Wednesday update

Wow. That USA vs. Thailand match in the Women’s World Cup was the biggest smackdown in a sporting event I have seen in my entire life, and that includes multiple Alabama-Tennessee football games that I have watched. Soccer is a sport where 4 goals by one team is considered a high score, and the USWNT dropped 13 on Thailand. It was raining goals. As for the USA’s goalkeeper, she should have brought a book to read. The ball was almost never on her side of the pitch!

There’s a Washington Post op-ed about the team that is worth a read. The USWNT is the heart and soul of national soccer; it sure isn’t the mediocre men’s team. Yet, the women make 38 cents for every dollar the men make. Inexcusable and “that’s just the way it is” is not an acceptable explanation.

The next game is vs. Chile on Sunday morning. At first the announced time was 10:30, so I did a “What bars are opening early?” thread on Facebook, but it now looks like the starting time will be 11 AM.

The Redbirds return to AutoZone Park tonight for a 6:35 game. It’s Woof Wednesday, where a special ticket gets both you and your dog admission to the game.

Also, Redbirds fans, mark June 29 on your calendar. That Saturday night, a fan who correctly guesses the exact time the game will end will win a Rolex watch valued at $5400, courtesy of the Redbirds and Sissy’s Log Cabin.

Primas Bakery + Boutique is having a Little Mermaid Tea Party Sunday from 1:30 to 3:00. Each ticket includes Under the Sea Treats such as “Mermaid” macarons, “Seashell” shortbread, “Flounder” Frangipane Petit Fours, and “Tropical Coconut” cupcakes. Tea, coffee, and punch will be served. Each ticket admits 2, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

If you feel like a road trip this weekend, there’s going to be a taco festival at Ball Park Village in St. Louis.

Trolley Stop Market out in The Edge will host a brunch on Sunday, July 28 to benefit Hands of Mothers. There will be a full brunch, cold Bloody Marys, and live music by singer-songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart and saxophonist Art Edmaiston. Money raised will go to educate and empower mothers and their daughters living with HIV in Rwanda.

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas has only until tomorrow to decide whether to pick up his player option on his contract with the Grizzlies. If he doesn’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be back; he could negotiate a longer contract with the team. Jonas was said to be waiting to learn who the new head coach would be. Now that it is been announced that Milwaukee assistant Taylor Jenkins will fill that role, Jonas has the information he needs to make a decision.

A proposed new fire station, to replace the one on Front that will be torn down to make way for the Brooks Museum, would create a superblock bordered by Danny Thomas, Washington, Orleans, and Adams. Critics of the proposal say the long block would reduce connectivity and discourage pedestrian traffic.

Sunday, June 23 from 3 to 6 PM, the Green Beetle will host The Dog Days of Summer, a benefit for ALIVE Rescue Memphis. There will be drink specials and a raffle to jumpstart the monetary donations, which will go to purchase food for the rescue’s fosters.

On Saturday, June 22, the Flying Saucer will have its 22nd anniversary party. There will be live music by Chris Johnson, as well as a cake, special beer tappings, and bar games.

I watched the Women’s World Cup match at the Silly Goose, where the restrooms are labeled Sausage (men) and Eggs (women). Another customer commented, “It should’ve been Cock and Tails.” Ha!

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow.