Category: Uncategorized

This ABC 24 story about National Guard troops being spotted on Mud Island contains a couple of important quotes from State Rep. Antonio Parkinson about their deployment here.

• About 150 National Guard troops are being deployed here. They will work in 3 eight-hour shifts with no more than 50 working at any one time.
• A typical time frame for this type of deployment is 60 to 90 days.

So no, there are not “seven thousand” troops on the way here and our city is not being “occupied.”

It’s about 11 AM as I type this and I’ve already seen the Guard twice today. A group of five of them peered into Bardog’s window as their MPD guide explained why there was a hearse parked outside. (Wouldn’t it be funny if one of them won the hearse?) Then as I walked to the Chess Club I saw a different cop leading two Guardsmen down the Main Street Mall.

River Arts Fest comes to Downtown Memphis this weekend. It will feature an artists’ market with more than 100 vendors. Great place to pick up some conversation pieces for your home or do some early Christmas shopping. Live music and theatrical performances. This festival is also known for its outstanding food.

I wonder how much sales of chicken fries (Looks like fries but it’s CHICKEN!!!!!) have dropped at festivals and carnivals since Burger King put them on the menu. They’re no longer scarce.

Memphis Tigers football moved up to 22nd in the AP and 20th in the coaches’ poll this week.

Renasant Convention Center – please update your upcoming events page.

Welcome to Memphis – you too.

Friends of mine recently went to the Seafood Shack in Marion and loved the crab boil. Add that to your list of places that’s worth a drive across the river.

A fight on Beale injured 2 Sunday.

Also on Beale on Sunday, a female’s Dodge Charger was stolen after she and her friends refused the advances of a group of men.

Probably gonna stay out of the Union Mission every night this week except Thursday. I’m getting desperately short on money and those $6/night admission charges add up. Why am I making Thursday the exception? Because it’ll be the third one of the month, the night that a church brings Commissary BBQ sandwiches.

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

The National Guard is Downtown. Yesterday about 8:30 in the morning an MPD Patrolman II led 7 Guardsmen past Court Square. The Guardsmen were friendly and thanked passersby for their welcomes to Memphis.

Yesterday while out on my morning walk, I paid my first visit to Farm Market Co-op at South Main and Pontotoc. They carry most items you’d find in the grocery store, but environmentally friendly versions. For example, they have eco-friendly laundry detergent. They have snacks like fruit jerky, and a nice selection of salsas and seasonings. Some clothing items, mostly for babies. Fresh produce. Refrigerated products. Of course they have tofu.

Farm Market Co-op is family-owned and a sign in the store says their farm is in Olive Branch. Neat little shop. Check it out if you haven’t already.

It’s Pulled Pork Day. Celebrate by pigging out at Central BBQ.

Monday is Columbus Day. Government offices and banks will be closed.

Back tomorrow.

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

Today is World Homeless Day.

Save the date! The State of Downtown will be delivered Wednesday, October 22 at the Halloran Centre. 3:00-3:30 check-in. The program will start at 3:30 with Chandell Ryan who runs DMC and Tracey Hadden Loe, fellow, Brookings Institution. Reception to follow. Register

Banana Ball, stunt/exhibition baseball as popularized by the Savannah Bananas, is coming to Memphis Saturday, March 7.

Public input is being sought on plans for the upcoming renovation of the Cossitt Library’s west wing. Come by the library between 10 and 1 Saturday and share your ideas.

There’s a penthouse unit in the Shrine Building for sale. 3 BR, 3.5 BA. $1.1 mil.

The South City redevelopment, replacing the Foote Homes housing project at Danny Thomas and Mississippi, is complete.

Kids can make their own pumpkin hats at the cafe in Cordelia’s Market Saturday from 11 to 1.

Back sometime this weekend 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

Second Wednesdays of the month in even-numbered months are the best days to be a guest at the Memphis Union Mission. On those days Mosaic Church comes out and brings dinner. Last night they served meatball subs with marinara and cheesy bread, corn on the cob, potato chips and spinach dip, and a brownie. Delicious. Thank you Mosaic!

I’ve already heard people say they will be staying away from the bars this weekend because they’re afraid of the federal task force saturating Memphis roads. I guess that’s a good thing because it makes our streets safer, but it’s also a bad thing because it costs great local businesses money. If you drive this weekend, don’t exceed the speed limit. I’ve heard of the task force handing out tickets for as little as seven over. Come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs. If you drink, designate a driver or use a rideshare service.

State Representative Justin Pearson will run for Steve Cohen’s seat in Congress next year. This is going to be a tough choice. I’m going to feel like I’m betraying a friend if I don’t vote for Steve; he’s been everything I wanted in a congressman for the past two decades. On the other hand, I feel like Rep. Pearson is the future of Memphis and his time is now. In a state full of shit birds like Brent Taylor and Marsha Marsha Marsha, it’s an embarrassment of riches to have two such intelligent and highly qualified people who want to represent the ninth district.

Today is International Beer and Pizza Day.

The Orpheum is hiring a vice president/CFO.

WNBA players get 9.3% of league revenue, while their male counterparts in the NBA get a 50-50 split. I’m with league star Napheesa Collier – commissioner Cathy Englebert needs to resign.

There will be a Fall Market 11-5 this Saturday at Slider Inn Downtown. It will feature a build-your-own bouquet bar, a pumpkin decorating station, college football on the TV screens, fall cocktails, food trucks, and local vendors

• Spark n Seal
• Maddie Belle’s Dog Bakery
• Sure Dew
• Thistle & Bee
• Fall’s Bowtique
• Lumiara Beauty
• Tapestry Candle Studio
• Indi Jean Collective
• 901 Waistbeads

Slider Inn is hiring managers, bartenders, and servers – send resumes to sliderinndowntown@gmail.com.

The Flyway and Memphis Made breweries are teaming up to present Edgetoberfest 11-10 Saturday, featuring

• Live music rotating through both taprooms
• Local vendors
• Food trucks in The Ravine
• Restaurant specials at Flyway
• Collaboration beers between the two breweries, exclusive to their taprooms

I need a legal opinion: let’s say I were to use ChatGPT to make an image of Bozo the Clown in a Tennessee Vols outfit and posted it on this blog. Could I get sued for copyright violation? Is parody a fair use of the logo?

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

I don’t write much on Medium anymore, but I’m still a subscriber and read other writers‘ articles. A lot of the financial writers on Medium think that we’re headed for economic collapse, the equivalent of a heart attack in a human being. Today I read that the price of gold is up 50% since the beginning of this year. Also bitcoin set a recent high of $125,000. Both of those are signs that investors have little faith in the current state of the US stock market and they’re starting to head for the exits.

PREDICTION: S&P 500 down 14%, Nasdaq down 18% between today and Halloween… and that’s just the beginning.

Due to inclement weather, the Memphis Medical District Collaborative’s Taste of the District has been postponed until Tuesday, October 14. Tickets to the previous date will be honored.

Max’s Sports Bar’s patio is officially OPEN! Come check out the expanded seating.

Clothing boutique Muse Inspired Fashions has moved into the former Downtown Yoga space at 515 S. Main.

The National Guard may deploy to Memphis on Friday, police chief Davis says.

Today is National Salmon Day. Flying Fish would be a good place to celebrate.

I have a project to work on, so I’m gonna cut today’s post short. If the project bears fruit I will say more about it at a later date. 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

Edible Memphis has posted an African Eats Guide to Apple Maps. I did not realize there were THIRTEEN African restaurants in our city! Yummy!

Everyone is saying that the key to a successful Memphis Grizzlies season is for Ja Morant to stay healthy. Well,, guess what… Ja Morant is not healthy. He sat out of last night‘s game with an ankle sprain. Fortunately, this was just a preseason game and not one that counts.

It’s Shiesty szn! Pooh Shiesty is a free man.

It’s National Frappe Day. Celebrate at Downtown Nutrition.

College football games of interest this weekend:

Saturday

• 1 Ohio State at 17 Illinois, 11:00 AM, FOX
• 8 Alabama at 14 Missouri, 11:00 AM, ABC
• Washington State at 4 Ole Miss, 11:45 AM, SEC Network
• 7 Indiana at 3 Oregon, 2:30 PM, CBS
• 6 Oklahoma at Texas, Red River Rivalry, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Arkansas at 12 Tennessee, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
• Florida at 5 Texas A&M, 6:00 PM, ESPN
• 10 Georgia at Auburn, 6:30 PM, ABC

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

Memphis made it into the AP college football poll this week, coming in at number 23. Ole Miss moved all the way up to fourth.

Memphis Made Brewing has The Judge back on tap. It’s a 6.0% ABV chocolate-vanilla porter.

The drugstore chain Rite Aid is no more.

Adam Naylor and Stephanie Gordon headline this Friday’s Songwriter Night at South Main Sounds. 7 PM.

Action News 5 has a look at the newly renovated Founders Park at the National Civil Rights Museum.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical comes to the Orpheum this week.

Slider Inn Downtown is having a spooky movie series this month. Every Tue-Wed starting at 7 PM. Kick things off this Tuesday with two Addams Family movies.

Beatles tribute band The Mersey Beatles recreate the 1965 Shea Stadium concert Wednesday night at the Halloran Centre.

Edge MotorFest is this Saturday 9 AM-2 PM at the Edge Motor Museum. Classic cars, live music, food trucks. Free to attend.

Shroomlicious Mushroom Festival comes to Tom Lee Park Saturday. Vegan plates, DJ, outdoor games, cookout vibes.

I’d like to stay out tonight but I don’t think the weather is gonna let me. I better get my $6 ready for the Union Mission. 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

Flying Fish will have catfish + crafts next Sunday evening, October 12:

Dinstuhl’s candy store at Main and Peabody Place now has that Dubai chocolate which is all the rage this year.

If you’re up for a road trip, there’s a music festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas this week.

Today is Do Something Nice Day.

Central Station made a list of charming picturesque train stops.

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

The Downtown Neighborhood Association, The Lobbyist, and Old Dominick invite you to a Meal on Main Wednesday,, October 22. Literally ON Main.

It’s National Golf Day. Celebrate with a round of simulated golf at Birdie’s.

Looking for an excuse to toot in public? It’s International Toot Your Flute Day.

Ghosts are all over Downtown. Court Square has one.

Beale Street is getting a hoodoo history museum. It’ll be on the 3rd floor of A. Schwab and its grand opening is next Saturday.

Japan may run out of its most popular beer because of a ransomware attack. I’d be devastated if something similar happened to PBR.

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

Founders Park, a new place for reflection and celebration at the National Civil Rights Museum, will have its grand opening Saturday. They will have

• a wellness zone with yoga and group fitness
• a creator zone with arts and crafts
• a youth zone with balloon art, lawn games, and book giveaways
• a connect zone with local organizations
• Voices from the Terrace featuring storytelling, cultural reflections, community drumming
• a ribbon cutting, performances, and line dancing on the main stage

Calvary Episcopal will have its annual blessing of the animals in the courtyard Saturday at 10 AM. Humans from all Downtown churches are invited to bring their pets. 102 N. Second.

Shop for Halloween at the Creepville Market going on at Flyway Brewing today noon to 6.

There will be a Grizzlies garage sale 10-3 Sunday in the FedExForum lobby. Clothing, sneakers, novelty items, pictures, posters, banners, furniture, various autographed items from numerous seasons. Free parking in the adjacent garage. Food trucks on site.

The annual Taste of the District food fest happens Tuesday 4-6 in Medical District Park. Over 40 neighborhood food, drink, and dessert vendors.

CodeCrew seeks a director of communications and marketing

Memphis loses out on a considerable number of conventions because the Sheraton Hotel is in such a shoddy state, emails indicate.

Stock&Belle is having a sale: 50% off summer merchandise.

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