Council members – The candidate you support has been endorsed by Rickey Peete, a convicted felon who has a track record of attempting to sell out his constituents for personal gain. Do you not realize how bad that looks?
To Council Chair Berlin Boyd – Last night I read on Facebook that you responded to a protester in the Council chamber with “yo mama.” I know the process is frustrating, but that response shows a lack of respect for the office you hold. Have some dignity, man.
It saddens me that in this day and age, race plays such a factor in determining in whether a candidate is qualified. This process has turned into a three-ring circus and it’s embarrassing. I’m surprised the national media hasn’t picked up on this story.
Basketball returns to FedExForum tonight as the Memphis Tigers men’s basketball teams hosts the Little Rock Trojans at 7 PM.
Holiday movie Elf will be on the big screen tonight at the Orpheum at 7 PM. Bring a canned good donation to the Mid-South Food Bank (3 items per person suggested) to get in free. Prior to the movie there will be a visit from Santa.
If you can’t make it to the Orpheum tonight, you’ll have a chance to see Elf tomorrow night as well. The movie will be shown at the Ghost River taproom at 7 PM tomorrow. Two Girls and a Whip will be there to sweeten things with their cupcakes. They like to keep it casual on movie night, so pajamas, sweats, hoodies, and fluffy socks are welcome. Come back on December 27 for a showing of It’s a Wonderful Life.
Ghost River will be opening its taproom early this Saturday for a Birmingham Bowl watch party. Memphis vs. Wake Forest will be on 3 TVs with sound. Get a dollar off pints during the game if you have Memphis gear on.
The Redbirds are said to have a new manager, and he has ties to the area. Ben Johnson, a native of Germantown, is reported by multiple sources to be the next manager of the Memphis Redbirds, although a deal has not been signed yet. Johnson spent 2018 as a coach for the Triple-A Durham Bulls, the team the Redbirds beat in the national championship game.
There will be a holiday market at Firepit Friday this Friday at River Garden in Mississippi River Park on N. Riverside Drive. About a dozen vendors will be out at the park selling their wares. There will also be craft beer served by the Tapbox, food by El Mero Taco, music by DJ Zetta, s’mores, and artisanal cocktails.
Just City has a page where you can buy a book for a kid in juvenile detention.
That’s all for now. Back tomorrow with more news.