The Shelby County Commissioners voted today to take a 5% pay cut. Citing tough economic times, you have to be impressed with this vote. The Commission also voted to reduced the salaries of the Shelby County Mayor and Sheriff. Good job guys. Funny to see Joe Ford, who asked for a 33% pay increase two weeks ago, voted for the cut. Looks like he realized that angry voters aren't a good thing.
On a separate note, Commissioners took an additional step to get the ball rolling in the consolidation of county and city governments by creating a consolidation committee. If the city follows suit, the committees can start the process later this year. The final plan will be on the November 2010 ballot.
Monday, August 31, 2009
College Football...Finally, Drinking For A Cause
College football season kicks off this week. For fans in the Memphis Metro, the biggest game will be Sunday's Liberty Bowl contest featuring Ole Miss and Memphis. Rated in the Top 10 by some pre-season polls, it will be interesting to see how the Rebels respond to having a huge target on their backs. The Tigers will be looking to play the roll of spoiler and upset the Rebels. Tickets are still available.
This will be the last game in the existing Memphis-Ole Miss football contract and Memphis' contract with Tennessee-Knoxville expires after the 2010 season. Over the next few years the Tigers are locked into games with Arkansas State, Duke, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State and Mississippi State.
Drinking has its benefits. Locally-brewed Ghost River Brewing has announced a fundraising initiative to benefit the Wolf River Conservancy, a Memphis-based nonprofit land trust that protects and promotes the Wolf River corridor and its watershed.
The brewery’s “Drink a Beer – Save a River” campaign will begin Thursday and runs through September. 20, giving patrons of participating restaurants the chance to make a contribution to the conservancy.
Participating establishments include Central BBQ, Memphis Pizza Cafe, Booya’s, Young Avenue Deli and the Bayou Bar & Grill.
Ghost River Brewing donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every barrel of beer to the Wolf River Conservancy.
This will be the last game in the existing Memphis-Ole Miss football contract and Memphis' contract with Tennessee-Knoxville expires after the 2010 season. Over the next few years the Tigers are locked into games with Arkansas State, Duke, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State and Mississippi State.
Drinking has its benefits. Locally-brewed Ghost River Brewing has announced a fundraising initiative to benefit the Wolf River Conservancy, a Memphis-based nonprofit land trust that protects and promotes the Wolf River corridor and its watershed.
The brewery’s “Drink a Beer – Save a River” campaign will begin Thursday and runs through September. 20, giving patrons of participating restaurants the chance to make a contribution to the conservancy.
Participating establishments include Central BBQ, Memphis Pizza Cafe, Booya’s, Young Avenue Deli and the Bayou Bar & Grill.
Ghost River Brewing donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every barrel of beer to the Wolf River Conservancy.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Restaurant Updates: Arrivederci Club G, South Of Beale
The Grisanti family announced today that Ronnie Grisanti's on Poplar will close its doors on Saturday. Many Memphians are upset by this, but there shouldn't be a reason to be concerned. The quality of the establishment has always been overrated, but only due to the fact that Memphis lacks good Italian food in general. At its best (since 2001) the food has been average at best. A special thanks goes out to the staff that has always done a fantastic job. Thursday nights at Club G will always be missed, but there is hope that new and better cuisine will make its presence in the Memphis market in the near future.
Managed to stop by South Of Beale tonight. Only open less than a month, this new bistro on South Main will be a wonderful spot once the kinks are knocked out. The menu looks great and is reasonably priced. Combined with a great bar staff, there is potential for this new eatery to do well. Only negative is that the owners need to be more outgoing and friendly. A customer ass kissing is not required, but common courtesy and a "hello" will pay off major dividends, especially when things are slow. Work out this customer service flaw and things will be good.
Managed to stop by South Of Beale tonight. Only open less than a month, this new bistro on South Main will be a wonderful spot once the kinks are knocked out. The menu looks great and is reasonably priced. Combined with a great bar staff, there is potential for this new eatery to do well. Only negative is that the owners need to be more outgoing and friendly. A customer ass kissing is not required, but common courtesy and a "hello" will pay off major dividends, especially when things are slow. Work out this customer service flaw and things will be good.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Iverson On Twitter, Downtown Alley Jams
Allen Inverson is reporting that the Grizzlies have extended him an offer. The Grizzlies could use some excitement and a big name player, but Iverson in his later years isn't the best choice. The only good thing out of this is the potential of using Iverson for trade bait later in the season.
Downtown Alley Jams kickoff on September 16. There will be free music and food/drink will be available for purchase. Refreshments start at 4:30pm and music starts at 6pm. Admission is free. Check out the lineup.
Wednesday, September 16: Court Square Karaoke and Cocktails, Court Square Park.
If interesting in competing for the $500 grand prize and $200 crowd favorite, email Stephanie at livinitup@downtownmemphis.com.
Wednesday, September 23: NeoSoulville Alley Party, Gayoso Alley.
Pure Memphis soul with The City Champs, Candace Ashir, Tim Terry, Tonya Dyson, and Cassie Bonner.
Wednesday, September 30: REG Alley Party, Rendezvous Alley.
High octane rockabilly with The Dempseys and Stax and disco soul with The Soul Shockers.
Wednesday, October 7: Makeshift Records Alley Party, Gayoso Alley.
Memphis alt-pop and punk with Two Way Radio, Paul Taylor, and Pezz.
Wednesday, October 14: Goner Records Alley Party, Barboro Alley.
Memphis Indie Rock with Harlan T. Bobo and Quintron and Miss Pussycat.
Friday, October 30: Memphis Pops! presented by Shangri-La, Lot next to Earnestine & Hazels.
Featuring Mitch Easter, The New Mary Jane, and the return of The Simple Ones.
Downtown Alley Jams kickoff on September 16. There will be free music and food/drink will be available for purchase. Refreshments start at 4:30pm and music starts at 6pm. Admission is free. Check out the lineup.
Wednesday, September 16: Court Square Karaoke and Cocktails, Court Square Park.
If interesting in competing for the $500 grand prize and $200 crowd favorite, email Stephanie at livinitup@downtownmemphis.com.
Wednesday, September 23: NeoSoulville Alley Party, Gayoso Alley.
Pure Memphis soul with The City Champs, Candace Ashir, Tim Terry, Tonya Dyson, and Cassie Bonner.
Wednesday, September 30: REG Alley Party, Rendezvous Alley.
High octane rockabilly with The Dempseys and Stax and disco soul with The Soul Shockers.
Wednesday, October 7: Makeshift Records Alley Party, Gayoso Alley.
Memphis alt-pop and punk with Two Way Radio, Paul Taylor, and Pezz.
Wednesday, October 14: Goner Records Alley Party, Barboro Alley.
Memphis Indie Rock with Harlan T. Bobo and Quintron and Miss Pussycat.
Friday, October 30: Memphis Pops! presented by Shangri-La, Lot next to Earnestine & Hazels.
Featuring Mitch Easter, The New Mary Jane, and the return of The Simple Ones.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Fall Levitt Shell Concert Series Announced
Overton Park's Levitt Shell has announced its 25 concert fall lineup. Shows will be Thursday-Sunday with each night dedicated to a single musical theme:
Thursday - Americana
Friday - R&B, gospel, and/or blues
Saturday - afternoon kids show & Latin-themed evening
Sunday - World Rhythms
All performances start at 7 p.m., except Saturday children’s show, 5 p.m., and Saturday evening concert, 7:30 p.m. As usual, all shows are free.
Here is the lineup:
Sept. 4: Kinsey Report
Sept. 5: (children’s show) Billy Jonas Cienfuegos
Sept. 6: Mystical Arts of Tibet with Lily Afshar
Sept. 10: Sun Studios Revue
Sept. 11: Charlie Wood
Sept. 12: Rattletree Marimba Marcel
Sept. 13: Ohana Maui
Sept. 17: Pronto
Sept. 18: Joyce Cobb
Sept. 19: Farmer Jason, Marta Gomez
Sept. 20: Toubab Krewe
Sept. 24: Carrie Rodriguez
Sept. 25: The Lee Boys
Sept. 26: Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents “How I Became A Pirate,” Fandanguero
Sept. 27: The Prodigals
Oct. 1: The Duhks
Oct. 2: Blues Revue
Oct. 3: Mammoth Follies, Los Texas Wranglers
Oct. 4: Nagata Shachu
Thursday - Americana
Friday - R&B, gospel, and/or blues
Saturday - afternoon kids show & Latin-themed evening
Sunday - World Rhythms
All performances start at 7 p.m., except Saturday children’s show, 5 p.m., and Saturday evening concert, 7:30 p.m. As usual, all shows are free.
Here is the lineup:
Sept. 4: Kinsey Report
Sept. 5: (children’s show) Billy Jonas Cienfuegos
Sept. 6: Mystical Arts of Tibet with Lily Afshar
Sept. 10: Sun Studios Revue
Sept. 11: Charlie Wood
Sept. 12: Rattletree Marimba Marcel
Sept. 13: Ohana Maui
Sept. 17: Pronto
Sept. 18: Joyce Cobb
Sept. 19: Farmer Jason, Marta Gomez
Sept. 20: Toubab Krewe
Sept. 24: Carrie Rodriguez
Sept. 25: The Lee Boys
Sept. 26: Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents “How I Became A Pirate,” Fandanguero
Sept. 27: The Prodigals
Oct. 1: The Duhks
Oct. 2: Blues Revue
Oct. 3: Mammoth Follies, Los Texas Wranglers
Oct. 4: Nagata Shachu
Monday, August 24, 2009
Memphis Probation, Beer At Football Games, WWH Say No
What seems to be missed in the hoopla associated with the NCAA announcement last week is the three years of probation facing all University of Memphis sports. The basketball allegations coupled with the gross negligence of the women's golf program have the NCAA closely watching Tigers sports. All of this happened under the leadership of R.C. Johnson. Maybe its time for Johnson to step down and let new blood add some much need energy to the program.
The City of Memphis announced that beginning this season beer will be sold at Memphis Tigers football games at the Liberty Bowl. This is fantastic news. It will be interesting to see how well Memphis fans handle their alcohol intake. City officials are estimating that beer sales at Tigers games will add close to $250,000 to city revenues for 2009.
On a local radio show today, Willie Herenton said that he will not run for mayor in the upcoming special election. Let's hope he keeps his word.
The City of Memphis announced that beginning this season beer will be sold at Memphis Tigers football games at the Liberty Bowl. This is fantastic news. It will be interesting to see how well Memphis fans handle their alcohol intake. City officials are estimating that beer sales at Tigers games will add close to $250,000 to city revenues for 2009.
On a local radio show today, Willie Herenton said that he will not run for mayor in the upcoming special election. Let's hope he keeps his word.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Social Media Ban, A Little Grace In Midtown
Today, the SEC announced a ban on social media at sporting events. The purpose is to keep all eyes on ESPN and CBS broadcasts. How will this be enforced? No cell phones allowed in stadiums? This is going to be fun to watch. What's next...all SEC games to only be on PPV?
Grace, a new bistro with French influences, is opening soon in the Cooper Young area. The planned location is the space formerly used by Sweet. French techniques combined with fresh local ingredients should make for a fun experience.
Grace, a new bistro with French influences, is opening soon in the Cooper Young area. The planned location is the space formerly used by Sweet. French techniques combined with fresh local ingredients should make for a fun experience.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Memphis To Become A Bigger Joke?, Vick To Eagles
Just as Memphis is starting to gain more respect, Willie Herenton has knocked the city several steps back. Herenton picked up an application today to run for the same position that he resigned from just two weeks ago. He doesn't feel that the acting mayor and the candidates for the special election are good for Memphis. Is Herenton good enough for Memphis? He seems to forget he will be remembered for controversy, federal investigations, bad hires and racism more than his handful of accomplishments. His greatest accomplishment came as superintendent of schools, where he "dumbed down" the voting base enough to continuously re-elect him. Even a voting base with an average education would not have voted him in over and over again. If he does run for office, he should be forced to pay some of the costs associated with the special election. After all, the only reason there is a special election is because he stepped down from his position as mayor.
Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles today. Donovan McNabb isn't getting any younger and Kevin Kolb will most likely be a bust, so this is a good move by the Eagles. Vick's signing ends our hopes that he would sign with the Cleveland Browns. It would have been hilarious to see the Dawg Pound fans cheering for Vick.
Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles today. Donovan McNabb isn't getting any younger and Kevin Kolb will most likely be a bust, so this is a good move by the Eagles. Vick's signing ends our hopes that he would sign with the Cleveland Browns. It would have been hilarious to see the Dawg Pound fans cheering for Vick.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Lofty Expectations For Local College Football
Mississippi and Memphis football squads are now in camp prepping for the 2009 college football season. Both teams have high expectations and their opening game at the Liberty Bowl should set the tone for the rest of the year.
Mississippi is riding high off of Houston Nutt's first season and strong Cotton Bowl win over Texas Tech. Ranked in the top 10 in some pre-season polls, Ole Miss will be lead by QB Jevan Snead and defensive leaders like Greg Hardy.
The scheduling gods were very kind to the Rebels with key SEC games against Alabama, LSU and Tennessee all being in Oxford. Aside from injuries, the only thing that could throw a wrench into Ole Miss' dream season are two games again FCS schools.
With a talent-rich teams and a favorable schedule, look for Mississippi to finish up the season 10-2 or 9-3.
For the first time in a good while, Memphis fans are talking about quality talent on Tigers football team. Veterans like Carlos Singleton and Duke Calhoun both return along with several transfers from SEC schools. The big question mark will remain at quarterback. Memphis QB's were often injured last season and more of the same could doom the Tigers in 2009.
The schedule will not do much to help the Tigers. Home games against Mississippi and ECU are helpful, but key conference road games against Houston, Tulsa and USM are going to be tough. And lets not forget a road trip to Knoxville in November.
An interesting out of conference game will be against UT-Martin. Martin is a pre-season FCS top 25 team that will be a tough early season test for the Tigers. Memphis should win, but Martin will bring their A game.
This seems to come up every year, but this could be a make or break season for Tommy West. Expectations are high and fans are hungry for a conference championship and bigger bowls. Is West on the hot seat? It remains to be seen. Wins over rivals make everything better.
Factoring in the schedule, 7-5 seems to be a realistic expectation for this year.
Mississippi is riding high off of Houston Nutt's first season and strong Cotton Bowl win over Texas Tech. Ranked in the top 10 in some pre-season polls, Ole Miss will be lead by QB Jevan Snead and defensive leaders like Greg Hardy.
The scheduling gods were very kind to the Rebels with key SEC games against Alabama, LSU and Tennessee all being in Oxford. Aside from injuries, the only thing that could throw a wrench into Ole Miss' dream season are two games again FCS schools.
With a talent-rich teams and a favorable schedule, look for Mississippi to finish up the season 10-2 or 9-3.
For the first time in a good while, Memphis fans are talking about quality talent on Tigers football team. Veterans like Carlos Singleton and Duke Calhoun both return along with several transfers from SEC schools. The big question mark will remain at quarterback. Memphis QB's were often injured last season and more of the same could doom the Tigers in 2009.
The schedule will not do much to help the Tigers. Home games against Mississippi and ECU are helpful, but key conference road games against Houston, Tulsa and USM are going to be tough. And lets not forget a road trip to Knoxville in November.
An interesting out of conference game will be against UT-Martin. Martin is a pre-season FCS top 25 team that will be a tough early season test for the Tigers. Memphis should win, but Martin will bring their A game.
This seems to come up every year, but this could be a make or break season for Tommy West. Expectations are high and fans are hungry for a conference championship and bigger bowls. Is West on the hot seat? It remains to be seen. Wins over rivals make everything better.
Factoring in the schedule, 7-5 seems to be a realistic expectation for this year.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Pre-Season Playoff Predictions
Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions will return for another college football season. Now its fourth published season, click here to see last season's final mock playoff field.
Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.
Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).
The pre-season playoff field for the 2009 season is:
1. Florida (SEC Champion)
2. Texas (Big 12 Champion)
3. Oklahoma (At Large Big 12)
4. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
5. Alabama (At Large SEC)
6. Ohio State (Big 10 Champion)
7. Virginia Tech (ACC Champion)
8. Penn State (At Large Big 10)
9. California (At Large PAC 10)
10. Oklahoma State (At Large Big 12)
11. Boise State (WAC Champion)
12. Utah (MWC Champion)
13. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
14. East Carolina (CUSA Champion)
15. Central Michigan (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)
Number Of Teams by Conference:
Big 12 (3), Big 10 (2), Pac 10 (2), SEC (2), ACC (1), Big East (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)
Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.
Round 1
(16) Troy at (1) Florida
(9) California at (8) Penn State
(12) Utah at (5) Alabama
(13) West Virginia at (4) USC
(11) Boise State at (6) Ohio State
(14) East Carolina at (3) Oklahoma
(10) Oklahoma State at (7) Virginia Tech
(15) Central Michigan at (2) Texas
Round 2
(8) Penn State vs (1) Florida
(5) Alabama vs (4) USC
(6) Ohio State vs (3) Oklahoma
(7) Virginia Tech vs (2) Texas
Round 3
(4) USC vs (1) Florida
(3) Oklahoma vs (2) Texas
Championship Game
(2) Texas vs (1) Florida
Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.
Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).
The pre-season playoff field for the 2009 season is:
1. Florida (SEC Champion)
2. Texas (Big 12 Champion)
3. Oklahoma (At Large Big 12)
4. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
5. Alabama (At Large SEC)
6. Ohio State (Big 10 Champion)
7. Virginia Tech (ACC Champion)
8. Penn State (At Large Big 10)
9. California (At Large PAC 10)
10. Oklahoma State (At Large Big 12)
11. Boise State (WAC Champion)
12. Utah (MWC Champion)
13. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
14. East Carolina (CUSA Champion)
15. Central Michigan (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)
Number Of Teams by Conference:
Big 12 (3), Big 10 (2), Pac 10 (2), SEC (2), ACC (1), Big East (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)
Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.
Round 1
(16) Troy at (1) Florida
(9) California at (8) Penn State
(12) Utah at (5) Alabama
(13) West Virginia at (4) USC
(11) Boise State at (6) Ohio State
(14) East Carolina at (3) Oklahoma
(10) Oklahoma State at (7) Virginia Tech
(15) Central Michigan at (2) Texas
Round 2
(8) Penn State vs (1) Florida
(5) Alabama vs (4) USC
(6) Ohio State vs (3) Oklahoma
(7) Virginia Tech vs (2) Texas
Round 3
(4) USC vs (1) Florida
(3) Oklahoma vs (2) Texas
Championship Game
(2) Texas vs (1) Florida
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Village Door On Beale, Grizzlies, Football
The Superior Restaurant and Bar on Beale Street is changing ownership. The restaurant and bar has been purchased by a group of investors and John Wehner. The new spot will be known as John Wehner's Village Door Beale Street. Wehner is known for his prior developments, including The Famous Door on Bourbon Street and The Village Door in Florida. The Memphis Village Door will have top notch entertainment including high level music and djs. The new concept should be open in 45 days.
The Grizzlies continued to make fans scratch their heads. Their latest move was to fire the entire college scouting department. Screw college talent, just draft Europeans and sign veterans who are in the decline of their careers.
College and pro football camps have kicked off across the nation. That means Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are coming soon. Look for the pre-season predictions by the end of the weekend.
The Grizzlies continued to make fans scratch their heads. Their latest move was to fire the entire college scouting department. Screw college talent, just draft Europeans and sign veterans who are in the decline of their careers.
College and pro football camps have kicked off across the nation. That means Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are coming soon. Look for the pre-season predictions by the end of the weekend.
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