Author: paulryburn

Folks, we lost two TV icons over the weekend. RIP sex doctor Dr. Ruth and fitness guru Richard Simmons.

And another one – Shannon Doherty. “Brenda” from 90210. It always happens in threes.

Vegan restaurant RawGirls is closing August 1 as its owners plan to leave Memphis.

The MLB Home Run Derby is tonight and it has a new format. 7 PM on ESPN.

POLITICO Playbook reports that the Trumpster will shift to a message of unity at the Republican convention this week. Ever the showman, Trump understands that his assassination attempt survival opens the door for a sympathy play.

I’ll make an outlandish veep prediction – Joe Manchin, senior senator from good ole West Virginny and DINO (Democrat In Name Only), completes his heel turn on his party this week and becomes the Trumpster’s running mate.

The urban burrito bike ministry that rides Saturday mornings and hands out food to the hungry had a supersized delegation this week. They were joined by Houstonians displaced by Hurricane Beryl.

Diamond Baseball Holdings, parent company of the Memphis Redbirds, seeks a marketing manager.

First Horizon seeks a marketing coordinator.

The heat index will approach the danger level of 105 today and tomorrow. Stay cool, everyone.

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The Trumpster was shot at Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet is believed to have grazed his ear, but he is fine. The Secret Service piled on top of Trump, protecting him, and the apparent shooter was killed.

The attempt happened just two days prior to the Republican National Convention, where the Trumpster will be named their nominee. We’ll also learn who Mr. Tangerine Man has picked as his vice-presidential running mate.

Memphis Soul Remedy, a band made up of doctors, nurses, and other lifesavers, headlines Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party.

The DM has a gallery of yesterday’s pole-vaulting competition on Beale.

S’mores-flavored ramen is a thing

Beale Street Bears looks at potential Grizzlies starting units.

Useful: 35 phrases to set boundaries firmly and fairly

Back tomorrow.

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Congratulations to Makeda’s Cookies, which has plans to expand to Atlanta in 2025. Visit Makeda’s Downtown Memphis location at 301 Jefferson.

The federal government is coming through with a huge grant to replace the I-55 Mississippi River bridge at Memphis. The new 55 bridge would be slightly south of the existing one.

Moneybagg Yo is opening a restaurant in the ReNew Riverview (99 N. Main) apartment building. It’ll be open for lunch and dinner.

It’s National French Fry Day. The Brass Door (where they’re called “chips”) and Flying Saucer would be my recs to celebrate.

Elmwood Cemetery will host a Memphis music history tour the afternoon of Saturday, July 21. $20 to attend.

Soulsville Foundation seeks a development manager.

Short on time today, gotta go.

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I stopped by Flying Saucer yesterday and had a Hi-Wire Vietnamese coffee beer.

At 8% ABV, it’s a beer that packs a punch.

While at the Saucer, I got the schedule for Belgian Beer Week next week.

There’s a beer on the Saucer’s Just Landed board called Tripping Animals Hop & The Penguins. Sounds like the name of a British Invasion band from 1966. A band that would’ve fit in with the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields”/“Penny Lane” era and Pink Floyd during the Syd years.

KIX 106 Country on Beale returns tonight with Elvie Shane and Kylie Morgan. Free all-ages show in Handy Park. 7:30.

Sunset Jazz returns to Court Square Sunday with Stephen M. Lee from 6 to 8 PM. There will be food trucks and door prizes. You can bring blankets and lawn chairs.

The Hi Neighbor Cafe, under the wooden pavilion in Tom Lee Park near the Huling Avenue entrance, has new hours: 12 noon to 8 PM.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers will host Arkansas State on December 8 at FedExForum.

The City of Memphis seeks a Creative & Cultural Economy Director.

Today is National Mojito Day.

If you happen to live in a city that has 7-Eleven locations, it’s also Free Slurpee Day. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

North Main brewery Soul & Spirits will have its 2nd annual book fair Saturday, August 10.

Action News 5 has a look at yesterday’s Alley Dayz event and how it’s part of the Downtown safety plan.

Craig Brewer’s first movie, The Poor & Hungry, is now available for free on YouTube.

That’s it for today. Reminder: There may not be a post tomorrow because I have lunch plans.

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Alley Dayz, “a new event bringing music, vendors, and community spirit to Downtown Memphis,” kicks off tonight (5:30-7:30) in Barboro Alley (halfway between Union and Gayoso) at the intersection of Main. This FREE event features

• A live DJ to keep the energy high
• The opportunity to shop local with Memphis vendors
• Dining deals at nearby restaurants Local on Main, Sage, and Aldo’s Pizza Pies
• Historians who will discuss the neighborhood’s past

Second-round draft pick Jaylen Wells hit the game-winning shot as the Grizzlies beat Philadelphia in Summer League action last night. He had 22 points and 6 rebounds. Lottery pick Zach Edey was given a night off. 

The Grizzlies play the OKC Thunder tonight at 6. Catch the game on NBAtv and the Grind City Media app. 

Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey is now favored to win Rookie of the Year following his stellar NBA Summer League performance vs. Utah Monday night.

Great to hear: Ja Morant has been medically cleared to play. He won’t be in Summer League, of course, so it’ll be a little while before we see him on the court. With Ja, Bane, and JJJ all healthy and Edey joining them, the Grizzlies have the potential to go deep into the 2025 playoffs.

In Olympic basketball news, Team USA plays Canada in an exhibition game at 9:30 PM on FS1. 

Get ready to party in The Edge District, because Memphis Made Brewing Co. celebrates the grand opening of its taproom in The Ravine Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 10 PM with

• Wonderbeer, an American wheat, and other surprises on tap
• Live music by The Wailing Bansheees, Johnny & The Seagulls, Macrophonics, and Subteens
• Food trucks: Smoke and Toast, New Wing Order, and MemPops

WREG talked to the victim who was allegedly stabbed by Downtown resident Karl Loucks. Loucks has been charged in the killing of another homeless man near Court Square. I have seen the stabbing victim, Brandon Kinney, around the area for months, and he is about as quiet and gentle a man as you could ever encounter. He never causes anyone a problem.

Blind Bear will host a charity poker tournament benefiting the Shelby County Veterans Court Foundation Saturday, August 17 at 3 PM. Food and drink specials, parking garage discounts. Local businesses: Sponsorships are available for this event.

Because one of my readers likes hippos: Pablo Escobar’s abandoned hippos are wreaking havoc in the Colombian jungle. The hippos, which are not native to South America, have multiplied from 4 in the late 1990s to more than 100 today.

Wedding professionals: The James Lee House is hosting an event for you Wednesday, July 24 from 4 to 6 PM. There will be wine and light bites from the venue’s neighbors Rootstock and JEM. There will be tours of the house and its suites and you can learn about event rental packages.

Bardog specials for today 

• Fried chicken sandwich – Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce, Brioche bun – 18
• Blackened red snapper over pesto cream penne – 19
• Soup: Lobster bisque 
• Dog: Pepperoncini, red peppers, onion, tomato, spicy mayo 
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine 
• Bourbon pecan pie 
• Banana cake 

DāM-FunK plays a DJ set at Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Hotel Friday night from 9 to 1.

Motley Crüe, RATT, and Bon Jovi will be among the bands whose music is covered by Aquanet on the Peabody rooftop Thursday night.

I’m staying out tonight! I’ll be at Alley Dayz and hope to catch up with friends there. Tentatively I’ll drop by Flying Saucer and Momma’s after that.

I’ll be back tomorrow with more news, but Friday may be a day off from blogging for a very good reason: I’m having lunch with one of my readers!

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Zach Edey had 14 points and 15 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ NBA Summer League opener vs. Utah last night. The Grizzlies lost 97-95 in overtime, but player evaluation and development is what’s important, not the score.

Scotty Pippen Jr. led the Grizzlies with 21 points.

A man accused of killing a homeless man near Court Square a few months ago has now been charged in a June 25 stabbing of another homeless man in the same area.

Congratulations to Muggin Coffeehouse on North Main in Uptown on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

It’s Cow Appreciation Day. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King would be my recommendations to celebrate.

Blind Bear specials this week

• Everybody Loves Elotes soup
• Chicken Milanesa torta
• Spaghetti & meatballs
• Molten chocolate mini layer cake

The Redbirds host the Norfolk Tides tonight at 7:05.

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are making it windy this morning in Downtown Memphis! Be careful out there. I’ll be back tomorrow with more news.

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NBA Summer League gets underway for the Grizzlies tonight as they play the Utah Jazz. Catch the game on the Grind City Media app.

All eyes will be on number 9 draft pick Zach Edey, the 7’4” college Player of the Year who turned down a chance to represent Canada in the Olympics in favor of NBA Summer League. Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer, Memphis’ 2024 second-rounders, are on the roster as well. Other players of note: returning Grizz GG Jackson and Jake LaRavia, Memphian D.J. Jeffries, and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Memphis Hustle coach Jason Marsh will coach the Summer League Grizzlies.

Today is National Ice Cream Sundae Day. Margie’s 901 can help you with that.

Not a big water drinker? The New York Times has a list of foods that will keep you hydrated.

South Main Association will have its July social Tuesday at The Oliver at 7 Vance. Drinks by Old Dominick. Light hors d’oeuvres. Free for SMA members, $20 non-members.

Slider Inn Downtown is having another silent disco Saturday and the theme is Red, White & Blue.

The Memphis Flyer’s summer cocktail festival is this Saturday at The Kent at the corner of Front and Keel. This event is a fundraiser for Volunteer Memphis.

There will be a Memphis Jookin battle tournament Saturday at Premiere Palace in The Edge.

Historic Elmwood Cemetery is staying open late this Thursday until 8 PM. Free to stroll the grounds, no ticket required.

The Cossitt Library will host a Capoeira martini arts class Wednesday evening.

I got to see a Savannah Bananas game yesterday on ESPN. They’re an exhibition comedy baseball team,, kind of the baseball equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters. They’re pretty fun. Check them out if you’re get a chance.

Now that I think about it, I watched the Savannah Bananas while being served by Hannah Banana.

Who else is savoring these last few Sundays of good sports TV before the boring-ass NFL makes its return?

That’s all for now. I’ll be back with more tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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Get ready for a wet week. Remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which slammed into Mexico over the weekend, are expected to track through Memphis Monday and Tuesday. Several inches of rain are expected.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. is closing its Cooper-Young taproom to prepare to move to The Edge… and Saturday they’re throwing a closing party at the C-Y location. The lineup:

• Jeff Hulett 2-3
• San Salida 3:30-4:30
• Kitty Dearing & The Dagnabbits 5:00-6:30
• Draughts and Laughs comedy show 7:30
• Food trucks: Good Groceries, MemPops

Shots were fired at two locations on Beale Street last night.

Today is Chocolate Day.

Til Death, a show about the turbulence of marriage, comes to the Halloran Centre this Saturday. Tickets are $35-$55.

The Grizzlies are said to be actively trying to trade former lottery pick Ziaire Williams this offseason.

IT’S TIFFY TIME! If you know, you know.

There was a string of car break-ins across from AutoZone Park the night last week the Redbirds had fireworks. People paid $30 to have their car windows smashed. Where was security?

Fireworks set a bush in a planter in front of Flight on fire on the Fourth.

That’ll do it. Back tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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For safety reasons, I keep my possessions in my pockets when I sleep at the Union Mission. Unfortunately that sometimes leads to unexpected consequences.

Wednesday night I rolled over in my sleep and accidentally snapped my troll’s neck.

You were a great troll, Perjorie. I never expected you to live seven and a half years. You remained a fixture on this blog long after completing your original mission.

Today is Bikini Day

There’s a national gospel music workshop coming to the Renasant Convention Center the week of July 14-19.

Get ready for an alley party in Barboro Alley (bordering Sage, Local, and Aldo’s) next Wednesday, July 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. There will be a DJ and local vendors. Nearby restaurants will have specials. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the history of the alley.

Your group can apply to be in the 901 Day parade on September 1. 901 Day is a huge celebration of all things Memphis and a day to raise awareness of ways to get plugged into the community.

Free Sol plays Beck & Call in the Hyatt Centric Hotel tonight 7 to 11.

USA TODAY recently named two Downtown Memphis hotels among the top 10 pet-friendly hotels in the U.S.: The Peabody and Central Station.

Ben Yay’s is looking for a couple of line cooks.

Golden State power forward/center/loudmouth Draymond Green seriously considered becoming a Grizzly during 2023 free agency. He went as far as saying his goodbyes to GSW teammate Steph Curry.

DJ Hush plays Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station tonight. Future Everything label heads Strooly and TEKKAL will play the lounge Saturday night.

The weather looks to be decent tomorrow, so I may take tomorrow off from posting and go to the Farmers Market. Back Sunday or Monday with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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The Redbirds are giving away patriotic bucket hats to the first 1500 attending their 6 PM game vs. the Nashville Sounds tonight. Don’t forget to stay after the game for fireworks.

The Grizzlies tip off the NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City vs. the Utah Jazz at 8 PM Monday. It’ll be the first of 7 July games they play in Utah and Las Vegas. Watch all the games on the Grind City Media app.

Sitting in the Cossitt Library typing this… and yikes, an attempted rape was reported here Monday. It’s alleged that a man followed a woman into the restroom, kissed her, and touched her chest. A security guard saw the man coming out of the women’s room and detained him.

Watch fireworks from one of Downtown’s most fashionable rooftops at this Thursday’s Peabody party featuring Formerly Known As. If you upgrade to the VIP admission package, you’ll get access to a buffet of Nathan’s mini hot dogs, beef sliders, and house-made potato chips with ranch. Enter a drawing to win a Bud Light acoustic guitar and tailgating chairs or a Jack Daniel’s cornhole game kit.

The new Hanover Welcome Center in Tom Lee Park is ready to serve you. It’s at the Huling Avenue entrance near Sunset Canopy. Hours are 8 AM to 8 PM. Equipment loans and free dog treats.

French restaurant Bishop is closing. It sounds like Central Station wants a restaurant in that space that’s a better fit for its overall theme.

Caleb Mills won’t be returning to Memphis Tigers basketball. The NCAA denied his eligibility waiver.

New Hampshire has flipped to toss-up status in RealClearPolitics’ latest presidential electoral projection. Totals are now 198 for Biden, 219 for the Trumpster, and 121 toss-up votes. 270 is the magic number to win.

Take CNN’s interactive Where Should I Live? quiz

Biscuits & Jams Downtown will be open 8 AM to 2 PM on the Fourth.

Not sure of my schedule tomorrow, so I don’t know if there will be a post. I’ll be at Bardog 7:30-10:00 AM as usual, but I don’t know what I will do after that since the library won’t be open. Back Friday if not tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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