I saw a really good movie at the Union Mission, of all places.
Tuesday is movie day in the chapel there. Attendance is optional. I normally skip the movies, because they always have a Christian theme and I’m not terribly religious (although I am deeply spiritual). Yesterday I found myself sitting right outside the chapel door, though, because that’s where the available outlet was to charge my phone.
I heard “University of Arkansas” and perked up. I didn’t go there, but I grew up in Little Rock. The Hogs are the team I root for other than Memphis.
The movie was Greater, the story of an offensive lineman named Brandon Burlsworth. He was told he’d never play in the SEC because he weighed 245 and SEC linemen were expected to be 300 or more. Nevertheless, Burlsworth turned down a full ride at Arkansas Tech to walk on with the Hogs.
I won’t ruin the full story for you, but Burlsworth did everything right, always did extra, and stayed humble when he started to see his good habits pay off. Yet the main character of the movie is arguably his brother Marty, 17 years older. The movie is a must-watch if you are a Razorbacks fan.
The movie wasn’t the only treat we got yesterday at the Union Mission. Miracle of Redemption Church, located out at 3575 Orchi in Nutbush, came to guest-preach to us. They fed us spicy chicken and fish with rice and buttery mashed potatoes. A 4-lady gospel choir with piano player, guitarist, and drummer played (and prayed) for us.
On to today’s news… and we have BREAKING news, xAI, an Elon Musk company, will build a supercomputer here in Memphis. The factory will be on the site of the former Electrolux factory. It’ll be known as a gigafactory where AI bot Grok, a competitor to ChatGPT, will be trained.
Hearing that a much-loved Downtown event, on pause since the pandemic, may make a comeback the Sunday after Labor Day. That’s about 3 weeks later on the calendar than this event has often occurred.
Memphis Daily News reports (PDF link) that Phase 5 of redeveloping Foote Homes in the South City district is complete. The former public housing project is being replaced with vouchers and mixed-income units.
First Horizon has been named one of the best employers for recent college graduates.
Iconic Midtown restaurant Bob’s Barksdale has been temporarily closed due to a kitchen fire.
This Thursday will be DJ Night at the Peabody rooftop party. Jordan Rogers, who played the guitar drop on NYE on Beale Street in previous years, will spin. Special Guest Wyn Starks. 6-10 PM, $20 general admission, $40 to go VIP. VIPs get a buffet of chicken satay with peanut sauce, shrimp spring rolls, and veggie pot stickers. There will be opportunities to win a Mich Ultra cooler and tickets to the Memphis Tigers football season opener on August 31.
A friend of the homeless person shot last week outside the Court Square hotels spoke to Action News 5.
It’s National Veggie Burger Day. I recommend getting your favorite Huey’s burger made with a black bean patty.
There’s a report that the Grizzlies are talking to Houston about trading for the Rockets’ number-3 pick in this month’s NBA draft. Since they traded Steven Adams, Memphis has a gaping hole at center. 7’2”, 280-pound Donovan Clingan, a member of the national champion UConn team, would seem to fill that hole well.
Downtown neighborhood The Edge District is the subject of the Memphis Flyer’s cover story this week. They talked to Memphis Made brewer Drew Barton, and he said he hopes to have the taproom overlooking The Ravine up and running by early July.
Memphian on the Move: Choose901 profiled Chef Eli of Dos Hermanos Kitchen at the Cossitt Library.
The fourth-floor unit above Winfield’s clothing store at Madison and Main is for sale.
Uptown community garden Black Seeds Urban Farm has received a $15,000 grant.
The Memphis Medical District Collaborative has a Career Launch Academy for high school juniors and seniors interested in working in healthcare. Tuition in the program is free and students can earn $15 an hour.
The South Main Association will hold its June South Main Social next Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Momma’s. Complimentary cocktail, light fare. Free for SMA members, $20 for non-members.
Thinking about staying out tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.
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