Paul Ryburn's Journal

Beginning at 5 this evening, Zinnie’s at Madison and Belvedere will hold a fundraiser for our friends Connor Hunt and Brian Coletta who were killed in a car crash early Saturday morning. Every dollar they take in, including tips, will go to Connor’s and Brian’s funerals.

This Saturday, there will be a public memorial for Connor and Brian at Growlers, 1911 Poplar, from 6 to 10 PM. There will be live entertainment by Chris Johnson & Adam Quinn and by DJ Kaz. They will accept donations for the funerals and to take care of the families, or if you prefer you can donate online.

A Cancer Blows benefit concert has been announced for the Cannon Center on Saturday, September 24. Memphis Symphony Orchestra conductor Robert Moody will team up with Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Loughnane (Chicago), Wycliffe Gordon, and former members of Canadian Brass to create a show that will blow cancer away.

The August South Main Social has been announced for Tuesday, August 9 at Good Fortune Co. Come celebrate the Asian noodle/dumpling restaurant’s 1-year anniversary and hear the latest South Main news. Complimentary cocktails and light fare will be provided. Free for South Main Association members, $20 for non-members (join here).

University of Memphis AD Laird Veatch: “Please pay our players.” Even as recently as 5 years ago, you’d never hear a college athletic director say that.

Inches, the taco shop and bar on Harbor Town Square, has a lunchbox special Tuesday-Friday from noon to 4 PM: Two tacos with a drink and a side of chips for $10. They have grilled chicken, grilled steak, grilled pork, and veggie tacos. They also have a grilled chicken Caesar salad with a drink for $10. And they have buy one, get one half-off Inch-a-Ritas (house margaritas).

From the CA: 100 apartments are planned for The Dermon Building, a high-rise at Court Ave. and North B.B. King Blvd. Hey, CA staff: You aware there’s a website called Dank News that is scraping your content?

Michael Donahue of the Memphis Flyer goes on a Mississippi River excursion in this week’s We Saw You.

The West Australian thinks Memphis hotels rock.

Transportation company Bolt has unexpectedly shut down, leaving hundreds of dead e-scooters on the streets of major U.S. cities.

In related news, Morning Brew reported that Bird, which operates many of the scooters in Downtown Memphis, went public last year at a company valuation of $2.3 billion. Now it’s worth $135 million, a loss of 94%. I will freely admit I take pleasure in seeing those stupid scooters fail.

Today is Grab Some Nuts Day. I swear I’m not making this up.

If you paid your MLGW bill on Tuesday, August 2, you might wanna check your bank statement.

Memphis Heritage is hosting a Sip and Save from 5-7 this evening at the James Lee House, 690 Adams. Sip a drink, have a bite to eat, and learn how you can help preserve more Victorian-era mansions like the James Lee.

I got out to my usual happy hour spots for the first time in 12 days yesterday and got caught up on the gossip… and, man, there was plenty of it. The times, they are a-changin’. My legs could probably stand a day off, but I want to get a different person’s perspective on all that is going on, so out I will go again today. Back tomorrow with more news.

Time to stock up on groceries! A 30-day tax holiday in the state of Tennessee began yesterday. It applies specifically to food and food ingredients, but not to alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, or prepared food. Here’s a list of what qualifies.

There will be a Blue Note Bourbon tasting at happy hour at Belle Tavern this Friday from 5 to 8. There will be specialty cocktails, tastings, and flights made with Big River Distilling (maker of Blue Note) products. There will also be giveaways and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Blue Note team members will be at the tavern to discuss tasting notes.

If you commute to Arkansas, expect longer travel times the next three weeks. Routine inspection of the I-55 bridge (“the old bridge”) will be happening.

Friday will be one of my favorite TV-watching days as ESPN8: The Ocho returns. It’s a celebration of “sports” that receive less coverage than the big ones, including

• Corgi races
• Spikeball
• Pickleball
• Bed races
• River stone skipping
• eSkootr championship
• Air hockey championship
• Red Bull Paper Wings paper airplane championship
• Kickball
• Axe throwing
• Wiffle ball
• Tag
• Pogo
• SuperHole (so many jokes to be made here)
• Dodgeball
• Slippery steps
• Air guitar

Here’s the complete schedule for The Ocho. Because all times are Eastern, the corgi races actually start at 11 PM Thursday our time. Gonna be a fun day of TV watching.

Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza will make a permanent return to the menu this fall. The company’s CEO hinted that other discontinued items could return as well. Enchirito, please! But do it right, with the black olives on top!

The DM has a look at the Memphis AF mol-e-que burrito from The Dynamic Duo food truck, and it lists a reason Downtowners should support the truck: One half of the Duo was a server at recently-closed Rizzo’s. Catch the truck at the Memphis Farmers Market Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM.

The Brass Door will be closed today and tomorrow for some behind-the-scenes maintenance. They’ll be back open for Thursday lunch.

ABC 24 has a look at Lucky Cowboy, the new bar in the basement of 409 South Main. It will offer theme night and a weekly rotating menu.

UGH: Sweltering heat index returns to parts of the Mid-South. A Heat Advisory will be in effect from noon to 8 PM today, with a feels-like temperature of 107 possible. Good news though: The MemphisWeather.net extended forecast (Thursday-Monday) has predicted highs only near 90-lower 90s with a chance of thunderstorms every day.

Yesterday was a good day for me. My legs have been so bad that I’ve stayed home many days of the past 12, and when I did get out it would be places very close to home like Walgreens and Bardog. Yesterday I made it to Silly Goose, Blind Bear, and back home without experiencing any fatigue. I’m not completely healed, but I’m better. I’ll be at Blind Bear for happy hour today and I’ll stick around for Pop Culture Trivia with Velvetina at 7:30. Back tomorrow with more news.

Downtowners woke up to some very sad news when they checked social media yesterday morning,

Rest in peace Connor and Brian. Your smiles, your talent for making mischief, and your huge personalities will be missed.

Connor was a general manager for Tandem Restaurant Partners. Brian bartended primarily at Zinnie’s, sometimes picking up shifts at other locations like Ben-Yay’s and Sugar Grits. They were apparently killed in a single-car crash early Saturday morning near I-240 and Chelsea.

I can’t believe they will never again walk through the door while I’m sitting at the bar at Silly Goose or Blind Bear. I’ll be thinking of you as I root for the Hogs this fall, Connor. Brian even got me to root for the Atlanta Braves one time.

News came in of a couple of celebrity passings Sunday as well. Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek series, has died at age 89. Interesting fact: Nichols was not going to return for the show’s second season. In a chance meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she mentioned that to him. He was a big fan of the show and talked her into coming back.

Basketball lost one of its all-time legends this weekend as Bill Russell passed away at 88. The Boston Celtics center was an 11-time NBA champion and the first Black head coach in the league. He was also an Olympic gold medalist in basketball (Melbourne, 1956) and one of only two NBA players to grab 50+ rebounds in a single game.

Better run to Walgreens and stock up now: Hershey warns of a candy shortage this Halloween

ALSAC St. Jude YOU will meet at the Renasant Convention Center toward the end of this week. This organization encourages college students to embrace their individuality while “Leading Together for St. Jude.”

War on the Catwalk comes to the Orpheum this Sunday. Drag queens from around the world will perform on stage. Tickets start at $33 and there’s a $203 VIP ticket that includes a meet & greet and autograph session with the queens.

I wonder if the queens who perform a couple of blocks away at Atomic Rose for Sunday brunch will walk over to the Orpheum and be all like, “You’re on my turf, bitch”? Now that would be a war on the catwalk I’d like to see!

Reels on the River: Denzel & Chill happens at Fourth Bluff Park Saturday night at 8. This is the first of a 4-week movie series featuring titles

• Inside Man
• Safe House
• Deja Vu
• The Equalizer

Lawn chairs and blankets will be welcomed and food trucks will be on site. Please note that tickets need to be purchased in advance and that three of the four movies in the series are rated R.

Grind City Brewing Co. will hold an ’80s silent disco this Friday from 7 to 10. Tickets are $15.

The Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival happens this Saturday at the Liberty Bowl. Tickets are $40+tax and include a souvenir glass and beverage sampling. Chicken vendors (Abner’s, Gus’s, That Chicken Man, Sauced by Will Smith, Smurfey’s Smokehouse) will sell $2-$5 snack-sized portions of their food. Proceeds will benefit Merge Memphis, a nonprofit which helps underserved women live in dignity in peaceful surroundings.

There will be an inflatable archery hover ball game this Saturday at Bass Pro at the Pyramid. I have no idea what that means, but it sounds fun. Perhaps it’s similar to Quidditch?

The Genre Memphis at 200 Poplar is teaming up with Yoga Kickback for a play day this Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. Tickets ($35 in advance, $45 at the door) get you a 45-minute yoga class, one complimentary drink, access to a Memphis charcuterie board, and a DJ. If you want to keep partying, a cash bar will be available. YOGA!

Bardog has several different sauces in bottles that you can put on your food. I discovered a new one this past Saturday:

This sauce has the flavor and heat of jalapeno peppers, yet it’s creamy enough to take the edge off. I had it on calamari but it’d be good on fries and chicken tenders too. Plus, my troll liked it because it’s the same color as her hair. My new favorite hot sauce at Bardog.

My legs are starting to feel better, and I’m going to attempt to return to my normal routine today. I haven’t been to two of my favorite spots in 12 days! I have missed them. Back tomorrow with more news.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds have announced that Yadier Molina will remain in Memphis through Sunday on a rehab assignment. Yadi was designated hitter in Thursday night’s game, batting second. Let’s look at what’s going on at today’s and tomorrow’s games.

Saturday (first pitch 6:35)

• When you buy a $17 field box ticket, you get a $10 concessions credit
• The first 1500 kids 12 and under receive a free Junior Fire Marshal helmet, courtesy of The Hartford which is celebrating 75 years of fire safety education
• A specialty ticket gets you a replica of the 2006 World Series trophy (Yadi was on that team, and the catcher’s mask he wore for the Series is in the Baseball Hall of Fame)
• Fireworks after the game

Sunday (first pitch 2:05)

• The 2006 World Series trophy specialty ticket will return
• $10 field box and dugout tickets
• Kids 12 and under get a Prairie Farms ice cream treat
• Kids run the bases after the game

Edible Memphis reports that Helena, Arkansas’ Delta Dirt Distillery’s sweet potato vodka will hit the streets of Memphis soon.

As for Downtown Memphis’ distillery, Old Dominick, it’ll have a Service & Sip on Thursday, August 11. Participants will divide into teams and give some of the streets of Downtown Memphis a badly-needed cleaning. After that, everyone will reunite at Old Dominick, where each participant will get a free drink ticket. Feast & Graze will provide snacks.

Today is the last day of early voting in Shelby County.

If watching TBD vs. TBD in freezing cold weather is your thing, you can buy a ticket to the Liberty Bowl beginning Monday. The game is December 28 at 4:30 PM. Most years the bowl features an SEC team vs. a Big 12 team.

We now know what that ancient relic stolen from the Belz Museum was: The CA reports it was a 250-year-old white jade teapot. A man took the teapot Sunday. The museum was closed at the time.

While you were paying upward of five bucks a gallon at the pump, Exxon recorded $17.9 billion profit for Q2 2022, up from $4.7 billion for Q2 2021. Doesn’t that make you want to buy an electric car? Or a bus pass?

It’s National Cheesecake Day. Cheesecake Corner on G.E. Patterson is the place to celebrate.

Tonight’s the Machine Gun Kelly Wing Ding at Blind Bear.

Singer-songwriter Bri Marie plays the front porch of South Point Grocery today from noon to 2.

Comma Comedians come to the Clover Club at B.B. King and Court tonight, headlined by Dedrick Flynn.

WWE SummerSlam broadcasts live from Nashville today. Interesting note: WWE has been holding open tryouts in Nashville all week. None other than former NBA center Dwight Howard stopped by for a tryout. At 36, he’s past his prime in the NBA, but in pro wrestling, prime years tend to be 35-42. He’d be a natural heel who has the size and who could draw some money.

That’s it for this post. Back tomorrow.

RAIN! What a welcome sight in Shelby County. However, the downpour is postponing my morning trip to Walgreens, so I’m making this post without caffeine. I’m not awake enough to proofread, so please forgive any grammar or spelling errors.

The Memphis Tigers released their men’s nonconference basketball schedule for 2022-2023. Mid-December is going to be important for the Tigers. On the 10th, Memphis plays Auburn (NET ranking:13) in a neutral-court game. Three days later, the Tigers are at Alabama (32), and on the 17th they host Texas A&M (36). The Tigers can pad their resume with two or more wins that week.

It’s South Main Trolley Night. Many of the shops and galleries in the South Main Arts District will stay open until 9 or later tonight for your shopping pleasure. Some will have special discounts. Some will put out appetizers, beer, and wine for your enjoyment. Best of all, the weather will cooperate. MemphisWeather.net predicts a high of ONLY 90 today.

Mia Nicholls, Amber Rae Dunn, Patrick McGee with Joe Matthews, and Dutch Vanderpool play Trolley Night at South Main Sounds, 550 S. Main, tonight from 7 to 9.

NoBasis, a clothing store offering “self-expression through fashion,” opens Saturday at 65-A Monroe. That’s in the building across Monroe from the Shrine Building and just to the west of the Little Tea Shop and Bardog. The store is part of the DMC’s Open on Main program.

Julia Magness, accompanied by pianist Curtis “Big Papa” Jones, plays the Peabody Corner Bar tonight and every Friday from 7 to 10 PM. There’s no cover charge and if you come early, they have happy hour from 4 to 7.

Black Cream performs tonight at Soulin’ on the River in Fourth Bluff Park. The gates open at 6 and music begins at 7. Blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets are welcome. There will be food trucks and a full bar on site.

Beck and Call in the Hyatt Centric has a rooftop brunch this Sunday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM. $40 per person, all-you-can-eat with bottomless mimosas. Seating is first-come, first-served. There’s a dress code but it’s pretty relaxed. They say this is a “first” brunch so apparently this will be a weekly thing. Knowing the crowd that shows up Downtown on Sundays, I give ’em three weeks before they raise the price, discontinue the bottomless mimosas, or discontinue the brunch altogether.

Incumbent DA Amy Weirich, a Republican running for re-election against Democrat Steve Mulroy, appeared on Thaddeus Matthews’ radio show this week. However, her office is currently pursuing charges against Matthews, and legal experts are calling this a conflict of interest.

Chef Meredith Clinton of Black Sheep Catering in 409 South Main chatted with the DM’s Chris Herrington on this week’s Sound Bites podcast.

Today is National Chicken Wing Day.

Tennessee’s sales tax holiday has begun and lasts through the end of the day Sunday. Avoid paying sales tax on clothing and essential school items up to $100 and computers up to $1500. Here’s the list.

The Green Beetle food truck will be at Health Sciences Park for Food Truck Friday today 11:30 AM to 1 PM.

Church Brothers provide live music at Memphis Farmers Market, under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson, tomorrow.

Rolling Stone released its list of the top 200 dance songs of all time. “‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life’ by Indeep better be in there,” I thought. It was number five. I recently got that song added to one of the Silly Goose’s playlists.

And away go your troubles
Down the drain
I said, away go your troubles
Down the drain

The DM reports that Emerge Memphis at the corner of Tennessee Street and G.E. Patterson will stop booking and hosting events in its event space. Residents in the area had complained of the events having a negative effect on the neighborhood, including traffic problems, litter, and noise. The venue will go ahead and host the remaining booked weddings per a deal with neighborhood associations but will adhere to a strict 10:30 PM shutdown time.

The Food Network released a guide on where to eat in Memphis. Nearly half the venues listed are either Downtown or have a location Downtown, making this the neighborhood to stay in when serious foodies visit our city. Restaurants named in the guide include Cozy Corner, Arcade, Central BBQ, Gus’s, Dyer’s, Rendezvous, Huey’s, Paulette’s, The Lookout @ The Pyramid, Kooky Canuck, Felicia Suzanne’s, and Terrace at River Inn.

If I have any readers in Texas, look for Wiseacre beer, brewed right here in Downtown Memphis, on your store shelves soon.

From ABC 24: Small business in Memphis packs popular local products in a food box. Need to find a unique gift for someone in another city? Send them a taste of Memphis.

Congrats to the Downtown Memphis Commission’s chief executive Paul Young, who was one of 30 people selected by the International Downtown Association for its Emerging Leader Fellowship program.  The fellows convened in New York City June 5-10.

There’s lots to celebrate today. First of all, it’s National Chili Dog Day. Dyer’s on Beale Street and Max’s Sports Bar are a couple of places where you can observe that holiday.

It’s National Hamburger Day. My top five picks to celebrate Downtown, in no particular order, would be Huey’s, Kooky Canuck, Majestic Grille, Dyer’s, and Earnestine & Hazel’s.

It’s National Milk Chocolate Day. Dinstuhl’s shop next door to the Majestic is the place to go. Milk chocolate > dark chocolate. Fight me.

It’s also National Refreshment Day. May I recommend the PBR?

A suspect in an April 28 murder on Beale Street has been arrested in Miami.

Action News 5 reports that construction on Tom Lee Park has reached the halfway point.

Metal is Magic returns for Whet Thursday: After-Hours at the Metal Museum tonight from 6 to 8. There will be metalsmithing demonstrations and the museum and gift shop will be open.

Worth a field trip outside Downtown: Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells will be on the big screen tonight at Studio on the Square at 7 PM.

DJ EPIC headlines tonight’s Peabody rooftop party from 6 to 10 PM.

Get a sneak peek at the Lucky Cowboy speakeasy in the basement of 409 S. Main tomorrow for Trolley Night. Check their Instagram account before you go for the password.

That’s it for now. It looks like some most welcome rain is about to move through Shelby County this morning. If my legs feel up to it, I will attempt to return to my usual happy hour spots this afternoon. Back tomorrow with more news.

Cordelia’s Market posted some exciting news yesterday. Las Delicias will serve its fresh recipes from the grocery’s hot bar every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM. Today’s menu includes

• Steak fajitas
• Chicken fajitas
• Rice
• Beans

Sarah Spain will play the front porch of South Point Grocery this Friday for Trolley Night 6-8 PM. South Point invites you to grab a sandwich or a single-serve beer from inside and come hang out. Sarah studies creative writing at the University of Memphis and is a vocal instructor at the School of Rock.

The 901 Student Passport, providing free admission to museums and galleries local school-age children and a parent or guardian, is returning. Through November 30, the passport provides free admission to

• Fire Museum of Memphis
• Museum of Science & History (formerly Pink Palace)
• National Civil Rights Museum
• Memphis Rock & Soul Museum
• Lichterman Nature Center
• Dixon Gallery and Gardens
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
• National Ornamental Metal Museum

The passport program also includes monthly art-in-a-box gifts for families who sign up.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers are headed to the ESPN Events Invitational on Thanksgiving weekend. The eight-team early-season tournament will be held at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Participating teams will include

• Florida State
• Memphis
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Ole Miss
• Seton Hall
• Siena
• Stanford

Sounds like a good group of teams – all of the Power Five conferences have a representative along with three other strong basketball programs. The DM reports that Memphis will open against Seton Hall and face either Oklahoma or Nebraska in the second game.

I wonder if the old poots who sit at the corner table at Max’s Sports Bar will make a field trip to Orlando in November? They’ve traveled to the last couple of early-season tournaments. I bet they’re already Googling “where to buy miller lite in orlando” and “asian restaurants in orlando”.

RIP Choco Taco

Downtown ad/marketing agency Archer Malmo is being sold – to its 140 employees. They will receive stock in the company as a retirement benefit. Very cool.

Drew Hill of the DM had an interesting observation this morning in a Daily Memphian subscribers-only Grizzlies mailbag: Ja Morant is entering the stage of his career where he’s likely to sign a shoe deal.

Catherine & Mary’s is hiring a server and a bartender.

A tracker hidden in stolen money helped MPD arrest a man who robbed the Family Dollar on E.H. Crump Blvd. Sunday afternoon.

A valuable Chinese artifact was stolen Sunday morning from the Belz Museum inside the Gayoso House/Pembroke Square complex.

… Speaking of which, Action News 5 has a 5 Star Story about the museum (not the theft).

Action News 5 predicts Memphis will get 2 inches of much-needed rain between Thursday and Sunday.

Krogers in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama will start carrying Arbo’s cheese dip this fall. In addition to the original dip, Queso Blanco and Spicy Original will be available. Arbo’s won’t be in every Memphis location, just Kirby Parkway, Truse Parkway, Poplar Plaza, and Midtown. Don’t forget, Downtowners can get their Arbo’s at Grind City Grocer, 60 S. Main.

The Memphis Redbirds play a home game vs. the Norfolk Tides tonight at 7:05.

Today is National Scotch Day. To celebrate, I recommend you visit Belle Tavern and let the bartender recommend a Scotch.

9:13 AM: A report of a man armed with a gun at Independent Bank (Main and Monroe) just came in.

This Saturday is Wildlife Conservation Family Day at Bass Pro at the Pyramid. From 11 to 3 in the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Center on the 2nd floor, enjoy activities to learn more about our planet, waterfowl, and conservation. This is a family-friendly event.

Been reading about Mac, iPhone, and iPad app development on The Valley of Code this week. It’s maintained by a guy named Flavio Copes who is an excellent teacher.

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

Nine-time Gold Glove-winning catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina is coming to Memphis on a rehab assignment. He’s working through recovery from a knee injury and will rejoin parent team the Cards upon successful completion of his time in Memphis. He’s projected to start the Thursday and Friday night games this week as the Redbirds take on the Norfolk Tides, Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Let’s have a look at what’s happening at Thursday and Friday’s games:

• $4 field box tickets both nights in honor of Yadi
• Thursday: $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon and $1 hot dogs. The Redbirds will take the field in their throwback Memphis Chicks uniforms
• Friday: There’s an all-you-can-eat specialty ticket that gets you a buffet of soft tacos and fixings (lettuce, salsa, tomatoes, shredded cheese), hot dogs, chips, soda, and water

First pitch for both games is 7:05. If you can’t wait for Yadi to get to town to take yourself out to the ball game, there’s a game at 7:05 tonight, also against Norfolk, where every ticket includes a free order of ballpark nachos.

Yadi turned 40 the week before last, so this could very well be your last opportunity to see him in Memphis before he rides off into retirement and probably the Hall of Fame.

Memphis City Beautiful is teaming up with the Memphis Grizzlies to organize a Slam Dunk Litter League for September and October. Teams will be organized by City Council district and registration ends August 19. Prizes for top teams:

• First place: $1500 from I Love Memphis and tickets to see a Grizzlies game in Mayor Strickland’s suite
• Second place: $1000 from the Downtown Memphis Commission and tickets to see a Grizzlies game in Mayor Strickland’s suite
• Third place: $500 from cityCURRENT and tickets to see a Grizzlies game in Mayor Strickland’s suite
• Plus winning district team members will receive a Grizzlies swag bag

A 105-unit apartment building will be constructed in The Edge District, the DM reports. It’ll be at 442 Monroe, in the former Holliday Flowers warehouse space, across The Ravine from High Cotton. These apartments, designed to appeal to nearby university students, will come fully furnished with utilities and Wi-Fi included in the rent. The developer has built a similar property in Jonesboro near A-State.

The selfie studio in the basement of 409 South Main has turned into a speakeasy called The Lucky Cowboy. You have to check their Instagram page to learn of events and passwords to get in.

Broke Tall Folk will supply the live music at Dreamers’ Trolley Night at Walking Pants Curiosities on G.E. Patterson Friday evening. Come sit around the table and mingle with Memphis makers and creatives like Sincerely Antionette, KB the Visionary, Enchante 901, AnnaMade Designs, and Retold Jewelry.

My Fair Lady kicks off a week-long run at the Orpheum tonight.

From ZDnet: Apple politely explains why iPhone cases are a waste of money. Good to see Apple agreeing with me on this. The last time I used a case on my iPhone was when I owned a 4s back around 2012.

YUCK!!! Today is World Tofu Day. My recommendation to celebrate would be to take a trip to Memphis Barbecue Co. in Horn Lake for their World Champion Platter: A full slab of their spare and baby back ribs, sausage, pulled pork, turkey, brisket, and two half chickens, with BBQ beans, slaw, and fries. If you’re still hungry after all that, there’s a Golden Corral buffet about a quarter-mile west on Goodman Road.

Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon said he made the decision to retire, announced late last week, about two weeks ago. The Figure Four Newsletter reports he may have had some “help” with that decision. Hush money the company paid to women Vince allegedly had sex with was not reported on SEC filings and regulators had questions.

That’s it for now. I’m going to get out for Bardog happy hour this afternoon. If my legs hold up well for that one, I’ll start returning to venues farther from home later in the week. Back tomorrow with more news.

Belle Tavern, in the intersection of November 6th Street (alley between Main and Second) and Barboro Alley (alley between Union and Gayoso), is hosting a happy hour with Blue Note Bourbon Friday, August 5 from 5 to 8 PM. There will be specialty cocktails featuring the bourbon, and the Blue Note team will be on hand to discuss tasting notes. Tastings and flights will be available, and there will be giveaways and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Most of you have been to a shindig in your lifetimes. Some of you have been to a soiree. I’d venture to guess a few of you have even been to a gala. But how many of you have been to a wing ding? You’ll have your chance Saturday, July 30.

No, a “wing ding” is not named for the Windows font. Rather, it’s a 1920s slang term for a lavish, lively party or celebration. On the 30th, the Blind Bear will have a wing ding in honor of Memphis-born gangster Machine Gun Kelly (born George Kelly Barnes on July 18, 1895; died July 18, 1954; yep, the poor guy died on his birthday). Plans include

• Mario Monterosso 5-piece band 8 PM-midnight
• DJ Tree midnight-2 AM
• Jamie Harmon taking photos 9 PM-midnight – candids and mug shots
• Amurica photo booth 10 PM-12:30 AM

Dress up in your best 1920s gangster or moll (female gangster companion) outfits.

The Daily Memphian has Q&As with incumbent district attorney general Amy Weirich and challenger Steve Mulroy. Early voting in this race (and many others) is ongoing through July 30. Find an early voting location

Please be on the lookout for this lost dog in the South Bluffs/South Main area.

The MBJ reports that Memphis-based Arbo’s Cheese Dip, already carried in 300 locations, is expanding into Texas. Don’t feel like driving all the way there? Pick up a tub of Arbo’s at Grind City Grocer at 60 S. Main inside The Washburn.

YOGA! Petting Zoo Yoga by the River will happen this Wednesday at Mud Island Dog Park from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. This is a free, beginner-friendly class with baby ducks and Broadway the talking, singing parrot. The yoga will be a Vinyasa flow style. The animals are said to be very friendly and will let you pet them. There will be free water and fruit, and kombucha will be available for purchase. Bring your own mat and wear breathable clothing. There will be an option to donate to help keep the animals fed.

Charlie Cope plays the King’s Palace Tap Room tonight from 8 to midnight.

Beef Brochette and Bang Bang Redfish are your entree choices for tonight’s 3-course Monday dinner at Paulette’s.

Congratulations to Memphis Grizzly Desmond Bane, who recently became a father.

Today is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day. Margie’s 901 at 125 S. Main can help you with that.

Today is also National Wine and Cheese Day. My recommendation here would be to visit Downtown Wines & Spirits (on Madison just east of Main) for a nice bottle of wine, then walk about a block and a half south on Main to pick up a cheese board from Feast & Graze.

I’m probably going to stay home today and give my bad legs one more day to heal. Besides, I’m kind of curious to see the first Vince McMahon-less WWE Monday Night RAW ever this evening. Back tomorrow with more news.

Big Cypress Lodge announced this weekend that its patio is officially open for the summer season. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party Friday, July 29 from 7 to 11. DJ Epic will provide the music and there will be cocktails and giveaways. Admission will be $10 at the door.

The Daily Memphian has a story about former Memphis Tigers point-guard Joe Jackson, who is attempting to make a comeback after a rough past several years. Cheers, Joe. Memphis loves you and wants to see you succeed.

Great news in the MemphisWeather.net extended forecast: While much of this week will be as hot as we’ve experienced this past month, toward the end we will get some relief. Highs are expected to be near 90 on Friday and in the upper 80s on Saturday. There is a good chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms both days (50% Friday, 40% Saturday).

Be sure to check on the elderly during this heat. If any of my readers walk down G.E. Patterson this afternoon, could you pop your head in Max’s Sports Bar and ask the people at the corner table by the group photos, “Y’all OK?”

Today is National Tequila Day.

Trap Jazz 901 comes to Carolina Watershed tonight at 7:30.

Flying Saucer hosts Marvel Trivia this Tuesday at 7.

Mississippi musician Denver Massey plays the Tin Roof tonight at 6.

That’s the news for today. I have had a great time at Bardog the past two days, but today I am going to stay home and let my legs rest up. Back tomorrow with more news.