Author: paulryburn

The Good Samaritan City of the Mississippi

This morning I asked Perplexity AI, Claude, and Google Gemini to tell me an interesting fact about Memphis.

Two of the three AI agents gave me the usual junk: Graceland blah blah birthplace of rock ‘n roll blah blah Piggly Wiggly blah blah.

Google Gemini, however, replied with a fact I’d never heard in my 39 years as a resident and my 22 years as a blogger.

The author Mark Twain once traveled to Memphis to be at his dying brother’s bedside. He observed the way our city clawed back following the yellow fever pandemic, and he was grateful for the kindness locals showed him. For these reasons he nicknamed Memphis The Good Samaritan City of the Mississippi.

That’s an identity we would do well to adopt in 2026.

Don’t forget to spring the clocks forward Sunday as Daylight Time begins at 2 —> 3 AM.

Grizz @ Wolves tonight at 7. TV: FanDuel Sports

Hilton Garden Inn across from the ballpark is hiring a dining room attendant.

Try not to get hit in the head by a cabbage at the Beale Street St. Pat’s parade Saturday, March 14 at 2 PM.

Ted Horrell and Canaan Stanley bring the live music to South Main Sounds Saturday 6-8 PM.

Today is National Moscow Mule Day.

A geological society convention will bring more than 1000 people to Downtown Memphis early next week.

The Crossroads is the burger of the week at Momma’s: Angus beef patty, smoked Gouda, jalapeno-tomato jam, and arugula on a ciabatta bun.

Did you know? Full family memberships at Memphis Chess Club include rooftop access during all baseball games.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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Monday update

Apologies for the brief post yesterday… they were filming a movie at the chess club and along that block of Madison. I had to relocate to a venue that does not have Wi-Fi (but does have $3 mimosas). When I get a chance I’ll find out the name of the movie and who’s starring in it.

Flying Saucer has Donna’s Pickle Beer on draft. Beertender Jordan was kind enough to pour me a sample last night and yep, it tastes like pickle juice. Although, I wonder if habanero is also in the recipe. The beer left a burn in the back of my throat.

Bardog now has lemonade on the soda gun.

Penny’s 12-17 Tigers, fresh off an L to East Carolina, have 2 games left and then this disaster of a season will be over:

  • Thursday vs. South Florida, 8 PM, ESPN2
  • Sunday at Tulane, 1 PM, ESPN+

No I don’t want Penny to be fired. But I wish we could put him on sabbatical for a year and send him to Vandy to be an assistant. That school has transformed into an athletic powerhouse in the NIL and transfer portal era. Penny could learn a lot there and bring that knowledge back to Memphis in 2027-28.

The forecast has Memphis in the 70s for the next 9 days – except Thursday, when the high will be 80 or 81, depending on which TV meteorologist you follow. Yay for March!

The Majestic Grille is hiring bartenders, expos, food runners, and BOH staff. Great bosses, great benefits.

Cordelia’s Market’s 11-2 hot lunch specials this week:

  • Mon: Italian meatloaf sandwich with Italian pasta salad
  • Tue: Nachos with rice and beans
  • Wed: Shepherd’s pie
  • Thur: Char-grilled black & bleu burger with fries
  • Fri: Tilapia with yellow rice and broccoli

Banana Ball comes to AutoZone Park Saturday and Sunday.

The Grizzlies provided a medical update on C Zach Edey, and it’s not good. Edey is out for the rest of the season.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
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Saturday update

RIP Neil Sedaka.

County mayor candidates disagreed last night on the future of 201 Poplar.

Sammy Anzer headlines comedy at Flyway Brewing tonight. 8:00.

A service organization called Army of Normal Folks has its kickoff meeting at Grind City Brewing Sunday at 4.

Back to the Future: The Musical runs next week at the Orpheum.

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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Frupdate

I’ve been asked to poll my readers: Would there be interest in a locally-owned bookstore in the Downtown core? If yes, what amenities/hours would you like to see there? Send feedback to paul.ryburn@gmail.com and I’ll pass it along.

Hopscotch courts are popping up all over Downtown:

Talk to the folks at the Downtown Memphis Commission about how they can provide a storefront for the pop-up restaurant you’ve always dreamed of opening. They’ll have Table Ready info sessions at 12 S. Main, formerly Cafe Keough, at 9:00 and 2:00 Thursday, March 5.

There will be a pop-up shop at 356 N. Main this Saturday from 9 to 4. Exclusive pieces, home goods, vintage clothing. and coffee by Comeback Coffee.

There will be live art Saturday at 11 AM at Alcenia’s.

The University of Memphis has announced the 2026 Tigers football schedule.

Wiseacre Downtown, Little Bettie, and Panuzzo King will be closed this Sunday, March 1.

The Grizz are in Dallas tonight for a 7:30 tip. TV: FanDuel Sports. They reached a buyout agreement with Kyle Anderson yesterday.

St. Jude is hiring a maintenance mechanic.

AI is spying on Burger King drive-thru workers.

I tried something different last night at Earnestine & Hazel’s. I ordered a Soul Burger with no mustard or pickle, allowing me to savor the more subtle flavors of mayonnaise, caramelized onion, and cheese. It was a tasty experiment I don’t regret, but on my next Soul Burger, the mustard and pickle will be back.

Guy sitting downbar from me ordered his burger with “everything, extra seasoning.” I think I’ll give that a try next time.

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

Thursday update

Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut comes to AutoZone Park for the  Saturday, July 18 Redbirds game. Meet & greet and other event details to be announced soon.

Penny’s 12-15 Tigers host Wichita State tonight at 8. TV: ESPN2

Robert Plant comes to the Orpheum Tuesday, March 24.

Gia Welch and JD Westmoreland play South Main Sounds Friday at 7.

The DM’s Sam Hardiman thinks it’s probable that a lease on FedExForum will get signed this calendar year, keeping the Grizzlies in Memphis long-term.

Congrats to St. Jude, which made number 2 on Forbes’ best large employers list.

South Main noodle and dumpling joint Good Fortune Co. is hiring a host. $13-$20/hour.

Spring in Memphis has warmed nearly 2 degrees since 1970.

A new observation deck at Tom Lee Park is nearing completion.

A neighborhood wine (+beer+food) bar is coming to Uptown next to event space The Kent.

The Memphis Made taproom will host a chili cook-off fundraiser for Peabody Elementary Saturday, March 7.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

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

Wednesday update

This morning I was in the Cossitt Library for the first time in several months. They’ve rearranged and have a nice collection of Memphis and Tennessee history books right by the front door.

Beale Street Wine Race, that fabulous day of debauchery, has been announced for Sunday, April 26.

Cordelia’s Market will have Fish Fridays every week through April 3, with fresh fish entrees in the hot box ready to take home and eat.

The burger of the week at Momma’s is The Truck Stop: Angus beef, bourbon bacon jam, fried egg, Swiss, lemon Dijon aioli.

The Brass Door will have Jazz in the Cavern with the Jackson Hankins Quintet Saturday. Tickets

CBS News has a full transcript of the Trumpster’s State of the Union address.

Memphis’ convention center hotel, the Sheraton on N. Main St, is getting a rebranding and a new name.

NBA stars often complain about the hotels when they stay in Memphis. A hospitality expert responds.

Gould’s seeks a massage therapist for their downtown location.

Didja know Rootstock Wine Merchants has a wine club called The Buzz? Members get detailed info on the latest wine finds, invitations to special events, and discounts on purchases.

Good to follow on Facebook: Memphis Memories. I followed that account this morning and it’s already shown me

  • a 1926 video of traffic and people on Main Street
  • a 1960 video of a plane taking off from the Mud Island airport

To whomever stuck some cash in my Apple Wallet yesterday: The notification I got did not include a name, but, thank you!

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

Tuesday update

Join me tomorrow as I write my Wednesday update! Did you know Earnestine & Hazel’s opens at 11 AM Wed-Sun? On Wednesdays, Dani is behind the bar open to close. A lot of her regulars go see her at lunchtime. I’m gonna bring my laptop and join them. Same delicious Soul Burgers they have late-night. Same delicious PBR too!

If you can’t make it for lunch, I’ll still be there at happy hour!

Let’s get on to today’s news…

A drug kingpin was murdered in Mexico and the cartels are expected to wreak havoc. Americans in the country are advised to shelter in place.

Science proves what many Downtowners already knew: Being a regular at a bar or coffee shop can boost your well-being

State of the Union bingo

Congratulations to Insomnia Cookies on Beale Street on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

Menopause the Musical 2, Cruising Through the Change comes to the Orpheum Thursday.

Soul & Spirits now has free public Wi-Fi and they’re having an event Thursday 6-8 PM to celebrate. Bring your phone or laptop and bang out some emails, close some JIRA tickets, update your LinkedIn profile, whatever you want to do.

Fish pudding and tomato aspic! Calvary Waffle Shop is now open Wed-Fri 11:00 AM-1:30 PM through March 27. I Love Memphis has a preview.

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

Monday update

Yesterday I asked AI: Who builds better dams – beavers or otters? The consensus across several AI models is that beavers are master engineers, while otters don’t “build” dams at all – they simply use what’s there. Other facts about the two species:

  • Beavers are herbivores and rodents
  • Otters are carnivores and belong to the weasel family

My name got drawn at Room in the Inn last night and I boarded a bus to West Union Cumberland Presbyterian in Millington. They had the BEST dessert there. It was like sweet potato pie, but as a casserole. If I get back to West Union before the RITI season ends March 31, I’ll tell them I have a blog and ask permission to post the recipe.

On my bus rides to Millington, I’ve noticed there’s a bar called BAR near where Lucy Rd. splits off from 51. Anyone been there? To the owners of BAR, if you’ve ever thought of opening a second location, there are two storefronts on the Main Street Mall in Downtown Memphis (formerly Blind Bear and Local) you should look into.

A BIG convention comes to Downtown Memphis this weekend: The Mid-South Farm and Gin Show. The “ginners” have a reputation for being very nice people and great tippers when they dine out.

The City of New Orleans, the Amtrak passenger train that runs from Chicago to New Orleans with a stop at Memphis’ Central Station, was involved in a collision with a freight train on Sunday in Southwest Memphis and there were injuries. The NTSB will investigate.

It’s Lunar New Year night at the Grizzlies. They host Sacramento at 7. TV: FanDuel Sports

Next Tuesday, March 3, there will be an open house at Victorian mansion The James Lee House featuring art from Sheet Cake Gallery. An RSVP is required.

The Trumpster will deliver the State of the Union address tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 24.

WREG has a look back at this year’s Soup Sunday benefiting Youth Villages.

Kids who live in Shelby County are invited to submit a design for this year’s Memphis in May T-shirt.

MLGW says a vintage 1900s-era pipe was to blame for a recent water main break at Fourth and Pontotoc. It has been fixed.

The Winter Olympics are over, but today is Curling Is Cool Day. Worth a drive to Olive Branch (I can’t believe I just typed that): Learn to curl on March 18. They’ll have you throwing stones like Ernest T. Bass!

One more night of lows in the 20s before a significant warmup happens. I’ll be handing over six bucks for a night’s stay at the Mission. It’s a no-brainer, not only because of the temperature but because Kirby Woods is the guest church. They always provide a far-above-average dinner.

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