Paul Ryburn's Journal

Penny’s Memphis Tigers moved up 2 spots to 16 in the latest AP poll. They can clinch the AAC regular-season title with a win at UTSA tonight.

WREG has a look at the good work done by the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. They’re building an identity for the area. It’s not simply “the space between Downtown and Midtown” anymore.

The Peabody gave Action News 5 a sneak peek of its new rooms as an $18M renovation begins.

Today is National Snack Day. I recommend A. Schwab on Beale and the candy store across the street.

Live music returns to South Point Grocery later this month as the store celebrates its 3rd birthday.

From Memphis Beer Blog: Memphis Filling Station brews up a King Cake Stout for Mardi Gras

The Kremlin says that U.S. foreign policy now “largely aligns” with its vision.

That’s all. Everyone stay safe from today’s severe weather.

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GoDaddy is the Ticketmaster of web hosting.

Remember how I said my hosting for this blog was set to renew in early March, and that I had the money to pay it in my Venmo account?

Well, I thought I did. But GoDaddy didn’t tell me about additional taxes and fees that would be added on last-minute. My payment was declined. Venmo notified me that I was less than $10 short.

My stress level was off the chart. It all worked out though – a friend stuck the difference in my Venmo account and I retried the transaction. It processed successfully. So y’all are stuck with this blog for another year.

Heard a couple of rumors that I’ll share…

One rumor is that the Downtown core is getting another chicken restaurant. This one, I’m told, won’t serve alcohol, although it will be in a location where alcohol was once served.

Hmmm… with Crazy Coop and Wingman both recent additions to the area, I wonder if the dining scene is getting oversaturated with chicken.

The other rumor is a caveat emptor for Downtown renters. Let’s say you pay $1700 a month for your place. You get a notice on your door saying your lease is due for renewal at the new rate of $1800. But you do some searching online and find that similar units in your building are being advertised for $1500. You go to the leasing office with this info, and they write you up a new lease for $1500.

Vacancies are high right now and the core is a renters’ market.

The Trumpster will address a joint session of Congress Tuesday, but it’s technically not a State of the Union.

Today is National Moscow Mule Day.

MemphisWeather.net has a blog post about Tuesday’s severe weather threat.

7 PM sunsets! … Daylight Time starts Sunday.

Calvary Waffle Shop opens for the Lenten season Wednesday. Read my February 2024 Waffle Shop review

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow – and most of the next 365 days – with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
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Yesterday was a sad reminder that my buddy Nappin’ Ass Nate is no longer on this Earth. Because if he were still with us, I’d surely have received the following text: “HOLY SHIT!!!!! JOHN CENA TURNED HEEL!!!”

Biggest double-cross in professional wrestling since Hulk Hogan 29 years ago. For the first time in almost 5 years, The Bloodline ISN’T the biggest storyline in WWE.

Damn Cena’s bald spot is getting big though. Maybe he’ll soon start rocking the chrome dome like his new master.

Memphis Tigers men’s basketball at UAB, 3:00 this afternoon, ESPN. It’s the third-to-last game of the regular season: Memphis plays at UTSA Tuesday (6 PM, ESPN+) and at home vs. South Florida Friday (Senior Night, 8 PM, ESPN2).

Dancing with the Stars comes to the Orpheum Thursday.

Soul & Spirits will have a Fat Tuesday party this Tuesday in its taproom. Revelator Dopplebock will return and the Smoke and Toast food truck will be onsite with Cajun food.

Silky’s will host a Mardi Gras party and crawfish boil Tuesday. Crawfish served 3-til they run out plus other Cajun favorites. No cover, door prizes, live music.

Keep an eye on the Tuesday weather though… the weather stations are predicting thunderstorms and wind approximately 11 AM-6 PM that day.

Meet your farmer Fridays 3-6 PM as you shop for fresh food at Roxie’s Grocery, 520 N. Third. This Friday Riley Family Farms will offer one-day-only discounts of up to 50% on select cuts of chicken.

It’s Sunday Fun Day with Sexual Chocolate and the Reese’s Puffs today 3-7 PM at 507 Lux Lounge, 150 Monroe.

Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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The Memphis Grizzlies are coming back to free local TV five times during the remainder of the NBA regular season. Tune in to Action News 5 to catch the Grizzlies

vs. Utah March 12 at 7 PM
vs. Miami March 15 at 7 PM
at OKC March 27 at 7 PM
vs. Golden State April 1 at 7 PM
vs. Dallas April 13 at 2:30 PM

These broadcasts will be made possible through a partnership among the Memphis Grizzlies, Gray Media, and FanDuel Sports Network.

The Southern Heritage Classic has found a replacement for Tennessee State: Alcorn State. They’ll play UA-Pine Bluff at the Liberty Bowl in September.

It’s National Pig Day. Celebrate with a pulled pork sandwich at Central BBQ.

Cotton ginners – Momma’s at Crump and Kentucky will give you 10% off food all weekend long when you show your expo badge.

The Archives Bar & Bistro inside Hotel Napoleon is hiring a server and a line cook.

Itta Bena is hiring an assistant GM.

Hotel Indigo is hiring a director of sales.

Hear local artists at a Blackberry Jam Session at Butterrific Bakery & Cafe Sunday at 3.

RIP Skype.

That’s it for today. Back tomorrow, maybe.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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 ol’ push, push in the tush maneuver may be about to be banned.

No, not by the Trumpster and his MAGA cronies looking to legislate what is allowed in the bedroom. Rather, the NFL.

You’ve seen it in games. 3rd down and goal at the 1 yard line. One or two 330 lb. guys get behind the QB and literally push him that last yard through the defensive line for the touchdown. The NFL is looking into banning that.

Today is National Chili Day.

The zoo is hiring a full-time education manager.

King’s Palace Cafe on Beale is hiring a bartender.

Poundcake presents R&B Comedy Night at the Halloran Centre Saturday.

The Memphis Redbirds will host the St. Louis Cardinals in an exhibition game at AutoZone Park March 24.

That’ll do it. Back tomorrow or Saturday.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

I’ll start today’s post with a personal note: I may not be out Friday and Sunday. Just letting you know in advance so you won’t worry I’m sick or dead or something when you don’t see me out those days and there is no blog post.

The reason why is that my Venmo account will be automatically debited to pay my annual web hosting bill early next week. The good news: I have the money to pay it. The bad news: Paying it will drop me to just above zero.

I do plan to be out Saturday. I’ll have to forego my chocolate chip brownie at Memphis Chess Club in the morning, though.

On to the news…

Penny’s #18 Memphis Tigers host Rice in a 7 PM game. This is a game that has virtually no upside for the Tigers, but a loss could drop them to an 8 or 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Being in a conference with Rice sucks. TV: ESPN+

Ja stepped up big time to give the Grizzlies a 151-148 overtime win over Phoenix last night.

These days, Ja’s only on social media because he has to be.

Crank up the AC… the MemphisWeather.net forecast has us at 75 this afternoon.

Save the date: Momma’s will have a crawfish boil Saturday, March 22. $5 Wiseacre Sky Dog all day. Live music.

Happy For Pete’s Sake Day to all the Petes out there.

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

A, Schwab will screen The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) at 1 PM Sunday.

That’s it. Back tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

Controversial Memphis radio host Thaddeus Matthews has died at 67, his wife told local media. RIP Thad… you made Memphis a more interesting place.

Also RIP Roberta Flack (“Killing Me Softly”)

Comedian Carrot Top turns 60 today.

Uptown resident Julie Ray, whose house sits on a curve at Thomas and Looney, is sick of damage to her property caused by reckless, speeding drivers.

Today is National Chocolate Covered Peanut Day. The Peanut Shoppe at 121 S. Main can help you celebrate.

Eli Adams plays Tin Roof Saturday night.

The Burger of the Week at Momma’s is the Bandito: 1/2 Certified Angus Beef, bacon, tobacco onion, pepper jack, avocado & chipotle aioli.

The Grizz host Phoenix tonight at 7. TV: FanDuel Sports

Looks like Little Petals Chinese is open on Madison.

Grizzlies Prep is hiring a special education teacher.

The next egg you eat might have been laid in Istanbul (not Constantinople). Turkey is sending the U.S. 33 million pounds of eggs to help ease our shortage.

Penny Hardaway has been named to the Coach of the Year watchlist. His Tigers rose to 18th in this week’s AP poll.

Watch the Trumpster suck Elon Musk’s toes (AI generated)

Back tomorrow probably.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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 Tigers men’s basketball hosts Florida Atlantic at 1 PM today. GoTigersGo.com says this is a “6th Mane Game,” whatever that means. TV: ESPN2

The Grizzlies visit the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 6 PM game. TV: ESPN

A couple of nice Grizzlies swag giveaways happen this week at home games at FedExForum:

• Friday vs. NY Knicks – Gospel Night – free Grizzlies building blocks set to the first 5000 fans
• Saturday vs. San Antonio Spurs – Wrestling Night – free Bane Mane wrestling buddy to the first 5000 fans

It’s National Banana Bread Day. Celebrate with a Wells Banana Bread beer at the Saucer. Yes it tastes just like it.

Sculpt Memphis will present The Faces of Bowie Tuesday at 6 PM at 158 Vance.

Cognac Cars & Cigars happens at Fourth Bluff Saturday 5 to 9.

Drive boats in the Mud Island Marina in Skier’s Marine Demo Days this coming weekend.

That’s it. Back tomorrow probably.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

This morning I saw that Wendy’s has a new limited-time menu item: A Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mints Frosty. Yummmmm, I must get one of those soon. Read Good Housekeeping’s review

Today is National Margarita Day.

It’s also Open That Bottle Night. Dang, this is a day for drunks on par with St. Pat’s and Cinco de Mayo!

There’s now a Facebook event listing for the Mid-South Korean BBQ Fest at Grind City Brewing on April 12. They’re now accepting team applications through March 12. You do not have to be Korean to form a team. Fee is $150. Competition categories are beef, pork, and dumplings. Tickets are $15 general admission, but a $50 ticket gets you in an hour early and gets you unlimited beers, seltzers, and sours, as well as a parking spot.

Jasper Float Spa seeks an assistant spa manager.

There will be ribbon cutting for Cache 42 Downtown by the Greater Memphis Chamber today at 1. Complimentary champagne. 97 N. Main.

The Memphis Made taproom is back open, water pressure having been restored.

There’s a vocal workshop at the Cossitt Library with Miz Stefani and Valetta Brinson today at 2 PM. Open to all adults and no experience is required.

The Grizzlies came back from down 19 to defeat Orlando 105-104 last night.

Momma’s news: Guess how many gumballs are in the Milagro bottle at the bar no later than February 28. Whoever’s closest wins two tickets to the Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder on March 5.

Buy me a Thin Mints Frosty! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
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The Memphis Tigers picked up a 6th Quadrant 1 win this week… and they did it off the court. Their November win over San Francisco got reclassified by the NCAA and is now considered a true road game.

Today is National Breakup Day.

Look for miniature paintings by artist Ephraim Urevbu on South Main sidewalks.

Celebrate National Caregivers Day today noon to 2 in Medical District Park. Artist Molly Gochman’s sculpture exhibit Monuments to Motherhood will be unveiled and there will be food and music.

The annual Soup Sunday event, raising funds for Youth Villages, is this Sunday at The Kent. Come sample soups and other goodies from Memphis’ best restaurants and chefs.

Danny Go! Live! comes to the Cannon Center Saturday.

The Grizzlies are away at New Orleans tonight. 6 PM tip. TV: FanDuel Sports

A season-ending injury to the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama has propelled the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. into the odds-on favorite spot for Defensive Player of the Year.

Too cold to type any more. Back tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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