Paul Ryburn's Journal

How ’bout those HOGS!!!! Arkansas defeated Gonzaga last night, 74-68, to advance to the Elite Eight. Gonzaga was the top seed in the entire tournament. Arkansas advances to the regional finals of the West bracket, where they will play Duke in a rematch of the 1994 championship game.

Gonzaga was not the only 1 seed to fall last night. The Houston Cougars took down Arizona last night, 72-60. The Cougs advance to a regional final game vs. Villanova Saturday.

FiveThirtyEight’s NCAA predictions have been updated following last night’s games. Despite being the lower seed, Arkansas is a 51/49 favorite to beat Duke and has a 12% chance of winning a second national title.

Today’s games:

• 15 St. Peter’s vs. 3 Purdue, 6:09 PM, CBS
• 4 Providence vs. 1 Kansas, 6:29 PM, TBS
• 8 North Carolina vs. 4 UCLA, 8:39 PM, CBS
• 11 Iowa State vs. 10 Miami, 8:59 PM, TBS

Desmond Bane dropped in 30 as the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Indiana Pacers, 133-103, last night. That earned the Grizzlies an “x” next to their team name in the NBA standings, indicating that they have clinched a spot in the playoffs. Memphis is now 2.5 games ahead of Golden State in the race for the 2 seed in the West.

It’s South Main Trolley Night! Many of the shops in South Main will stay open until 9 or later and some will have beer and/or wine and/or hors d’oeuvres and/or discounts. Fabulous opportunity to get out and mingle with your neighbors. I’m excited about all the people I’ll see tonight at Trolley Night. Also excited about the person I won’t see! IYKYK!

JD Westmoreland, Paul Crum, Drew Sherrod, and Leo DiSanto play Songwriters Night at South Main Sounds tonight at 7. 550 S. Main.

The stage map for Music Fest ’22, relocated to Tiger Lane, is out.

Tigers freshman Josh Minott has declared for the NCAA draft. He’ll be able to hear what scouts have to say and will have the option of withdrawing before June 1 to maintain his college eligibility.

An R-rated magic show comes to the Halloran Centre on June 3.

Paul Young who runs DMC spoke about Downtown development on Behind the Headlines.

Did you know that today was New Year’s Day up until about 1600? This was the day Jesus was believed to be conceived, 9 months before Christmas.

It’s also International Waffle Day. Why not celebrate by ordering the chicken & waffles at…

… oh, wait, never mind.

Ja Morant will miss 7 of the Grizzlies’ last 9 games with a knee injury. He’s expected to be good for the playoffs though.

Maxwell comes to FedExForum tonight.

Pro wrestling fans: Evil Uno of The Dark Order will perform in Memphis this Sunday. So will Scotty 2 Hotty, Brian Christopher’s former tag team partner. I wonder if Scotty will do The Worm?

That’s the news for this Friday. Going out to brunch here in a bit and later in the day I might stop by Trolley Night. Back tomorrow with more news.

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant came to town last night and the Memphis Grizzlies WHOOPED DAT ASS on national TV, picking up a victory over the Brooklyn Nets 132-120. Desmond Bane broke the Grizzlies’ all-time record for 3-point shots made.

Golden State won last night, so the Grizzlies remain 2 games ahead of them for 2nd place in the West with 9 games remaining.

The Grizzlies return to the home court tonight, hosting the Indiana Pacers at 7:00.

Sweet Sixten action tonight:

• Arkansas vs. Gonzaga, 6:09 PM, CBS. Arkansas is the last SEC team standing. Can they knock off the Zags?
• Michigan vs. Villanova, 6:29 PM, TBS. Can Michigan continue its unlikely run and make the Elite Eight?
• Texas Tech vs. Duke, 8:39 PM. CBS. Will the Red Raiders be the team that throws a retirement party for Coach K?
• Houston vs. Arizona, 8:59 PM, TBS. Although only a 5 seed, a lot of people have the Cougars as a dark horse candidate to win the tournament.

One of the dishes at a recent Enjoy AM wine dinner at Catherine & Mary’s proved so popular that it made it onto the main menu – the tuna with maitake conserva, bresalo, beet and black garlic.

Cupcake Cutie at Main and Pontotoc has added cake cones to the menu.

Pro tip: If you go to Atomic Rose this Friday, you might want to not sit close to the stage. One of the competitors in their War of the Roses drag competition that night is named Angel Fartz. Might be a good idea to give her some space in case she lives up to her name.

Have you wanted to check out the Memphis Chess Club at Madison and B.B. King, but you aren’t a chess player? Friday night is your chance. They will hold trivia night Friday at 6:30. Be sure to try one of their pizzas!

Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer has written a book called The Power of Conflict: Speak Your Mind and Get the Results You Want. It’ll be out May 3 but you can pre-order it on Jon’s website and get a special gift from him. I cannot wait to read this book! Those who know me know that I’m not afraid of conflict in situations where I’m dealing with someone who’s full of shit.

Edible Memphis posted that Black Sheep Meats chef Meredith Garner Clinton will host a pop-up restaurant in the basement of 409 S. Main (the former Puck Food Hall) the next three Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5 to 10 PM. The theme is Chicken, Champagne, and Caviar. They’ll also have house-made chips and a few specialty cocktails.

The CCCD approved a new patio for Soul & Spirits brewery on N. Main.

ALCO Management seeks a Senior Community Manager for Uptown.

It’s a good day to visit Lenny’s: National Cheesesteak Day

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

ESPN is in town today! Their show NBA Today will be broadcast live from FedExForum at 2:00. NBA Countdown will be broadcast from the arena at 6:00, followed by the Brooklyn Nets vs. the Memphis Grizzlies at 6:30.

Unfortunately Memphis will be without the player basketball fans want to see the most. The Grizzlies announced yesterday afternoon that Ja Morant will be held out of the game because of knee soreness.

In better news, the Golden State Warriors are on a 3-game losing streak. That has caused the Grizzlies to gain a 2-game advantage over the Warriors for 2nd place in the Western Conference with only 10 games remaining in the regular season.

One other note – Memphis is 7.5 games ahead of the 7th-place Minnesota TImberwolves. So the Grizzlies are getting close to clinching a playoff spot without having to be in a play-in scenario.

Tonight is Adoptable Pet Night and the first 5000 fans receive a Grizzlies leash.

This Friday will be South Point Grocery’s first-ever South Main Trolley Night, and they will be celebrating with

• Home Point Pastures, a farm in Como, MS that raises grain-fed beef and pasture-raised pork, is hauling their smoker up to South Main and will be handing out samples
• A “Trolley Night Special” sandwich for $5
• South Point Grocery merchandise giveaways

They invite everyone to make the grocery their starting point for Trolley Night – hang out on their front porch from 5 to 7 then go hit South Main!

This Saturday, March 26, Wiseacre will have a German beer pairing featuring Sweet LaLa’s Bakery and Little Bettie at their Downtown location. The end of March marks the end of Bavarian brewing season, and this will be a celebration with delicious German beers. The beer pairing includes some history and a tour of the Downtown brewing facility. Tickets are $30 and space is limited.

YOGA! Yoga on the River with Yoga Kickback returns April 19 and will happen every Tuesday through October (weather permitting) at River Garden, 51 N. Riverside, from 6 to 7 PM. Bring a mat or towel and water to participate in these free classes led by Candace of Yoga Kickback.

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

Opportunity to get your business mentioned in this blog! Tonight I will attend my first Downtown Memphis Association meeting in 15 years. This meeting will be different from a typical one – rather than a formal program, it’s a Downtown Business Expo. Area businesses that are DNA members will exhibit and share information about what they have to offer. It’s at The Avenue Downtown, 10 N. Second St. Suite 104, from 5-7 PM tonight. Free food & beverages while they last.

If you’re one of the exhibitors, and you’d like me to write about you on this blog, feel free to call me over. Just call out, “Hey, Paul!” I have blonde hair down to my shoulders and plan to have on a black V-neck and khaki slacks tonight. I’d be happy to talk to you tonight and write about you later this week.

Not a DNA member, but this business expo sounds like something you want to attend? You still have time to join DNA in time for the meeting. Memberships are only $25/year for individuals and $40/year for families. In addition to free access to the monthly meetings, you get a member discount at select area businesses.

Dangit I forgot to tell Rachel’s Salon I was a member when I got my hair cut last month! That would’ve saved me $3.80. Not a huge amount but it’s enough to buy a PBR at my favorite spots. Well, most of them.

On to the rest of the news…

Blue Note Bourbon will conduct a takeover at Eight & Sand this Thursday from 6 to 9 PM. A special cocktail list, curated by the bar’s staff, will be available for one night only. Reservations not required.

Elmwood Cemetery’s Easter egg hunt returns Saturday, April 2. It’s for kids 2 to 9 years old. The cost per kid is $5 (parents are free) and they should bring an Easter basket or bag to collect candy-filled eggs. This is an all-outdoor event and in the event of rain it will be moved to April 9. Register

The 3rd annual Craft Food & Wine Festival is set for Sunday, June 5 at The Columns at One Commerce Square, 40 S. Main (entrance is on Monroe). Sample a variety of artisan products made locally – including coffee, smoked tuna, dips, dips, meats, breads, beer, tequila, cookies, jams, granola, chocolates, hot sauce, tea, and lots more. Proceeds raised by the festival benefit Church Health Center.

Memphis Chess Club at B.B. King and Madison will host the Bluff City Open April 15 and 16. A total of $2520 in prize money will be awarded, and there will be “longer time controls,” whatever that means. Register online before March 26 to get your early bird discount. Memphis Chess Club members, you’ll want to register in person to get your member discount.

From Memphis magazine: Michael Donahue breakfasts at the Arcade for his latest Classic Dining column.

Dr. Jill Biden, the FIrst Lady, will visit St. Jude this week. Welcome to Memphis, Dr. Biden!

DJ SuperBrad plays the Blind Bear Saturday 10 PM-2 AM.

You and your dogs can enjoy Yappy Hour in The Edge District today beginning at 5:30.

Loflin Yard hosts Marketplace in Motion Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Velvet Mood plays a free live show at Loflin Yard Sunday noon to 3.

Grape. plays the Ghost River taproom on Beale at 7:30 this Saturday.

By the Brewery will have a wine & cheese tasting Thursday 6-8 PM. There will be three types of rosé paired with three types of cheese from Grey’s Fine Cheese and Entertaining. Ross Larson, wine buyer at Joe’s WInes and Liquors, will lead the discussion of the wines.

Today is going to be an interesting and fun day! Getting work done at home until 5 then over to the DNA event. After that I have a birthday party to attend. There will be blackjack & craps tables (playing for prizes, not money, of course) so I may spend some time today studying strategy for those games.

I will probably be out late tonight, so tomorrow’s post may go up a little later than usual.

“Pauly Boy Rules.”

That’s the name under which the new bartender at the Blind Bear enters my tab.

I approve.

I am astonished by how popular Sunday brunch in the Downtown core has become, not just among people who live in the area, but people from all over the city.

In 2015, my usual place for Sunday brunch would be staffed with 1 bartender and 1 barback. The same bar staffed Sunday brunch with 3 bartenders (although I think one of them may have been training), 3 servers, and a food runner, plus two managers got called in to help.

Sundays are my day to sit back and observe people. And I have a theory as to why brunch has become so popular down here.

When I was 9 years old, I’d come to school Monday morning, and one of the other kids would ask me, “So, what did you do this past weekend, Paul?”

The best possible answer was, “I went camping.” That was the answer that would impress the other 9-year-olds the most, that would convey social status upon me, that would indicate I do the right activities with the right people.

Fast-forward to age 13. I board the bus for the ride across town to junior high, and my seatmate asks, “So, what did you do this past weekend, Paul?”

The best possible answer was, “I went to the arcade.” With that answer, I conveyed social status upon myself. If my seatmate didn’t make it to the arcade, he’d be jealous that I was living a better life than he was.

I seriously think that the reason a lot of people come Downtown for brunch on Sunday is that on Monday morning, they want their friends’ conversation to go something like this:

“Did you hear about (insert name)? (He/she) went to brunch at (insert swanky Downtown restaurant or lounge) yesterday. (He/she) FaceTimed me and posted selfies on Facebook and Snap. Dang, (he/she) is LIVIN’ THE LIFE!”

On to the news…

If you’re a record collector, this would be a good week to roll by River City Records. They need to make room for some exciting new collections and have just slapped 20% off stickers on a number of their offerings. Also, they have some “golden eggs,” some incredible values, hidden in the racks. One guy recently bought a rare Beatles record, a $65 value, for $15.88.

Ghost Town Blues Band plays Loflin Yard Thursday from 7 to 10. Songs will include hits from their number-one Billboard album. Tickets are $10.

The Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets yesterday, 122-98. That grows their lead for 2nd in the Western Conference to 1.5 games over the Golden State Warriors. Utah is still a potential threat at 3.5 games behind. Let’s keep the foot on the accelerator, guys. Big home game vs. Brooklyn Wednesday with a lot of national exposure.

Arkansas vs. Gonzaga has a 6:09 PM tip time this Thursday on CBS.

It’s National Crunchy Taco Day. The fried tacos at Maciel’s would be my top recommendation, although driving through Taco Bell at Crump and B.B. King for some Doritos Locos Tacos is not a bad idea either.

Andrew Lloyd Webber hit musical Cats starts a week run at the Orpheum tomorrow.

Heavy rain is expected tomorrow although the severe threat should remain to our south. Dammit I have a lot of walking to do tomorrow. Got a DNA meeting and a birthday party.

Incubus plays Graceland Live tonight at 8.

The Broom Closet hosts a Spring Equinox Sound Bath tonight at 6.

That’s it for the news. I’m heading out in a little bit for the 6th and final day of the long weekend of celebration I have named The Perjorie T. Roll Victory Tour. In December 2016 I brought the troll to Memphis to ward off evil. Earlier this year she completed her assignment.

Perjorie T. Roll

I’ve spent the weekend contemplating Perjorie’s next assignment. I decided I wanted her to do something for Memphis. And instead of driving something out of our city, I want her to use her spiritual influence to attract something that Memphis needs.

You know what Memphis needs?

An NBA championship.

So the troll will be sending good vibes from afar to help the Grizzlies win games and playoff series. That’s her new mission.

Back tomorrow with more news.

Yesterday I wondered out loud on this blog how, on the last full day of winter, sunrise was 7:05 and sunset was 7:10 – shouldn’t there be exactly 12 hours of daylight on the spring equinox, which is today? MemphisWeather.net published a blog post yesterday answering the question. The equinox, the moment at which the sun passes over the equator heading north, is not always the same as the equilux, the day with 12 hours of daylight. The equilux varies by latitude, and in Memphis, it happened Wednesday, which came in just 9 seconds short of 12 hours of daylight.

The Memphis Tigers are done for the year, but what a way to go out in style, hanging with Gonzaga for the entire game before falling 82-78 in an incredible showdown. Memphis led by 10 at the half, and they held projected lottery pick Chet Holmgren to 9 points before he fouled out. Great season, Tigers!

Next up for Gonzaga: The fourth-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks, who took care of New Mexico State 53-48 in a defensive struggle yesterday.

Just a few days ago, there were analysts claiming that Tennessee was criminally underseeded at 3 and was better than all the 2 seeds in the tournament. NOPE! Tennessee got booted out of March Madness by 11 seed Michigan yesterday, 76-68. Underachievement: It’s simply in the Vols’ blood.

Memphis 901 FC got its first win of the season yesterday, defeating Oakland Roots SC 2-1. The soccer club plays two on the road next before returning to AutoZone Park April 13.

The Grizzlies travel to Houston for a 7:30 game tonight. Ja Morant has been ruled out for the game.

Out of time… back tomorrow with more news.

Cordelia’s Market made a post clarifying what is happening with its cafe, which will no longer offer its made-to-order menu. All your favorite foods will still be available in the hot box and grab & go. They’re adding sushi, made fresh daily, from Ace Sushi. They’ll also offer a larger selection of made-from-scratch entrees, salads, and desserts.

South Point Grocery on Webster Avenue now carries a selection of over 200 wines. They’re working on the proper permits – but don’t have them yet – for you to be able to drink the wine you purchase on their front porch.

Crawfish is back at Max’s Sports Bar today. The first batch comes off at noon. Get 1 pound for $12.50, 2 pounds for $21. A pound of hot boiled shrimp is $16. Corn, taters, and sausage are included in the price but not the weight.

Flying Fish’s crawfish are not as tasty as Max’s, but you can get them any day of the week and they posted a great deal yesterday: 4 pounds for $25. At some other Downtown restaurants, you get only 1 pound for $25.

FiveThirtyEight has updated its NCAA tournament predictions. For today’s games it has

• Gonzaga a 90/10 favorite over Memphis
• Arkansas an 80/20 favorite over New Mexico State
• Tennessee a 71/29 favorite over Michigan

Okay. Someone explain this. Spring starts tomorrow, Sunday, March 20. So it’s technically still winter. But according to Weatherbug, today’s sunrise is at 7:05 AM and sunset is 7:10 PM. How do we have a winter day that’s more than 12 hours long? I thought the days were supposed to be exactly 12 hours on the spring and fall equinoxes.

The Grizzlies fell to the Atlanta Hawks 120-105 yesterday. The Grizzlies remain a half game ahead of Golden State for second in the West.

Springhill Suites seeks a part-time breakfast attendant.

MATA begins testing tomorrow for the eventual reopening of the Madison trolley line.

Two of the three official watch parties for the Memphis Tigers vs. Gonzaga game tonight are Downtown: The Hyatt Centric (33 Beale) and Grind City Brewing Co. (76 Waterworks). Tip-off is 8:40 PM.

Grape. plays Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight at 9.

Memphis 901 FC hosts Oakland Roots SC tonight at 6.

Hopefully I’ll be back tomorrow with news of the Tigers in the Sweet Sixteen.

Let’s look ahead to Saturday’s NCAA tournament matchups of interest:

• 9 Memphis plays 1 Gonzaga at 8:40 Saturday on TBS. It’ll be a battle of lottery picks: Jalen Duren vs. Chet Holmgren. Hopefully it’ll be Penny’s coming-out party as an elite-level coach, someone as savvy as Calipari but without the sliminess.
• 12 New Mexico State plays 4 Arkansas at 7:40 on TNT. Looks like the Hogs have a relatively easy path to the second weekend.
• At 4:15 we are all Wolverines fans as 11 Michigan plays 3 Tennessee on CBS. The Vols are an embarrassment to college athletics and it would be nice if Michigan sent them home from the tournament.

The Flyer reports that Paula & Raiford’s Disco now has its own beer and seltzer. She partnered with Grind City Brewing Co. and they produced Hollywood Hustle, a tribute to Paula’s dad, the late Robert Raiford. The beer is a classic, easy-to-drink American pilsner. Paula has a seltzer of her own, Disco Dynamite, a gin & juice seltzer. The new beverages will have a preview party Monday, March 21 at Grind City from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. The date is significant because that’s Paula’s birthday and the next day is the anniversary of Mr. Raiford’s death.

Charges have been filed in the February 1 2:20 AM shooting at Main and Peabody Place in which a man was injured, shot in the back of both legs.

The Golden State Warriors say Steph Curry is out indefinitely with a foot injury. There’s said to be “optimism” Steph will return in time for the playoffs – which means he’ll be out for the rest of the regular season. The Grizzlies hold a 1-game lead over Golden State for the 2-seed in the West and Steph’s absence increases the chance they’ll hold on to it.

Flava House has expanded to a second Downtown location, at 302 S. Main near the intersection of Pontotoc.

The Grizzlies play the Atlanta Hawks at 6:30 tonight on NBA TV.

That’s it for today. Happy to watch a day of NCAA tournament basketball where I don’t have to be for or against any team. Back tomorrow with more news.

Yesterday I visited Feast & Graze. You’ve probably heard of the company, known for making beautiful and delicious custom charcuterie boards that can be delivered to your door for your upcoming party or event. But did you know

• Feast & Graze now has a brick-and-mortar location, at 55 S. Main, next to Ben-Yay’s. It’s part of the Open on Main initiative
• They have a grab & go, convenient for Downtowners to stop and grab something to take back to their desk
• They have small charcuterie boxes for one person, called the “Just For Me”

I got one of the Just For Me boxes yesterday and it was delicious. So much variety in that little box!

They gave me a sample of their goat cheese too.

Check out their in-store menu to see what you can get to go there. Also, the menu has the lineup of in-store sampling they’ll have next week, March 22-26, for their grand opening.

Carolina Watershed has a fun outdoor bar games event coming up this Sunday, March 20 from 1 to 6 PM. Put your team together and compete in

• Volleyball
• Flip Cup
• Horseshoes
• Beer Pong

Prizes will be awarded for first-place finishes. It’s nice to see bar games back in South Main and it’s great to see them organized by a different group of people. The previous bar games event in that part of Downtown had gotten old and stale.

ESPN has announced that one of its top personalities, Stephen A. Smith, and NBA Countdown will be headed to Memphis. They are set to be here the day after the Slipknot concert at FedExForum, which would put them here for the Wednesday, March 23 home game vs. Brooklyn. The Grizzlies’ winning record and the show put on by Ja Morant are drawing the team national attention.

From Action News 5: Memphis guard turned grad assistant, Willie Kemp, is using his tournament experience to help Penny’s Tigers

The Memphis Songwriters Series returns to the Halloran Centre tonight. Hosted by Mark Edgar Stuart, this month the series features Marcella Simien, Rachel Maxann, and Louise Page. The cost is $5.

Here’s this week’s lineup for the Thursday food truck rodeo in Court Square.

Bass Pro at the Pyramid will hold a hiring event from 10 AM to 7 PM Friday.

Wiseacre Downtown and pizza kitchen Little Bettie will open at 11 AM today with March Madness on the big screens.

Max’s Sports Bar has announced that it will open at 11 AM today through Sunday so its customers can get’em a heaping helping of March Madness. That’s where I’m headed this morning. I plan to be there by 11:15 so I can cheer for my friend’s team Michigan in the opening game. I will stick around to cheer for Memphis at 12:45 and Longwood at 1:45. They have DirecTV and 12 flat screens, so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action.

But that’s not all… from 5 to 6 this afternoon, Max’s will have $3 car bombs and $1 jello shots while they last.

Let’s see what other St. Patrick’s specials we’ve got going around Downtown:

Bardog will have car bombs, corned beef and cabbage, and Jameson specials all day long.

SIlky O’ Sullivan’s will rock out the patio all day long. The lineup:

• Buddy Albert Nemenz 1-5
• Dueling Pianos inside at 7
• Even Odds on the patio 8-til

At Earnestine & Hazel’s, it’s not only St. Patrick’s Day, but also their birthday. They will open early at 1 PM with Chris Hill playing. $9.01 Soul Burger and beer specials.

Blind Bear will have St. Patrick’s specials today and March Madness specials all weekend. Today you can enjoy $5 Irish Whiskey, Guinness, Memphis Car Bombs, and Green Tea Shots. They’ll also have corned beef sandwiches today. They’ll open at 11 AM today through Sunday so you can watch March Madness. They’ll have game sound on until 7 PM, with $2 PBR, Bud, Bud Light, and Miller Lite when games are on.

Majestic Grille will have their famous fish & chips – normally a Friday-only special – today for St. Patrick’s Day.

Grind City Brewing Co. will open at noon with $3 pints of green Poppy’s Pils and $4 pints of Tiger Tail.

Soul & Spirits will have green beer all day. Irish food specials by the Smashed Eats food truck. Memphis Pipe Band will play the bagpipes at 7.

Cerrito Entertainment will host holiday-themed trivia at Old Dominick tonight at 7.

The Bugaloos play Slider Inn Downtown tonight 5-9.

That’s it for now. Go Tigers, go Longwood, and go Hogs. Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Actually, it’s been a beautiful 2022 in Downtown Memphis. I just didn’t realize how beautiful until yesterday.

Goodness and honesty and being genuine have driven wickedness out of our fair city.

I guess I can retire the troll now.

IYKYK.

On to the news… the Memphis Flyer has a look at Pontotoc Lounge’s newly-opened second floor. It’s a cozy, intimate dining space that offers the same menu as the downstairs.

In case I have anyone reading this who loses his debit card on an almost-daily basis: What really happens when you can’t pay your restaurant bill?

Yesterday I learned that my favorite reality TV host, Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue, has a podcast. Can’t wait to give that a listen. Yesterday I watched Jon rescue a strip club on South Dix Street in Detroit. Its name was Chix on Dix. Jon made them change the name.

ESPN ranked the NCAA tournament’s field of 68 based on each team’s head coach’s basketball playing career. Guess who came in at number one?

Couple of notes from Daily Memphian subscriber-only stories:

• Chef Joe Cartwright has returned to the kitchen of McEwen’s. He previously cooked there 2002-2005.
• Trek Bicycle is closing its South Main location and its store at 3548 Walker Ave. will serve area customers.

The Grizzlies demolished the Indiana Pacers last night 135-102. Memphis remains a half game ahead of Golden State for second in the West.

The Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act yesterday. It would make Daylight Time permanent beginning in 2023 – no more falling back to Standard Time the first Sunday of November. The measure still has to make it through the House. If the bill becomes law, Memphis’ earliest sunset would happen at 5:47 PM. I am one billion percent in support of this idea.

Police say a burglar used a sling blade to break into a home in Uptown.

Food scientist Alton Brown comes to the Orpheum tonight.

Longtime readers of this blog may remember that I declared the first weekend of December 2017 a weekend of celebration. I hereby declare this weekend – let’s make it a long weekend, today through Monday – a WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION for very similar reasons. I plan on starting it off with a yummy lunch, a hidden gem of Downtown, in a few hours. Back tomorrow with more news and possibly a photo or two.