Category: Uncategorized

Health Directive No. 21 dropped yesterday afternoon, to go into effect Saturday at 12:01 AM. It is indeed the good news Shelby County residents have been waiting for. Almost all of the stupid restrictions we’ve had to live with for the past 14 months are gone.

On page 11, section D, the document lists the remaining requirements for businesses with frequent interaction with the public, or who regularly welcome non-employees into their place of business (for example, restaurants and bars). There are only two:

• Hand sanitizing stations must be available
• Restroom areas must be kept clean

All other requirements from previous directives are now recommendations. So

• You can consume alcohol while standing at the bar
• You can sit or stand within 6 feet of people not in your family or “close contact group”
• You don’t have to order food to consume alcohol
• There’s no limit on the size of parties that can sit together
• Restaurants and bars can stay open until 5 AM (Beale Street)/3 AM (everywhere else)

As for masking, it is highly recommended – but not required – that indoor businesses ask their patrons to do so. What is required, should they choose to make that request, is clear signage near the entrance.

I celebrated the announcement with a snack at Longshot last night, my first visit there since the shuffleboard lounge reopened. I got the lamb chili Frito pie, with Berbere sauce, Greek yogurt, mint oil, and scallions:

It’s been 11 hours and a full night’s sleep since I had this to eat, and I still feel full. The seasonings beautifully bring out the flavor of the lamb and the yogurt provides a cool touch. I would get this again, for sure.

On to the other big news story of the day: When the I-40 bridge story was first reported, it sounded like the bridge was shut down because inspectors had found a weedle beety cwack in the bridge, and closing it was just a token safety precaution. Photos released yesterday show that is not the case.

There are literally two pieces of bridge where there should be one piece. Inspectors were so alarmed that they called 911 to get I-40 shut down immediately.

It could be closed for months. Man that is going to disrupt interstate commerce all kinds of ways.

I read a report Tuesday saying barge traffic could be disrupted, but I just looked out my living room window and there’s a barge on the river right now.

Big River Crossing announced that due to the I-40 bridge’s closing, its gates are locked for the time being. Ar first glance, that doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I bet it’s a homeland security thing, given that bridge’s proximity to I-55. If that bridge were taken out, there’d be no crossing point over the river for vehicular traffic between Dyersburg and Helena.

Hmmm… just looked out my window again. That barge doesn’t seem to be moving, and it seems to be “parked” against the Arkansas side of the river just south of the I-40 bridge. I wonder if it will have to turn around? Can barges do such a thing?

Congratulations to Jesse Davis, who has been named the new editor of the Memphis Flyer, replacing the retiring Bruce VanWyngarden. Davis is a homegrown talent, having served as copy editor, calendar editor, staff writer, and book critic. Bruce will continue writing a regular column for the Flyer and pursue other writing interests as he steps away from the daily grind.

Let’s Brunch Memphis and the Memphis Flyer are holding a brunch festival at Beale Street Landing Saturday, June 26. The ticket includes samplings of brunch dishes and 12 cocktail samples (Bloody Marys, mimosas, Bellinis). Tickets are $37 early bird/$43 general admission.

From Strike 7 Sports: It’s time for Penny Hardaway to deliver. Yup. No excuses this year. NCAA tournament or bust.

From Fox 13: Mother looks for answers after son shot and killed in Downtown Memphis. This was the carjacking of a late ’80s Monte Carlo that happened around 9:30 on a Saturday night last month.

Prediction: Memphis Fire Department will be busy between midnight and 1 Saturday morning as people burn their face masks.

Yubu & The Ancient Youth provide the live music at Central Station Hotel: Live at the Tracks today 6:30-9:30.

It’s an hour later and that barge still hasn’t moved.

Off to work. I’ll probably stay home and write this afternoon. Might stay home tomorrow, too, and save my energy and money for days when the stupid restrictions are no longer in force. Back tomorrow with more news.

I had hoped yesterday’s COVID task force press conference would give a preview of some of the restrictions to fall away in Health Directive 21. However, Mayor Harris dodged the question and instead blabbered on about how he has a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old and they’ll be eligible for shots this week. A typical Lee Harris answer and another illustration why I probably won’t vote for him again. I used to be a fan of his, but since COVID hit, the more he opens his mouth, the less I trust him.

So I guess we’ll find out today, when the directive drops, what restrictions are being phased out. It could be the news we’ve been waiting 14 long months to hear.

Need to go to Arkansas today? Hop on I=55. Arkansas Department of Transportation inspectors found a crack in the I-40 bridge yesterday and it’s closed indefinitely. Man, that is going to bungle up interstate transportation, especially with Riverside Drive being closed right now for BBQ Fest.

Cafe Keough is back open! When I walked home from work yesterday, there were people enjoying sandwiches and beverages out on the patio. That is a wonderful sight to see.

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Although he was barely recruited at TCU, Memphis Grizzly Desmond Bane looks like the value pick of the 2020 rookie class

Muzique Magazine interviewed Richard Cushing of FreeWorld recently.

It’s National Nutty Fudge Day and the folks at Bass Pro at the Pyramid should be able to help you with that one.

The DM talks about restaurant response to the rumor that the mask mandate will be lifted today. The Reillys who own the Majestic Grille brought in a nurse to address vaccine hesitancy and awarded a $250 bonus to fully vaccinated employees. Ryan Trimm (Sunrise, 117 Prime) wants to know if he’ll get his bar seating completely back (AGREE, Ryan! I would rather get bar seating fully back than lose the masks). Kelly English would also prefer to see 100% seating without distancing.

Merengue in May comes to Fourth Bluff Park Saturday, May 22 from 7-8 PM. It’s the first of a 3-week Latin dance series in the park.

The Grizz picked up a big win last night, beating the Dallas Mavericks 133-104. The Grizzlies remain in 9th by half a game in the Western Conference, trying to catch Golden State for 8th. SI: Doncic & Mavs mauled by Grizzlies

My weird pandemic-era dreams continue… this week I dreamed I was in the navy and my superior officer and I had a meeting with key government officials. I had the dress uniform and white cap and gold leaf insignia… in the army the gold leaf would indicate a major… what’s the equivalent rank in the navy? Lieutenant commander? My superior was a spit-and-polish kind of guy but he didn’t say anything about my hair violating regulation, which I appreciated.

Back later today with a report on which stupid pandemic restrictions will be lifted in the next health directive.

Downtowners who still need to be vaccinated, I have great news. One of my regular readers stopped by the Walgreens pharmacy at the corner of Madison and Main yesterday. The pharmacists told him that starting today, they would offer the COVID-19 vaccine at that location, and you can make your appointment through the Walgreens website.

Folks, I got my two Pfizer doses at a Walgreens (the one in the Med Center), and it just couldn’t be more convenient. I strongly recommend going the Walgreens route. The vaccine is paid for by your health insurance, and is free to those without insurance.

Insider tip: Stop by the freezer section on your way out and pick up a pint of Blue Bell Bride’s Cake ice cream. It’s in an all-white container and they only have it in the pint size. Just trust me on this one. Treat yo’ self.

The Blind Bear is starting a Wednesday karaoke night hosted by DJ Superbrad. Now, for years, it was not safe to hold a karaoke night Downtown, because this guy named Robo would show up and his singing resembled the noises a cat makes when you step on its tail. However, Robo has moved on to karaoke nights in NYC, so that’s one less violation of the city noise ordinance to worry about.

The action starts at 9 PM tomorrow. Who knows, if I get my writing work for the week done by tomorrow evening, I might even go up there and judge support the people who choose to sing.

From the CA: Raw Girls brings its popular juices and plant-based fare to Downtown Memphis. They’re in the former Peabody Place Mall, entrance facing Second near Sugar Grits and STIX.

If you know any ordained Episcopal priests looking for work, Calvary over on N. Second St. is hiring an Associate Rector for Christian formation.

From AARP: Inside an international tech-support scam. Fascinating read. Send this to your grandparents. Send this to your elderly parents.

It’s two national holidays today that are quite complementary: Eat What You Want Day and Hostess Cupcake Day. Think I’ll walk over to Walgreens and get a two-pack of the iced orange-flavored Hostess cupcakes for breakfast, and of course a big ol’ Mountain Dew to wash them down.

Downtown YMCA has a hiring event from 3 to 6 today. They’re looking for lifeguards and summer camp leaders.

The DM has an article by guest columnist Charles Layne on complete neighborhoods. In his attached map of Memphis, you can see that Downtown scores either a 7/8 or 8/8 for completeness. A complete neighborhood has all the essential services and amenities you need to survive and thrive. Learn more about complete neighborhoods

I’ve had several people ask if I’m going to go to BBQ Fest. With my team not competing, they ask, am I at least going to go down there and walk around? … No! What’s the point? I’m grateful we’re taking a year off and avoiding the COVID rules, because that’s never the way I want to experience BBQ Fest. By 2022 I expect to be fired up about competing again.

The Grizzlies clinched their spot in the NBA play-in tournament, meaning even if they lose all their remaining games, they can finish no worse than 10th in the Western Conference. Golden State won last night too, so the Grizz remain in 9th place for now by half a game.

That’s the news for this morning. Back tomorrow with more.

Couple of important pieces of information in this article I found on Google News. First of all, Dr. Fauci went on ABC’s “This Week” yesterday and said that as more people get vaccinated, it’s time to start relaxing indoor masking requirements.

Also, former US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottleib believes we are now in a position to start lifting masking restrictions, including indoors, “on a broad basis.”

Shelby County Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph: Are you listening?

In other COVID news, the Pfizer vaccine could be approved for kids 12-15 this week.

Deals for grads! From Insomnia Cookies on Beale Street:

FREE cookies for the Class of 2021!

in-store through 5/16: all Grads (high school, college, grad school, etc.) wearing their cap & gown get 1 FREE 6-pack of Classic cookies w/ANY in-store purchase OR 1 FREE Classic cookie (no purchase required)!

no cap & gown? show any proof you’re graduating & you’re good to go. can’t make it to a store? we ship our cookies nationwide! get a 12 Cookie Gift Box (found on our Ship Cookies page) for $15 (+ shipping) w/code WEGOTYOU

*both deals valid through 5/16

NBA Western Conference standings: With a week to go in the regular season, the Grizzlies are in 9th place, half a game back of the Golden State Warriors in 8th place. That matters a lot because, in the upcoming play-in tournament (May 18-21), the 8th place team needs to win only once. The 9th place team needs to win twice. Remaining schedule for both teams:

Memphis

• Monday: vs. New Orleans (31=37, 11th in the West)
• Tuesday: vs. Dallas (40-28, 5th in the West)
• Thursday: vs. Sacramento (30-38, 12th in the West)
• Friday: vs. Sacramento (30-38, 12th in the West)
• Sunday: at Golden State (35-33, 8th in the West)

Golden State

• Monday: vs. Utah (50-18, 1st in the West)
• Tuesday: vs. Phoenix (48-20, 2nd in the West)
• Friday: vs. New Orleans (31=37, 11th in the West)
• Sunday: vs. Memphis (34-33, 9th in the West)

Thoughts: It’s probably going to come down to that final game Sunday, and Memphis will have to play that one on the road. However, Memphis has a MUCH easier schedule in the days leading up to Sunday. Winning the 3 games against lottery teams the Pelicans and the Kings are key to rolling into Sunday with an advantage.

Time for the Grizzlies-Golden State game on Sunday is currently listed as “TBD,” which means it is probably going to get picked up by a national TV network.

Utah vs. Golden State is on NBATV tonight at 9. We need to watch that one and root for our friend Mr. Conley and the Jazz.

Weather today through Wednesday: Mid-60s highs, low 50s lows. That is very much “San Diego in January” type weather. I guess that’ll make it comfortable for the folks down at BBQ Fest loading in and building out their booths.

It’s National Shrimp Day. My suggestion for how to celebrate: Go get you a fried shrimp po-boy from Ben-Yay’s.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will have a Spring Movie Series every Thursday at 7:30 PM. First up: A League of Their Own this Thursday. The series will continue for 8 weeks. Food trucks will be on-site, or you can pre-game at Harbor Town’s great restaurants nearby.

Here’s a link to James Aycock’s COVID-19 Week in Review for last week. Of note: COVID hospitalizations increased by 50% this week. Most of the hospitalizations are young people.

That’s a wrap for today. Back tomorrow with more news.

If any of my readers know city COO Chief McGowen who is in charge of the vaccination campaign, might want to show him this.

Yesterday I was talking to a friend of mine, who like me, is a Downtowner who does not rely on a car to get around. He has not gone to get vaccinated yet. It’s not that he’s anti-vacc at all. It’s just that the city has made getting vaccinated inconvenient for him. When we get to a point where he can walk or trolley to a vaccine site, he’ll do it.

I want to re-emphasize that it is preposterous that we do not have a public vaccine site (other than pop-up sites to vaccinate the homeless) in the 38103 zip code. I bet there is no other similar-sized U.S. metro that does not have an accessible vaccination site in its center city.

Now: I want to stay on my soapbox for a minute and take aim at Dan Conaway, who writes opinion pieces for The Daily Memphian. Yesterday Dan wrote Not vaccinated? There are plenty of shady trees at Elmwood, meaning you could be on your way to an early grave if you don’t do your part in starving COVID-19 of human hosts. This line, in particular, rankles me:

“Not getting a vaccine is all about you, a selfish and self-indulgent exercise.”

Dan, I agree with the sentiment of your overall story. However, the way you communicated your point was absolutely HORRIBLE.

I remember last June, when we were in Phase 2 of re-opening. I went out to neighborhood restaurants, which happened to be small businesses owned by my friends, and dined in. According to the health directive at the time, I was perfectly within my rights to do so. Yet the preachy-preachies, the Facebook and Twitter “health experts,” told me I was being selfish by dining in at local restaurants.

Did being called selfish make me change my mind, and either change my restaurant orders to take-out or stay home entirely? Hell no. Their preachiness galvanized me. It made me go out even more. I don’t like being told what to do, especially by people completely lacking in qualifications to tell me.

You want to convince people to get the COVID vacc? Take all judgment out of your message.

Even if someone tells me he’s not getting vaccinated because Donald Trump is the closest thing the world has had to Jesus in the past 2000 years, I’m not going to respond with judgment or criticism. I would probably fake a couple of sneezes to cover up my laughter, then remind him that Trump himself has been vaccinated.

From Marker: Why everyplace looks the same. If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, take a walk through Downtown’s South End neighborhood, or look at the rejected building plans for 7 Vance.

Cafe Keough is hiring baristas. Nice to know that my block of Main will have a coffee option other than Starbucks again soon.

A friend told me that a shot of Jameson at Beck & Call, the rooftop bar atop Hyatt Centric, is $17. A bottled domestic beer is $7.50. For those who don’t buy a lot of drinks and need a comparison point, neighborhood bars generally price Jameson shots in the $7-9 range and domestic bottled beers in the $3.50-$4.00 range.

Legendary Thai restaurant Bhan Thai is closing after almost 20 years.

The Flyer has a look at Red Bones Turkey Legs, a “constant pop-up” housed inside Carolina Watershed. I love turkey legs! They dress them up too. You can get them stuffed, topped with Cajun Alfredo sauce, topped with Alabama white BBQ sauce, or a variety of other ways. Sounds delicious! Who’s up for a trip south to Watershed soon?

In other Watershed news, Andy Hall plays at 2 today.

I spent some time at the Silly Goose yesterday, and later at Max’s Sports Bar. When I go to a bar, I just open the door and walk in. I don’t send my minions in first to give me a report of who’s in there.

Don’t forget, there’s a River Market today 1-6. It will be at River Garden, 51 N. Riverside Drive. 30+ vendors and a DJ.

Elon Musk hosts Saturday Night Live tonight. I don’t watch a whole lot of TV but I may have to tune in for that one.

It’s National Give Someone a Cupcake Day. It’s also National Coconut Cream Pie Day.

If you’re looking for a field trip outside of Downtown tonight, I recommend going to see ’80s hair band cover band Aquanet at Lafayette’s tonight. Julien, Roscoe, and Cindy no longer have to be the Dance Floor Police because that ridiculously stupid restriction went away in the current health directive.

If you’d prefer to stay Downtown for your Saturday night entertainment, The Michael Brothers take the stage at Blind Bear at 9.

Well crap. There’s rain on the radar in Central Arkansas, and Weatherbug’s hourly forecast thinks it’ll be here in the 10-11 AM hour. That blows a huge hole in my Farmers Market/South Main plans. Now I’ve gotta figure the day out. All my Saturday options will become much more favorable in a week, when (hopefully) all the stupid restrictions will be gone and we’ll be back at the bar without any limits on how many people can sit together there.

Still, I’m going to find some way to achieve the “play hard” of the work hard/play hard yin and yang, because I’ve got some adulting to do the early part of next week. Back tomorrow with more news.

Let’s start with a “just because” picture. I found this yesterday as I was researching an online article I’m writing:

Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay

It has nothing to do with the content of this post, but it makes me happy.

Happy No Pants Day!

It’s the first Freebie Friday of the year at the Redbirds. The first 1500 through the gate get a free Redbirds free tote bag courtesy of Southern College of Optometry. Game time is 7:10 and the Durham Bulls are once again the opponent. Triple-A Baseball is doing 6-game homestands vs. the same team this year to minimize travel.

From Eater: The Lie of “No One Wants to Work”: Amid reports of a restaurant industry “labor shortage,” employees say all they really want are wages that make the risk worth it.

A Ja Morant docuseries will debut June 3.

Tonight is Music Knight at the Memphis Chess Club with musical guests Julia Goff & Lauren Thomas from Visible Music College.

Sigh… the Grizzlies lost to a crappy 20-47 Detroit team last night, and as a result return to 9th place in the West, a half game behind Golden State.

The yellow-and-black We Have Soul sign may have been rejected by the Design Review Board, but Memphis River Parks Partnership has plenty of other improvements to Mud Island River Park that will go forward.

Been a good week… earlier in the year, I told several good friends that I had a goal for myself. Intuition told me I was likely to hit my goal in the month of June, although it could be sooner. Yesterday I learned I hit my goal in April. So I’ll go out to celebrate after work, and one day next week I’ll probably treat myself to a nice meal out. Back tomorrow with more news.

Jerred Price, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, posted some news to Nextdoor last night: The yellow-and-black “We Have Soul” sign proposed for Mud Island has been denied by the Design Review Board. Many commenters thought the sign was ugly and out-of-touch with the character of our city. WREG has more info.

Friday lunches return to the Majestic Grille this week. They’ll have fish & chips, New England clam chowder, seafood flatbread, all your favorites.

With Mother’s Day coming up Sunday, I want to mention that you can pick up uniquely Memphis items at Feelin’ Memphis, the gift shop at 509 S. Main. What will you find there? Let me take a look through the shop’s most recent photo album. Paintings… books… inspiring wall hangings… honey… clothing… handbags… home decorations… glasses…. cocktail kits…. plants… home furnishings. Local gifts from great local folks.

Jane Roberts from the DM with another outstanding piece: Up to 66% of locals have COVID antibodies. Counting those who have developed antibodies from having had COVID and those who had the vaccine, we are approaching herd immunity.

The Grizzlies rolled past the Minnesota T’wolves last night in a high-scoring game, 139-135. That puts Memphis back in 8th place in the NBA’s Western Conference with a slim 0.5-game lead over the Golden State Warriors with 7 games remaining in the regular NBA season. Got next: Tonight at Detroit, 7 PM.

Arnold Perl, a longtime promoter of the city of Memphis, has died at 81. Perl was instrumental in getting FedExForum built as part of the Grizzlies’ agreement to move from Vancouver.

Cupcake Cutie owner Robert Clayton was interviewed about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund’s help in getting restaurant and bar doors back open. The SBA has said it will prioritize applications for businesses owned by veterans, minorities, and women.

Live at the Tracks returns to Central Station Hotel tonight. Kennard Farmer will provide the live music 6:30-9:30.

YOGA! If you’re looking for a workout for the mind and body, with beer, don’t forget that there’s an all-levels yoga class at Grind City Brewing every Thursday at 5:30. $16 or you can use your existing Downtown Yoga or ENVISION Memphis class package to pay. $2 off your first beer for yogis.

Loflin Yard will have a Mother’s Day brunch with mimosa specials this Sunday.

Memphis Chess Club will have a Mother’s Day chess party Sunday 11 AM to 2 PM. The special includes a 12″ pizza from their cafe and their entry-level Learn the Rules class. You can bring the entire family, although they encourage children to be at least 7 and accompanied by an adult.

From Fox Chattanooga: The hunt for Memphis river monsters

I was asked yesterday a couple of times, if the mandatory mask mandate is allowed to expire, will I continue to mask up in public? My answer is this:

• I’d keep a mask in my back pocket
• Anytime I entered a business that continued to require or request masks of its own accord, I would be happy to put mine on, and their mask policy would not factor into my decision to patronize the business;
• Anytime a person approached me for conversation, and I got the sense (spoken or otherwise) that he or she would be more comfortable if I were masked, I will happily put mine on;
• Anytime I find myself in an extremely crowded space, I will consider putting my mask on;
• If I find myself around a lot of children, who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated yet, I will consider putting my mask on (although not being around children sounds like a better solution);
• Otherwise, no, my default value would be, I will not wear a mask, even when indoors.

That’s it for today. We’ll see if Dr. Randolph shows up to the noon COVID task force press conference with any news about next week’s health directive. Back tomorrow with more.

Before we get to Cinco de Mayo news, I want to share a link to a kick-ass book I found this week as I was working on my professional writing.

Naval Ravikant is the founder of AngelList, and an early-stage investor in companies like Uber, Twitter, Clubhouse, and Postmates. He does a podcast on the pursuit of wealth, good judgment, and happiness.

One of Naval’s biggest fans, Eric Jorgenson, combined his collective wisdom into a book. Naval gave him permission to publish, with one stipulation – the price had to be free.

I’m more than halfway through and it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Here’s a link to the PDF. You don’t even have to supply an email address to get it. Just open the link and start reading.

On to the news… it’s Cinco de Mayo, or as I call it, Cinco de Drinko! Where St. Patrick’s Day is for the amateurs, Cinco is for the professionals. Holly compiled a list of Cinco specials on the I Love Memphis Blog. A quick look at some of the Downtown ones:

• $3 tacos for $9 at Maciel’s (street, seafood, and fajita tacos included)
• The outdoor seating area will be back open at Slider Inn Downtown, with taco and drink specials
• $5 apps and margaritas at Rumba Room. 2-for-1 tequila shots
• Tug’s will have Cinco specials all day

There will also be Cinco specials at the Redbirds tonight. $5 for three carne asada street tacos (THREE for $5? That’s a screaming deal) and $5 margaritas. Gates at 5:45, first pitch at 6:45. The Durham Bulls are the opponent.

Jane Roberts from the DM has speculation that the stupid distancing restrictions in restaurants and bars will become recommendations in Shelby County around mid-month. I hope you’re right, Jane!

In other COVID news, the city has a new promotion going on called Shot for a Shot. Prove that you’ve been vaccinated and you’ll have a shot to win a Chevy Camaro, a Chevy Colorado, a Nissan Altima, or a Nissan Rogue… or if you don’t like any of those cars, pick another car of equivalent or lesser value.

The COVID news ’round these parts is mostly good, but there is one red flag I noticed… according to COVID Act Now, our next-door neighbor Fayette County is back in the red zone with 25.7 new cases/day/100k residents. That affects Shelby County because they send their hospital patients here.

A temporary We Have Soul billboard has been proposed for Mud Island. Most of the reaction I’ve seen from locals on Twitter has not been very positive. Kinda looks like it belongs on a construction site. Or a crime scene with lots of yellow and black tape, which for this city is certainly appropriate.

The 5 Spot in the back of Earnestine & Hazel’s will host The Painted Knife Drag Review with Musical Guests Heels and Model Zero Saturday, May 15. $10 cover.

Road closures for BBQ Fest start today. They include

• Riverside Drive from Union to Georgia
• Beale Street from Wagner to Front
• Wagner Place from Beale to MLK

The roads will reopen Tuesday, May 18.

MATA is looking to hire 100 bus drivers and they’re dangling a $3000 bonus to make it happen. This is a job seeker’s market.

The Broom Closet will host an Introduction to Energy Work class Wednesday, June 2. $10 fee. Hmmm I might consider attending that one.

Two canoe teams are looking to break the Mississippi River speed record and of course, that means they’ll pass by Memphis. The record to navigate from the river’s origin in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico is 18 days.

From WREG: The chicken wing shortage is real in Memphis, and prices are going up too. Yes, from what I observed, this has been very true.

MemphisWeather.net predicts a mostly, sunny clear day with temperatures a little below normal but still quite pleasant. 72/52 with north wind. Might wanna take a light jacket if margaritas on a patio are your Cinco plans.

I’m gonna get back to reading that Naval Ravikant book until it’s time for work. After I get out this afternoon, it will be holiday celebration time. Back tomorrow with more news.

Good morning! Today is Star Wars Day, but around these parts it’s the day of the Twitter embeds. I didn’t plan it that way. It just happened. If your work blocks Twitter and you’re reading this on a work computer, might want to disconnect your phone from Wi-Fi for a minute and pull up this post there to get the full effect.

Photo and story from FOX 13:

New speed bumps installed on Riverside Drive https://t.co/w85ZyP73BF

— FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) May 3, 2021

From the DMC:

✨Join us on Saturday, May 8th for our Riverfront Market!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
FREE ADMISSION⁠⁠
Location: Riverside Drive near *River Garden⁠⁠ (51 Riverside Drive)

🎉 DJ provided by 88.5 Voice of SCS and FREE SKATE RENTALS!!!⁠⁠ https://t.co/cVjgfLz5Ii
⁠⁠#downtownmemphis pic.twitter.com/cf9CqOLOtJ

— Downtown Memphis (@DowntownMemphis) May 3, 2021

A look at the City Council:

Kind of close quarters in the committee room but everyone masked and Warren is doing a mask with a face shield. pic.twitter.com/V0Bg5aqehu

— Bill Dries DM (@bdriesdm) May 3, 2021

I’ll say it again… I betcha anything Dr. Jeff Warren, who’s on the COVID task force, was responsible for that stupid rule a couple of health directives ago that bartenders wear a full face shield as well as a mask. Fortunately that was turned into a recommendation after only 4 weeks.

From WREG: BBQ Fest will kick off a smaller Memphis in May this year. BBQ Fest is May 12-15. Tickets must be purchased in advance and masks will be required. The festival will have fewer teams and will be more spread out to allow for social distancing. Many teams, mine included, are taking the year off.

From the CA: Developer Tom Intrator is seeking outside investors for his planned redevelopment of the Pinch District

A loss to the NY Knicks last night dropped the Grizzlies to 9th place in the West, a half-game back of Golden State. Remember, 7th-8th place teams only have to win once in the play-in series; 9th-10th place teams have to win twice. So Memphis really needs to claw its way back. Got next: 7 PM Wednesday at Minnesota.

It’s Opening Night at the Redbirds. Tonight, as will be the case every Tuesday this season, your ticket includes a free order of Ballpark Nachos. Upgrade them to BBQ Nachos for a small surcharge. The opponent tonight is the Durham Bulls. I’ll try to cover Redbirds promotions daily on this blog, but if you want a complete list for this homestand, OurSportsCentral has it.

From the CA: The Redbirds want to make summer feel normal

A Beale Street cover charge is under discussion once again.

From Local 24: Memphis is seeing more hotel bookings than other cities. “Kevin Kern” of Memphis Tourism is quoted.

David Sweat of the Health Department indicated that the upcoming health directive will be discussed in this week’s COVID task force press conferences. I wonder if we’ll hear anything about it today? I have a feeling that the change I want to see the most, completely unrestricted bar seating, won’t happen as soon as the next directive. I hope I’m wrong.

Back tomorrow with more news.

There’s great news on Nextdoor this morning. The city has started installing speed humps at crosswalks on Riverside, and it’s reported that cars have to slow down to a near stop to make it over the humps.

Farther north on Riverside near the I-40 interchange, a Renew at Riverview resident posted a photo of an overturned car yesterday evening. It was unclear whether the car belonged to one of the drag racers or someone trying to get out of the drag racers’ way. I should have turned on the police scanner as soon as I saw that photo, but I didn’t think of it.

The Broom Closet at 552 S. Main will host a ghost hunting class on Sunday, June 27 from 7 to 9 PM. Stephen Guenther, founder of Historical Haunts, will share his techniques. This is an enhanced version of a presentation he gives at conventions. The event will wrap up with a paranormal investigation in their historic building. Cost is $10 per person and this is an age 16 and over event.

AutoZone seeks a Corporate Recruiter to work at its Downtown Memphis headquarters Store Support Center.

Jell-O Shot Jenga is a thing now.

Marketing campaign fail: Hackensack, New Jersey is trying to draw shoppers to its downtown area. Their strategy? They’re rebranding the area, referring to it as The Sack.

Better marketing: Between 8:00 and 11:59 PM tomorrow, score a free crunchy taco at Taco Bell because the moon will resemble a taco.

If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, they have an in-depth profile of the Memphis Police chief nominee, “CJ” Davis. Although there were a lot of transparency issues in the candidacy process, I have to say it looks like Davis has a lot of forward-thinking ideas.

The Grizzlies host the New York Knicks tonight at 8.

MPD is investigating a fight between several women that broke out on Beale Street shortly before the bars closed Saturday night/Sunday morning. Ah, things are getting back to normal post-pandemic.

Gonna be a hot one today. MemphisWeather.net says it will be muggy and windy with a high around 85.

Sign the pandemic is nearly over: L.L. Bean reports that pants with buttons and zippers are now outselling pants with drawstrings or elastic waists. Thanks to Morning Brew for the info.

Here’s a video of one of the biggest traitors ever to work in a presidential administration, Gen. Michael Flynn, botching the Pledge of Allegiance:

Michael Flynn this afternoon was called up to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Lin Wood’s rally AND HE FORGOT THE WORDS!!! What kind of “Patriot” General doesn’t know the Pledge! pic.twitter.com/1jNQFxdsL8

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 2, 2021

He was what, a three-star general? And he doesn’t know the words to the Pledge? Sounds like a five-star piece of shit to me.

That’s the news for today. Back tomorrow with more.