Month: July 2025

About 3 this morning, it looked as though this would be a very unhappy post, typed on a library computer.

I stayed out of the Union Mission last night, not wanting to pay the $6 cover charge there. I planted myself on a park bench outside the Moxy Hotel, prepared to sit there ’til morning dodging mosquitoes.

At some point I dozed off. I woke up and pulled my phone to check the time. 2:03 in the morning.

Wait a  minute, I thought… WHERE’S MY BACKPACK????? With my laptop inside. And my phone charger and cords. And my Ziploc bag of toiletry/hygiene items I use at the Mission.

All gone. Once again, I had drifted off and allowed someone to steal my stuff. Just like what happened last year. How could I be so STUPID????? Again?

Just as I was starting to rock the blog posts again. And now I’d be forced to post from library computers with their hour time limits. That would kill my joy for blogging.

I paced up and down the northern half of the Main Street Mall, looking for anyone carrying a gray Under Armour backpack. I thought I may have spotted it – with a man in a tight pink dress who seemed to be hiding what he was carrying, “Is that my bag?” I yelled out to him. He hissed at me and picked up a big stick and I decided not to pursue the matter. He took off east on Madison, at least to B.B. King.

“How much longer until the sun comes up?” I thought, reaching into my pocket for my phone. Thank God it didn’t get stolen too. Nor did my wallet, so I wouldn’t have to replace my ID.

“AirTag moved out of your vicinity,” said a notification on the phone. “Approximate location 250 N. Main.”

It totally slipped my mind that I’d put an Apple AirTag in my backpack after I’d gotten it. I pulled up a map in the Find My app and started reducing the distance between the circle representing my location and the backpack icon. That took me to a homeless encampment under I-40 on Main.

Find My told me to move around to help it find the backpack. I did, and a message popped up. “18 feet to your right.” That put me smack dab in the middle of a big pile of clothes. The owner of the clothes wasn’t there, but his next-door neighbor in the encampment, we’ll call him Harry, said he had been earlier – and he’d been bragging about finding a laptop.

I started digging through the pile of clothes. Yep, there was my backpack. And my laptop and its power cord. Harry helped me put everything back in the bag and asked if I could spot him a little money so he could buy himself a beer. I did.

Then I got the hell out of there, never coming face-to-face with the the thief. I lost some hygiene items and protein bars, but there was no damage to my laptop when I powered it up a few hours later.

God is good. And AirTags rock.

Back tomorrow with a regular news post.

I’m ponying up the $6 to stay at the Mission tonight.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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I learned something yesterday. You know the expression “God willing and the Creek don’t rise”? It doesn’t refer to a body of water. It refers to the Indian tribe.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. will celebrate one year in The Ravine on Saturday. Live music by Johnny and the Seagulls, food by the Good Groceries truck, and a Wifflestock home run derby.

I’ve been hearing good things about Guac Fresh Mex at 782 Washington. They have Tex-Mex, breakfast, and wings.

The city has clarified the paid parking situation in Tom Lee Park. The first hour is free and Sundays are free.

WREG is predicting 99/80 for Wednesday and almost that hot for the rest of the week.

The Wiz will be at the Orpheum Tuesday-Sunday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

… since Friday updates are now Frupdates. But then I guess it would be unclear whether this is a Saturday or Sunday update.

Sup?

Typing this post at the Memphis Chess Club. There’s a 4-person chess match on TV here. Things I learned exist this week: blueberry Moon Pies and tag team chess.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association got what it wanted – more Tom Lee Park spaces along Riverside. But, except for 4 designated ADA spaces, you’re gonna have to pay to park in them.

Hotel Pontotoc has bartender, guest services, and housekeeping positions open.

Memphis Riverboats has photographer, deck hand, bartender, and diesel mechanic positions open.

Today is Stick Out Your Tongue Day. I suggest that you #VoteForAllison to celebrate.

The Secret Garden Bookery is having a pop-up shop at Flyway Brewing this afternoon.

Jesse Wilcox plays the front porch of South Point Grocery today at noon.

Strooly and TEHKAL play b2b tonight at Central Station.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

I stayed out all night Tuesday and Wednesday, choosing to avoid the $6 nightly cover charge at the Union Mission now that there are no more blocks of time when you can get in free there. It was HEAVEN having control of my schedule back.

There was no way I was going to miss last night – the third Thursday of the month – at the Mission, though. That’s the day when Crossroads Baptist comes out to guest-preach. They always bring dinner from Commissary BBQ:  pulled pork sandwiches, slaw, BBQ beans, and individual bags of Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies. It hit the spot and got me ready for a sound night of catching up on sleep.

I keep notes in my phone about what can be expected there each day of the month. Those notes indicate we have a guest preacher tonight named Tony who is succinct, clearly cares about us a lot, and doesn’t spend his time on stage shouting and lecturing. So, yeah, I’ll pay the $6, especially because I want a shower so I can look (& smell) good for my friends at brunch tomorrow. I’ll head back over to the Mission around 2 PM when the shower line tends to be short.

On to the news…

Saturday is National Daiquiri Day. Wet Willie’s on Beale will celebrate with daiquiri flights all day long. Try four different varieties of the frozen beverage and find your new fav.

Backbeat Tours seeks an evening ghost tout guide. The guide will lead a tour around Beale Street and South Main past the Orpheum, E&H, and some other places believed to be haunted. Generous base pay plus tips.

You and me, baby, ain’t nothin’ but mammals, so let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel… however, the week starting Sunday will be all about large predatory fish as Shark Week returns.

The WNBA skills challenge and 3-point contest are on ESPN tonight at 7. The league’s All-Star game will be Saturday at 7:30 on ABC. Unfortunately, Caitlin Clark will be out with an injury.

Beale Street Bears: The Grizzlies’ front office showed genius in the way they structured Santi Aldama’s new contract

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

The Cossitt Library was a miserable place to work yesterday, with its AC unable to get the temperature below 78. I decided a trip to the old-fashioned soda fountain at A. Schwab was necessary.

Vanilla milkshake. Go ahead and call me basic if you want. It was so good.

Yesterday I learned that blueberry Moon Pies exist and Schwab has them.

Flying Saucer will have a Christmas in July party this Saturday including

• An ugly sweater contest
• Food and cocktail specials
• Gifts from Santa

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers men’s basketball program has been put on probation for 2 years. The NCAA found that an academic counselor who was employed at the university paid softball players $550 to do assignments and take tests for a basketball player.

The Grizzlies battle the Atlanta Hawks in NBA Summer League action today at 6 PM on NBAtv.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Voting opens in the 2025 Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis poll at 9 this morning and runs through August 13. This is not the city’s only “best”/”most” poll, but it is the one with the most credibility.

The Orpheum’s summer of sing-a-longs continues Saturday at 2 PM with a screening of Sing 2. Tickets are $12. The song lyrics will be displayed on the screen for your singing convenience.

Today is National Hot Dog Day. My recommendation to celebrate would be Max’s Sports Bar. They have a chili cheese dog, a Chicago-style dog, and a Memphis-style dog with BBQ pulled pork. Wash your dog down with a PBR.

LANCO with KC Johns headlines KIX on Beale Thursday night at 7:30. The show is free and all-ages. Listen to KIX 106 for an opportunity to win VIP passes.

Seeing Red will headline the Peabody rooftop party Thursday with DJ A.D. spinning between sets. Special performance by singer/songwriter Sarah Reeves. $15 general admission, $40 VIP. Those in VIP get a buffet of crispy chicken meatballs, buffalo chicken dip, hot spinach & artichoke dip, pita, and crostini.

Remember, folks… Seeing Red = good, Peeing Red = not good.

Central Station series Live at the Tracks is on heat break for the rest of July and will return Thursday, August 6.

i visited Earnestine & Hazel’s last night, where the bar was staffed by #VoteForAllison and first-day trainee Dani. Of course, I had a Soul Burger.

As good as always. Those grilled onions are the magic ingredient.

Lenny’s now has Korean BBQ subs. Choose from regular or “fiery.”

The Dinstuhl”s location on Main is hiring. Must be able to work weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Inquire within if interested.

Possibly worth a Lyft or Uber to Crosstown: There will be an oddity & curiosity market at the Hi-Tone 4-10 Saturday.

Brent Hopper, Adam Buczyna, Sam Raines, and Angelina David play South Main Sounds Friday from 7 to 9.

Memphis Made will have a Mahjong Night in its taproom Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30. Lessons and open play hosted by Mahjong Merriment.

From GoTo Destinations: How Kooky Canuck won the hearts of locals in Memphis

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Readers, I owe you an apology.

This blog, in my opinion, has SUCKED the past 10 or so months.

it all started last September when the Union Mission changed its deadline to check in to get in free for the day to 11 AM and then later to 10:30 AM. (Previously it was 2 PM.) That left me scrambling in the mornings to check all my news sources and type up a post before it was time to get back to the Mission, where there is no public Wi-Fi. Plus I’ve been dealing with early-stage Parkinson’s, affecting my ability to type. My posts felt short, forced, and rushed.

That changes today.

There is no more free entry time at the Mission, unless you’re a newbie or you’re on one of several “tracks” (drug/alcohol recovery program, volunteer worker, veteran, etc.)

While that’s bad news for me financially, it gives me OODLES of additional time to write this blog. Expect posts to be later but better going forward. Let’s do this!

Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors, NBA Summer League, 9:30 tonight, NBAtv. In other Grizzlies news, triple congrats are due to power forward Santi Aldama. Not only did he sign an extension with the team recently, but he got appointed to the NBA Players Association board of directors. And he got married. Not a bad summer for Santi.

Restaurant franchise Playa Bowls will open a new location in The Edge at 732 Madison. The chain is known for its “superfruit bowls” and other healthy options. Look for a January or February opening date.

A public celebration of life has been announced for Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx who recently passed away. Appropriately, it’ll be at FedExForum on August 11.

There’s going to be another lemon drop festival Downtown. This one will celebrate the end of summer on Sunday, September 21 in Fourth Bluff Park.

Starbucks has made its secret menu available on its app.

Congratulations to Hi Neighbor Cafe in Tom Lee Park on its 100 on last week’s health inspection.

Stax Museum will roll out a new B.B. King exhibit next week, including never-before-seen footage of a 1982 concert he did on Mud Island.

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative announced news about two area businesses in its latest Vitals newsletter. First of all, Body by Daavon at 405 Monroe is expanding. It’s a gym led by bodybuilding and fitness pro Daavon Grayson.

The MMDC also announced that Peach Cobbler Factory, which already has locations in Collierville and East Memphis, is coming to The Edge at 632 Madison. Dudes, this is a place to take yo’ lady on date night! All 12 varieties of cobbler sound divine, but I’ve got my eye on that sweet potato pecan cobbler…

There will be a benefit for the Texas Hill Country flood victims at Slider Inn Downtown Wednesday, July 24. All funds raised will go directly to flood relief. $20 Mich Ultra buckets.

A pedestrian was hit about 6:35 this morning at the intersection of Danny Thomas and Adams. I betcha anything it was someone who stays at the Union Mission 2 blocks to the north. Y’all, please be careful when driving near shelters. A lot of homeless people completely disregard traffic signals. They shouldn’t, but it’s a fact of life that they do.

A former Memphis Tigers baseball player is headed to New York. MLB’s Mets selected pitcher James Smith IV in the 14th round of the draft. Like Shohei Ohtani, Smith is a hitter as well.

It has been a JOY to write this blog post for all of you. I haven’t had the time to lean back and enjoy that feeling since last September. Please pray for me, as I’m probably going to stay out on the streets of Downtown tonight and tomorrow.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Check back.

I learned a Bardog life hack yesterday.

1. Order the shrimp cocktail at brunch.
2. Eat the shrimp, but hang onto the glass.
3. Order a side of fries.
4. Dip the fries in the remaining cocktail sauce.

Congratulations, you now have a dipping sauce much better than ketchup. As I’ve said many times on this blog, ketchup is a child’s condiment.

Today is National Mac & Cheese Day. I honestly don’t know where to tell you to go now that the Blind Bear is no more.

Today is the last day men will be admitted for free at the Union Mission. Tomorrow between about 8:00 and 10:30 AM is going to be a circus outside 383 Poplar as men show up there expecting to get in for free, finding out they can’t, and not having six dollars to pay. I hope the media comes out and covers this.

Downtown rideshare program Groove on Demand has had a large portion of its fleet undergo recalls. Wait times may be longer for a while.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

There will be a Tie Dye Takeover at the Redbirds this afternoon. The first 500 kids will receive a shirt and the opportunity to dye it in the 3rd Base Cove. Kids’ Zone inflatables and games will be out. All kids 12 and under will receive a free ice cream treat from Prairie Farms as they enter the ballpark, and after the game concludes they can run the bases. 1:05 PM vs. the Charlotte Knights.

Today is National French Fry Day. Flying Saucer would be my recommendation. They have great fries.

Jeremy Stein of Lucky Heart Cosmetics will share his business’s story in a free Meet the Manufacturer presentation 11 AM-1 PM Thursday at the Memphis Medical District Collaborative office, 656 Madison. Lunch will be provided. Wow, Lucky Heart has cosmetics for horses as well as humans!

A friend of mine recently returned from an Indianapolis trip, and he reports that apple Fireball is a thing there. YUCK!!!!

Pop stars with number-one hits are getting older… again.

That’s all I’ve got.

Many bloggers take weekends off. I don’t. I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com