Category: Uncategorized

Prepare yourself for a very, very, very important announcement.

This is a big one.

The donut shop on Main now serves funnel cakes.

It’s at 8 S. Main, in the ground floor of the Number 10 Main building. So if you ever find yourself awake at 2:51 in the morning and think, “Gee, if I had a funnel cake right now, I bet I would sleep better,” there you go.

Now, I’m not saying that is the most important announcement I have ever put on this blog. It’s certainly not as important as any post marked VERY IMPORTANT PBR NEWS. But still, it’s important.

By the way, that reminds me: I’ve been told that The Dirty Crow has 24-ounce PBR cans.

Discussion topic on Facebook yesterday: I just don’t understand people who lie all the time. I mean, if you do that, you have to pretty much keep a spreadsheet in your mind of who heard what. I told lie #1 to these people, and lie #2 to these people, and the truth to these people, and lie #3 to these people. It just seems like so much mental energy consumed remembering all that… I’d rather conserve that energy for other matters. Plus, you constantly have to worry that two people who have heard different versions of your story will talk, and then you end up looking like a fool. Not worth it.

Not that I’ve never lied… I remember one time about a year ago when I lied and said I had a BBQ team meeting at the Silly Goose in order to extract myself from a situation that was getting out of hand. But notice that lie did not hurt anyone. Lies that damage other people are the type to avoid.

If you’re looking for something outdoorsy to do today, get down to the river. The Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race takes off at 10 AM.

There’s a special ticket you can purchase at tonight’s Redbirds game that gets you not only a seat but a Kolten Wong Hawaiian jersey. Ten random jerseys have been signed by Kolten himself.

General Redbirds promotions tonight (special ticket or not) include a beach towel for the first 1500 in the gate, a block party with a band before the game, and fireworks afterward. First pitch vs. the Iowa Cubs at 6:35.

Quench is hosting a Downtown wine tasting next Friday, June 24.

Today at South Main Book Juggler from 1 to 3: Guidelines to starting and maintaining a church dance ministry. Dr. Denita Hedgeman educates ministries and leaders on the Biblical foundations of worship through dance.

The Memphis Farmers Market has announced that they are short staffed today, so no pet sitting.

MemphisWeather.net says the heat index will remain under 100 today. That’s a cause for celebration!

Fun times at Max’s Sports Bar last night… people were playing ’70s country rock on the jukebox and everyone was singing along. Funny how things happen… as we were singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a post appeared in my Facebook news feed from my reader from Morgantown, West Virginia who I met a couple of weeks ago. She and her boyfriend were at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. They’re Hog fans! I am so proud to have such an intelligent reader base!

The farmers market is first on the list for me today. Going to buy some mint for Bloom at Bardog and see what the tandoori truck has to eat. Time to get outside and enjoy this (relatively) cool weather.

You know, I try not to make this a political blog, but this is so crazy that I have to say something. Donald Trump wants to invite North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un to the White House for burgers at the conference table. “Who the hell cares” what people think, said The Donald. In other news, Trump admires Russian leader Vladimir Putin and praised the Russian nuclear program as “tippy-top” while our nukes are old and tired. Trump also thinks that countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea are using the US, and we should consider leaving them to fend for themselves if attacked. THIS MAN IS COMPLETELY NUTS.

Great idea: We borrowed a shelter dog to go hiking, and you can too – and should. I wonder if any of the local dog fostering organizations would permit that? I’ll ask the Streetdog folks next time I see them at the Farmers Market.

Tin Roof on Beale Street has a new menu, the Memphis Flyer reports.

Sad day for Memphis sports fans: Radio talk show host George Lapides has passed away.

Ghost River is looking for a farmer or group of farmers to pick up their spent grain. If you can help call them at 901-278-0087.

The Juneteenth Urban Music Festival is at Robert Church Park near Fourth and Beale today through Sunday.

New Memphis Tigers head basketball coach Tubby Smith has bought Rudy Gay’s house in Memphis.

A new lighting display will beautify a vacant building on the southeast corner of Main and Union starting next week. They are working on a system that will see the lights respond to the presence of passersby. Sounds neat!

Crop Hop 5K, a race to raise money for the Memphis Farmers Market, is this evening at 6:30. Due to the excessive heat, I’m changing my stance on going to the race after-party from “going” to “maybe.” I really want to go but standing out there in 100+ heat index just doesn’t sound like much fun. It’s a good cause though. Maybe I’ll go give them my $15, stand around long enough to drink one Memphis Made beer, then walk across Main to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of Max’s Sports Bar. I don’t know, I will figure it out. That’s all for now, back tomorrow.

There are a few things I will not be discussing in this post: Islamic terrorism, hate crimes, assault weapons, and alligators. Go to Facebook if you want to read about those topics. However, for my friend Katie Mac I do have this:

It’s Thurs. Here’s the world’s smallest deer, the pudú. You’re welcome. (pudú, pudú, pudú, pudú rockin’ everywhere!) pic.twitter.com/pvQZpgWmwO

— Woo Pig Brewey! (@WooPigBrewey) June 16, 2016

Sorry Katie, it’s not a duck but this is the best I could do.

Did you know that the Malco theater will have a rooftop screen? Choose901 has a post on exciting things happening in South Main.

From All About Beer magazine: beer and ice cream pairings. Mint chocolate chip and coffee porter or stout? Usually I am not a fan of coffee beers but that would work!

It’s time to stick the pole in the hole and get u some fish, because Let’s Go Fishin’ is the theme at the Memphis Farmers Market this Saturday. However, you don’t even need a fishing pole when you come to the Market – the vendors have fresh fish from the Gulf and farm-raised catfish as well, not to mention advice on how to prepare your “catch.” From 10 to noon kids can make Father’s Day frames for their dads. Live music from Ted Horrell 8:30-10 and Savannah Long 11-12:30. Streetdog Foundation will be on-site with adoptable dogs. The Market runs from 7 AM to 1 PM under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson every Saturday.

Carrington Wise, owner of Carrington’s Catering, is the subject of this week’s vendor chitchat. She sells artisan sweets, tarts and savories at the Farmers Market. Her most challenging offering to make is the Asparagus Gruyere Tart. Oh man, that sounds yummy! I didn’t know she made those. I will have to check out her booth when I defend my Farmers Market mayorship on Foursquare this Saturday.

Save the date: Double J’s annual SEC Football Kick-off Party will be Saturday, August 8 from 4 to 8 PM. It’s hosted by the SEC Alumni Clubs of Memphis and benefits Hope House. $10 cover includes two beer tickets. Put your gameday gear on and come support Hope House!

There’s a Neighborhood Safety Meeting to which the public is invited tonight at the MATA board room at Central Station from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Debra Streeter, the Security Coordinator for the Downtown Memphis Commission, will be there, as will several representatives from Memphis Police and the District Attorney’s office. Questions will be limited to two minutes apiece and can be emailed to Streeter@downtownmemphis.com.

The 901 Heavy Hitters play Alfred’s tomorrow night, Friday, June 17, from 10 PM to 2 AM. Sometimes it can be useful to have access to Heavy Hitters on a Friday night. 

It’s Dump the Pump Day, so Mayor Strickland took the bus to work:

It’s National #DumpThePump Day, so I’m taking the @RideMATA No. 50 to City Hall this morning. pic.twitter.com/syu8Yymq0d

— Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) June 16, 2016

Sad to hear that Gypsy Joe, who wrestled in the Memphis territory in the 1960s and 1970s, has passed away.

Power is out in some parts of the city, and may not be restored until Saturday. MLGW advises its customers not to stay in a residence without power. It’s simply too hot.

An agreement has been reached to give ServiceMaster access to the garage at 250 Peabody Place. That will address parking concerns once the company moves its HQ Downtown. The garage is said to be underutilized between 6 AM and 6 PM.

A/C is out at work, so I am about to hit the road and work remotely this afternoon. I’ll be at happy hour at the Silly Goose around 5.

The Daily News has a good article on changes and additions to Loflin Yard. The Coach House is now open with Loflin’s second interior bar and more restrooms (BADLY NEEDED! Thanks!) The house opens up to the backyard where private events and live music will happen. They are taking steps to keep people cool in the front yard too. The “Smoke House” menu will rotate seasonally, and they will have a “rainy day menu” with po-boys, sides and dollar-off drinks. They are also opening for lunch on Fridays. That venue has been a smashing success since day one and it just keeps getting better and better!

By the way, here’s the weekend music schedule for Loflin Yard. Paul “Snowflake” Taylor kicks it off Thursday 6-9 with one-man acoustic jams. The Joe Restivo 4 play instrumentals from the golden age of Memphis music Friday 6-9. Saturday is a doubleheader. Motel Mirrors featuring Amy LaVere, Will Sexton, and John Paul Keith are in the 3-6 slot, followed by blues legend Earl “The Pearl” Banks 6:30-9:30. John Paul Keith is back for a 4-6 PM set on Sunday.

There’s more than live music on Saturday. There will be an event called The Changing of the Yard with a wiffle ball home run derby, a cornhole tournament, and a Ring on a String tournament. Drink specials when the train passes and Sache will be printing Loflin merch.

Downtown Yoga has announced a free yoga class at the Memphis Farmers Market Saturday, June 25 at 10 AM. Sign up here. I love to take advantage of the amenities the Market has to offer, but don’t worry – I won’t subject market-goers to the sight of me doing yoga! (Or more accurately, trying to do yoga.) Most likely, that day I will go way early (8:00ish) or way late (noonish) and I do not plan on being there at the 10:00 hour.

Memphis native and recent New York transplant Carbunkle Trumpet has some advice for Northeastern pitmasters on how to barbecue. There is a lot of good stuff in here and his post is a good read for any BBQ aficionado.

South Main Sounds Songwriter Night #29 happens this Friday, June 17, at 550 S. Main from 7 to 9. This installment of the acclaimed series will feature veterans Rice Drewry, Joe Leathers, and Toni Norton along with newcomer Brenna Clark. They are going for something different this time, with fewer musicians having time to get in more music in a more relaxing set-up.

This morning I posted about Widespread Panic’s show at Mud Island Amphitheater Saturday night, and an after-party by SweetWater beer at Alfred’s. Well, more beer, more parties in this second Wednesday post. High Cotton taproom will host a pre-party with Hiway Hi-Fi from 3 to 5 that afternoon. No cover, Gourmade food truck, discounted pints, family and dog friendly.

Smart, smart move: The MBJ reports that Mempops, the handmade, all-natural frozen pop shop, has hired JC Youngblood, formerly of Central BBQ. Mempops is considering additional stores and Downtown is said to be one of the neighborhoods they are considering. I can tell you that a store down here would be very well-received by the locals.

It’s Father’s Day Glass Night at the Flying Saucer tonight. Buy the glass starting at 7, or earlier if you are a Master of the Universe with 5+ plates. Based on the video announcement they sent out, it looks like they may be going with a Star Wars theme.

The Grizzlies Foundation is seeking new mentors. Here is a list of new member orientations. The featured mentor program is the TEAM Mentor Program, in which three volunteer mentors and nine 7th and 8th graders come together to form one TEAM.

That’s it for now. You never know, there may be a third update this evening, so check back.

As most of you probably know by now, Widespread Panic is playing the Mud Island Amphitheater Saturday night at 8. SweetWater Brewing is hosting an official WSP after-party at Alfred’s that night. The Backup Planet will perform and you will have a chance to win a kayak.

Crop Hop 5K benefiting the Memphis Farmers Market is coming up this Friday, and race packets are ready! You can pick them up at Bedrock Eats & Sweets at the corner of Main and Vance Thursday from 5 to 7. If you haven’t signed up for Crop Hop 5K yet, it’s not too late to register!

Seeing Red headlines Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party. $10 to get in or $150 VIP season pass, first 200 ladies free. Admission includes a buffet of catfish nuggets with tartar sauce and mini pretzels. If you’re in VIP you get a second buffet of carved Jack Daniel’s glazed tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and watermelon wedges. Red passionfruit margaritas and Backwoods blackberry moonshine will be the drink specials.

I don’t know if anyone who attended the Streetdog Foundation fundraiser this past Sunday reads this blog, but if they do and they didn’t spend all their money on donations there, MakeUseOf has news of an electronic gadget for your dog. CleverPet (you’ll have to scroll down a bit on the page to get to it) is a device that is perfect for people whose dogs are home alone while they are at work all day. It lets you engage your dog remotely, offering puzzles dogs can solve for treats.

Free stuff alert: There’s a good giveaway at AutoZone Park Saturday night. The first 1500 fans in the gate get a Redbirds beach towel.

Did you know MIFA has a Senior Companion program for which you can volunteer? Visiting seniors keeps them active longer and in their own homes longer.

Bruce V from the Flyer had a great tweet about Trump supporters:

I think this Trump supporter in the blue wig pretty much capsulizes the Donald’s base. pic.twitter.com/b2Zi1zgr1o

— Bruce VanWyngarden (@sylamore1) June 14, 2016

Yep.

MyHQ is hosting another free yoga class at Memphis Park (formerly Confederate Park) Wednesday, June 22 from 6:30 to 8 PM. There will be a wine tasting after the class. If you have your own mat, you are encouraged to bring it. Free parking for the first 40 to sign up.

Off to work. I hope the mouse that moved into my cubicle yesterday has moved on to greener pastures. Possibly another post at lunch or after work.

“Paul, a mouse just ran under your cubicle and he’s still in there.” I hope your day is going better than mine.

We’re off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz! The Wizard of Oz plays the Orpheum through Saturday,

Following that series, the Orpheum will close for painting and cleaning of the gold leaf, and will re-open in early August. During this time the Summer Movie Series will move next door to the Halloran Centre. When Harry Met Sally will be the first movie shown there, on June 24.

Mojito lovers: Saturday is your day, and Bardog is your place. Bloom, the day bartender on Saturday, has informed me that it is my assignment to pick up mint at the Farmers Market every Saturday morning so she can make mojitos. I’ve done that a couple of times this season, but now she wants to make it a regular thing. One note: Since I am doing this on a volunteer basis, don’t expect mojitos if there is heavy rain or thunder between 9:30 and 11 AM.

Thursday the Brass Door will host the official American Outlaws watch party for the USA vs. Ecuador game in Copa Americana.

The University of Memphis is hiring a Director of Student Affairs Learning and Assessment.

You ever have a talk with a friend and think “this person understands me perfectly” when others don’t or don’t even bother to try? I had such a talk yesterday. Thank you for the talk, you know who you are.

I’ll be out someplace after work, location TBD. Maybe will do a second post too.

I will say it one more time… crawfish boils at Max’s Sports Bar are the BEST crawfish boils. Look at the size of this bad boy! You might as well call him Lobster Jr. They absolutely loaded me up with crawfish, taters, corn, and sausage. It was so good that I borrowed a move from the Nuh-Uh Girl and went back for a second box!

My new Foursquare/Swarm friend Katie (not Mac) said, “If you want to try something really good, throw some Brussels sprouts in the crawfish boil next time.” Yum! Yep, I’m that one weird guy who likes Brussels sprouts.

Then my friend Rachelle said, “Throw some green beans in there too.”

And all the way from New York City, Robo added, “Throw some artichoke hearts and fresh garlic in there too.” Fine, Robo, just don’t bring the karaoke machine to the party.

Then Seth from Best Memphis Burger said to put some pineapple chunks in as well. Pineapple and crawfish? I’ll take his word for it, but it’s something I would never have thought to do.

Thanks to Max and the crawfish crew for a wonderful Sunday afternoon. Not only were the crawfish great, but so was the crowd. Everyone was so mature and well-behaved.

On to the news. Spindini is having a beer dinner Thursday, June 30. I took a photo of the poster as I was walking home from the Farmers Market Saturday. Here are the details (click for a larger size).

The Salty Dogs running group is doing one lap of the trolley tracks this evening. They depart from Bardog at 7 PM and it is free to participate. After the run there are specials in the Underdog Room. Good practice for the Breakaway-Bardog 5K coming up in August.

The Dirty Crow Inn is adding a patio and they hope to have it ready for this coming weekend.

My friend Sarah is hosting Abstract & Ales Painting Night Co-Motion Studio in Crosstown Friday evening. The class is about the freedom you can explore with different colors, brushes, strokes and tools. No previous painting experience is necessary. The event is BYOB, but if enough people are interested they may have a local craft beer bar.

At Redbirds games, you can now sit in the “Owner’s Seats” without being the owner. For $75 you get a padded seat right next to the dugout. You also get access to a full buffet in the Home Plate Club, plus you get in-seat food and beverage service through the 7th inning including beer, wine, soft drinks, water, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, cotton candy, and pretzels and cheese. If you want to get out of the heat you have access to Press Level Suite Number 20, and if you buy your ticket in advance you can get your photo made on the field. 901-721-6000 to order tickets.

I just have no words for what happened in Orlando yesterday morning. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Just completely senseless.

I’m not feeling real well so I’m not sure I will be out anywhere after work. Back tomorrow with more news.

Most Saturdays I go to the Memphis Farmers Market. I’m not a big purchaser of produce but I do love the food trucks. The tandoori truck is my favorite and this week they had something I have been dying to try: Bison kabobs. These were ground meat bison patties with your choice of rice or naan. I found a table under the pavilion in the shade and chowed down.

I was short on time but there’s a popsicle vendor if you need dessert.

If you want to be a true Downtowner and start early, Earnestine & Hazel’s opens at 10 AM. Clarence’s bar is the new place to be after the market.

Back tomorrow with more news.

Today AutoZone Park will host the Rally Against Fear in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi Meredith March Against Fear. 50 years ago today, James Meredith, the first African-American to enroll at Ole Miss, led a march from Memphis to Jackson, MS to show that African-Americans were still disenfranchised and treated as second-class citizens despite the passage of two civil rights bills. Meet at AutoZone Park between 11 and noon, with a noon march to the National Civil Rights Museum, followed by a rally program on the museum grounds with live music, a keynote speaker, and more.

Max’s Sports Bar is bringing back crawfish tomorrow, Sunday, June 12. Doors open at 1. I went to their last crawfish boil and can personally vouch that this is the real deal. Some crawfish boils can be hit or miss, but Max’s is a hit every time. Hmmm… B-RAD I may have to take a break from your bar for an hour Sunday.

The Gibson Guitar 5K is tonight on Lt. George W. Lee Avenue.

The Justice for All Ball benefiting Memphis Area Legal Services will be at the Halloran Centre October 15. MALS has provided legal advocacy to those who need it for almost 50 years. This will be a superhero-themed event with black tie (and cape) optional. Live music, silent auction, more. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Lauren at 901-527-4673.

Felicia Suzanne’s has gone fast casual for outdoor lunch on Fridays, the CA’s Jennifer Biggs reports.

The Flyer now has its Hangover Helpers story online. The fried tacos at Maciel’s? Yes! They will change your life.

The Dirty Crow Inn has started a happy hour from 4 to 7 PM Mondays through Fridays. $1 off all beer, all wine, all wells, and a few select spirits.

Earlier this week, I posted that I realize it’s time to stop Feeling the Bern and get behind Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Still, though, I have to admit this is damn funny:

Maybe we should have members of Congress wear NASCAR jackets which tell us who is sponsoring them.

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 10, 2016

Dance music prodigy NGHTMRE spins at the New Daisy tonight at 10. Tickets $7.40-$25.

There will be fireworks after the Redbirds game tonight (first pitch 6:35) with the first 1500 fans getting a replica Redbirds jersey (gates 5 PM). There will be a block party and baby races before the game. There is a special ticket you can buy to get a Yadier Molina garden gnome.

I enjoyed my first trip to The Pub at the Brass Door last night. It was a very soft opening of the former Mad Earl space and it was wonderful to be greeted by Seamus and Diamond Dave. Our Moody Ques teammate Rick is behind the bar, so stop by and see him. “We don’t have PBR,” he told me, and then followed up with the word I wanted to hear, “…yet.”

Farmers Market, Bardog, Maciel’s, Blind Bear and Max’s Sports Bar are all on my agenda today. Last night I did the Dikembe Mutombo finger wag at Max’s. It’s gonna be a hot one but the heat isn’t going to stop me. WEEKEND!

I would like to ask every one of my readers to click the link below and read it all the way through, and also read this post all the way through even though it may be a bit uncomfortable.

An open letter by the victim of the Stanford sexual assault

In case you haven’t heard, former Stanford swim team member Brock Turner was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman he met at a party. He dragged her outside and assaulted her behind a dumpster for several minutes before being chased off by two Swedish men riding bikes. He could have received a maximum of 14 years for his crime. However, he came from money and his father hired a high-dollar attorney who made the victim re-live the horrible assault on the stand, questioning her credibility and promiscuity and generally making her feel worthless. The prosecutor recommended a lenient sentence of only one year, and the judge was even more lenient and sentenced Turner to six months. With good behavior he will be a free man before Labor Day.

I think that is disgusting.

My blog draws hundreds of readers a day, and although my stats tracker doesn’t break down demographics by gender, I think it’s safe to assume that about 50% of my readers are men. Given the number of people who read this blog, it’s probably safe to also assume there are men reading this who have the potential to commit a rape or sexual assault in the future. I beg you, please, please, please don’t. When you do that to a woman, you are emotionally scarring another living being for the rest of her life. She will never be able to get away from the sense of helplessness and powerlessness that you caused her to feel. Please read the letter I linked above and get a sense of what a woman goes through emotionally and physically as a result of this crime.

I have been debating whether to write about this issue every day this week. As early as Wednesday I had it in my daily news update posts and then deleted it. It just didn’t seem appropriate to include this in between who’s playing Loflin Yard and what bobblehead the Redbirds are giving away. However, as someone who is a shaper of public opinion, I feel a responsibility to write about what happened at Stanford. I feel like I’m part of the problem if I don’t write about it. Sorry for bringing up a subject that most of us would rather not discuss, but it is an issue that must be discussed or this kind of thing will continue to happen.

Massive respect to Vice-President Joe Biden for his open letter to the courageous young woman who survived the assault.

Massive respect to USA Swimming for banning Brock Turner for life. I sure as hell do not want this piece of garbage representing my country.

There’s a website where you can sign a petition to recall Judge Aaron Persky who handed down the extremely light six-month sentence.

If a woman ever discloses to you that she suffered a sexual assault or rape, the two most helpful things you can say to her are “I believe you” and “It wasn’t your fault.”

I did a news update this morning, so keep scrolling if you want to know what’s going on around town today. I may do another news post after work. Sorry to go off on a tangent but I just find this matter sickening and couldn’t keep quiet any more.