Category: Uncategorized

Those who say “There’s nothing for kids to do Downtown” need to check out Saturday’s calendar:

• SciPlay at Tom Lee Park celebrates National Rivers Month 10:00-11:30 AM
• Mini Museum of Monstrous Mayhem, presented by the Beale Street Monsters Club, at A. Schwab 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. Tours, lectures, screenings of A Trip to the Moon (1902; one of my favorite movies!) and Frankenstein (1910)
• “Where the Wild Things Are” chalk walk art party at the Cossitt Library noon-2:30 PM

Fun fact I learned yesterday: Otters have favorite rocks

PRO TIP: Go to Los Comales Downtown (the old Stop 345) when Mexico is playing in the World Cup. Great vibe in that place. I discovered this quite by accident yesterday.

Bardog has $5 Wiseacre Sky Dog Lagers during World Cup matches.

Game: Thwart the cyberattack

Back this weekend with more news.

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I found a debit card on the sidewalk this morning. I left it with the cashier at the nearest business.

Today is National Corn on the Cob Day.

Soul & Spirits has acquired the Memphis Made brand and will soon start serving Memphis Made beer in its taproom. Memphis Made filed for bankruptcy several months ago.

World Cup opening ceremonies are today. Host venues are having to de-brand because the Cup isn’t giving away any free advertising.

Parks and public green spaces have excellent ROIs. A study found that, on average, every $1 investment leads to $3 in economic benefits for the surrounding community.

Chrome users, update your software now.

Boats in the Mud Island harbor caught fire this week due to I-40 repairs.

Mosaic Church brought Commissary BBQ to the Union Mission for dinner last night. They put a personal touch on it by giving each man a homemade deviled egg and a Drumstick ice cream cone. Brother Wes kicked off chapel by telling us, “I’ll have you out of here in 10 minutes.” And he did. Truly Mosaic is the gold standard of partner churches.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Did you know there’s farmland within the Memphis city limits? Yesterday I met an urban farmer who works a plot of land near James Road and Warford.

Many mock NBA drafts have Memphis selecting Cam Boozer with the 3 pick. But what if he’s already off the board by then? Cam’s dad Carlos could influence his employer, the Utah Jazz, to take Cam with the 2 pick. The answer is, the Grizzlies will be just fine, and will still be able to grab a franchise-transforming player.

The Baron von Opperbean immersive experience on Mud Island received 4500 visitors in its first month of opperation. (See what I did there?)

The City Council is looking to hire a legislative analyst.

Today is National Egg Roll Day. Celebrate with lumpia at Filipino snack bar Kuya.

StumbleUpon has returned. It’s a tool for discovering websites.

The schedule is out for South Main Songwriter Fest this weekend.

The idiots on the City Council are standing in the way of AutoZone Park progress. Memphis could lose the Redbirds if council members don’t get their heads out of their asses.

Memphis Tequila Festival happens in Uptown the evening of the 27th.

Mosaic Church is the guest church tonight at the Union Mission. Of all the guest churches, they bring the best food & the biggest portions. Plus they get the chapel service done in 15-20 minutes, which is MUCH APPRECIATED. So I’m staying in tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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The Midtown Blue Monkey is closing after 27 years. June 19 will be its last day.

Seeing Red headlines Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party. Special guest Mattie Pruitt. 6-10 PM. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. Those in VIP get a buffet of Beef Wellington puffs, spicy beef empanadas, beef kabobs, and a crudite tray.

Watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind on the big screen at the Orpheum Saturday.

The Halloran Centre welcomes John Violinist on Sunday.

The Flying Saucer will sell grilling aprons the night of the 17th. Perfect gift for Father’s Day on the 21st.

NBA Finals Game 3: SAS at NYK, 7:30 tonight/ABC. Knicks lead 2-0.

Robusto by Havana Mix, one of Jon Taffer’s most successful Bar Rescues ever, is hiring a humidor associate (cigar concierge), a bartender, and a barback.

Thank you to all of you who showed me kindness one way or another this past weekend. You made me feel very loved. I appreciate it.

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

Max’s Sports Bar will be opening early for every single US match in the World Cup. $3.50 Budweiser bottles “Long Necks of Liberty” special during the US games.

Tennessee’s ban on THCA products goes into effect July 1.

The quirkiest city in every state

• AR: Hot Springs
• MS: Vicksburg
• TN: Gatlinburg

Walking in Memphis in High Heels lists places to go for dinner and drinks for a girls’ night out. Downtown: Tonica, Felicia Suzanne, Good Fortune Co., Paulette’s

Bardog now has a Bloody Mary bar downstairs for brunch.

The annual city vs. county softball game will take place at AutoZone Park Friday, June 19 4:30-6:30 PM.

Framed art was stolen from a home in the area of Riverside and Georgia, presumably by a delivery person.

A community celebration called DA FREE JUNT is coming to 272 S. Main next Sunday.

SaborCaribe has a new Venezuelan veggie burger: Fresh veggie patty, crispy potato sticks, avocado, cheese, coleslaw. Served with fries.

The National Conference of American Indians meets Downtown this week.

J Woods Sports Bar seeks a kitchen manager.

I want a slice of key lime pie.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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The Farm Table, formerly Farm Market Co-op at 300 S. Main, is no more. The storefront has been emptied out. It was a good idea in the wrong neighborhood. Its healthy foods and eco-friendly products would have sold like gangbusters in Midtown. Down here, that stuff is too much of a niche market.

NBA Finals game 2, Knicks at Spurs, 7:30 tonight, ABC. Knicks lead 1-0.

It’s Margaritaville Night at the Redbirds. The first 1500 through the gate tonight get a complimentary beach towel. It’s Fiesta Friday with $5 margaritas and Dos Equis beer and 2 for $5 street tacos. First pitch vs. Louisville 7:05 PM.

Dinstuhl’s candy store next to the Majestic is now selling chocolate-covered grapes and chocolate-covered pineapples.

Hustle and Dough in the ARRIVE Hotel will have a drag brunch Sunday, June 14.

Earnestine & Hazel’s is doing live music during happy hour Thursdays now. Last night they had Nightshade & Co. That band will be back early Saturday evening on the new patio and then later upstairs.

Filipino snack bar Kuya will be an official vendor at the Memphis Vintage Market Saturday, June 6, noon to seven in Overton Square, 2100 Trimble Place.

There’s a Cash App magic wand now.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies is the Official Game Ball sponsor for the Arena Football team the Memphis Hound Dogs. Memphis has its home opener against Iowa this Saturday. Bring an official game ball to either Aldo’s location for 15% off your dine-in food tab.

There may not be a post tomorrow because I need to meet up with the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry folks when they ride through Court Square about 8:45 and get whatever breakfast they are handing out. Getting a free meal in my belly early will be key to controlling my food costs for the day. Back Sunday if not before.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
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Yesterday I asked an AI agent to explain to me the Robert Smith vs. Morrissey public feud of the mid- and late-1980s. A year ago, I would’ve searched Quora for answers. I wonder if AI will lead to the death of Quora?

Memphis Filling Station will hold its first-ever block party Saturday, June 13. Noon to 7 PM. Live music by Rice Drewery and Paul Crum. Vendor booths. At least 5 food trucks. And, of course, MFS beer.

Weather permitting, Brass Door will show all of Team USA’s World Cup matches in the alley.

SI.com looks at the worst possible outcome for the Grizzlies in the upcoming NBA draft. Please don’t trade the 3 pick!

Next Monday will be LEGO Dino Day at the Cossitt Library. 4:00-5:30 PM.

City Council members want to make the Mud Island Amphitheater ADA compliant so it can get back to hosting concerts.

Today is National Moonshine Day and National Cheese Day.

Memphis Medical District seeks a workforce operations specialist. They also seek a senior employer & talent relations specialist. These positions are grant-funded.

City Market is offering a free fresh watermelon juice with any salad or sandwich order.

Tonight is 1970s Night at the Redbirds. First pitch vs. Louisville 7:05.

If you’re stuck-up please don’t work in the bar/restaurant industry.

I’ll be at Tony and London’s bar at Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight  from 5:00-close. Come hang out and have a Soul Burger. 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
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NBA Finals Game 1, NY Knicks at San Antonio, 7:30 tonight on ABC.

Flying Saucer June burger specials

• Whistle Stop – beef patty, pimiento cheese, fried green tomatoes, Southern style red cabbage slaw, spiced tomato jam
• Grateful Shroom – beef patty, truffle aioli, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, arugula

In other burger news: Did you know Little Bettie, the pizza kitchen inside Wiseacre HQ, makes more than just pizza? They posted their Bettie Melt recently: “A double-patty masterpiece topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, dill pickles, pickled peppers, mustard, and mayo on Texas toast.”

Rootstock Wine Merchants has white wine recommendations for summer.

Just City seeks a development & operations coordinator.

Playa Bowls wants to hire an area director of operations.

Today is World Cider Day.

The Memphis Astronomical Society invites you to late afternoon solar observation 5:30-7:30 Thursday at the Cossitt Library.

I managed to stay out of the Union Mission 5 nights in a row and it’s been wonderful. But I need a shower, a change of clothes, and a good night’s sleep. So this afternoon I will return there. 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

READER Q: Paul, I read your blog and want to support you – but I don’t do Venmo or any of the payment apps in your footer. How can I help?

A: There’s something you can do for FREE. Tell people about me! I don’t have a marketing budget the way corporate blogs like I Love Memphis and Choose901 do. I rely on word-of-mouth.

Trivia Q: Who is the largest individual owner of farmland in the US? Answer is at the end of this post.

The Grizzlies will host an NBA Draft watch party Tuesday, June 23 at 6 PM. Watch the draft on the Jumbotron.

The Brass Door will host a Love Island watch party Wednesday night.

A lot at Riverside and Carolina is drawing complaints for overgrowth and snakes.

Cordelia’s Market hot lunch specials this week

• Tue: Fajitas with green spaghetti
• Wed: Pot roast with spring salad
• Thur: North Shore beef with French fries
• Fri: Fish and chips

My Big Fat Greek Burger is the burger of the week at Momma’s: Angus beef topped with pastrami, cheddar, onion, shredded lettuce, and Thousand Island dressing.

Chase Tyler will bring Southern rock, country, and swamp pop to the Peabody rooftop Thursday 6-10 PM. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. VIPs get a buffet of catfish po’boys, chicken & sausage jambalaya, and beignets.

The Redbirds host the Louisville Bats tonight at 7:05. Our ‘birds sit in a first-place tie with Nashville.

Today is National Leave the Office Early Day. You have to pick up your cat from the vet… remember?

Trivia A: Bill Gates

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

First of all, THANK YOU to two awesome friends who let me crash on their couch last night. I got a full eight hours sleep, and I got it without having to pay six dollars or being forced to sit through an unwanted chapel service.

Let’s rock.

The Grizzlies are hiring a UI/UX developer.

Do you like pie? Then you need to check out Bob’s Bakery in the back corner of Tonica at Front and MLK. It’ll feature a grab & go when it opens later this month. They’ll have quiches too.

Another mention for Memphis’ most haunted dive bar: The Rolling Stones in America by location

Soul food fusion restaurant Sage is hiring a bartender and a server.

PJ Morton will be at River City Records Saturday, June 13 for a meet & greet and merchandise pop-up. Use the link to RSVP and guarantee your spot.

Memphis Pride Fest & the Beale Street parade are this Saturday. Worth a Lyft/Uber to Crosstown Friday night is the big gay dance party.

It’s National Olive Day. Get one (or three) in a martini or Bloody Mary.

Enjoy sunsets at Beale Street Landing every Thursday this month. Flyway beer, Old Dominick cocktails, Hi Neighbor Cafe food. Keri Lee will perform this Thursday.

A double feature of Last Star Fighter and Space Balls will be shown on the big screen at Loflin Yard Thursday night. 6-10 PM with happy hour specials until 7.

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