Category: Uncategorized

This began as a Wednesday post but I didn’t have time to finish it and hit Publish. The Cossitt Library was unexpectedly closed (power outage) and a thunderstorm was threatening to move through any minute, forcing me to hightail it back to the Union Mission for cover.

——-

You wanna know what the hardest part of staying at the Memphis Union Mission is?

For me, it’s walking past the Wendy’s at Danny Thomas and Washington and seeing they have the Triple Berry Frosty for a limited time and not stopping in to get one.

Really, though, the desserts served in the Mission dining room with dinner are not bad at all. Some recent examples:

• Chocolate mint cake with chocolate chips
• A cinnamon roll with lots of yummy icing
• 5 Oreos – and the guy next to me didn’t want his, so, 10 Oreos. That was a good day.

I’m going to get one of those Frostys before summer ends, though. Maybe this Sunday…. And now, on to the news.

Ja Morant’s second signature sneaker will be out in October, just in time for the NBA regular season.

There’s an emergency need for Type O blood right now. Make an appointment at Vitalant to donate.

There were 22 arrests in MPD’s “Saturday Night Live” traffic crackdown last week. The effort focused on the intersection of B.B. King and Gayoso. Charges included DUI, disorderly conduct, and possession of a stolen gun.

Today (which was Wednesday when I typed this) is National Hot Dog Day.

Leadership Memphis seeks a President and CEO.

———

That’s what I got done before the thunderstorm. And now, here’s the rest of the Wednesday news and the Thursday news.

CodeCrew seeks a Director of Development.

Ingrid Andress has announced she’s going into rehab after singing the national anthem drunk at Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby.

The Downtown Sheraton Hotel is hiring an Assistant Director of Finance.

Ars Technica explores why major earthquakes occur in the middle of the U.S.

That’s it for today… and yesterday.

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New Orleans-style restaurant Ben Yay’s has some awesome new drink specials, and here’s the cool thing- you don’t have to show up a particular day of the week or during the narrow window of a happy hour to get them. They’re OPEN TO CLOSE, EVERY DAY:

(Click image to view it in a larger size.) Ben Yay’s is on the Main Street Mall between Monroe and Union.

This morning I learned what “puff paint” is: It consists of

• Elmer’s glue
• Shaving cream
• Food coloring

My friend showed me a picture of an ice cream cone her 7-year-old painted at vacation Bible school with puff paint. “The paint stays soft even after it dries,” she said.

Grind City Brewing will host Harry Potter trivia Wednesday at 6:30, and they’ve brewed Butterbeer and Poly Juice Potion for the occasion. $50 gift cards for 1st place and for best dressed team. $25 gift card for second place and a six-pack for third.

Blind Bear specials this week 

• Tomato basil soup
• Philly cheesesteak tortellini
• Citrus honey glazed chicken breast 
• Molten chocolate mini layer cake 

The team redeveloping 100 N. Main wants some more money… $1.8M of it.

Wiseacre seeks a front-of-house manager.

The Downtown Sheraton Hotel seeks an associate director of events.

Central Station Hotel is hiring a general manager.

The Redbirds will be back in town Friday, hosting the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 PM. The first 1500 fans will get a vintage-inspired snapback rope hat. There will be inflatables and face painting for kids on the left field bluff.

A cave has been discovered on the moon. It or others like it could be used as a base for astronauts in the future.

Birdie’s is closed through Wednesday as they upgrade their golf simulators. They’ll open again Thursday morning.

From Vox: How computers made poker a game for nerds

The Trumpster has made his veep pick: 39-year-old Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio. It’s believed Vance will appeal to voters in the Rust Belt swing states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.

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Folks, we lost two TV icons over the weekend. RIP sex doctor Dr. Ruth and fitness guru Richard Simmons.

And another one – Shannon Doherty. “Brenda” from 90210. It always happens in threes.

Vegan restaurant RawGirls is closing August 1 as its owners plan to leave Memphis.

The MLB Home Run Derby is tonight and it has a new format. 7 PM on ESPN.

POLITICO Playbook reports that the Trumpster will shift to a message of unity at the Republican convention this week. Ever the showman, Trump understands that his assassination attempt survival opens the door for a sympathy play.

I’ll make an outlandish veep prediction – Joe Manchin, senior senator from good ole West Virginny and DINO (Democrat In Name Only), completes his heel turn on his party this week and becomes the Trumpster’s running mate.

The urban burrito bike ministry that rides Saturday mornings and hands out food to the hungry had a supersized delegation this week. They were joined by Houstonians displaced by Hurricane Beryl.

Diamond Baseball Holdings, parent company of the Memphis Redbirds, seeks a marketing manager.

First Horizon seeks a marketing coordinator.

The heat index will approach the danger level of 105 today and tomorrow. Stay cool, everyone.

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The Trumpster was shot at Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet is believed to have grazed his ear, but he is fine. The Secret Service piled on top of Trump, protecting him, and the apparent shooter was killed.

The attempt happened just two days prior to the Republican National Convention, where the Trumpster will be named their nominee. We’ll also learn who Mr. Tangerine Man has picked as his vice-presidential running mate.

Memphis Soul Remedy, a band made up of doctors, nurses, and other lifesavers, headlines Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party.

The DM has a gallery of yesterday’s pole-vaulting competition on Beale.

S’mores-flavored ramen is a thing

Beale Street Bears looks at potential Grizzlies starting units.

Useful: 35 phrases to set boundaries firmly and fairly

Back tomorrow.

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Congratulations to Makeda’s Cookies, which has plans to expand to Atlanta in 2025. Visit Makeda’s Downtown Memphis location at 301 Jefferson.

The federal government is coming through with a huge grant to replace the I-55 Mississippi River bridge at Memphis. The new 55 bridge would be slightly south of the existing one.

Moneybagg Yo is opening a restaurant in the ReNew Riverview (99 N. Main) apartment building. It’ll be open for lunch and dinner.

It’s National French Fry Day. The Brass Door (where they’re called “chips”) and Flying Saucer would be my recs to celebrate.

Elmwood Cemetery will host a Memphis music history tour the afternoon of Saturday, July 21. $20 to attend.

Soulsville Foundation seeks a development manager.

Short on time today, gotta go.

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I stopped by Flying Saucer yesterday and had a Hi-Wire Vietnamese coffee beer.

At 8% ABV, it’s a beer that packs a punch.

While at the Saucer, I got the schedule for Belgian Beer Week next week.

There’s a beer on the Saucer’s Just Landed board called Tripping Animals Hop & The Penguins. Sounds like the name of a British Invasion band from 1966. A band that would’ve fit in with the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields”/“Penny Lane” era and Pink Floyd during the Syd years.

KIX 106 Country on Beale returns tonight with Elvie Shane and Kylie Morgan. Free all-ages show in Handy Park. 7:30.

Sunset Jazz returns to Court Square Sunday with Stephen M. Lee from 6 to 8 PM. There will be food trucks and door prizes. You can bring blankets and lawn chairs.

The Hi Neighbor Cafe, under the wooden pavilion in Tom Lee Park near the Huling Avenue entrance, has new hours: 12 noon to 8 PM.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers will host Arkansas State on December 8 at FedExForum.

The City of Memphis seeks a Creative & Cultural Economy Director.

Today is National Mojito Day.

If you happen to live in a city that has 7-Eleven locations, it’s also Free Slurpee Day. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

North Main brewery Soul & Spirits will have its 2nd annual book fair Saturday, August 10.

Action News 5 has a look at yesterday’s Alley Dayz event and how it’s part of the Downtown safety plan.

Craig Brewer’s first movie, The Poor & Hungry, is now available for free on YouTube.

That’s it for today. Reminder: There may not be a post tomorrow because I have lunch plans.

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Alley Dayz, “a new event bringing music, vendors, and community spirit to Downtown Memphis,” kicks off tonight (5:30-7:30) in Barboro Alley (halfway between Union and Gayoso) at the intersection of Main. This FREE event features

• A live DJ to keep the energy high
• The opportunity to shop local with Memphis vendors
• Dining deals at nearby restaurants Local on Main, Sage, and Aldo’s Pizza Pies
• Historians who will discuss the neighborhood’s past

Second-round draft pick Jaylen Wells hit the game-winning shot as the Grizzlies beat Philadelphia in Summer League action last night. He had 22 points and 6 rebounds. Lottery pick Zach Edey was given a night off. 

The Grizzlies play the OKC Thunder tonight at 6. Catch the game on NBAtv and the Grind City Media app. 

Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey is now favored to win Rookie of the Year following his stellar NBA Summer League performance vs. Utah Monday night.

Great to hear: Ja Morant has been medically cleared to play. He won’t be in Summer League, of course, so it’ll be a little while before we see him on the court. With Ja, Bane, and JJJ all healthy and Edey joining them, the Grizzlies have the potential to go deep into the 2025 playoffs.

In Olympic basketball news, Team USA plays Canada in an exhibition game at 9:30 PM on FS1. 

Get ready to party in The Edge District, because Memphis Made Brewing Co. celebrates the grand opening of its taproom in The Ravine Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 10 PM with

• Wonderbeer, an American wheat, and other surprises on tap
• Live music by The Wailing Bansheees, Johnny & The Seagulls, Macrophonics, and Subteens
• Food trucks: Smoke and Toast, New Wing Order, and MemPops

WREG talked to the victim who was allegedly stabbed by Downtown resident Karl Loucks. Loucks has been charged in the killing of another homeless man near Court Square. I have seen the stabbing victim, Brandon Kinney, around the area for months, and he is about as quiet and gentle a man as you could ever encounter. He never causes anyone a problem.

Blind Bear will host a charity poker tournament benefiting the Shelby County Veterans Court Foundation Saturday, August 17 at 3 PM. Food and drink specials, parking garage discounts. Local businesses: Sponsorships are available for this event.

Because one of my readers likes hippos: Pablo Escobar’s abandoned hippos are wreaking havoc in the Colombian jungle. The hippos, which are not native to South America, have multiplied from 4 in the late 1990s to more than 100 today.

Wedding professionals: The James Lee House is hosting an event for you Wednesday, July 24 from 4 to 6 PM. There will be wine and light bites from the venue’s neighbors Rootstock and JEM. There will be tours of the house and its suites and you can learn about event rental packages.

Bardog specials for today 

• Fried chicken sandwich – Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce, Brioche bun – 18
• Blackened red snapper over pesto cream penne – 19
• Soup: Lobster bisque 
• Dog: Pepperoncini, red peppers, onion, tomato, spicy mayo 
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine 
• Bourbon pecan pie 
• Banana cake 

DāM-FunK plays a DJ set at Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Hotel Friday night from 9 to 1.

Motley Crüe, RATT, and Bon Jovi will be among the bands whose music is covered by Aquanet on the Peabody rooftop Thursday night.

I’m staying out tonight! I’ll be at Alley Dayz and hope to catch up with friends there. Tentatively I’ll drop by Flying Saucer and Momma’s after that.

I’ll be back tomorrow with more news, but Friday may be a day off from blogging for a very good reason: I’m having lunch with one of my readers!

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Zach Edey had 14 points and 15 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ NBA Summer League opener vs. Utah last night. The Grizzlies lost 97-95 in overtime, but player evaluation and development is what’s important, not the score.

Scotty Pippen Jr. led the Grizzlies with 21 points.

A man accused of killing a homeless man near Court Square a few months ago has now been charged in a June 25 stabbing of another homeless man in the same area.

Congratulations to Muggin Coffeehouse on North Main in Uptown on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

It’s Cow Appreciation Day. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King would be my recommendations to celebrate.

Blind Bear specials this week

• Everybody Loves Elotes soup
• Chicken Milanesa torta
• Spaghetti & meatballs
• Molten chocolate mini layer cake

The Redbirds host the Norfolk Tides tonight at 7:05.

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are making it windy this morning in Downtown Memphis! Be careful out there. I’ll be back tomorrow with more news.

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NBA Summer League gets underway for the Grizzlies tonight as they play the Utah Jazz. Catch the game on the Grind City Media app.

All eyes will be on number 9 draft pick Zach Edey, the 7’4” college Player of the Year who turned down a chance to represent Canada in the Olympics in favor of NBA Summer League. Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer, Memphis’ 2024 second-rounders, are on the roster as well. Other players of note: returning Grizz GG Jackson and Jake LaRavia, Memphian D.J. Jeffries, and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Memphis Hustle coach Jason Marsh will coach the Summer League Grizzlies.

Today is National Ice Cream Sundae Day. Margie’s 901 can help you with that.

Not a big water drinker? The New York Times has a list of foods that will keep you hydrated.

South Main Association will have its July social Tuesday at The Oliver at 7 Vance. Drinks by Old Dominick. Light hors d’oeuvres. Free for SMA members, $20 non-members.

Slider Inn Downtown is having another silent disco Saturday and the theme is Red, White & Blue.

The Memphis Flyer’s summer cocktail festival is this Saturday at The Kent at the corner of Front and Keel. This event is a fundraiser for Volunteer Memphis.

There will be a Memphis Jookin battle tournament Saturday at Premiere Palace in The Edge.

Historic Elmwood Cemetery is staying open late this Thursday until 8 PM. Free to stroll the grounds, no ticket required.

The Cossitt Library will host a Capoeira martini arts class Wednesday evening.

I got to see a Savannah Bananas game yesterday on ESPN. They’re an exhibition comedy baseball team,, kind of the baseball equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters. They’re pretty fun. Check them out if you’re get a chance.

Now that I think about it, I watched the Savannah Bananas while being served by Hannah Banana.

Who else is savoring these last few Sundays of good sports TV before the boring-ass NFL makes its return?

That’s all for now. I’ll be back with more tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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Get ready for a wet week. Remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which slammed into Mexico over the weekend, are expected to track through Memphis Monday and Tuesday. Several inches of rain are expected.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. is closing its Cooper-Young taproom to prepare to move to The Edge… and Saturday they’re throwing a closing party at the C-Y location. The lineup:

• Jeff Hulett 2-3
• San Salida 3:30-4:30
• Kitty Dearing & The Dagnabbits 5:00-6:30
• Draughts and Laughs comedy show 7:30
• Food trucks: Good Groceries, MemPops

Shots were fired at two locations on Beale Street last night.

Today is Chocolate Day.

Til Death, a show about the turbulence of marriage, comes to the Halloran Centre this Saturday. Tickets are $35-$55.

The Grizzlies are said to be actively trying to trade former lottery pick Ziaire Williams this offseason.

IT’S TIFFY TIME! If you know, you know.

There was a string of car break-ins across from AutoZone Park the night last week the Redbirds had fireworks. People paid $30 to have their car windows smashed. Where was security?

Fireworks set a bush in a planter in front of Flight on fire on the Fourth.

That’ll do it. Back tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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