Monday update

We now know the 8 teams coming to FedExForum to play in the first two rounds of the NCAA men’s tournament. Friday’s games will be

  • 3 Baylor vs. 14 Colgate 11:10 (West bracket)
  • 6 Clemson vs. 11 New Mexico 2:10 (West bracket)
  • 8 Nebraska vs. 9 Texas A&M 5:50 (South bracket)
  • 1 Houston vs. 16 Longwood 8:20 (South bracket)

The winning teams will have the day off Saturday and will play in the second round here Sunday. So, let’s take a minute to think about whose fans are likely to be packing Downtown’s restaurants, bars, gift shops, and attractions on Saturday when they don’t have a game to watch.

Most likely it’ll be the three Texas teams and Clemson. Houston and Baylor are gonna be heavy favorites in their games. As for Texas A&M, 9 seeds have a winning record against 8 seeds in March Madness, and Aggies fans travel so well that it’ll be effectively a home game for the school.

With the A&M fans here in town, it’ll be a fun weekend and plenty of money will be spent. They’re a great fan base that travels well. I’ll be rooting for them because my second cousins once removed, Grayson and T.J., went to A&M, going through their famous ROTC program.

The DM reports that Memphis football is close to signing an extension with head coach Ryan Silverfield. Nice to have a piece of good news coming out of the university’s athletic department this month.

The Grizzlies are out West this week. Tonight they’re at Sacramento at 9. TV: Bally Sports

Today is National Sloppy Joe Day. Ah, brings back memories of Little Rock Public Schools cafeterias.

A fight in and around Little Italy South Main resulted in a man’s death Saturday. A Memphis firefighter was charged with criminally negligent homicide and was relieved of duty pending an investigation.

The Rock blasted Ja Morant during The Rock Concert that kicked off WWE Smackdown Friday night.

MemphisWeather.net predicts a low of 30 tonight, about 15 degrees below normal.

The Cossitt Library wants you to Come Tell a Story this Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. This is the first of the year and the theme will be “Boundaries.”

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra will present Pink Floyd & The Planets, the latest in its Masterworks series, at the Cannon Center Saturday at 7:30 PM.

Happy Tails Canine Rescue presents Pints, Poses, & Pups at Grind City Brewing Co. at 2 PM this Sunday. They’ll have 7-week-old adoptable puppies and a yoga class as well. $25 at the door, with all proceeds helping to rescue more dogs.

That’s it for this post. I’m typing this at the Cossitt Library. My next order of business is to finish my return-to-Medium article, “What it’s Like Living in a Homeless Shelter,” and publish it today. That’ll probably take me past the 2 PM deadline to get in for free at the Union Mission. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna stay out all night tonight – TOO COLD!!! I’ll scrape together the 6 bucks required to get in the Mission after 2 and before the front window closes at 7 PM. It’ll be a good investment if I get that article published this afternoon.

Back tomorrow.

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Sunday update

So, at the Union Mission, we have chapel every night at 6. Most nights we have guest preachers. The one we had Friday night rattled off a list of places he used to go in the late ‘90s, back before he found Jesus and was just a lowly sinner. And one of the places on his list was… RAIFORD’S!!!

HELL YEAH brother! I was right there sinning with you!

November 1999: I made out with one of my former calculus students on Raiford’s dance floor. She had her sister with her so I couldn’t take her home to finish what we started. Then, less than a week later, she accepted a job offer in a Midwest city and poof, she was gone. Typical of my luck with women.

The Nine Thai Sushi on Union is back open following an approximate 6-week closure for renovations.

Desmond Bane did indeed return for the Grizzlies last night, dropping 22 points and 7 assists, but Memphis fell to OKC regardless.

Auto-Chlor at Poplar and Manassas, which makes dishwashing products for restaurants, seeks an Assembly Associate.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is meeting at the Renasant Convention Center today through Thursday.

The DM has a Beale goes green gallery from yesterday.

Selection Sunday is on CBS at 5 Memphis time. We want to pay special attention to the eight teams playing Friday and Sunday in the South Regional, because those teams will come to FedExForum – and their fans will spend money in nearby hotels and restaurants.

God I hope the Tennessee Vols don’t come here.

There was a shooting in front of 310 Beale Sunday morning about 2 AM and a man is dead.

Memphis in May seeks a receptionist.

Road closures today to make way for a crane:

  • Second between Cout and Adams
  • Jefferson between Front and B.B. King

The work should be complete by 7 PM.

A coworking concept will open in 18 S. Main. It’ll be part of a chain called Spaces.

Cheers to the burrito ministry, who fed me yesterday morning in front of Court Square a few minutes after 9. I had two delicious sausage, egg, and cheese burritos, a Dr. Pepper, and two packs of SweetTarts Minis. They offered pretzels too but I get plenty of those at the Mission, where they’re a frequent dinner side dish.

That’s it for now… I may miss a day or two posting to the blog this week as my focus will be getting back on Medium.

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Saturday update

Mississippi State 73, Tennessee 56. LOVE IT!!!

Has anyone been to the Makeda’s Cookies location at 301 Jefferson? I know it’s more of a warehouse, but do they sell individual cookies like the Airways location? It’s on my walking route and I’d love to support a great local business.

Today is National Corn Dog Day.

It’s Wrestling Night at the Grizzlies as they play Oklahoma City at 7. Free luchador mask to the first 5000 fans. TV: Bally Sports. Desmond Bane is expected to return tonight.

Marc Gasol’s number 33 will be retired following the Saturday, April 6 home game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers with the following happening:

– The first 5000 fans get a commemorative vinyl record honoring Gasol

– Pre-game plaza party

– In-game music by DJ Paul, 8-Ball & MJG, and Al Kapone

– Gasol and Core 4 shirts in the team store starting April 5

The Memphis Tattoo Festival will be held at the Renasant Convention Center April 5-7.

From The Takeout: Every new Peeps flavor in 2024, ranked

The Mighty Lights on the river bridges will glow green tonight and Sunday to celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend.

The MBJ reports that a planned conversion of the Raymond James building into apartments is now off, and that the owners are open to selling.

Sabor Caribe has specials this weekend: green tea shots, emerald green tea, Paddy’s sours, Irish mules, shamrock margaritas, and wines.

Here’s a recap of last night’s WWE Smackdown from FedExForum.

Fox 13 Memphis reports that you can expect to see more MPD officers Downtown

The Sheraton seeks an associate director of events

There’s an opening for a college basketball scout in Memphis.

Still working on my “what living in a homeless shelter is like” article which will be my return to professional writing platform Medium. This has the potential to be one of the strongest articles I’ve ever written.

Speaking of homeless shelters, I took a shower in a handicapped stall at the Union Mission yesterday. The shower head was only four and a half feet high. That took some figuring out. Better than no shower at all, I guess. I’m grateful for being in a facility that offers them.

Gonna go enjoy a few hours with friends. Probably back tomorrow with another post.

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Apologies for typos, doing this from my phone.

Friday update

Penny’s Memphis Tigers lost to 13 seed Wichita State in the first round of the AAC tournament yesterday, reducing their chances of a Match Madness berth to zero.

Penny says the Tigers won’t accept an NIT bid.

67/51 tomorrow and no rain according to meteorologist Chelsea Chandler who I’m watching on TV as I type this. That should draw a good crowd for the Beale Street St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Chelsea is predicting 52/31 for Monday. YUCK

Want an Egg McMuffin this morning? You may not get it. McDonald’s is experiencing a systemwide outage.

The new Downtown Rock ‘N Dough Pizza opened yesterday. It’s in The Edge District at 704 Madison, in the old Trolley Stop Market space.

Speaking of Rock, finally, The Rock has come back to Memphis for WWE Smackdown Live tonight. Can’t make it to FedExForum to see him in person? Catch the show locally on Fox 13 from 7 to 9 pm.

The Blind Bear has $5 Slane Irish whiskey today through Sunday.

Slider Inn Downtown will have a 2-day St. Pat’s celebration Saturday and Sunday. Green beer, Guinness draft, Jameson, car bombs, green tea, breakfast shots. Raffles and giveaways. Live music by Matt Wilson, Sky King, Austin Gray, Lucky 7 Brass Band, and Madaline Collins. DJ sets by Parikh, Andy Chance, and FERB. Also on site: Dose Pilates, HIGHER, Memphis Spine & Sport, YogaSix, and Rumble Boxing.

FedExForum will host 8 NCAA men’s basketball tournament teams next week, with 4 first-round games March 22 and 2 second-round games March 24. The CA notes that this could be a huge economic boon to Downtown Memphis if a basketball school whose fan base travels well – like Kansas, Kentucky, or (ugh) Tennessee – comes here.

(My iPhone’s predictive text suggested “Tennessee” after I typed “(ugh).” I love technology.)

The Rendezvous, normally closed on Sundays, will open 11 am to 6 pm on March 24 to accommodate fans who want BBQ.

The Tennessee Tribune has a look at Daughters of Ztion, a food truck that feeds the homeless in Memphis. First Presbyterian at Poplar and B.B. King is a regular stop.

From WKNO Behind the Headlines: New Downtown Memphis Commission leader Chandell Ryan discusses improving the Downtown core. She also talks about a possible second convention hotel.

Steve Mnuchin, who was Treasury secretary under the Trumpster, wants to buy TikTok to keep it from getting banned in the United States.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies Downtown is instituting Aldo’s After Hours on Fridays from 10 pm to midnight with slices only and a full bar.

Herradura tequila will be the star of a four-course dinner at the Peabody on March 21. The price of $200 per person includes a tequila tasting.

That’s all for today. Probably I’ll be back tomorrow with another update.

Readers’ generosity helps keep this blog afloat. Donations:
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Apologies for typos, doing this from my phone.

Thursday update

I made a discovery yesterday as I was freaking out about my phone, which I thought had stopped charging. Ben-Yay’s has $2 cans of PBR during happy hour.

Thanks to Mark for cleaning the Lightning port on my phone. I’m connected again. And now I know where there’s cheap PBR. Hard to find these days.

Memphis magazine has a look at urban pioneers Terry and Phil Woordard, who made major investments in the South Main district 30 years ago. At the time, the area was mostly abandoned.

Today is National Reuben Sandwich Day. Huey’s would be my suggestion to celebrate.

It’s also Popcorn Lovers Day. Celebrate at Momma’s, which has a popcorn machine.

Memphis Flyer’s Michael Donahue visited Crave Cheesecakes, the new shop on South Main, recently.

Learn how to develop a target audience for your podcast with presenter Ena Esco today at the Cossitt Library at 5 PM.

A subscribers-only article in the DM reveals that I-55 river bridge construction could last through 2030.

Penny’s Memphis Tigers face Wichita State in the second round of the AAC tournament today at 1:30. Memphis had a bye in the first round; the Shockers defeated Rice. TV will be ESPNU.

The Metal Museum seeks a museum store manager.

Hampton Inn & Suites – Beale Street seeks a front desk agent.

100 N. Main developers have received approval to attempt to partner with Marriott to put an Autograph Collection hotel in the building.

Brad Birkedahl plays the Ghost River taproom on Beale Friday at 7.

MPD wrote 62 parking tickets on Riverside Drive in one evening.

A pedestrian was struck by a car yesterday at Union and Danny Thomas. He later died.

Strong storms will bring high winds and heavy rain overnight tonight. Post-storms, the wind will whip around to the north and it will turn cooler.

TikTok could be banned soon.

That’ll wrap it up. Back tomorrow.

Readers’ generosity helps keep this blog afloat. Donations:
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Wednesday update

Once again it’s Hoops for St. Jude Night at the Grizzlies. The Charlotte Hornets are the opponent tonight. Tip: 7 pm. TV: Bally Sports

The Grizzlies beat Washington 109-97 last night.

Today is National Riesling Day.

59 BBQ teams will compete in the inaugural SmokeSlam in Tom Lee Park the first weekend in May. Unlike BBQ Fest, teams can compete in more than one major category (ribs, shoulder, whole hog). There will also be a teens’ competition.

Blind Bear specials this week:

Polish Kielbasa Soup
filled with savory sausage, hearty potatoes, celery, carrots ,onions, kidney beans,and turnip greens

Spaghetti and meatballs
Meatballs are house made with spicy Italian sausage,ground beef,ground lamb,and special blend of seasoning tossed in red sauce over a bed of spaghetti served with garlic bread

The CA’s Jennifer Chandler has a look at the participants in 2024 Memphis Black Restaurant Week.

Two Memphis Tigers have been awarded All-AAC honors: David Jones (first team) and Jahvon Quinerly (third team).

Ask Vance (Memphis Magazine) answers Whatever happened to Michael Cahhal? He was the chef behind Cafe Roux on S. Front St. about 30 years ago.

Gonna be at the library working on a project most of the day. If it goes well I’ll reward myself with a burger at Momma’s tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.

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Apologies for typos, doing this from my phone.

Tuesday update

Indoor/outdoor venue Carolina Watershed is for sale. The price is $1,295,000 and you can contact real estate broker Chris Garland to inquire.

Current Watershed management has said that if the place isn’t sold by the time the weather turns nice, they will reopen. It’s been closed for the winter since December.

It’s Hoops for St. Jude Night at the Grizzlies. They host the Washington Wizards at 7. TV: Bally Sports

The 2nd annual Asian Night Market is set for July 30 at Tiger Lane. The concept proved so popular that it outgrew Crosstown Concourse in only one year.

RealClearPolitics has started posting its electoral map projections. The current projection has Trump with 219 electoral votes,,Biden 215, and 104 too close to call. 270 votes are needed to win.

RCP’s No Toss-Up States map puts the Trumpster in the White House 293-245 with Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada flipping red and no 2020 Trump states flipping blue.

Queenager plays the Blind Bear Saturday night. That’s Jessi’s (formerly of the Rusty Pieces) band.

ESPN’s sources say that former Grizzly Kenneth Lofton Jr. signed a 3-year non-guaranteed contract with the Utah Jazz. Good to see the fan favorite getting another chance in the NBA.

Bardog news:

Monroe between Main and Second will be closed until late April for a project. That is not the block Bardog is on.

Hotel Pontotoc will soon be a hotel once again There are plans for a restaurant on the bottom floor.

Mountain Dew wine is a thing

That’s all for today. Back tomorrow. Tomorrow’s post will be published around noon.

Readers’ generosity helps keep this blog afloat. Donations:
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Apologies for typos, doing this from my phone.

Monday monkey business

If you’re someone who likes to get paid to monkey around, the zoo is seeking a primate zookeeper

Penny’s Memphis Tigers are the 5 seed in the American Athletic Conference tournament. They’ll have a bye Wednesday, and then on Thursday they’ll play the winner of Wednesday’s 12 Wichita State vs. 13 Rice game. Memphis’ Thursday game will be at 1:30 pm on ESPNU.

The Grizzlies had a 31-point loss to OKC last night. GG Jackson scored 30 though.

Today is National Workplace Napping Day. It’s also the start of Ramadan.

From Action News 5: Truck drivers react to the I-55 bridge closure that’s ongoing through March 24

Grind City Brewing will have a St Patrick’s Day party this Sunday. $4 green pilsner, green sour, and Irish stout. Live music on the porch, games in the yard, Top Dawgz food truck.

Soul & Spirits will have a Justin Timberlake album release party this Friday. They’ll release four JT-inspired beers and the Tacos Mon Dragon food truck will be there.

There will be a Women in Food panel discussion at the Cossitt Library Thursday evening.

That’s it for today.

Readers’ generosity helps keep this blog afloat. Donations:
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Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Apologies for typos, doing this from my phone.

Sunday update

Happy birthday to the one and only Nuh-Uh Girl!!! May she enjoy fine wine and other people’s food this Sunday.

FAU 92, Memphis 84 – So that’s it, then. Absolutely no NCAA at-large bid for Penny’s Tigers 7 days from now. If they want to go to the Dance, they have to run the table and win the AAC tournament this week. 4 games in 4 days beginning Thursday. A daunting task. The Tigers will be either a 5 or a 6 seed in the conference tournament depending on the outcome of today’s games.

Gus’s is hiring a server.

WWE Smackdown will broadcast live from FedExForum this Friday. To get familiar with the storylines, you can read this past Friday’s recap. The Rock got SLAPPED! And called “Mr. Midlife Crisis.”

The Peabody will host a rooftop eclipse watch party on April 8. It will be 11:30 AM-4:00 PM with the eclipse occurring about 1:55. Tickets will be $20.

The Grizzlies are in Oklahoma City for a 6 PM game. TV: Bally Sports

Broadway show Mrs. Doubtfire is at the Orpheum this week.

Boycott Coffee is adding delivery to Downtown businesses.

Far better than ketchup: Today is National Ranch Day.

It’s also Pretzel Sunday. Celebrate at the Flying Saucer… which is where I am right now. Beer 177 toward my 9th plate is a Ghost River Grindhouse Cream Ale.

A shooting last night left one person dead at the Exxon at Union and Pauline. There were multiple cars involved and people filming.

I’m considering rejoining Medium if I can just find time to write and read. Just the leads on online jobs I’d likely find on that site would be worth the $5 a month.

That’s it for now. Probably I’ll be back with another post tomorrow.

Readers’ generosity helps keep this blog afloat. Donations:
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Friday update

Tonight is Women’s Night at the Grizzlies, presented by Nike. The first 5000 fans get a Grizzlies clear crossbody bag. The tip is at 7 vs. the Atlanta Hawks. TV is Bally Sports.

The Blue Jeans Ball, scheduled for the Orpheum this Saturday, has been postponed

Slider Inn’s Chicago Dog is the DM’s $10 Deal this week.

Today is National Be Nasty Day.

The New York Times has a transcript of Biden’s State of the Union address.

Jackie Austin & Friends play Momma’s tonight 8-11 pm.

There’s a beginner 4-count swing dance class Saturday at River Garden Park.

Memphis 901 FC opens the season at home vs. Las Vegas Lights FC Saturday at 3.

The HawtThorns with Titus Waldenfels play South Main Sounds Saturday evening.

Get the hoodies back out. Highs in the upper 50s, lows in the upper 30s this weekend.

I’m finally getting around to reading Prince Harry’s autobiography Spare at the Cossitt Library I’m on 2010 right now – William and Kate’s wedding, where Harry was best man (but only for appearances’s sake).

That’s it. My Wi-Fi access is spotty on the weekends, so I’ll be back sometime between tomorrow and Monday with more news.

Readers’ generosity helps keep this blog afloat. Donations:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
Cash App: $Paulryburn1
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Apologies for typos, doing this from my phone.