Thursday update

One of the best pieces of swag of the season will be handed out tomorrow night at FedExForum. First 5000 fans through the door get a Marc Gasol Million Dollar Strut bobblehead.

In other Grizzlies news, Dillon Brooks has been named to the Rising Stars Challenge that happens during All-Star Weekend. The challenge involves up-and-coming talent in their first or second year in the NBA, and pits 10 American players vs. 10 world players. Being from Ontario, Brooks will play for the “world” team. Wow… rare situation where I think I’m going to have to root against my own country for one night.

Terribly sorry to hear about the closing of Memphis Jubilee Schools, which will displace about 1500 low-income students who were getting a first-class education. I have friends involved in Jubilee and they have shared with me what a wonderful thing it is.

Segway Memphis has a heck of a deal this Friday-Sunday: A 1-hour ride and scavenger hunt for only $20. Grand prize for the hunt is a 30″ x 44″ Canvas Wrap valued at $750. Call 901-497-5200 to make a reservation. Segway Memphis is located at 136 G.E. Patterson.

Downtown Yoga is offering a Foundations of Iyengar workshop Friday-Saturday, February 23-24.

No booze on Main: After hearing from stakeholders, Councilman Martavius Jones withdrew his proposed amendment that would allow open containers Downtown. I agree this is the right move. Alcohol is already plenty accessible down here.

Memphis Greenspace has announced its plan to improve two parks in or near Downtown following the removal of Confederate statues.

It’s Food Truck Thursday in Court Square. May I suggest you stop by the RAWK’n Grub food truck for lunch? Their food is delicious and Chef Steph has been a great friend to me as I have seen my way through a tough time recently. By the way, I’m going to do a second post, a personal one, here in a bit.

If you’ve been hearing about Special Counsel Mueller interviewing Trump’s inner circle and requesting an interview with Trump himself, and you’re curious what’s really going on, Tea Pain has an excellent Twitter thread. Mueller is going after Team Trump for espionage and money laundering, but the easiest offense to prove – and the most impeachable – is obstruction of justice. It’s the quickest path to getting Trump out of power and out of office, ending the immediate threat to democracy. Once he’s just a regular citizen, he can much more easily be prosecuted for the other charges, most likely at the state level. I have read that New York Attorney General Schneiderman is pursuing a parallel case on the money-laundering front. By the way, I saw the best nickname for Trump ever yesterday on Twitter: “the orange shitgibbon.”

That’s it for now. Personal post on its way.

Wednesday update

Good news for crawfish lovers! Max’s Sports Bar on G.E. Patterson plans on doing its first boil of the year on Sunday, provided the weather holds up. They have a guy named Glaze who does the boils, and the crawfish are excellent, with just the right amount of spice. Crawfish boxes come with all the trimmings – taters, corn and sausage. Doors open at 11, with food ready around noon.

Slider Inn has a new food truck, the Slider Rider. It will be at the Ghost River taproom Friday night.

Meghan Stuthard of the Memphis Flyer has a great article about Belle Tavern.

A date has been announced for Soup Sunday: February 25. This is an annual event held at FedExForum, a fundraiser for Youth Villages. The best restaurants from all over the city serve soups and compete to see who has the best soup. There are also baked goods and desserts. They give you a crate that holds four bowls, and you walk around to the different restaurants’ tables and get bowls of soup. I will repeat my advice every year: Get there early. The event runs 11-2 but the best restaurants run out of their soups by noon-12:15 or so.

Diana Krall has been announced for a June 30 date at the Orpheum. Krall is a GRAMMY® winning jazz singer who has had 8 albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz charts. The date will be part of her “Turn Up The Quiet World” tour.

Friday is South Main Trolley Night. SMA members will be gathering inside the South Main Market food hall at 409 S. Main, where they will receive drink specials from The Civil Pour from 6 to 8.

Spike TV will be filming “Ink Master Angels” at the 5 Spot from 11 AM to midnight today, so be aware of film crews if you’re in the area.

Finding Neverland plays at the Orpheum this week. This musical, based on a critically-acclaimed film, tells the story of Peter Pan.

It’s Wayback Wednesday Fit Night at the Grizzlies, with the first 3000 fans getting a reusable tote bag from Methodist Healthcare. Tip-off is 7 PM and the San Antonio Spurs are the opponent.

I totally agree with what Geoff Calkins is saying: We should trade Tyreke Evans immediately, like, NOW, rather than keeping him until the deadline cobbling together a deal that brings back a late 1st-round pick. That’s no disrespect to Tyreke; in fact, it’s out of respect for what he brings to the table. As Calkins points out, if we keep him for another 2 weeks, we might win 3 extra games, causing us to end up with the number 13 pick in the draft lottery than a top 5 pick. Getting that top fiver is more important than getting a late first-rounder in exchange for Tyreke. We should trade him now for next to nothing.

My friend Ryne Hancock is back with another installment of his 50 things you should know if visiting Mardi Gras for the first time.

Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation into Trump, at least on the obstruction of justice part of the investigation, is thought to now be at a critical point. Also, Rick Gates, Paul Manafort’s right hand man who was indicted along with him in October, is thought to be negotiating a plea deal. That’s bad news for Manafort, and for Trump.

That’ll do it for now. Resume time with my career coach coming up. I’m excited!

Tuesday update

I’ve made another life decision. I’ve decided it’s time for my little green-haired troll to retire. She won’t be coming out with me anymore. Don’t worry, I didn’t throw her away. She’s resting comfortably in a memory box just a few feet from where she stood on my kitchen counter. If I ever want to see her she’s there.

Sunday I more or less bared my soul on Facebook and the response reminded me how loved, respected, and supported I am by so many people. Those people are where my energy and focus need to be (well, that and getting a job). The troll had become a distraction from that.

One of those people, by the way, is my career coach Angela Copeland, with whom I have an appointment to work on my resume tomorrow. She is the best and if you are looking to take your career to a better place I cannot recommend her enough. Paradoxically, I always wanted to use her services but hoped I’d never have to. Now I get to.

Beale Street has lost one of its legends. Preston Shannon is dead at 70. He performed at B.B. King’s club on Beale and had several Music Fest performances.

A date has been set for the second annual 901 Popper Throwdown: March 25. Teams compete to see who can make the best jalapeno poppers. This is organized by the same team that brought you Best Memphis Burger Fest.

The ever-popular beginner sushi class returns to Memphis Made Brewing Co. Sunday, March 4 from 3 to 5 in the afternoon. These things nearly always sell out, so if you want to go, don’t delay making reservations.

There’s going to be a Downtown Disco at the 409 South Main food hall Friday night from 8 to 11. Best costume wins a prize.

South Main Sounds Songwriter Night returns to 550 S. Main Friday night from 7 to 9.

One last reminder that Drinks with Democrats happens at Brass Door tomorrow night at 6 PM.

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

Monday update and a decision

Chef Michael Patrick of Rizzo’s will once again be collaborating with Chef Manuel Rivera of Maciel’s Tortas and tacos. Culinary Artisan Dinner I, put together by City Tasting Tours, will happen at Rizzo’s on March 25. The menu has not been posted yet, but you know it is going to be yummy with those two in the kitchen.

Def Leppard and Journey will play FedExForum July 6.

Flying Saucer will have a free nacho bar Sunday, February 4 for the Super Bowl. By the way, what’s up with a manager wearing Pabst socks when they don’t carry PBR?

Grizzlies Prep at 168 Jefferson is having a Revenge of the Nerds rooftop fundraiser Saturday, April 21 from 6 to 9 PM. Music, food and beverages. All proceeds will benefit CodeCrew, an organization that helps the underrepresented youth of Memphis have access to a computer science education.

Belle Tavern has a new Whiskey Wall where the chalkboard used to be.

Sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your troll’s name. Belle now has PBR in cans, rather than bottles. Good decision.

Last night I was invited to dinner at the Blue Monkey with my friends Staci, Hanin, Rahul and Tony. I had forgotten how good the food is there.

I’ve been saying this for years and I will say it again… the twice baked potato is the key to the entire operation.

All right, I need to announce a decision I am making. But first, a little background. I got laid off Tuesday, January 9. For the first week, I was upbeat. I was like, “Yay, I don’t have to go to work today!” Those first few days were much needed time off.

Last week, however, I got majorly depressed. So depressed I could barely function. And that’s understandable. I lost my job. I was coming up on the anniversary of losing my mom. But this morning, when I woke up depressed for the 8th day in a row, I wondered, am I ever NOT going to be depressed so I can be productive?

About an hour ago I realized something. I have been dealing with being depressed by ordering shots of Fireball. Fireball is a rotgut whiskey disguised to taste good with cinnamon syrup. I am never going to get un-depressed drinking a major depressant every day. So as of today I am giving up Fireball for good. Friends who’ve bought me shots the past 2 weeks, I appreciate them but it’s time to stop. Bartender friends, please do me a favor and do not ask if I want one anymore.

Interesting infographic: The 270 people associated with the Russia investigation. One name I was glad to not see on the list: Bernie Sanders. Some of the sources I follow on Twitter seem to think he’s caught up in it. Note that Green Party candidate Jill Stein is on the list. It’s believed she took money from Russia to fund her campaign.

All right. Outta here. Back tomorrow with more news, I hope.

Day off

I just can’t do it today. The combination of unemployment, the one year anniversary of my mom’s death, and another ongoing situation are just too much for me today.

Mama I love you and I will forever regret not sensing how much you needed me in your final years.

If I take a few days off I apologize. I have some thinking to do. I’m going to put up a post on Facebook for those of you who are friends with me on there.

Friday lunch @ Felicia Suzanne Restaurant

Felicia Suzanne’s opens for lunch on Fridays. My friends Stacey and Mr. Bill and I decided to go yesterday.

I let my one-year-old have a martini. I’m a pretty terrible troll parent. The main draw of Friday lunch at FSR is 25 cent martinis. You can have up to three at that price and they will ask you how you want it made.

Salmon deviled eggs, my appetizer

Bill’s entree, potato dumplings

Stacey’s entree, Lake catfish

My entree, the chicken & sausage gumbo

Food was delicious and the service was excellent. If you have never been to Felicia’s for lunch I recommend taking a Friday off and giving it a try.

Normally I would say “back tomorrow with more news” here but tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my mom’s death. So it may be Monday.

“Paul is a regular human who walks around and writes about life”

That’s how my friend Q introduced me last night. That may be my favorite description of myself ever.

Z-bo comes home tonight as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum at 7. First 10,000 fans get a Grit Grind Forever headband to celebrate.

Streetdog Foundation will host a dog adoption day at Hollywood Feed on Union Avenue Saturday, February 10 from noon to 3 PM. Come out and meet some of their adorable, adoptable dogs and get your questions answered by volunteers.

A normal high for Memphis this time of year would be 50. It’s hard to even remember what “normal” feels like after the past couple of weeks.

Forget about the cold weather at a Beach Party tonight at the Ghost River taproom. $3 Beer-itas. Hawaiian shirts encouraged. The Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet will be among the musical selections, and they will take requests.

Singer Mandy Gonzalez plays the Halloran Centre tonight. She’s currently the star of the Broadway musical Hamilton.

Happy January, YOGA! Downtown Yoga is holding a Vision Board Workshop and Yoga Nidra on Saturday, January 27. The better you are able to visualize your goals, the more likely you are to attain them.

Wine, food and music will be celebrated at the second annual Vintage901 Fest March 2-4. Grand Tasting on Friday, a Perfect Pairings Dinner on Saturday, and Sparkling Brunch on Sunday.

Local musician Chris Hill has launched a merchandise line to raise money for the production of an album. All purchases are 20% off for a limited time.

Ever thought about volunteering at Memphis in May? Here are all the ways you can be involved. Just this week I was having a conversation with a friend about what a rewarding experience it is to be a part of MiM.

BBQ problems:

The TEP Gumbo Contest is Sunday. Sample delicious gumbos while supporting equality for all.

That’s it for now. I’m off to Friday lunch at Felicia Suzanne’s! Back tomorrow with more news.

Thursday update

I met a celebrity last night! The lady who shoots T-shirts out of a cannon at Grizzlies games. That must be a fun job.

We’re getting a new steakhouse Downtown called 117 Prime, and it could open as soon as next month. The people opening it are the same group who operate Sweetgrass and Sunrise Memphis. It will be in the old Belle Bistro space on Union between Main and Second.

Amazon has announced its list of 20 finalist cities for its second HQ. Unfortunately Memphis did not make the cut, despite a strong package offered by Mayor Strickland and his team.

Thanks to Chef Michael Patrick for forwarding this: PBR made a winter jacket that holds 12 hidden beers

Save the date: Memphis Made Brewing Co. has announced its 4th annual Hopped festival for April 21.

Chris Hill plays The Vault this Saturday.

The Memphis Camerata choir is holding auditions.

Finding Neverland comes to the Orpheum next week.

Y’all please forgive me if I seem not myself the next few days. Sunday is the one year anniversary of my mom’s death and between that and getting laid off work I am pretty depressed right now. I felt her presence last night as I lay in bed, the strongest I’ve felt her with me since she passed.

Back tomorrow with more news.

Wednesday update

Very excited about returning to Felicia Suzanne Restaurant this Friday for lunch with some friends. Felicia’s does lunch Friday only. Their menu is fantastic and they have 25 cent martinis, perfect when you have a Friday off and live across the street. I have been researching their menu and already know what I want to order: the Sunday Sugo. It’s described as their take on pasta Bolognese, but with risotto instead of pasta.

Felicia announced on Twitter this week that the restaurant is hiring for all positions. Email felicia@feliciasuzanne.com to learn more.

Also hiring is Aldo’s Pizza Pies Downtown – servers, delivery drivers, pizza makers. Apply in person.

I’ve always thought Congressman Steve Cohen was a super cool guy, and the fact that he drives to work in his mom’s 1986 Cadillac only reinforces that opinion.

Grizzlies announcer Pete Pranica has been voted Tennessee Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Very well deserved. Congratulations Pete.

Holly has a great post about the recently-reopened Brass Door.

Calvary Episcopal has announced the speakers for its 2018 Lenten preaching series.

That’ll do it for this post. Back tomorrow with more news.

Monday update

Memphis Brewfest is returning for its ninth year, and this year brings a fabulous new location: ON THE FIELD at the Liberty Bowl! It will be 4:00 to 7:45 Saturday, April 14. This beer fest brings a lot of beers to Memphis not normally sold here. Purchase tickets here.

City Tasting Tours is organizing a Pure Memphis Cocktail Tour on Saturday March 3 from 4 to 7 PM. The tour will start with cocktails from Memphis’ very own Old Dominick Distillery. Next they will visit The Civil Pour, the bar inside the food hall at 409 S. Main. After that they visit Belle Tavern with its vast array of whiskeys. Tickets are only $55.

Miss Cordelia’s is starting a daily rotisserie chicken happy hour from 5 to 6. Come in during that time and pick up a rotisserie chicken for only $4.99.

The Rec Room will be hosting a Royal Rumble Watch Party on the 28th.

Today is King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum. $5 to get in, $3 with a donation to the Mid-South Food Bank. Donate a pint of blood and you and three guests get in free.

The Grizzlies host the Lakers in the annual MLK Day Game at FedExForum at 4:30.

All right, that’s it for now. I had MLK Day scheduled off so I am going to treat it as a vacation day, then tomorrow I’ll get started with “figure out how to get my life together” kind of stuff.