Wednesday update

Those of you who miss the Jalapeno Popper Throwdowns they used to have out in The Edge District might want to stop by the Flying Saucer… they have a burger special you’ll like. The Pepper Popper Pounder is a beef patty topped with ranch aioli, bacon, cheddar, jack & cream cheese blend, and fried jalapenos, topped with a bacon-wrapped jalapeno.

Soul & Spirits is hosting a Halloween party and haunted tour Thursday from 4 to 9. Drink specials, free candy, costume contest, Tacos Mon Dragon food truck.

Friday from 5 to 10, Grind City Brewing will release a Mexican dark lager to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. DJ Witnesse spins 7-9. $10 flights all night. Happy Brunch Spot food truck.

And then on Saturday, 901 Hot Wing Fest comes to Grind City. 15 teams will compete and donations will go to Grahamwood Elementary.

West Memphis is getting a Buc-ee’s.

Keep an eye on the weather… a band of thunderstorms is expected to roll through Memphis at AM rush hour Thursday.

That’s it. Back when I can be.

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Tuesday update

Memphis 901 FC has made it to the playoff. The Western Conference quarterfinals will be this Saturday, November 2 at 1 PM, with Memphis hosting Orange County SC at AutoZone Park.

Flying Saucer will host a High Cotton and Flyway raffle Wednesday, November 6 at 7 PM. Drink any of those breweries’ beers between now and then to enter to win a High Cotton LED sign or a pair of Flyway cornhole boards. Must be present to win.

Former Tiger Jayden Hardaway (Penny’s son) has been selected in the NBA G League draft. He’ll be playing for the Capital City Go-Go, affiliate of the Washington Wizards. Jayden will be teammates with Dennis Rodman’s son DJ.

Penny’s Tigers lost 96-88 in an exhibition to 2 Alabama last night.

The Grizzlies lost last night as well, 126-123 to Chicago. They host the Brooklyn Nets at home Wednesday night, with the first 3000 fans getting a #GrizzVotes pin. TV: FanDuel Sports

It figures… heavy rain will move in on Halloween. Near-record highs for Memphis (mid 80s) today and tomorrow though.

Taste of Home has 46 Halloween food ideas.

MPD is looking at artificial intelligence to thwart street takeovers. The AI tech can detect the sound of drifting tires, allowing cops to get there before big crowds gather.

Memphis Social Bicycle Club meets at Downtown and Midtown locations to ride. Join them for a 1 PM ride this Sunday departing from Wiseacre Downtown.

There was a rally for the Trumpster at Madison Square Garden this past weekend. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe spoke and called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. Many Americans of Puerto Rican descent are enraged. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is very possibly THE swing state in next week’s election and it has a large Puerto Rican population.

Thinking about staying out today. I want to get some writing done on Medium and I’m thinking about attending serial killer/true crime trivia at the Saucer tonight. Back with more news when I get the chance.

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Saturday update

Memphis Comic Expo is at the Renasant Convention Center today and tomorrow.

The Picklewich, a sandwich with giant pickle slices in the place of bread, rolls out at Jimmy John’s stores nationwide on Monday.

The Grizzlies host the Orlando Magic tonight at 7:00. The first 10,000 fans will receive a Grizzlies Classic Edition Reversible Bucket Hat.

The final Downtown Memphis Commission Alley Dayz party of the season will be in The Edge at Ugly Art Co., 635 Madison, Wednesday starting at 5:30 PM. Dress up in costume for Alley Ween.

I kinda want this:

The I-55 bridge is closed for construction for a few days beginning today.

Today is Hug a Sheep Day.

It’s also Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day. Because everything’s bigger in Texas, except the number of wins by the Dallas Cowboys.

Community Alliance for the Homeless seeks a CEO.

Moulin Rouge, the Musical is at the Orpheum next week.

Collage Dance Collective’s Firebird is at the Cannon Center this weekend.

For the first time since 1988, the Washington Post has elected not to endorse a presidential candidate.

San Francisco’s light rail system still depends on floppy disks to operate.

MATA’s laid-off trolley drivers have returned as bus drivers, but the goal is to get them back in their trolleys in 2025.

That’s all. Back when I can be.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Thursday update

Today is the second-to-last Wednesday for chicken curry as the Majestic Grille’s soup special. Come November, chili returns on Wednesdays.

A new convenience store, Sandra’s Sundries, is going to open on Adams between Front and Main in the northwest corner of the Claridge House. A sign in their window indicates they intend to carry beer.

College football games of interest Saturday:

  • 12 Notre Dame at 24 Navy, 11:00 AM, ABC
  • Oklahoma at 18 Ole Miss, 11:00 AM, ESPN
  • Charlotte at Memphis, 11:00 AM, ESPNU
  • Arkansas at Mississippi State, 11:45 AM, SEC Network
  • 20 Illinois at 1 Oregon, 2:30 PM, CBS
  • 21 Missouri at 15 Alabama, 2:30 PM, ABC
  • 5 Texas at 25 Vanderbilt, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
  • Troy at Arkansas State, 6:00 PM, ESPN+
  • 8 LSU at 14 Texas A&M, 6:30 PM, ABC

I walked all the way to the newly-reopened Zinnie’s Tuesday night and loved it. It was not busy/crowded at all and such a nice change of pace from the Downtown bars.

I got to chat with bartender Ashley and found out they’re still figuring out the menu. I told her how my mom and grandmother drove over in the summer of ’95 and we ate at Zinnie’s East. Ashley said if she could find a copy of that menu, she might consider bringing an item or two back from it.

For those of you who are Blind Bear alumni, the fabulous Maddie is working at Zinnie’s four nights a week. Tuesday was not one of them though.

I wish I could put Zinnie’s in my regular rotation of places to visit, but it’s so far away. I was wheezing and having to stop to lean against lamp posts on my walk back Downtown.

One other thing I like about Zinnie’s: They close at a HARD THREE every night. Not, “Well, we tell people we close at 3, but if there’s not a lot of people in here at 2:05 we might decide to close early.” I HATE IT when bars do that.

Downtown construction site managers: Suggestion for you based on some things I’ve seen. If your project location is a block from a bar, you might wanna subject your workers to a random Breathalyzer. Heavy machinery and being fucked up don’t go together. Just sayin…

Grizzlies 126, Utah 124 last night. Ja and Des each dropped 20+, which is to be expected, but so did Santi Aldama. Next up: Friday at Houston.

Back as soon as I can be.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Monday update

Saturday I was at the Cossitt Library and there was a nicely-dressed woman with a suitcase there asking questions of the librarians. At 11 I moved down the street to meet friends for brunch. The same woman came in about 30 minutes later. She sat at the far end of the bar and ordered a drink and began chatting up the bartenders.

About 45 minutes later, one of the bartenders came over to me. “Paul, the lady with the suitcase is homeless and just arrived in Memphis,” she told me. “Do you have suggestions for where she needs to go to connect with resources?”

I had NOT pegged her as homeless. As I said, she dressed with style. She had makeup on and her hair looked taken care of. She also seemed to have good manners; when I’d sneezed at the library, she’d immediately turned toward me and said, “bless you.”

However, on this particular day, I had NO IDEA where to send her. That was because

  • It was Saturday. Normally the Hospitality Hub is the clearinghouse for resources to help those in need of temporary housing and related resources in Memphis, but the Hub is open Monday-Friday.
  • Normally I’d recommend Room in the Inn as an organization that could get her shelter for the night, but (and I could be wrong about this) I think they operate on two “seasons,” November-March and May-September.

I tried Googling resources on my phone, but there was not one definitive “go here” point I could find. There isn’t a big women’s shelter Downtown like there is the Union Mission for men. The Union Mission operates the Moriah House for women, but that’s all the way in East Memphis.

She left before I could help her. I felt like a failure. I kinda feel like I have a responsibility to help people in such situations, and this time I didn’t know how.

Where should I have sent her? Let me know at paul.ryburn@gmail.com or hit me up on social media.

This coming Saturday is the last one before Halloween, which means there will be a lot of spooky parties that night in Memphis. Let’s check the weather… WREG has us sunny with a high of 79 and a low of 57. That means you won’t freeze your butt off this weekend, no matter what your costume is.

There’s going to be a Barboro Alley block party Sunday, October 27 from 11 AM to 5 PM. Aubrey McCrady Band, live DJ, kids’ and dogs’ costume contests, pumpkin painting station, local craft vendors. Food specials, drink deals.

Some treats for the kid in you just landed at the Flying Saucer:

  • Duclaw Peach Sherbet
  • Wicked Weed Milk & Cookies

The WNBPA has opted out of its 2020 collective bargaining agreement with the WNBA. Go get that money ladies. You deserve it.

The DM has a look at the new Aloft Hotel on North B.B. King Blvd.

Today is the International Day of the Nacho. I recommend celebrating at Slider Inn with Nachos for the People. Huey’s nachos are another outstanding way to celebrate.

Action News 5 has a look back at this year’s RiverArtsFest.

A take on the age-old question: Is a hot dog a sandwich? (TL;DR: No, it’s a taco)

I learned something interesting this morning from the TODAY Show: If you have trouble staying awake, you may be iron-deficient.

Felicia Suzanne Restaurant has its new sign up at 383 S. Main.

Much of the island nation of Cuba is in a blackout. The antique power grid is to blame.

Is it possible Army-Navy will play back-to-back weeks in December? The AAC championship the first Saturday, then their regular game the week after that?

Meme I saw this morning:

Yeah, I know Darth Vader is from the Dark Side, and I know he blew up a planet, but I feel like I just don’t know enough about Princess Leia to support her.

I’ve seen this attitude a LOT the past few weeks. It will doom America in 2025 and beyond.

Back as soon as I can be.

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Saturday update

Bally Sports, home to most Grizzlies games, is rebranding as FanDuel Sports Network.

Artist Kevin A. Williams, known as WAK, has an exhibit opening at the Hyatt Centric today. Williams has been commissioned to create paintings for celebrities including Bernie Mac and Oprah.

Beale Street Bears gave Ja Morant a B+ for his return this week. Rookie center Zach Edey got an A-.

Angel Reese said her WNBA salary doesn’t even cover her rent. Thank goodness for endorsement money. She makes about $73,000 a year in salary.

Prague is banning agency-organized pub crawls. Drunk tourists are negatively impacting quality of life for the locals.

Be a part of the NBA’s G-League. The Memphis Hustle seek a part-time team assistant.

Happy birthday Allie Cat!

That’s it for today. Back soon. Time to go watch college football. ROLL TIDE

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Friday update

A garbage truck, one of those big ones that lifts dumpsters, took out trolley lines, utility poles, and street lights Thursday morning on South Main near the Civil Rights Museum. The driver apparently forgot to put the rear of the truck back down.

Memphis Medical District Collaborative will present two free concerts in Health Sciences Park 5 to 7 PM October 24 and 31. Homegrown musicians, food trucks, Grind City beverages.

* On October 24, the first 100 UTHSC, SCO, Southwest, St. Jude-ALSAC, Regional One Health, Methodist University, Le Bonheur, and BHSU employees will be offered a $10 food
coupon with employee ID while supplies last. Registration does NOT guarantee a voucher.*
* On October 31, the first 200 BHSU, SCO, SWTCC and UTHSC students will be offered
a $10 food coupon with student ID while supplies last. Registration does NOT guarantee a voucher.*

Ja Morant is likely to play in the final Grizzlies preseason home game tonight vs. Miami.

It’s International Legging Day.

Short post today. Back maybe tomorrow.

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Thursday update

Edible Memphis reported that Bar Hustle inside the ARRIVE Hotel at 477 S. Main now has bar pizzas which they described as “Roman/Detroit style.” Choices include sausage, classic pepperoni, roasted mushroom, Hawaiian, or you can design your own.

Robusto by Havana Mix, the cigar bar on Peabody Place that Jon Taffer rescued several years ago, has a full bar once again. As a result, BYOB is no longer permitted. They have happy hour 3-7 weekdays.

Grind City Brewing Co. will have Flights & Frights this Friday evening: $10 flights, $5 fills (Poppy’s Pils or Oktoberfest) of Oktoberfest steins, live music by Alexis Jade & The Gemstones, Happy Brunch Spot food truck, film playing in the background for ambiance. No cover.

Beale Street Bears has the info on how to watch Grizzlies games for 2024-25, including how to watch if you live out-of-market.

The Grizzlies have announced events for Grizz Week, the week leading up to the October 26 regular-season home opener vs. Orlando. This is your chance to pick up some swag at locations around the city and get a chance to win tickets.

The MOXY Hotel at Main and Court will host Poses & Mimosas this Sunday, October 20, from noon to 1. $15. YOGA!

The Last Word: Epitaths of Elmwood Cemetery, a tour examining the final words of Elmwood’s residents, happens Saturday from 10:30 to noon.

A nurse told me yesterday she’s nearly 100% sure I have Parkinson’s disease. That’s why my hands have been shaking so bad lately. I guess I need to go get an official diagnosis.

Back sometime soon (maybe not tomorrow though) with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Wednesday update

Congratulations to Downtown’s very own Wiseacre Brewing Co., whose Sky Dog Premium Lager won a gold medal in the American Light Lager category at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver this week.

Early voting has started in Shelby County, and the DM’s Bill Dries is back with all you need to know in his Ballot Basics. It’s free to read even if you’re not a subscriber.

Downtown Dining Week will be back November 4-10 with great deals at more than 50 area restaurants.

Penny’s Memphis Tigers took a very respectable 84-76 loss in a Hoops for St. Jude exhibition game vs. 9 North Carolina last night. This gave Hardaway a chance to see his team play quality competition and determine what needs to be worked on.

Today is World Food Day. I recommend you celebrate with an Old El Paso microwave burrito.

A man has been breaking into Memphis Chess Club, King’s Palace Cafe, and Blues Hall over the past month and stealing thousands in liquor.

The Orpheum seeks a manager of individual giving.

Maxwell: The Serenade Tour comes to FedExForum tonight.

Tonight is the annual Memphis Sports Hall of Fame induction at the Renasant Convention Center.

Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents Amadeus at the Cannon Center Saturday.

That’s all for now. Back later this week with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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Tuesday update

This morning I sat and watched as Bardog sold 60 raffle tickets to win a hearse before 9 AM. You may have seen the hearse parked outside on Monroe. I believe it’s a 2003 Cadillac DTS model and it seems way nicer than previous hearses they’ve given away.

How does the drawing work? It’ll be on October 31 between 10 PM and midnight. You write your name and phone number on each raffle ticket you purchase. You don’t have to be present at the drawing to win, but if you’re not and they draw your ticket, you better answer the phone when they call or they’ll move on and draw another.

In other Bardog news, they have Coors Banquet on tap for the month of October and they’re donating a portion of the purchase price to St. Jude each time you buy one. They took PBR off tap to make room for the promotion, but I was told they’ll have it in cans beginning approximately today.

Memphis Farmers Market will hold its fall harvest gala at Central Station Hotel on Saturday, November 9 from 5 to 9 PM. 3-course dinner, live music by Graber Gryass, silent auction.

Juried artists’ market RiverArtsFest returns to Riverside Drive this Saturday and Sunday. Fabulous opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. Live music, yummy food, and a performing arts stage.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will hold its October membership meeting at the newly-opened Aloft Hotel, 63 North B.B. King (at Jefferson), from 5:30-8:30 PM Wednesday, October 23. DA Steve Mulroy and MATA director Bacarra Mauldin will speak. Free beer and wine for all DNA members.

Today is National Cheese Curd Day. Momma’s has ’em.

It’s also National Red Wine Day.

College football games of interest Saturday:

  • Auburn at 19 Missouri, 11:00 AM, ESPN
  • 7 Alabama at 11 Tennessee, 2:30 PM, ABC
  • 24 Michigan at 22 Illinois, 2:30 PM, CBS
  • 14 Texas A&M at Mississippi State, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
  • LSU at Arkansas, 6:00 PM, ESPN
  • Arkansas State at Southern Miss, 6:00 PM, ESPN+
  • 5 Georgia at 1 Texas, 6:30 PM, ABC
  • North Texas at Memphis, 6:30 PM, ESPNU
  • Kentucky at Florida, 6:45 PM, SEC Network

That Bama-Vols game figures to be a College Football Playoff elimination game. ROLL TIDE

Y’all, I figured out why there’s a star on the Dallas Cowboys’ helmets.

It’s because the Cowboys are the NFL’s jobber to the stars.

In professional wrestling, a jobber (or jabroni) is someone who always loses. A jobber to the stars (JTTS) is someone who routinely beats other jobbers, showing an amount of skill and talent in the process. However, against top-level competition, the JTTS reverts to their losing ways.

As the Cowboys did against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

But look at the bright side, Cowboys fans… the way things are going, this year you won’t have to make excuses for your team losing in the first round of the playoffs.

That’s it. Back later this week with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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