Typing this post with a gash in my left arm. I’ll explain, but let’s do the news first.
CONFIRMED: The SmokeSlam BBQ festival is going on pause for 2026 in hopes of working out a unified event with Memphis in May for 2027.
Penny’s Memphis Tigers battle Temple tonight at 7 at FedExForum. It’s autism awareness night. TV: ESPN+
Choose901 seeks an in-house social media photographer.
The National Civil Rights Museum announced plans, including free admission, for its MLK Day celebration on Monday.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has stepped down after 19 years. Did you know he was once a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis?
RIP Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert.
“Sober dating” is a trend in 2026.
Diana Ross comes to the Orpheum March 14.
More bad news for the Grizz: There’s still no date set for Zach Edey’s return. He’ll be re-evaluated in 6 weeks.
So, yeah, about that gash in my arm. Yesterday I checked Room in the Inn’s calendar of partner host churches and discovered there was one taking men only. It’s unusual for men to score a RITI bed on a weeknight because it’s families and ladies first. However, the church taking men only meant I had a chance.
I stood on a sidewalk on Poplar waiting for the call for men to be admitted for the bed lottery about 4:30. One of the neighborhood street thugs (not there for RITI, just hanging around) walked past.
And he shoved me.. On purpose.
I teetered and shuffled to my left about 20 feet, trying to regain my balance. But due to the weight of my backpack, I couldn’t. I fell hard on my left arm. It was weird – the fall didn’t tear my jacket at all. It sure tore the skin underneath, though.
Retaliation never crossed my mind. I was there in hopes of a great dinner, some friendly conversation, and a quality night’s sleep – not an argument with a crackhead and possibly a trip to 201. I simply walked away. Several of the other RITI regulars asked if I was OK.
Off in the distance I heard the man call me a “punk ass” and tell people “it’s his fault, I told him to get out of the way.” Again, I chose not to respond.
My name ended up being called for a bed at The Cottage on Germantown Road. I had a salad, two servings of chicken pot pie, a roll, and four mini-brownies. I slept on a soft mattress, covered by a plush comforter. A sausage, egg & cheese biscuit and Frosted Flakes were this morning’s breakfast, and I was given a to-go lunch in a Ziploc bag.
The gash on my arm will heal.
The RITI host calendar is not looking as favorable for men tonight. With a forecast low of 24, staying out all night is not an option. I will spend six dollars to get in the Union Mission. I’ll walk over there about 2, which will give me time to get on the sign-up list for an afternoon shower.
As for the man who shoved me, I forgive him & I wish him peace and freedom from whatever makes him so angry.
Back tomorrow with more news.
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