Paul Ryburn's Journal

A nasty stomach bug, heat, exhaustion, and early stage Parkinson’s have combined to sideline me for today. Sorry about that. I’ll try again tomorrow.

If you performed any financial transactions online Tuesday, you might want to check and make sure they went through. Large portions of the Internet were down for some time that day.

The reason I bring this up is that a blog reader tried to leave me a tip on my Zelle account Tuesday afternoon and got rejected. I know for a fact there is nothing wrong with that Zelle account and it is tied to an active bank account. He re-tried the transaction Saturday and it worked. Just a heads up.

The U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer this weekend, destroying much of Iran’s nuclear potential.

FedEx founder Fred Smith has died.

Automatic Slim’s is now opening for brunch at 9 on Mondays. It already opens at 9 on Saturdays and Sundays. Why not call in sick tomorrow and go get you a three dollar mimosa or Bloody Mary.

College World Series finals game 2, LSU versus Coastal Carolina, today at 1:30 on ABC. LSU takes the championship with a win. Coastal Carolina forces game 3 with a win.

NBA finals game 7, OKC versus Indiana, tonight at 7:00 on ABC.

A party bus caught fire last night near Main and Huling.

WREG has photos of the Memphis Pride Parade and the puppy pride parade.

It’s National Onion Rings Day. Huey’s is the place to celebrate.

Death Clock – find out when you’re going to die. Saturday, March 10, 2035 is the end for me.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
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It’s Fiesta Night at the Redbirds as they host the Norfolk Tides tonight at 7:05. $5 margaritas, $5 16 ounce Dos Equis Lager, 2 for $5 tacos, autograph signing before the game. Kids’ Zone with bounce house, obstacle course, and slide.

Max’s Sports Bar now has Busch Light Apple.

Today is National Ice Cream Soda Day. The old-fashioned soda fountain at A. Schwab‘s is the place to celebrate.

It’s also National Daylight Appreciation Day. Sunset is 8:17.

The Tennessee Bridal and Wedding Expo will take place at the Renasant Convention Center Sunday.

Tonight from 6 to 9, Old Dominick will host a Tiki Takeover Summer Solstice Cocktail Competition. Your ticket includes a limited edition welcome cocktail, samples of at least five competing cocktails, snack plus cocktail pairing, and two tickets to vote for the winning cocktail.

There’s a public spaces security operations manager job open downtown.

From Smithsonian magazine: The effervescent history of seltzer

Kroger is giving away free pints of ice cream to celebrate the beginning of summer. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has accepted Mayor Young’s invitation to come to Memphis. Smith bashed Memphis on TV earlier this week, saying NBA players don’t want to come here because of the crime. Mr.  Mayor: You gotta take Stephen A. to Max’s so he can see how passionate the sports fans are here.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

Memphis Soul Remedy is the featured entertainment at the Peabody rooftop party tonight. $15 general admission, $40 VIP. If you’re in VIP, you get a buffet of Mediterranean chicken kabobs, lamb meatballs, and red pepper hummus with pita bread.

Today is National Eat an Oreo Day. Celebrate with the Oreo waffle on Automatic Slim’s brunch menu, served 11 AM to 3 PM weekdays.

It’s also National Martini Day. Once again, my recommendation to celebrate would be Automatic Slim’s. They have a menu of martinis.

There’s a city vs. county Juneteenth softball game at AutoZone Park today at 5 o’clock. The Redbirds game will follow at 7. A ticket is required.

Grizzlies center Zach Edey has been charged with reckless driving. He was observed doing 101 in a 55 in Indiana.

I-240 flooded near the Jefferson Ave. bridge this morning as heavy rain passed through the metro.

LSU defeated Arkansas in the men’s College World Series last night to advance to the finals versus Coastal Carolina.

Catherine and Mary’s is hiring a server.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

The Old Daisy Theater on Beale Street, built in 1913, caught fire overnight. It was an electrical tire that the fire department ruled accidental.

According to a Facebook post the restaurant made, Green Beetle is using Heath Riles BBQ Rub on its wings. The Riles team won the grand championship at BBQ Fest this year.

Today is International Sushi Day. South Main Sushi would be my recommendation to celebrate.

The Bubba Feathers Band plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station Hotel 6:30-9:30 Thursday.

The CA has a photo gallery of the Mississippi River over the years.

Brian Blake, Abbye West Pates, and Daniel Neihoff play South Main Sounds Friday at 7.

The matriarch of the Neely BBQ empire in Memphis has died.

Sally’s Saloon, A Soulful Murder Mystery, has 3 PM and 7 PM performances at the Halloran Centre on Sunday.

Motorcycle Sports looks at what new Grizzly Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could do in Memphis.

Moxy Hotel is organizing a Puppy Pride Parade through Court Square 9:30 to 11:30 AM Saturday. DJ spinning on Moxy’s patio, drag queens, and a doggy drag contest.

Slider Inn Downtown is hosting a local vendors’ market Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith says that NBA players don’t want to be traded to Memphis because of the crime here.

There was a stabbing at Danny Thomas and Washington last night at 6:18 PM.

Men’s College World Series: Arkansas vs. LSU, 6 PM tonight, ESPN.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

My thoughts on the Desmond Bane trade to the Orlando Magic, now that I’ve had a little time to process it:

• Getting Desmond‘s $50 million salary off the books will give the Grizzlies a lot of financial flexibility.
• Getting 4 first-rounders and a pick swap for a player who’s never been an All-Star is an excellent result. Well done, Grizzlies front office.
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a downgrade from Bane at the two, but not by much.
• KCP has experience winning championships. The Grizzlies can benefit from that.
• I don’t think Cole Anthony will ever play a game in a Memphis uniform. His salary, which is north of $10 million, will be useful in balancing out the money in a future trade deal.
• All those first-rounders will be useful for Memphis to pursue a marquee player. Giannis perhaps?
• On a personal note, sad to see Des go. The guy had a great work ethic.

Thursday is the Juneteenth holiday, so government offices, banks, and libraries will be closed.

There will be a free screening of If Beale Street Could Talk Wednesday night at the Orpheum. Live performance by Singa B prior to the film.

The civil rights museum will have a Juneteenth Community Day with free admission Thursday.

The Trumpster’s business organization is getting into the cell phone market.

Joey Chestnut will make his return to the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest this July 4. He missed last year’s contest due to a dispute with Nathan’s.

The Neon Mooners will play Slider Inn Downtown this Saturday at 7:30. No cover and $20 Michelob Ultra buckets.

Congratulations to Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy on Mud Island on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

The $5 parking deal 11 AM-2 PM Sunday-Thursday at 10 Downtown parking garages has been extended through August.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

Desmond Bane is no longer a Memphis Grizzly. The team traded him to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 4 future first-round draft picks, and one future first round draft pick swap. The first of those picks is number 16 in this year‘s draft.

Thanks for five great years, Des. Go get ’em in the East.

Arkansas faces Murray State in an elimination game in the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. 1 PM, ESPN.

Today’s a holiday for Tennessee Volunteers haters – No Orange Clothes Day. Observe this holiday to avoid looking like a bozo.

Turbo Expo is at the Renasant Convention Center this week.

Soul & Spirits holds its annual record fair Saturday. Live music and the return of Green Onions IPA.

Sunset Jazz returns to Court Square Sunday, featuring Keenan Shotwell. 6 PM.

Tonight is Magic Night at Flyway Brewing.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

It’s National Bourbon Day. It’s also National Rosé Day (the wine, not the flower). And it’s World Gin Day. And Flag Day. And the Trumpster’s 79th birthday.

I recommend fine local Old Dominick products to celebrate the bourbon and gin holidays.

Max’s Sports Bar announced this week that it will expand to double its size by late summer. Max’s would be my recommendation for where to watch 6 LSU vs. 3 Arkansas in the Men’s College World Series tonight at 6:00 (ESPN).

Hotel Indigo seeks a front desk manager.

Home2 Suites by Hilton has opened at 135 Vance.

Salon has a guide to building a farmers market dinner.

The Brew Hop Bus will run continuously today noon to 6, making the following stops:

• Ghost River on Main
• Memphis Filling Station
• Wiseacre Downtown
• Old Dominick
• Ghost River on Beale
• Flyway & Memphis Made
• Grind City
• Soul & Spirits
• South Point Grocery

That’s all I’ve got.

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

Yesterday morning, a friend bought me a 20 ounce bottle of Mountain Dew at the Exxon at Poplar and Danny Thomas. I happily drank it as I walked downtown.

I finished it as I cut across a parking lot between Adams and Jefferson. I thought to myself, I could just throw the empty bottle down on the asphalt as most other homeless people would do. I see that kind of behavior most every day, especially on Sundays when a church hands out free wrapped breakfast sandwiches and cups of coffee.

Then I thought that Mama may be looking down at me, and how disappointed she’d be if she saw me throw that bottle on the ground.

I carried the empty bottle another block and a half until I found a trash can in front of the Aloft Hotel.

No matter how difficult my circumstances become, I refuse to become bitter and disconnected from the world.

From Lifehacker: 8 apps you can use to get a ton of free stuff. Some give you free food from places like McDonald’s and Dunkin; some send you free samples; some reward you for things you’re probably doing online already. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will sign up.

There will be a South Main Mixer sponsored by Old Dominick Tuesday, June 17 at 6 PM at Max’s Sports Bar. $10 cocktails, giveaways, scavenger hunt.

There will be a special History of Memphis Beer tour at Memphis Made Saturday. Reserve your spot.

Israel launched air strikes on Iran Friday morning.

Free country music series KIX on Beale returns Thursday. The Neon Mooners will perform in Handy Park at 7 PM.

Jasper Float Spa presents Global Wellness Day in River Garden Park Saturday. Health vendors, free, massages, activities for kids.

Big Cypress Lodge inside Bass Pro at the Pyramid is hiring for multiple positions.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

Country party band the Bluff City Bandits and DJ Sledro are the featured entertainment at tonight’s rooftop party at the Peabody Hotel. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. Those in VIP get a buffet of marinated skirt steak, roasted marble potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, and brownies. Special acoustic performance by Haven Madison.

From StyleBlueprint: 15 murals that capture the spirit of the city

RIP Brian Wilson, creative genius of The Beach Boys.

BBC looks at South Memphis’ own Four Way Grill in 5 restaurants that fed the civil rights movement.

Join Fleet Feet Memphis for a 5K run – walk departing from Ghost River at Main and Crump every Wednesday at 6 PM.

From Choose901: It’s not just Main Street, it’s the mall

Downtown Slider Inn is doing DJ sets on the patio every Sunday from 5 to 8. This Sunday: FERB

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission will have authority over hemp-derived products in the state starting in 2026.

That’s all I’ve got.

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