Month: July 2023

I stopped by the Lansky Bros. clothing store inside the Peabody Hotel yesterday. They had a large number of summer sport shirts – you know, those rock star shirts by Robert Graham and other top designers – for 40% off. They’ve got 40% off some of their other summer merch, including swimwear, on sale right now too.

Fun fact I learned this week: Lansky originally sold army surplus clothing when the original store opened in 1946. It wasn’t until about 1950 when Bernard Lansky noticed the flashy clothing musicians wore and began carrying those styles in his store.

Reminder: USA vs. Vietnam, 8 PM today on FOX in the Women’s World Cup group stage. I will most likely be at Blind Bear at that hour and will have the match put on a TV.

Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle will have their minutes managed tonight. Both have been medically cleared following injury rehab and both are expected to see their minutes increase over the course of the tournament.

The Brass Door will have a watch party for tonight’s match. Wiseacre Downtown and Broad will have watch parties as well, with 10% off for those in Team USA attire.

It’s a triple dose of DJ Tree at Blind Bear this weekend: 10 Friday, 10 Saturday, 8 Sunday.

Fun article I found yesterday: Questionable life hacks that are actually kind of genius. My favorite: ‘If your girlfriend has an annoying friend you want her to stop being friends with, just mention how pretty she is.” Leave your ethics at the door if you use these hacks.

Germantowners are being advised not to drink or use their tap water. There could be diesel in it.

Today is Legal Drinking Age Day.

RIP Tony Bennett.

Funk and R&B LIVE comes to the Cannon Center tomorrow night.

There’s a Christmas in July party at Grind City Brewing Co. tonight. Make your own s’mores, costume contests. $5 drafts.

From the Memphis Flyer: The Downtown Memphis Commission’s “Open on Main” program has provided space for 3 startup retail businesses including ones specializing in

• podcasting
• handcrafted wood and marble goods
• skin care

From ARCH (Art – Research – Culture – Hype): Slider Inn looks like a motorcycle repair shop, tastes like a good time

Tequila Mockingbird plays Slider Inn Downtown tonight, and Raneem + Better in Color play there tomorrow night.

The CA has historic Memphis photos from the 1980s.

That’s it for today! Back tomorrow.

 

Memphis Made Brewing Co. is getting ready to open its second location Downtown. In anticipation of that location, they’re offering Saturday pop-up events in The Edge all summer long.

Every Saturday Memphis Made will have beer, food trucks on site, and live music on their patio overlooking The Ravine, a pocket park in the location of a former railroad spur from Union to Madison. The hours will be 4 to 10 PM.

This Saturday will feature Kitty Dearing & The Dagnabbits at 6 PM and the Hot N Heavy Dogs food truck. Enter the building at 16 S. Lauderdale and go down the hall and down the stairs… or, if you prefer, enter The Ravine at 607 Monroe or 571 Marshall.

Congratulations to my friends Luke and Sheryl, who got engaged last night!!!

Today is Nap Day but our buddy Nate isn’t here to celebrate it.

I hear that What Do You Meme? may be this week’s game played at the Blind Bear during happy hour (3-7 PM Thursdays) for the chance to win gift cards.

The CA’s Jennifer Chandler has a look at Memphis restaurants TV food show host Guy Fieri has visited for Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Downtown restaurants include

• Alcenia’s
• Cozy Corner
• South of Beale
• Little Tea Shop (closed since COVID; has not reopened)
• Rizzo’s Diner (closed March 2022)

Ja Morant’s hanger-on Davonte Pack has been booked into the Shelby County Jail on an assault charge related to a fight at a summer 2022 pickup basketball game. Morant was also involved in the scuffle but was not charged.

Cutting this post short due to a job interview at 10. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!

How about those storms last night!!! Friends of mine who live on Mud Island lost power. When I came home to my apartment near Madison and Main, my microwave read 88:88 (meaning it had briefly lost power) but my bedroom clock showed the correct time (meaning it hadn’t). Weird.

Expect lots of signals to be inoperable this morning due to power loss and damage. You’ll need extra time to get to work if traveling through areas with storm damage. #memstorm https://t.co/upOjwgrP8f

— MemphisWeather.net (@memphisweather1) July 19, 2023

If you think the weather sucks here, though, check out the 3-day forecast for Phoenix:

• Today: Sunny 117/91
• Thursday: Sunny 118/91
• Friday: Partly cloudy 118/93

The Downtown Neighborhood Association has announced its monthly meeting for July. It’ll be Tuesday the 25th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Cossitt Library (northwest corner of Front and Monroe).  Brian Lyles, the GM of the library, will be this month’s speaker, and everyone will get a tour.

In addition to that, one lucky attendee will win a gift certificate to Dos Hermanos, the library’s cafe.

That’s not the only DNA event coming up at the Cossitt, though. Come there this Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 PM for a free screening of Ghostbusters on the patio. Picnic baskets are welcome, but please, no glass.

The Blind Bear has announced its specials for this week:

• Broccoli cheese soup
• Sun-dried tomato chicken & gnocchi
• Boozy Oreo ice cream sandwich

NBA commissioner Adam Silver named Seattle and Las Vegas as possible expansion cities. If that happens, could Memphis move to the Eastern Conference?

Today is Stick Out Your Tongue Day. Between that and the broccoli cheese soup special at Blind Bear, my friend Butt Slut #1 is having a good day.

It’s also National Hot Dog Day. Recommendations:

• The Double Dog at Dyer’s
• The Memphis Style Dog (topped with cheddar cheese, pulled pork, BBQ sauce) at Max’s Sports Bar
• Montreal Pool Room Steamies at Kooky Canuck
• The Daily Dog at Bardog Tavern

Lucky 7 Brass Band headlines the Peabody rooftop party this Thursday. 6-10 PM, $15 to get in, $30 to go VIP. This week’s eats in the VIP section: Mediterranean chicken kabobs, lamb meatballs, and red pepper hummus with pita. Sign up to enter a drawing to win dinner for two at Chez Philippe or Maker’s Mark beach swag. The DJ will announce the winners at about 8 PM.

There’s ’90s trivia tonight at 6:30 at Grind City Brewing.

High-energy honky tonk rock band from Nashville The Royal Hounds plays Blues City Cafe Friday at 8.

The DM’s Memphis Tigers Basketball Insider has a closer look at the case for one more year of eligibility for power forward DeAndre Williams.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup starts tomorrow. Group stage for USA:

• USA vs. Vietnam, Friday, July 21, 8 PM, FOX
• USA vs. Netherlands, Wednesday, July 26, 8 PM, FOX
• Portugal vs. USA, Tuesday, August 1, 2 AM, FOX

That’s it for now. Reminder: I have a 10 AM job interview tomorrow, so tomorrow’s blog post will likely be short, late, or nonexistent.

Get ready for a pop-up pickleball event at Grind City Brewing Co. this Saturday from noon to 8.

Along with music, food trucks, and great craft beer, there will be 4 pickleball courts, situated as follows::

• Court 1 – A dedicated beginner’s instruction court with a certified instructor all day
• Court 2 – A beginner’s court with open play all day
• Court 3 – An intermediate court with open play all day
• Court 4 – An advanced court with open play all day

Balls and paddles will be available. You have to sign a waiver but play will otherwise be free. There will be a merchandise tent with shirts, paddles, and more.

From Bleacher Report: Jaren Jackson Jr. says playing NBA 2K definitely helped him win Defensive Player of the Year

Starting today and continuing for the next 4 weeks, there will be a traffic advisory in Uptown. North Front Street between Sycamore and Greenlaw, as well as Mill Ave. between Front and Main, will be closed to through traffic for a drainage improvement project.

Food & Wine has advice to help you buy better tequila. Look for a 4-digit number on the back of the bottle.

The Grzzlies are doing Grizzmas in July from Thursday, July 20 through the end of the month. You can enter to win tickets, autographed merchandise, and gift cards. One lucky fan will win floor seats to a 2023-2024 regular season game and a queen size Tempur-ProAdapt mattress. Sign up to receive daily reminders.

It’s Tuesday: Brews Day at Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Hotel from 6-9 PM on the patio. Suuport local breweries, play some games, and have some fun. Complimentary slider with every tasting. This week the featured brewery is Wiseacre.

Plant-based junk food in Memphis: There will be a vegan pop-up by Vuture Food today from 4 to 8 at Grind City Brewing. They’ll bring out their Crispy Chick’n Sandwiches and their gluten-free Loaded Fries.

Lee Holliday and Shelley Brown play the Central BBQ Sessions at Downtown Central BBQ tonight from 6 to 9.

There will be an end of summer kids’ event at Bass Pro at the Pyramid this Saturday. There will be ice cream making and backyars camping lessons. Plus, you can enter for a chance to win a Bass Pro backpack and lunchbox set. More info / register

Erykah Badu’s Unfollow Me Tour comes to FedExForum Friday night at 7:30. Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) will open.

Blog posts may be hit-or-miss this week. I have two job interviews – one this Thursday, the other next Tuesday – to prep for and that I’m quite excited about. However, I also have other issues weighing heavy on my mind. I’ll try not to go silent on here as I did for much of the month of April. There may be days here and there where I don’t post, though.

Ice Cube, founder of the BIG3 basketball tournament, tweeted “FedExForum, thanks for nothing” yesterday. He was unhappy that arena staff and Ticketmaster staff implied that the event was a sellout when in fact many good seats were still available.

Beale Street Bears has a look at what the Grizzlies might do with their roughly $7 million Traded Player Exception (from the Dillon Brooks sign-and-trade) to bring talent to the team.

The DM has an explanation of the civil lawsuit involving Ja Morant. The legal principle being contested is “stand your ground” and it involves self-defense.

Today would be a good day to stop by Margie’s 901: It’s National Ice Cream Day.

College football news: The University of Tennessee has been forced to vacate wins in two seasons when Jeremy Pruitt was head coach.

St. Jude Next Gen Experience, introducing college students to the children’s research hospital, happens today and tomorrow at the Renasant Convention Center.

Craftsman Richard Carr brings his exhibit To See with New Eyes to the Metal Museum today through September 24. Carr’s work tells stories using salvaged materials.

There will be an intro to graffiti and basics of using spray cans class led by Paint Memphis co-director David Yancy at 484 Union this Saturday from noon to 3.

South Main Sounds will host a rockabilly night with Wyly Bigger and Mario Monterosso Saturday from 7 to 9 PM.

That’s it for today. Back tomorrow if there’s any news to report.

Yesterday I was searching the Internet in preparation for a job interview I had, and I came across a High Ground News article on Downtown’s alleys. It covers

• General Washburn’s Escape Alley
• Center Lane
• Park Lane
• Barboro Alley
• November 6th Street
• Stereo Alley

The article has a Part II which focuses on redevelopment efforts of Downtown’s alleys:

• Floyd Alley (in The Edge)
• Barboro Alley
• Maggie H. Isabel Street and the pocket park across from The Brass Door

The article also mentions Edge Alley, which is not an alley but a restaurant squeezed in between Monroe and Madison. Having been written in 2017, High Ground News’ article pre-dates the redevelopment of The Ravine.

Forbes ran a nice article on The Hospitality Hub this week, addressing the issue of homeless encampments in public spaces.

Among the Hospitality Hub’s services is the Hub Studios, providing temporary non-congregate housing for their clients. Let’s hear it for the good guys, and this story is proof that corporations can be good guys too: IKEA recently donated furniture to Hub Studios and sent 19 team members to assemble it.

Microsoft Office got a new default font this week. Goodbye Calibri, hello Aptos. It’s the biggest passing-of-the-baton moment since Queen Elizabeth II died, making Charles II king.

Grind City Brewing Co., Hook Point Brewing Co., Cooper House Project, and Urban Consequence Brewing Co. are teaming up to put on “beer.” – A Memphis Collaborative Beerfest on Saturday, August 19 at Grind City’s taproom at 1:30 PM. Tickets are now on sale. Details:

• Unlimited beer tastings
• Access to the taproom, patio, and green space
• Food will be available for purchase
• Each participating brewery will bring 2 beers
• Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome
• Kids are welcome, but ages 2+ must have a ticket

In other FedExForum news, today is the day The BIG3 comes to town.

Jerry Seinfeld returns to the Orpheum Friday, September 29. Tickets go on sale this coming Friday.

The Summer League Memphis Grizzlies got an impressive win over the L.A. Lakers, 100-69, last night. David Roddy and Jake LaRavia both scored 20+. Memphis is back in action at 9:30 tonight vs. the Phoenix Suns. (TV: NBAtv and ESPN+)

Today is Gummi Worm Day. Someone bring me some spiked gummi worms!

The job interview I had on the phone yesterday went well and I have a second interview coming up. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

By the way – FORMER STUDENTS – If any of you would be willing to let me put you down as a job reference, email me your contact info at paul.ryburn@gmail.com or hit me up on social media. The position I am applying for is not a classroom teaching job but prior teaching experience is a big plus.

In other job hunting news, I got invited on ZipRecruiter to apply for a mobile pet grooming position. I guess “anyone with a pulse” was the search criterion the company used to find potential candidates.

I’m off to Bardog for Saturday brunch with my friends Randy & Theresa. Butt Slut #1 won’t be joining us – she’s on a fishing trip in Arkansas – but today is National Be a Dork Day, so she will definitely be on our minds.

Back tomorrow with more news.

The Tennessee Tribune has a look at the work of artist Jerome Fulton, currently on display at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum on South Main. Fulton combines Southern culture with ancient Egyptian history. The Memphis, Tennessee we know and love was named for Memphis, Egypt, another city that knew a thing or two about pyramids (they never put a Bass Pro Shops store in one, though, like we did).

NBA Summer League action: Memphis Grizzlies vs. L.A. Lakers, 10 PM on ESPN tonight.

Today is National Grand Marnier Day. It’s also National Mac and Cheese Day. And it’s Shark Awareness Day. You’ve probably heard of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, which is coming up later this month. but did you know the National Geographic channel is doing SharkFest all of July?

Congratulations to Memphis’ own Carol Coletta, named one of the 100 Most Influential Urbanists by urban planning site Planetizen.

Aidan Canfield plays Tin Roof on Beale tonight at 8 as part of the Nashville Hits the Roof series.

The Super 5 Acoustic Trio play Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight at 9.

Not Downtown but worth a Groove-on-Demand rideshare: Distillery Blue Note Bourbon is opening a tasting room today at 4 PM. The distillery is at 802 Royal Avenue, off Thomas about a mile north of Chelsea. You’ll be able to tour the facility and sample its output.

FOX 13 has a look at the Big3 basketball tournament coming to Memphis Saturday.

Take an umbrella with you today:

7:00am Rain is a couple hours out with a chance of t’storms as well. This complex is expected to break apart some as it approaches and severe weather is not likely, but locally heavy rain is possible periodically from mid morning through early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/7egwDF0nbw

— MemphisWeather.net (@memphisweather1) July 14, 2023

A couple of weeks ago, I reported that the Blind Bear had some new daily promotions. To recap, those are

• Moonshine & Martini Mondays – $5 moonshine / $8 Tito’s martinis
• Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays – $5 tacos / $5 margaritas
• Wine Down Wednesdays – $15 half-bottles / $15 charcuterie boards
• Throwdown Thursdays – “The silly little games we play. $25 gift card to the winner.”
• Freeballin’ Friday – ½ off Bear Balls app with a $10 purchase

Most of the promotions are self-explanatory, but I admitted to my readers I had no idea what Throwdown Thursday was about. I said I’d find out and return with more information.

Well, today I have that information. The first Throwdown Thursday was yesterday.

Every week they play a different game, and since the Bear is 21 and up after 3 PM, games with an adult theme are fair game. The game chosen for the inaugural Throwdown Thursday was Cards Against Humanity. There was a practice round at 3 PM for those new to the game, and then regular rounds at approximately 4, 5, and 6, with the winner of each round collecting a $25 Bear gift card. The lovely Maddie served as emcee.

They’ll be back next Thursday during happy hour, possibly with a different game. Follow the Blind Bear on Facebook to get advance notice of what the game will be. They have $3 domestic beers, $5 well drinks, and $7 MiCampo, Jameson, and Rumpleminze for Thursday Throwdown.

Thursday night poker players: Don’t worry, they wrap things up by 7, so your 7:30 game is not affected.

I didn’t play Cards Against Humanity yesterday. I was distracted for the very best of reasons, on Gmail scheduling an interview for not one, but two, jobs this afternoon. These would be fun jobs that would use my best skills – informing people, connecting them, and inspiring them. My commute to work would be less than 10 minutes on foot. Wish me luck!

Probably back tomorrow with more news.

Downtown development news, as reported on social media yesterday by DNA president emeritus Jerred Price: The Metro Shopping Plaza at the corner of Crump and Danny Thomas has been purchased. There are plans for 160 apartments on the lot’s north side, some market rate and some kept affordable for those who work in the area.

Closer to Crump would be retail. One of those buildings would be reserved for a grocery store.

It’s good to see Downtown development pushing east and south. The new owners must have a lot of faith that this project will transform the neighborhood. The area around Fourth and Crump, one block west of the shopping center, has been considered one of the most dangerous areas in the U.S. in recent years.

South Main shop Paper & Clay will close in late August. The business side of the shop has taken away from the owner’s pursuit of her craft work.

The University of Memphis Law School at Front and Madison seeks an Associate Dean.

Theo Von: Return of the Rat Tour comes to the Cannon Center August 4. You can use code RATKING here to grab tickets before they go on sale to the general public this Friday.

The Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts unveiled its own sidewalk of stars yesterday. The stars honor well-known artists who have performed at the Centre.

Let’s hear it for the good guys: A 15-year-old spent his birthday money feeding the homeless at First United Methodist Church. His generosity fed about 100 and I bet blessings will come back to him a hundredfold.

Orange Shinesicle Cream is the latest Ole Smoky moonshine to debut at the Blind Bear. At only 35 proof, you can enjoy a shot without ending up three sheets to the wind.

Local on Main has a new host, Wild Bill, for its Thursday night karaoke:

By the way, the Blind Bear had a new host for Wednesday karaoke last night as well. Rick McKee, I think his name was. Upbeat, brought a positive vibe. The only downside to the evening was that Butt Slut #1 kept singing right in my ear. She wouldn’t get on stage, so I got my own personal serenade – not of all the songs, just the ones that sucked. That girl has horrible taste in music.

Today is National French Fry Day. Flying Saucer and the Brass Door would be my picks to celebrate. Not sure if The Fry Guy truck will be at today’s Court Square food truck rodeo, but if so, that’s a pick too.

It’s also Beans & Franks Day. If you celebrate that one, please stay away from me afterward.

Quench, the wine and liquor store on Second across from the Peabody Hotel, was burglarized about 5:40 this morning.

This article could be useful to those who hang out in Downtown bars: If you use these 10 phrases, you can politely end any conversation. There’s always that one person who doesn’t “get it” that they’ve been talking too long and it’s time to move on.

FiveThirtyEight’s lead read this morning is interesting: A third-party candidate in the 2024 presidential election could benefit the Trumpster and hurt Biden’s chances of a second term. A third-party candidate is more likely in 2024 than most election years, as many voters will be fed up with both presumptive party nominees pushing or past 80.

Speaking of which, I was thinking last night: Isn’t it funny how the presidency skips generations? Let’s look at the past 63 years of election winners.

Greatest Generation (born 1900-1924)

• 1960: John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)
• 1964: Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973)
• 1968-1972: Richard Nixon (1913-1994)
• N/A (inaugurated 1974): Gerald Ford (1913-2006)
• 1976: Jimmy Carter (born 1924)
• 1980-1984: Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)
• 1988: George H.W. Bush (1924-2018)

Silent Generation (born 1925-1945)

• Completely skipped during the 20th century

Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)

• 1992-1996: Bill Clinton (born 1946)
• 2000-2004: George W. Bush (born 1946)
• 2008-2012: Barack Obama (born 1961)
• 2016: Donald Trump (born 1946)

Finally, the Silent Generation (born 1925-1945) gets a president

• 2020: Joe Biden (born 1942)

Generation X (born 1965-1981)

• Skipped altogether? The oldest millennials turn 41 this year. 35 is the minimum age to be president.

That’ll be it for today. Back tomorrow, probably.

The Downtown core is getting another Asian restaurant. Flame Ramen is coming to 61 S. Second, which I believe would be the space in One Commerce Square (near Second and Union) formerly occupied by Subway. Flame, a chain restaurant, has had its managers notice a lot of Downtowners at its Midtown location. They want to capture the 18-to-45 demographic down here.

Here’s a look at the menu from Flame’s Midtown location. Matthew Fite of the DM reports that the menu for the Downtown location will be smaller. Back in March, the DM had a look at a $10 Deal from one of Flame’s other locations: the Donburi rice bowl.

Reminder to restaurant owners/managers: If you update your menu, please make sure to get it current on

• your restaurant’s website
• review sites such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews
• social media, especially Facebook

Last night I was at a restaurant and a couple became unhappy when they found out they couldn’t get certain items that they’d seen on the restaurant’s website. They walked out after paying for their drinks. Granted, they were unnecessarily rude about it and it was probably good riddance – but still, that was a potential $40 dinner tab out the door.

Which brings me to the next point. RESTAURANT PATRONS: I have a pet peeve with you, too. Well, some of you.

If every little aspect of your dining experience doesn’t go exactly the way you want, you shouldn’t automatically assume it’s because the person serving you has an “attitude.”

Let me give a few examples.

• Unhappy a 20% automatic gratuity got added to your bill? It’s not because your server has an attitude and wants to bilk you out of extra money. An 18 to 20 percent auto-grat is the norm in Downtown restaurants these days. Without it, restaurants wouldn’t be able to retain good servers – too many people write “N/A” on the tip line or think $4 on a $66 tab is a good tip.
• Got told there would be a $3 upcharge when you asked to sub steak on the chicken burrito you ordered? That wouldn’t be because your server has an attitude. It’s because steak is more expensive for restaurants to purchase than chicken.
• Did it take 25 minutes to get your food out to you? I sympathize; that’s certainly not ideal. Hospitality expert Jon Taffer advises restaurants to aim for 10-12 minute ticket times. When those don’t happen, though, it’s likely because the kitchen is backed up – not because your server has an attitude and delayed putting your order in.

When I hear a customer accuse a server of having an “attitude,” I think of a psychological phenomenon known as projection.

Pretty interesting diagram I found on Facebook yesterday. I wonder if people who manufacture Crayola 64-packs have this memorized.

Cossitt Library innovator-in-residence Ena Esco will discuss social media marketing on her podcast Thursday, July 13 from 5:00-7:00 PM. She’ll be joined by Kelvin Woods. Topics they plan to discuss include strategy, content, and adopting a promotion mindset.

In other Cossitt Library news: At Explore MemFest on Saturday, from 1 to 4 they will have a Books & Backpacks giveaway. Come by to get a backpack filled with school supplies. There will be library card signups too.

Cordelia’s Market has announced the promotion of Brian Prather to general manager. An interview in the market’s blog shines a light on Prather’s background and experience. He loves local!

STIX, the fast-food Asian joint on Second, reminded its followers that they offer sushi classes, and that you can contact the restaurant to make a booking for your group. Participants

• learn how to make 3 different rolls
• sip on a specialty cocktail
• enjoy a ginger salad with signature dressing
• get to take home a bottle of ginger dressing or yum yum sauce

The Blind Bear has announced its Features (specials) for this week. They’ll have them today through whenever they run out, most likely Friday.

• Chicken tortilla soup – cup 6 / bowl 8
• Southwest stuffed shells – seasoned beef, cheeses, pico de gallo – 14
• Strawberry pound cake – house-made butter cake, Grand Marnier strawberries, whipped cream – 7

Y’ALL. I tried a bite of that strawberry pound cake and it is AMAZING. Do not miss it if you have a sweet tooth.

Southwest Airlines has announced its seasonal nonstop flight to Washington DC. It runs daily through September 4, departing Memphis at 8:25 AM CDT and arriving in DC at 11:35 AM EDT.

From Lifehacker: Stop looking at the temperature dial on your grill. It only tells you what the grill’s temp is at that one spot. Instead, buy a digital thermometer.

Today is National Pecan Pie Day.

It’s also National Eat Your Jello Day. SHOTS SHOTS SHOTSSHOTSSHOTS

Day game! L.A. Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies in NBA Summer League action at 2:30 this afternoon. NBAtv is the channel to watch.

The CA has a look at the hip-hop architecture summer camp for kids hosted in Memphis.

The Mistress Saved My Marriage – The Stage Play comes to the Cannon Center Saturday.

FreedomFest comes to the Renasant Convention Center today through Saturday. The event is about all the ways we experience liberty in our lives. It’s a celebration of “great books, great thinkers, and great ideas.:” The event is non-partisan and encourages open-mindedness.

Eight & Sand Lounge in the Central Station Hotel will hold Yacht Rock Night with Katie Orlando Saturday from 9 to 1.

That’s it for today! I expect to be back tomorrow with more news.

Do you believe strongly in the fight against cancer? If so, there’s an upcoming party at Max’s Sports Bar you should attend. One of their regulars is 7 years cancer-free and they will have a celebration for her Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 10 PM. 10% of purchases made during the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society. So come on down, eat, drink, and be merry!

The Hard Rock Cafe on Beale is scheduled to close at the end of this month. On Sunday, July 23 starting at 4 PM, the Hard Rock will hold a farewell party for current and former employees. About 250 are expected to attend.

The Memphis Grizzlies honored Dillon Brooks with a tribute video as his trade to Houston was finalized. DB was the longest-tenured Grizzly, having been drafted with the 45th pick in 2017.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Davonte Pack, Ja Morant’s best buddy. The charge is misdemeanor assault with the intent to do bodily harm, and it stems from a 2022 pickup basketball game involving Pack, Morant, and a teenager. The DA previously declined to charge Morant in the incident due to a lack of evidence. Pack always seems to be around when Ja gets in trouble.

The 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game is tonight at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The game will be broadcast on FOX starting at 7 PM. More info – storylines, odds, starting lineups

Today is Cow Appreciation Day. Allow me to suggest some of my favorite ways to appreciate cows:

• Double-Double at Dyer’s
• Soul Burger at Earnestine & Hazel’s
• Yonge Street Burger at Kooky Canuck
• Burger sliders at Bardog
• Majestic Burger at Majestic Grille
• Texas Toast Burger at Huey’s
• Smashed Burger at Blind Bear

Moo.

Of course, you could get a Baconator at Wendy’s and make it Pig Appreciation Day as well as Cow Appreciation Day.

It’s also National Mojito Day.

Bluff City Bandits headline this Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party. 6-10 PM, $15 general admission, $30 to get into the VIP Lounge.

I finished Post Office by Charles Bukowski and will drop it off at the library’s drop box later today. I enjoyed it even more than the other book of his I have read, Ham on Rye. Thank you to those of you who recommended I check out the works of Bukowski.

My next read is a biography of 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson by Doris Kearns Goodwin. She’s the one who wrote Team of Rivals, the Lincoln bio I read a couple of weeks ago. The LBJ book differs from most biographies in that the author doesn’t feel the need to chronicle every event in detail – the election of 1960, for example, is hardly mentioned. Where Ms. Goodwin shines, though, is imparting to the reader what was going on in LBJ’s head during critical times in his life.

That’s it for today. There was a job listing Downtown I was going to tell y’all about, but then I realized the job would be a good fit for me. So I’m gonna apply. It’s in a completely different field than what I’ve been doing most of my life. It’s something that would make me happy. Wish me luck.

Back tomorrow with more news.