{"id":238,"date":"2005-11-26T17:35:00","date_gmt":"2005-11-26T17:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paulryburn.com\/wordpress\/?p=238"},"modified":"2005-11-26T17:35:00","modified_gmt":"2005-11-26T17:35:00","slug":"checking-out-the-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.paulryburn.com\/blog\/2005\/11\/26\/checking-out-the-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"Checking out the competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

I finally took a look at Rachel and the City<\/a>, the blog that won first place in the Memphis Flyer’s annual awards. Several of my friends had told me, “We’ve seen it! There’s no way that blog is better than yours,” and I appreciate their support, but after checking out the competition, I think Rachel has a damn fine blog.<\/p>\n

It’s not a question of whether one or the other is better, they’re just different. My blog focuses on downtown, bars, drinking, tube tops, Romanians, bums, and pigeons; her blog is more Midtown-based, more of an emphasis on music. Actually, I think reading her blog is a great opportunity to expand my horizons, get myself out of the rut of going to the same two or three bars downtown every time I go out.<\/p>\n

Like tonight, for example. Reading her blog, I learned that there’s a Soul Party going on at the Hi-Tone. I did some snooping around the web, and found more info at the Memphis Scene blog<\/a> on the Commercial Appeal’s website. Six DJs playing their favorite vintage soul tunes, and films of vintage soul performers on the big screen. Cover is only $3. Sounds like a fantastic time. This event may accomplish the rare feat of getting me to leave downtown and drive somewhere on a weekend night. Of course, if I drive I won’t be able to drink, but there’s an advantage in that too – I’ll save some money.<\/p>\n

UFO update: I’m now up to 198 beers. Two more to go. My tentative plan is to drink #199 later this afternoon, and #200 Monday at Pint Night (although, #200 will have to be a bottle, not a Pint Night draft; I’ve had all the drafts). Had a good one last night – it’s a new, bottled pumpkin ale. Can’t remember the name (starts with a B I think) but it’s listed on the chalkboard above the bar under “Newly Landed.”<\/p>\n

That’s the news for now. Back later with more updates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"