More Growl Towel Action

Sally Pace had her towels made into an adorable mini, while her cute chubby little bean Will hates OKC as much as we all do. Stand up, Memphis! It’s time to Grind! #gng

She Got Tha Grizz Fever

Wondering what to do with all of your growl towels? This here lady nailed it. She was also drinking what appeared to be in mass quantities, so this terrycloth getup she constructed out of the playoff giveaways serves a dual purpose: superfan garment and reliable drop cloth to soak up all that wine that she dribbles (disguise to protect the “innocent”) #gng

In Defense of Nick Calathes

As it did to everyone, the news of Nick Calathes and his ineligibility for the playoffs hit me like a ton of bricks. Unlike everyone else, I found out from his fiancé, who is a close friend of mine. Instead of reading a sensationalized headline and making an uninformed opinion, I got details from her and formed my own opinion. I bet my reaction differs from yours: I feel pity. Let me explain why.

Nick took a supplement after the All-Star break that someone gave him and did not know that it contained any illegal ingredient. Both he and his fiancé are well aware of how stupid it was of him not to be more conscience of what he was taking, but even the NBA, who tested him over a month ago, had been aggressively trying to help him with the situation. But, alas, rules are rules, and NCMurder is out 20 games.

First, I would like to recognize that I am fully aware that professional athletes are and should be held to a higher moral and social responsibility. Going into their new celebrity, most athletes are well-informed and schooled on why they should not behave like a moron. In the immortal words of Notorious BIG, “Mo money mo problems,” and with the fiscal and social benefits of being an NBA athlete, so cometh criticisms and scrutiny. So when a player fails a drug test for an illegal substance, it’s not like when a regular Joe fails a drug test. Oh no: our hero has fallen. And to a true Grizzly fan, that is exactly what Nick is. He is our hero. Despite my close relationship with he and his family, I still revere Nick as Roman gladiator in the arena. But we all know what the Romans did to gladiators when they did anything but win: they got booed. They got stuff thrown at them. They got thrown to the lions.

We have already booed Nick for not performing well. I still cringe when I recall the booing incident at the poor guy’s own home court. Calkins wrote after that game that he would almost suggest booing not be allowed but the fans paid for the ability to do so. And frankly, Calkins, that is just how some people react. The latest Nick incident is no different: knee jerk reactions from fans are what they are.

I understand that not everyone has such an easily accessible and very reliable source of information for the Grizzlies as I do. So I would like to appeal to Grizz fans everywhere. Do not forget what grit and grind really means. Is this not grit? Are we not a gritty team? Memphis is anything but pretty and easy, and I would not have it any other way. Am I my saying I don’t think he made a huge mistake and let down his team, his organization, and his new home? Absolutely not. What I am saying is that before we jump to Twitter and nail this poor guy to the cross, consider this: he just turned 25. He’s a 25-year-old dude. Yes, he is a celebrity. But that does not make him infallible. If he were your average Joe, he would be fresh out of the frat house and living like the characters in Workoholics.

But he is no average Joe. He is a hero. He got booed in his own stadium, worked his ass off, and turned it around in one season to become rookie of the month. I have news for you: he did not execute such a remarkable feat just because he gets paid to do it. He does it because he cares. He was as disappointed in himself as everyone else was. Today is no different. The man is low. I would like to think that I would not be so quick to kick an idol while he is down, especially when his big crime is ignorance and not crack or pot or who-knows-what from almost anyone else. I want my hero to get back to wearing his cape as quickly as possible. Because while it is a huge disappointment that he is not playing the next 20, I am aware of how VALUABLE he has been this season. And I know some other great things, too.

Nick is a real person. He is the father of a beautiful son that looks just like him, albeit with more hair than him. He has taught his son how to dunk a basketball on a play goal. He has known his fiancé since he was 12 years old when they went to middle school together in Florida. He FaceTimes her from bed at every away game. He asks me in earnest how I am doing even though I know he has much on his mind and more professional pressures then you or I will ever understand.

Nick made a mistake. And I am disappointed. But I am also grateful he’s in Memphis and he is still a Memphis fan, despite the beating he gets when we drag him through every gauntlet. Let’s stop throwing our hero to the lions. It won’t help anything. Let’s get over this grit and keep grinding.

For Weather Like This

This stylish mule by Pura Lopez is perfect for chilly spring weather (or if you haven’t seen your Asian for a pedi in a while). Love the color because it goes with everything. The sling back strap is cute AND functional with jeans, shorts, flare skirt, whatevs. Wear her to one of these upcoming beer festivals instead of looking ridiculous in heels or sad in flip flops. You can find her at Lavish in Collierville while she lasts!

Happy Tax Day, Dummies

What better way to spend refund money (or drown sorrows) then get a cheap happy hour drank?! There isn’t a better way so stop pondering.
Itta Beana, above BB Kings on Beale Street, is an AMAZEBALLS place for a happy hour or early cocktail dinner. Why? Because there’s no filter on this photo: the windows are actually blue glass, making everything blue and trippy, dawg. But be mindful that you need SUNLIGHT for this effect (although the lights on Beale offer a really cool glow in the evening). PLUS they run the following bar special:
-$3 off appetizers until 7
-Monday: $3 off martinis (shwing)
-Tuesdays: Dudes in ties get $2 off drinks
-Wednesday: House wine for $5
-Thursday: Ladies get $2 off drinks
-Errday: $3 pints, $5 wells, and $6 select wines
Nothing in life is guaranteed in life but death, taxes, and booze on Beale.

Monday LOL

Celebs were all out in their “Ima pretend like I don’t care but I’m trying really hard” gear this year at Coachella in Cali. Some of these folks nail cute festival frocks, while others miss the mark so dramatically that I get anxiety FOR them because they should be embarrassed that badly. Cue those two youngest Kardashian brats. They’re famous for…. well…. something. But it ain’t dressing great. Kendall looks absurd donning a nose ring reminiscent of the evil God King in 300. Kylie, likewise, is cringe-worthy in this getup that can only be described as a mashup of death angel/dead fairy/gypsy.
I’m waiting on some sort of public apology from the K camp, but until then, Memphis, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

Man Doin’ His Deal at Mollie Fontaines

Sometimes I get pleasantly surprised in Memphis. This man is certainly fashion-forward a la Kanye (with or without fishsticks is still up for debate). The folded down overalls are actually seeing a hip hop upswing, and I dig the bolo tie with the leather detailing. Not saying I would hold hands with him in public, but bravo for your courageous attire, homey!

Gettin Weird, CYC Farmers Market-Style

I know. I know. No posts in over a week. But lay off me, because I just moved. Everyone knows what a pain in the a$# that is, but my new digs are beyond worth it. Sure, my bathroom walls look like a Smurf imploded on them. Sure, the foundation is tilting. Sure, the yard isn’t totally fenced in, and what is fenced is tragic. So why am I excited? Because I am back in midtown Memphis, brosef, and that’s where shiz gets weird… in a fun way.

Located in the heart of Cooper Young, my pad is perfect for Memphis food and bev exploration at its finest. I can’t wait to barrage you people with post after post on the awesomeness of what I am calling the Great Midtown Revival. However, let me begin with my seemingly innocent early excursion I had this past fine Saturday morning.

April is amazeballs because it ushers in farmers market season. The Cooper-Young Farmers Market is no exception. I bee bopped my way on foot the whole block distance from my pad to the parking lot of First Congregational Church (affectionately known as The Congo) for the deal. Lo and behold- Memphis Made was slinging beer and the fest was having a crawfish boil. It was a breakfast made in heaven for a-holes like me.

 

I buddied up to the brewers of Memphis Made and super enjoyed their IPA.

Alex and Andy: Memphis Made

 

I learned how to properly eat a crawfish.

I purchased awesome preserves from Jones Orchard, then I peeped some adorable macaroons.

Adorbs Offerings from Pistache

 

I bought farm fresh eggs.

I also listened to great local music, watched hippies frolic, observed families enjoying themselves, etc etc.

Penny Poems

 

 

Diggin’ on Local Farmers

All good things. All midtown. All Memphis. Go get you some every Saturday morning from 8 AM until 1 PM at 1000 South Cooper Street (at the corner of Walker Avenue and S Cooper Street.) http://www.cycfarmersmarket.org/