Paul Ryburn's Journal

There’s Taylor Swift trivia tonight at Momma’s at 7 PM. Come see who knows the second most about Taylor Swift after Lana. In addition to winning $100+ in swag and gift cards, if you order a burger during trivia, there’s a 1 in 7 chance it’ll be free.

Memphis is number 1 for deadly car accidents in the country, says a study by ConsumerAffairs.

Dr. Pepper has pulled into a tie with Pepsi as the country’s second-most popular soft drink, based on sales. Of course, Coke is still tops.

The Trumpster has joined TikTok.

Wiseacre will celebrate the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer with a takeover at Loflin Yard Saturday from 1 to 4. The brewery will debut its new premium lager, SkyDog. Bring your puppers or doggo or whatever you call your domesticated wolf. Live pet paintings. They’ll be accepting donations to Streetdog Foundation.

Black Panther is the film the Downtown Memphis Commission will show at its next free movie night this Thursday at Grind City Brewing Co. Doors at 7, movie at 8.

Gia Welch & JD Westmoreland play The Central BBQ Sessions this Saturday from 6 to 8:30.

DJ Hush plays Central Station’s Eight & Sand Lounge Friday night 9 to 1.

It’s World Cider Day. I have no recommendation to celebrate, but Butt Slut #1 would want you to drink an Angry Orchard.

Project Green Fork’s Loving Local celebration is 2-5 this Sunday at Grind City Brewing. Food from PGF-certified restaurants including

• Lulu’s Cafe
• Good Fortune Co.
• Biscuits & Jams
• Shroomlicious Meals
• Mempops

Eco-friendly vendors will be there as well. Loving Local is free this year, but registration is encouraged. Music by DJ Crystal Mercedes and by Marcella. Kid-friendly.

That’s all. Back tomorrow with more news.

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This is the entrance to Court Square, across Main from the Moxy & Springhill Suites parking lot. Notice anything missing?

The black flat-top tables with yellow umbrellas that had 2-4 built-in seats apiece are gone.

DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS COMMISSION? What gives?

Those tables were perfect for Saturday mornings when the burrito ministry would bike by. I had plenty of table space for my burritos and drink, and an extra seat in which to lay my backpack.

I know there was one person and one group who tended to camp out at those tables, and that the park tended to smell like weed when they were around. But are we really going to let a few people ruin it for everyone?

A block and a half further down Main, better news.

The construction on Monroe between Main and Second has been paved over, suggesting that the avenue may reopen this week.

Soul & Spirits Brewing at 845 N. Main will host a record fair all day Saturday, June 15. 

• Local vendors all day 
• A new beer release 
• Glassware specials
• Live music by The Subteens

The DM has photos from yesterday’s Pride parade and festival.

Anime Blues Con comes to the Renasant Convention Center Friday through Sunday.

“The diner and dive off 55,” Momma’s, seeks front of house staff.

Samara Joy comes to the Cannon Center Monday.

RedRover’s top dog, Lori Turner-Wilson, will have a signing for her book The B2B Marketing Revolution: A Battle Plan for Guaranteed Outcomes at novel. bookstore in East Memphis on Tuesday, June 18 at 6 PM.

In other book news, Malcolm Gladwell has written a sequel to Tipping Point.

The team of former Memphis Tiger forward DeAndre Williams won the Taiwan League title last week. Great to see him doing well. 

The man allegedly responsible for the shooting of a man near the Court Square hotels is said to have a history of confrontation with homeless people.

A man wrecked a car and then hid in a ditch near MLK Ave. and B.B. King Blvd. last week.

Today is National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day.

Yesterday was a reminder I am blessed with many wonderful people in my life. Back tomorrow. I have a lot of writing to do on Medium, so I may be out late tomorrow.

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The Medical Center District is getting an ALDI grocery store. It’s going in the former Office Depot building at 785 Union.

The Trumpster was found guilty yesterday on all 34 counts in his criminal hush-money trial. He can still run for president, but as a convicted felon he might not be able to vote for himself. Sentencing is scheduled for a few days before the Republican convention.

There was a shooting near the Moxy Hotel at Main and Court about 3 this morning.

BRIDGES USA is hiring a CEO.

It looks like I won’t be attending South Main Trolley Night after all. To do so, I’d have to stay out all night, and it’s supposed to rain and storm.

Back tomorrow or Sunday with more news.

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This may be a Thursday update post, but I’m starting it at 10:37 AM Wednesday… and I just saw the sweetest thing as I walked to the Cossitt Library.

A couple walked out of Brinkley Plaza, presumably having been to immigration court on the 7th floor. As they turned the corner onto the Front Street sidewalk, the man pulled his wife close and gave her a kiss. I bet that was their first kiss as United States citizens.

One personal note about me, and then we’ll get the news started. There is a good chance I’ll be at South Main Trolley Night Friday. Come find me and say hello! If you have any news you want me to include on the blog, I’ll have the Notes app on my phone ready.

• My appearance at Trolley Night is dependent on the weather and my getting a good night’s sleep Thursday, so it’s not 100% that I’ll be there… but I’m sure gonna try.

And now, the news…

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will show the movie Family Switch (FREE for all, DNA members or not) at new outdoor movie venue Grind City Brewing tonight. Doors at 7, movie at 8.

Shannon McNally returns to South Main Sounds Friday for Trolley Night.

Memphis Tigers basketball star David Jones chose to remain in the NBA draft and will forfeit his remaining NCAA eligibility.

After ethics concerns were raised, City Councilwoman Dr. Michalyn Easter-Thomas has resigned from her Memphis River Parks Partnership job.

I posted an Experience Memphis Like a Local article on Medium yesterday. I have no idea if a travel article will work on that platform, but I figured I’d give it a try.

Back tomorrow.

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Grit & Grind Music Machine will supply the tunes at this Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party, along with DJ A.D. $15 general admission, $30 VIP. VIPs get a buffet of chicken and beef sliders and sidewinder fries. 6-10 PM; party will be moved inside the Skyway in case of rain.

Megan Thee Stallion with special guest GloRilla comes to FedExForum Thursday night.

The following night, Friday, comedian Nate Bargatze brings his Be Funny Tour to FedExForum.

Whet Thursday returns to the Metal Museum this week. Smithing demos, live soul by Corey Lou & DaVillage, bar, Smurfey’s Smokehouse food truck.

The popular Scandals & Scoundrels Tour returns to Elmwood Cemetery June 9. Get a look at Memphis’ shady past.

The Cossitt Library will have a used book sale Saturday, June 8. DJs, live performances, and library activities throughout the day.

Sunday night a Corvette was taken at gunpoint outside a restaurant on the 100 block of Monroe.

The Middle Ages ended 571 years ago today.

It’s National Biscuit Day.

Community Legal Center seeks a program coordinator.

The Redbirds host Nashville at 7:05.

MarketWatch has named Memphis one of 7 cities reaping the benefits of awesome public art.

That’s all for now. Back tomorrow.

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RIP Bill Walton.

Birdie’s, the golf simulation bar on South Main, has announced weekly nine-hole Par 3 tournaments. These will allow you to get some swings in and maybe win a prize, while being short enough not to interfere with your summer vacation.

Blind Bear specials this week: Italian sausage and potato soup; pan-seared chicken breast with wild rice, sautéed zucchini, mushrooms; shrimp and crawfish scampi pasta

Janey Bee Jems will have a pop-up Charm Bar at Stock&Belle on Saturday, June 1 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Brooke Ballard will help you design a charm necklace. The first 30 necklaces can be picked up the day of the Charm Bar, and after that you can arrange for shipment or pickup.

The I-55 bridge will be closed June 9-23.

It’s International Hamburger Day.

The Redbirds host Nashville tonight at 7:05.

I had something weird happen recently. Saturday night I dreamed I was watching an episode of M*A*S*H. It was the one where Frank Burns promised Margaret the moon, and she pointed out he didn’t have the moon.

Then Memorial Day afternoon I checked into the Union Mission and entered the common room. The TV was tuned to the TV Land channel. I expected to see episodes of Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith.

Instead, M*A*S*H came on. THE VERY EPISODE/SCENE I HAD DREAMED ABOUT. I had not seen that show in at least 8 months.

There is no way that was a coincidence.

I’m interpreting it as a reminder from the Universe that we are more powerful than we realize; we possess more than just our basic 5 senses.

That’s all I’ve got today. Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Steve, the friendly squirrel who lived in the Union-Gayoso block of the Main Street Mall, is believed to be dead. Regulars of businesses in that block have not seen Steve in weeks.

Rat poison is the suspected cause of death. If you’ve ever been on that block after dark, you know there are a lot of rats. I don’t believe anyone was trying to intentionally harm Steve.

Rest in peace, Steve, if you really are gone. Wherever you are now, I hope it’s just plain nuts there.

Beerknurds, save the date: A week from Wednesday will be Captain Keith glass night at the Flying Saucer.

There was a shooting Saturday night about 11 at Danny Thomas and Adams near Level III nightclub.

Memphis Pride Fest is this coming weekend.

The Blues Foundation seeks a museum director.

It’s a slow news day, as I predicted. Back tomorrow.

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As I walked to the farmers market yesterday, I discovered a couple of weekday deals at Rumba Room.

Tuesdays: $11 for three tacos is right in line with what other restaurants in the neighborhood charge, so you’re basically getting a Corona for free. Plus a salsa dance lesson if you want one.

Wednesdays: $15 for a burger is in line with what other restaurants on Main charge – so it’s like you’re getting a margarita for free, and optionally a bachata lesson too.

I got to the Memphis Farmers Market and discovered

• Master Gardeners were there for free consultations on planting and growing
• Memphis Public Libraries had a booth there
• There was a kids’ table with coloring and crafts

Memphis 901 FC got a 2-0 win over Pittsburgh last night.

I would have loved to have this stuff in Thursday or Friday’s blog. But I didn’t know! Did I get knocked off the Market’s weekly e-newsletter mailing list? Or do they not do the newsletter anymore?

More storms could be headed our way. The biggest risk will occur in the overnight hours, but they could get going as early as 3 PM.

Today is World Dracula Day. And there was a man on the Main Street Mall with a Dracula name tag on this morning.

There will be a Mini Wiener Fest at Hi-Tone 5 PM-midnight Memorial Day. Free regular-sized hot dogs.

I had a Cali Burrito at Bardog yesterday. It seems to be becoming one of their new regular specials during brunch. Chorizo, eggs, fries, avocado, queso fresco. It’s delicious but definitely put a couple of napkins in your lap. It’s messy!

Automatic Slim’s brunch news:

I don’t know if I’ll post tomorrow or not. I’ll have the time, but holidays are notoriously slow for news. As is the case with most Monday holidays, I plan on being at Bardog at 8 AM. Come hang out!

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Tom Lee Park reopens this weekend. Sunday the park will host a pickleball tournament with cash prizes.

Today is National Wine Day.

In sports news, it looks like an agreement between the NCAA and conferences will allow ACC, SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 schools to start paying athletes directly. Memphis isn’t in any of those conferences and is therefore looking at the very real possibility of permanent second-tier status.

Prediction: Arkansas wins a national football title by 2034.

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire play FedExForum Wednesday.

Former Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons thinks Memphis sucks. The feeling is mutual, Chandler.

Shrek the Musical comes to the Orpheum next weekend.

A short post is better than no post, I suppose. About to run an errand then hit the Farmers Market. Back in 72 hours or less with more news.

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There were only three trucks in Court Square for the food truck rodeo yesterday. I hope that was only because of the weather. In case anybody is wondering, Smurfey’s Smokehouse (which has a brick-and-mortar location a block away), Tacotitlan, and Rice Burner were the three that showed up.

Choose901 profiles Sarah Cai, co-founder and chef at Good Fortune Co.

Flying Fish has a deal on crawfish this Memorial Day weekend:

Given the shortages we’ve had this season, 4 pounds for $30 is an excellent price.

The Cossitt Library will host an artist mixer from 5 to 7 today.

Sunny Bleau and Nic Cocco play South Main Sounds tonight at 7.

Memphis 901 FC hosts the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Saturday at AutoZone Park. 7:30 PM. Fireworks after the match.

The University of Memphis is hiring a Neighborhood Preservation Clinic Attorney. The position will be located at the Downtown law school.

Grind City Brewing will have live music 3-6 Memorial Day.

There’s a weekend-long Sundresses & Linen party that will bring many visitors Downtown.

It’s National Escargot Day. Bishop would be my recommendation to celebrate.

It’s also National Cooler Day. Fill that thing with PBR!

Memphis in May’s Great American River Run is Saturday.

A luxury hotel, 15 stories, is planned for the corner of Fourth and MLK.

Zio Matto Gelato is the DM’s $10 Deal this week.

Pyramid Wines & Spirits now has High Noon Iced Tea with vodka.

NOAA predicts an extraordinarily busy hurricane season.

Cicada-infused Malort is a thing. Max, will this be coming to your bar soon?

Graphic I saw on ESPN yesterday: Years since Dallas-based teams made the conference finals:

Mavericks 0, Stars 0, Rangers 0, Cowboys 28

That’s all the news for now. Back sometime this weekend.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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