The Cossitt Library is unexpectedly closed today. “Maintenance issues,” says the sign on the door. Sigh… that complicates life for me. I had already decided that I was gonna take today/tonight off from staying at the Union Mission in order to work on my blog/Medium articles. Without the Cossitt’s free Wi-Fi, device charging, and bathrooms, I am at a disadvantage. I’ll try the next closest branch, the Cornelia Crenshaw Library at 531 Vance, this afternoon. In the meantime, I’m renting Wi-Fi, electricity, and bathrooms at the Flying Saucer for a $5.00 Fire Sale plus tip. The TacoNganas location ..read more

The NBA regular season is over, so we’re going to lead off with a bunch of basketball. The Memphis Grizzlies are light-years away from this year’s NBA playoffs, which means they’ll have entries in the 2024 draft lottery. It’ll be on May 12 in Chicago. Let’s have a look at Tankathon and see what it tells us. At 27-55, Memphis finished the regular season with the 7th-worst record in the NBA Memphis will have a 31.9% chance of moving up to pick in the top 4 of the 2024 draft There’s a 7.5% chance the lottery will land the Grizzlies the number-one pick Tankathon’s lottery simulator, run 10 times ..read more

117 Prime posted this week that its 6-year run is coming to an end. Its last day will be next Saturday, April 20. They would love to see their regulars and fans one last time. The good news is that Belle Tavern, the bar in the back with the alleyway entrance, will NOT close. It will continue to be a destination for whiskey lovers and Downtowners with Harold, Brie, and Sara taking good care of you. Today is the final Memphis Grizzlies home game of the season. The Grizz host Denver at 2:30. It’s Fan Appreciation Day and all fans attending get a free 12-piece nuggets via the Chick-Fil-A mobile ap ..read more

I mentioned earlier this week that virtual golf bar Birdie’s is giving away an annual membership in a Closest to the Pin contest this weekend. What does an annual membership get you, you ask? 10 hours of golf simulator use per month 20% discount on food, merchandise, and standard golf rates Fees waived for tournaments, league play, and special events 10% discount on gift cards 10% discount on golf fees for your guests The Grizzlies have broken the record for most starting lineups by an NBA team in one season. Memphis magazine’s Ask Vance column takes a look at oFlagg Bros. Shoes,, riginally ..read more

As I was walking this morning, I noticed that the TacoNganas food truck trailer has been pulled onto the parking lot of the future location at Danny Thomas and Adams. They’ve already resurfaced the lot, fenced it in, and landscaped around the edges. But renovating the building on that lot, a 60s-style gas/service station, into a restaurant is going to be a major undertaking. I wonder if the trailer is a sign they plan to start serving food sooner rather than later? Further along my walk, I discovered this flyer. Looks like Happy Mexican has a new sister bar/restaurant. STIX, the fast casual A ..read more

The Grizzlies host rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs tonight at 7. TV: Bally Sports Today is National Gin and Tonic Day. It’s also Pimiento Cheese Day. I recommend celebrating with a Cheese Wagon Burger at Momma’s bar on Crump. There was a shooting Monday at Danny Thomas and Mississippi. Birdie’s, the virtual golf bar on South Main,, will give away a one-year membership this weekend in a Closest to the Pin contest. There will also be some other sweet prizes given away. $3 Mich Ultra drafts this weekend and they’ll open at 9 Thursday and Friday for early-round Masters ..read more

I feel like there should be a Pink Floyd soundtrack to today’s post. BUT… Eclipse Day is not the only holiday we celebrate today… it’s also Dog Farting Awareness Day. Put a couple of hard-boiled eggs in your dog’s bowl and you’ll be plenty aware. I’m seeing rumors all over the Internet that John Calipari to Arkansas is basically a done deal. Bleacher Report says Cal and the Hogs are close to finalizing a five-year deal. Wow I have mixed feelings about this. Calipari is the very essence of the word “slimy,” but Arkansas hasn’t been highly relevant basketball-wise since the Nolan Richardson days ..read more

The Memphis Farmers Market was back and in full bloom yesterday morning. They had a number of new vendors as well as some returning favorites. Live musicians entertained the crowd. Food trucks were parked in the back.  There was a Japanese bakery but they’d sold out by the time I got there around 10:15.  There was also a booth selling yummy-looking chocolate parfaits. I’d already had breakfast, so I didn’t buy one, but I will check those out in future weeks.  The Market used to send out an e-newsletter on Thursday mornings listing happenings that Saturday: special events and p ..read more

There was a fire thid morning at The WL apartment building (once known as The Adler) at South Main and MLK Avenue. That concerned me because a number of my service industry friends live in that building. However, one of them posted to Facebook that everyone is safe and the fire was put out relatively quickly. The Grizzlies are back home tonight, hosting the Detroit Pistons at 7. It will be Super Hero Night with Hero Slides for the first 5000 fans. TV: Bally Sports Songbird Jones with special guest Sara Jean Kelley will play South Main Sounds tonight from 7 to 9. The Downtown Neighborhood Assoc ..read more

Blast it all, the Cossitt Library is closed AGAIN today. All branches are closed for the anniversary of Dr. King’s death. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for all the branches to be open, so we could read what he had to say? So once again I’m Wi-Fiing at the Saucer. A generous soul handed me a full lunch punch card – eat lunch 7 times, get the 8th free – so I’m cashing it in on a burger and fries. I’m getting one of the specials, the Grateful Shroom, with truffle aioli, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Swiss. It comes with arugula too but I had them leave it off – makes everything else on the ..read more