Before we get to Cinco de Mayo news, I want to share a link to a kick-ass book I found this week as I was working on my professional writing.
Naval Ravikant is the founder of AngelList, and an early-stage investor in companies like Uber, Twitter, Clubhouse, and Postmates. He does a podcast on the pursuit of wealth, good judgment, and happiness.
One of Naval’s biggest fans, Eric Jorgenson, combined his collective wisdom into a book. Naval gave him permission to publish, with one stipulation – the price had to be free.
I’m more than halfway through and it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Here’s a link to the PDF. You don’t even have to supply an email address to get it. Just open the link and start reading.
On to the news… it’s Cinco de Mayo, or as I call it, Cinco de Drinko! Where St. Patrick’s Day is for the amateurs, Cinco is for the professionals. Holly compiled a list of Cinco specials on the I Love Memphis Blog. A quick look at some of the Downtown ones:
- $3 tacos for $9 at Maciel’s (street, seafood, and fajita tacos included)
- The outdoor seating area will be back open at Slider Inn Downtown, with taco and drink specials
- $5 apps and margaritas at Rumba Room. 2-for-1 tequila shots
- Tug’s will have Cinco specials all day
There will also be Cinco specials at the Redbirds tonight. $5 for three carne asada street tacos (THREE for $5? That’s a screaming deal) and $5 margaritas. Gates at 5:45, first pitch at 6:45. The Durham Bulls are the opponent.
Jane Roberts from the DM has speculation that the stupid distancing restrictions in restaurants and bars will become recommendations in Shelby County around mid-month. I hope you’re right, Jane!
In other COVID news, the city has a new promotion going on called Shot for a Shot. Prove that you’ve been vaccinated and you’ll have a shot to win a Chevy Camaro, a Chevy Colorado, a Nissan Altima, or a Nissan Rogue… or if you don’t like any of those cars, pick another car of equivalent or lesser value.
The COVID news ’round these parts is mostly good, but there is one red flag I noticed… according to COVID Act Now, our next-door neighbor Fayette County is back in the red zone with 25.7 new cases/day/100k residents. That affects Shelby County because they send their hospital patients here.
A temporary We Have Soul billboard has been proposed for Mud Island. Most of the reaction I’ve seen from locals on Twitter has not been very positive. Kinda looks like it belongs on a construction site. Or a crime scene with lots of yellow and black tape, which for this city is certainly appropriate.
The 5 Spot in the back of Earnestine & Hazel’s will host The Painted Knife Drag Review with Musical Guests Heels and Model Zero Saturday, May 15. $10 cover.
Road closures for BBQ Fest start today. They include
- Riverside Drive from Union to Georgia
- Beale Street from Wagner to Front
- Wagner Place from Beale to MLK
The roads will reopen Tuesday, May 18.
MATA is looking to hire 100 bus drivers and they’re dangling a $3000 bonus to make it happen. This is a job seeker’s market.
The Broom Closet will host an Introduction to Energy Work class Wednesday, June 2. $10 fee. Hmmm I might consider attending that one.
Two canoe teams are looking to break the Mississippi River speed record and of course, that means they’ll pass by Memphis. The record to navigate from the river’s origin in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico is 18 days.
From WREG: The chicken wing shortage is real in Memphis, and prices are going up too. Yes, from what I observed, this has been very true.
MemphisWeather.net predicts a mostly, sunny clear day with temperatures a little below normal but still quite pleasant. 72/52 with north wind. Might wanna take a light jacket if margaritas on a patio are your Cinco plans.
I’m gonna get back to reading that Naval Ravikant book until it’s time for work. After I get out this afternoon, it will be holiday celebration time. Back tomorrow with more news.