Cheers to Jaren Jackson Jr. for being a leader. He’s the first Grizzly to say he’s stepped up and received the COVID-19 vaccine. The sooner we get to herd immunity, the sooner we can kiss these stupid restrictions goodbye altogether.
David Sweat, deputy director of the health department, announced in yesterday’s press conference that for the first time in calendar 2021, the virus’ reproductive rate is above 1. That means it’s growing exponentially again, although at 1.04 the growth is slow. He said it’s not near the point of concern yet, but if the trend continues, the stupid restrictions could be tightened. If you look at COVID Act Now and scroll down a bit, though, you’ll see Shelby County is doing considerably better limiting the virus than Tennessee’s 5 other largest counties.
City COO Doug McGowen advised that appointments for 16+ to get the vaccine should open up between noon and 2 PM.
Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers beat Boise State last night to move on to the semifinals of the NIT. They’ll face fellow #1 seed Colorado State Saturday at 11 AM, with the game televised on ESPN.
Gorgui Dieng was mentioned in trade talks but the NBA trade deadline passed yesterday without the Grizzlies making a deal for their backup center.
The Orchestra Unplugged: Getting into American Music featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra is tonight at the Halloran Centre.
Memphis Chess Club has been posting some yummy looking photos of pizzas to their Facebook page lately. I left a comment asking if you had to be a club member to order food there, and they replied no, the public has the same access to their cafe as the members. I will have to stop by and take a pizza home soon.
The Commercial Appeal has a look at what will be different about BBQ Fest this year. My team The Moody Ques are taking the year off and I am 100% happy with that decision.
Out in The Edge, Grind City Brewing will hold a beer tasting at Craft Axe Throwing, 344 Floyd Alley, 2 to 4 PM tomorrow. Come sample 3-5 beers and vote for Beer of the Month. The Facebook event listing shows this as a free event.
Soul food restaurant Alcenia’s is profiled by The Tennessean as part of how 5 restaurants in the South survived the pandemic.
The U of M Law School is looking for a Visiting Assistant Professor for a nine-month appointment. A J.D. is required and teaching experience is a plus.
There’s an Easter egg hunt at Elmwood Cemetery tomorrow.
Carolina Watershed will host a DJ event tonight. DudeCalledRob, Tree, Mylon Webb.
That’s it for today. Whatever problem was wrong with my web hosting appears to have been fixed. I published a Thursday Update post late in the afternoon yesterday with a lot of good stuff. Keep scrolling if you haven’t seen it. Back tomorrow with more.