Trivia question: The easternmost point of the United States can be found in which state? Answer at the end of this post.
Exposure Memphis, presented by New Memphis and Independent Bank, happens virtually on the HopIn platform from 4 to 7 this afternoon. This is a day of opportunity for people who want to be more plugged into the heart and soul of our city. Over 75 organizations will be represented and you’ll be able to chat about ways to get involved.
From 4:00 to 4:45 Exposure will host a panel discussion called “Be the Change Our Nonprofits Need,” where you can learn how to effect the change you want to see in this community through volunteering. From 5:30 to 6:30 PM there will be an “Ask Me Anything” panel of people who love Memphis who will answer your questions about our city. There will be live performances throughout the evening.
You can be part of the event and have a chance to win. Share what you love about Memphis on social media, mentioning @TheNewMemphis and tagging #ICelebrate and your favorite Memphis organization. At 9:01 PM a winner will be revealed, earning $500 for themselves and $500 for their favorite organization.
You can preview the organizations that will be involved in Exposure. Advance registrants were able to answer a questionnaire and receive a tailor-made list of organizations they should seek out at the event. My list included Innovate Memphis, Memphis Public Libraries, The Memphis Flyer, Friends of the Library, A Tour of Possibilities, and Experience Downtown. I know about the first four already and I’ve been experiencing Downtown for 18 years. A Tour of Possibilities is new to me, though, and I will check them out today at the virtual event; if I don’t make it to the event I’ll do a little web searching and give you a report tomorrow.
Happy 9/01 Day! Got one more 9/01 Day special to report: Huey’s is selling 22-ounce jumbo margaritas for $9.01 today. You can get one delivered when you call in your order in advance, or you can have one with your meal at one of Huey’s locations.
A glance at ESPN’s football schedule for this week reveals that COVID-19 is doing wonders for the exposure of non-Power 5 schools. Memphis is arguably the biggest name playing this weekend – well, second to Army, I suppose, given that Army is a service academy and has past national championships. Memphis has done more in the past decade than just about any other school playing, though. They kick off Saturday at 7 vs. the Arkansas State Red Wolves on ESPN.
The CA has a first look at Ben-Yay’s, the new Cajun restaurant and gumbo shop on the Main Street Mall. Ben-Yay’s is in the middle of its soft opening right now, with grand opening and reveal of the full menu on Friday.
One of my favorite authors, Joe Navarro, has an analysis of the body language at both major-party political conventions. Navarro is a former FBI interrogator. After his retirement from the Bureau he advised poker players on “tells” their opponents were giving away.
I published my second article on Medium yesterday, this one a fun way to trick yourself into drinking more water. I have a third article in the works, a longer article (10 minutes plus) on how to enhance your handwritten dream journal with a supplemental electronic index. That one should be up toward the end of the week.
In case you’re wondering where I’m going with this writing gig: Yes, I make a little money directly from Medium, but my main goal is to get 10 articles written as soon as possible – by the end of September, or at least October 15, is what I have in mind. That will get me in the habit of writing. It will also give me a portfolio to show to businesses that will allow me to apply for freelance gigs.
The past few days I’ve read that the big money these days is writing chatbot scripts. Let’s say you visit an online toy store, and a question mark icon at the bottom right of the screen asks if it can help you. It engages you in a conversation that helps you pick out exactly the right toy for your child. However, you’re not talking to a human. You’re talking to a bot that parses what you type and appears to respond intelligently. If you’ve ever read a “choose your own adventure” book, you understand chatbot scripts. Anyone need one written? I’d be willing to cut you a good deal in order to get the professional experience writing one.
Trivia answer: Alaska. One of the islands in the Aleutian chain lies on the other side of the International Date Line. No humans live on the island but millions of seabirds do, and it is monitored for volcanic activity. The island lies only about 70 miles from the westernmost point of the United States, another island known for wildlife.
Possibly back this afternoon with a COVID-19 press conference recap. Back tomorrow with more news.