Month: December 2025

The college football playoff gets underway tonight with 9 Bama vs. 8 Homa. 7:00 PM. TV: ABC/ESPN

The forecast for next week has been revised upward. Memphis is likely to hit 70 on Christmas Eve and Day.

If you know of anyone in need this holiday season, let them know about an event in Morris Park this Saturday. Volunteers will be handing out warm clothes and other supplies and also refreshments. 10 AM-2 PM.

Sing holiday and Christmas songs with Sing It Memphis this Saturday 2-4 PM at Beale Street Landing.

Memphis Tiger players who violate team rules are getting some of their NIL money taken away by Coach Penny. Accountability!

The holiday season’s unhealthiest drinks

DJ Icon plays a pre-holiday set tonight 8 to late at Slider Inn Downtown.

Cordelia’s Market one-day sale today:

• Produce: Strawberries $3.99/lb. (was $5.09)
• CafePanera: 4 soups $4.99 each (was $5.99)
• Meat dept.: Seafood dip party tray $8.99 (was $11.50)

Back tomorrow with more news.

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It’s a slow news day, so let’s have a look at the Gasparilla Bowl in which the Memphis Tigers play tomorrow.

• Founded 2008
• Originally the St. Petersburg Bowl
• Renamed in 2017 for José Gaspar, a Tampa-area pirate
• Memphis Tigers (8-4) vs. NC State Wolfpack (7-5)
• Friday, Dec. 19, 1:30 PM Central, TV: ESPN
• Memphis a 53.7% ESPN FPI favorite to win; but currently +160 at the sports books
• Official website
• Wikipedia page

Breaking news this morning: Memphis International Airport will be renamed after FedEx founder Fred Smith, who died in 2025.

AutoZone is looking for a creative content editor and designer specializing in photography and videography. Part-time/freelance.

Check out Atlas Obscura’s list of places to visit in Memphis.

The Xbox Bowl (Missouri State vs. Arkansas State) is today. I wonder if every player gets a complimentary Xbox?

Edible Memphis has published a shop local holiday guide.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

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Penny’s Memphis Tigers have another chance to get a notable win tonight as they host 13 Vanderbilt at 6. TV: ESPN2

The Grizzlies are on the road at Minnesota tonight at 7. TV: NBAtv, FanDuel Sports

Paulette’s will host a Charles Dickens-inspired 5-course Christmas Eve dinner. Harbor Town Roasted Goose? HONK HONK, I say! If the goose doesn’t get you loose, you can alternately choose a main course of prime rib or redfish. $79.99 + tax and auto-grat.

JEM Fine Dining is having a holiday bake sale.

Goodness gracious, great balls of ice! Interstellar comet 31/ATLAS will pass by Earth on Friday.

Decorate a 6-inch Grinch themed cake at Cake and Sip at Memphis Filling Station Saturday at 1. $35 gets you the cake and a pint of MFS beer.

Demolition of the old Commercial Appeal building at 495 Union will begin in the spring, making way for the new Regional One hospital.

A wild night on Mud Island led to a domestic assault charge for one man and also a cop firing warning shots to back off a pit bull.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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I’m Mr. Heat Miser
I’m Mr. Sun
I’m Mr. Green Christmas
I’m Mr. Hundred-and-one

They call Heat Miser ’cause
Whatever I touch
Starts to melt in my clutch
I’m too much!

WREG’s extended forecast for next week:

• Mon 12/22: 63/53
• Tue 12/23: 65/51
• Christmas Eve: 65/52
• Christmas Day: 65/52

YESSSSS! We deserve this, after the crap weather we’ve had this week. FUN FACT: 65/52, our forecast for Christmas, is the average high/low for late July in Anchorage, Alaska.

TASK FOR COMPUTER NERDS WHO HANG OUT AT BARDOG: Write a regular expression that evaluates to “Maddie” or “Madi” but no other names/words.

Over at Bardog’s sibling restaurant Momma’s, the burger special of the week is El Chapo, topped with pepper jack, cheddar, chili, salsa, fried onions, and sour cream.

Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.

Congrats to South Main restaurant Catherine & Mary’s on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

Memphis Filling Station is hosting its 2nd annual Christmas pajama party and sock drive Sunday from 1 to 7. From 5 to 7 there’ll be trivia hosted by Santa.

Memphis Made is tapping a cask of a Scottish ale called Ice Storm of ’94 at its taproom Saturday at 5. The beer is made with black strap molasses, whole clove cinnamon, persimmon peel and nutmeg. It’s the work of Tyler Brown, who used to work at Memphis Made and is now the head brewer at Boscos.

The pop-up Memphis Holiday Shoppe is now open.

Bring the kids to Flyway Brewing on Monroe Saturday from noon to 2. $20 gets you

• a beer, if you’re of age
• the chance to design your own Flyway duck ornament
• cookie decorating
• hot cocoa
• a photo with Santa
• a poster autographed by Santa

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Artist/photographer David Bunk is closing his gallery at 136 G.E. Patterson and that brings a chance to pick up some holiday gifts at a great value. Art is 50% to 70% off, first come first served. David will be there this week and next and out-of-towners can call+1 (901) 508-7324 to arrange a virtual tour.

Actor/director Rob Reiner and his wife were found dead at their Los Angeles home, victims of an apparent homicide. Reiner’s son Nick, 32, has been taken into custody. Reiner is best-known for playing Archie Bunker’s son-in-law Mike Stivic AKA The Meathead on ’70s sitcom All in the Family.

Closer to home, a Beale Street Flipper was shot and killed over the weekend.

Freakpages is a curated list of some of Wikipedia’s most interesting pages.

The CA has a list of restaurants offering Christmas meals to-go. Rendezvous smoked Christmas ham sounds pretty darn good.

Max’s Sports Bar is giving away a holiday prize pack of a $50 gift card, a T-shirt, a beanie, and koozies this Friday. Check their Facebook page to find out how to win.

Cordelia’s Market hot lunch specials this week:

• Monday (12/15): Red Beans & Rice
• Tuesday (12/16): Rice Bowls
• Wednesday (12/17): Goulash with Kale Caesar
• Thursday (12/18): Grilled Chicken Chipotle Penne Pasta
• Friday (12/19): Catfish Po-Boy & Fries

Grizz at L.A. Clippers at 9:30 tonight. TV: FanDuel Sports

The musical version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is on stage at the Orpheum this week.

Could microbarge cruising come to the Mighty Mississip’ one day?

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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While writing my morning blog posts at the Memphis Chess Club, I’ve discovered Dr. Brown’s sodas, the black cherry and cream ones being my current favorites.

Yesterday I came across a flavor I had not previously heard of… Cel-Ray.

Celery-flavored soda?

YUK!!!!!

Wikipedia says the stuff is a Jewish delicacy and it tastes “reminiscent of ginger ale but with a pronounced celery flavor that is more pungent or peppery than ginger ale.”

Again, yuk.

Alabama Shakes will play the opening show at the Grind City Amphitheater on April 22.

WREG looks at holiday shopping in Downtown Memphis.

Choose901 looks at how The Artist Table is making South Main the place for culinary creativity. The concept is built around 3-month chef residencies.

The river’s cobblestone landing at Memphis has reopened following renovations.

WWE Superstar John Cena has his retirement match tonight.

Dick Van Dyke turns 100 today.

I hit the lottery again at Room In The Inn last night, but this time I didn’t board a bus to Germantown or Millington. The host church my name got drawn for was Calvary Episcopal, a mere two and a half blocks down the street. I walked with 13 others to our night’s accommodations in the old Hospitality Hub building on Second next to the church.

I was excited, and not just about the location. I am a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church – Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Little Rock, 1982. I quit going shortly after confirmation and my spiritual views began to diverge from mainline Christianity. But recently, I’ve thought about attending a Sunday service at Calvary to see if I connect with the message at all.

The volunteers couldn’t have been nicer. We had chicken pot pie and salad and Christmas cookies. There were showers and laundry service available for those who wanted them. Following a good night’s sleep, we woke up to pancakes, sausage, bacon, muffins, and yogurt. On the way out, there were goodie bags. Thanks to RITI churches, my backpack is so full of snacks that I can barely zip it shut.

Hmmm they have Sunday services at 8 and 10:30. The late service would be a no-go for me because of its proximity to Bardog’s opening time, but perhaps I will try the 8 some Sunday. Will people look at me funny if I show up in a T-shirt and jeans?

Back tomorrow with more news. I promise I won’t stay outside all night, given the wind chill forecast.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Last night at Room In The Inn, my odds did not look promising. There were 56 spots available, but families and women take precedence. We were told there would be less than 10 spots available for men.

I hit the lottery and got one of those spots. I boarded the van and headed ‘to a community center in Germantown, where my hosts would be Collierville‘s Incarnation Catholic church. There we had a dinner of salad, lasagna, broccoli, and strawberry birthday cake.

About that birthday cake….

One of the guys serving us was celebrating his 17th birthday.

When it’s your birthday, you have the right to make the day all about you.

He could’ve spent the evening with his friends.

He could’ve spent the evening at the movies or playing video games or whatever else 17-year-olds do.

Heck, few would have faulted him if he’d snuck off and had a beer.

But no. He spent the evening serving others.

LADIES. THAT GUY is the one you want. Just trust me.

Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian comes to the Orpheum March 24. This latest collaboration of the 77-year-old former Zeppelin frontman is said to be based on a common love of roots music. Tickets start at $65.25.

INSIDER TIP: “Percy,” as he was known to his Led Zeppelin bandmates, loves the fashion at Winfield’s clothing store at Main and Madison. When you hear they sell rock star clothing there, it’s not just talk.

Downtown Slider Inn will have a tacky sweater silent disco this Saturday 8-11.

The space on Marshall Ave. that was legendary nightclub Six-1-Six in the 1990s is being parceled into a restaurant and a co-work space. There were already plans to convert The Dungeon into restaurant Cafe Noir.

Greater Memphis Chamber CEO Ted Townsend talked to Action News 5 about the tech hub being planned across from AutoZone Park.

KP Hawthorn and Caitlin Cannon play Songwriter Night tonight at South Main Sounds. 7 PM.

Earnestine & Hazel’s will have A Soul Burger Christmas Party with Electric 30 Saturday night.

The Grizzlies just can’t catch a break… the latest bad news is that Memphis will be without big Edey for 4 weeks due to a stress fracture to his ankle.

There’s a 12 on 12 deal ($12 tickets) for tonight’s Edey-less Grizzlies home game vs. the Utah Jazz. 7:00 PM. TV: FanDuel Sports

Penny’s Memphis Tigers have a big game tomorrow at 11 Louisville. 2:30 PM. TV: ESPN

Work for Donnie and Marky Mark! Wahlburgers is looking for a regional director of operations. Wonder if Marky Mark still wears his baseball cap turned backwards.

Learn all about Victorian mourning customs and jewelry at Elmwood Cemetery the day after Valentine’s.

Cordelia’s Market has a couple of one-day specials today. Pasted from the ‘book:

Seafood Dip Platters

Featuring jalapeño crab spread, premium seafood spread, pretzels, and pita chips — all for $10.95 (save $1.30!)

Perfect for snacking, parties, or treating yourself.

 

Halos California Mandarins

Fresh, sweet, and easy to peel — just $5.99 (save $1.70!)

Tonica will have its grand opening and ribbon cutting next Thursday.

Are we headed toward a measles pandemic in 2026?

Gather ’round together, the hora we’ll do: Hanukkah starts Sunday at sundown.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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A two-block neural nexus has been announced to be built at Union and Ida B. Wells/Fourth. What’s that you ask? It’s a combination of live, work, stay, and public spaces producing an environment conducive to the fast development of AI technology.

Former veep Kamala Harris will speak at the Orpheum on January 15. The stop is part of Harris’ national book tour. Tickets go on sale this Friday. Order her book: 107 Days

Today is National Have a Bagel Day. Hive Bagel on S. Front is the place to celebrate Downtown. Although, this holiday makes me miss hanging out at Otherlands in Midtown.

Beer recommendation: I was just at Bardog, where a rep commented that High Cotton Sandy Claus has been selling like wildfire. Description on Untappd: “Winter Seasonal. Brewed with Pecan Sandies Cookie finished with in-house roasted pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg.”

An Uber Eats driver is accused of stealing several packages from a Downtown apartment building’s lobby after dropping off McDonald’s to a resident.

University of Memphis AD Ed Scott asked Nick Saban for a reference before hiring new head football coach Charles Huff.

Get deals before & after Grizzlies games. Nice to see Max’s Sports Bar’s shuttle to and from FedExForum is back.

Ireland is the 2026 Memphis in May honored country.

My chances of getting in Room in the Inn tonight look decent, so I’m gonna give that a shot. If I don’t get picked, I’ll head to Earnestine & Hazel’s and see friends. I haven’t had a night out in a while and I need one badly and I need to get it in before the wind chill drops to 9 Sunday morning.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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Ja Morant is buying 250 Grizzlies fans tickets to Friday’s 7 PM home game against the Utah Jazz. Want to get in on that action? Be in FedExForum’s Grand Lobby today at 2 PM. First come, first served, limit 2 tickets per adult.

Once a Coug, always a Coug: Grizz rook Cedric Coward is having the time of his life playing alongside all of his teammates, but especially Jaylen Wells who also played for Washington State.

The CA speculates on when there might be an In-N-Out Burger location in the Memphis area. There are now three in Middle Tennessee.

Take a quiz: What dog breed is right for you? I got “greyhound.” But the correct answer is “cat.”

In case you don’t keep up with world news, Cambodia and Thailand are fighting.

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
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Feeling much better today.

The DMC is sponsoring a week-long pop-up holiday shoppe at suite 175 of the 100 Peabody Place office tower December 16-22. There will be 12 local vendors curated by local entrepreneurs. Gourmet hot cocoa bar, holiday workshops.

WhatNow reports that Soul & Spirits Brewing at 845 N. Main is expanding its outdoor presence with a new patio, a dog park, and an area for food trucks.

Cheers to Ghost River on Beale on their recent 100 on their health inspection.

Beginning this Thursday, Itta Bena will offer its customers a complimentary valet service.

Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker is at the Orpheum this weekend.

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
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