Month: January 2009

Categories
News

Some Like It Hot

Are you a hottie? Know someone who is?

The Flyer is currently soliciting nominations for our annual Hotties issue.

Nominating someone — or yourself, if you prefer — is easy.

Just email hottienoms@memphisflyer.com with your nominee’s name, a little bit about them, a way to get in touch with them such as their phone number and email address, as well as, and this is very important, a picture. Of them.

We’re not trying to be all superficial, but the issue is called The Hottie Issue after all.

At right, Eyewitness News anchor (and one of last year’s hotties) Dee Griffin.

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

What’s Wrong With Rudy Gay?

The Grizzlies’ third-year star is in a big slump of late and his frustration has been palpable on the court. What’s wrong? Chris Herrington breaks down the trouble with Rudy on the Flyer’s Grizzlies blog, Beyond the Arc.

Categories
News

Herenton Tells Kiwanis Club Memphis is Fiscally Sound

It’s all relative, according to Mayor Willie Herenton, in remarks to the Memphis Kiwanis Club Wednesday.

The fiscal health of the city of Memphis, which has $88 million in reserve funds, is relatively better than the federal government, which is looking at a $1.2 trillion deficit, according to President-elect Barack Obama.

Fiscal year 2009, the mayor said, will be better than fiscal year 2010, when the effects of the recession and property reappraisal will be felt.

Herenton and his advisers are preparing a wish list of stimulus projects to present to the Obama administration.

The Memphis property tax rate, by far the highest in Tennessee, is relatively low compared to some Midwestern cities, Herenton said, promising not to raise taxes in 2009.

City services for police, fire, and sanitation are relatively more important than services such as libraries and community centers, which face cutbacks. Other unspecified city departments will also undergo layoffs and buyouts for the first time in 17 years, Herenton said. He added that he is still committed to hiring 500 more police officers and, contrary to some members of the Memphis City Council, “I don’t care where they live.”

Finally, consolidated city and county government is relatively more efficient than separate governments, even if it would not immediately result in any savings. And for Herenton, consolidation means schools and law enforcement.

“We’ll get there,” the mayor said.

There were no surprises in Herenton’s speech, the first of the new year. He made no references to a federal investigation, and the audience didn’t ask him about it.

Herenton will speak to the Memphis Rotary Club next week and said he will have some new information.

Categories
Special Sections

Annual Manual Calendar 2009

JANUARY 2009

Autozone Liberty Bowl Football Classic
Don’t miss the 50th annual battle for football supremacy as the Conference USA champ challenges the best of the Mountain West. Prior to the game, leave room in your schedule to attend pregame festivities like a president’s gala, rodeo, and all-star high school football game. Game time is 4 p.m. on January 2nd. (795-7700, libertybowl.org)

Elvis Presley Birthday Week
Only a king deserves a weeklong birthday celebration. Celebrate at the annual dance party, the scavenger hunt at Graceland, or Elvis bingo at the Heartbreak Hotel. January 8th-11th.
(332-3322, elvis.com)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday
Honor the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with various local events sponsored by the National Civil Rights Museum. In 2009, the national holiday will be observed January 19th.
(521-9699)

FEBRUARY 2009

Black History Month
Celebrate the history and achievements of African Americans at various sites around the city: National Civil Rights Museum (521-9699), University of Memphis (678-2135), Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (544-6200), and the Memphis/Shelby County Public Library (415-2700).

International Blues Talent Competition
The blues may have originated in the Mississippi Delta, but the sound has spread all over the world. Hear everything from Midwest blues to Middle Eastern blues at this annual international showdown on Beale with the finale at the Orpheum. February 4th-7th. (527-2583, blues.org/ibc/)

Mardi Gras Parade and Pub Crawl
Mardi Gras in New Orleans may be eight hours away, but Memphians love any excuse for a party. This new event includes a parade down Beale and multiple parties in the entertainment district’s bars. Second weekend in February. (529-0999)

Regions Morgan Keegan Tennis Championship
This annual tournament features the best in men’s and women’s tennis at the Racquet Club of Memphis. February 13th-22nd.
(765-4400, rmkchampionships.com)

Beale Street Zydeco Music Festival
More than 20 zydeco bands perform during this two-day tribute to Cajun music. February 27th-28th. (529-0999)

March 2009

Southern Women’s Show
Leave the men at home, ladies. It’s time for a girl’s day out with the annual traveling expo of all things female. See the latest fashions, shop from hundreds of vendors, and learn beauty tips and relaxation techniques. Agricenter International. March 13th-15th. (800-849-0248, southernshows.com/wme/)

St. Patrick’s Day
Drink green beer and pretend you’re a leprechaun this St. Paddy’s Day with various parties at local clubs and restaurants. Don’t miss the annual Raising of the Goat at Silky O’Sullivan’s on Beale. March 17th. (522-9596)

APRIL 2009

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial March
Dr. King’s dream lives on as members of the AFSCME AFL-CIO union march through downtown. Early April. (525-2458)

Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival
In its 23rd year, Africa In April offers Memphians a chance to sample native foods, hear African music, shop for imported goods, and learn all about this year’s honored country. The main event takes place in downtown’s Robert R. Church Park. April 16th-19th. (947-2133, africainapril.org)

May 2009

Memphis in May International Festival
Rockers, foodies, and culture lovers unite for this annual monthlong celebration of music, barbecue, and an honored country. Catch plenty of live music at the Beale Street Music Festival. Get to know all about Chile, this year’s honored country. Nosh on pulled pork at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. And chill out to the soothing sounds of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at the Sunset Symphony. Events take place at Tom Lee Park all month long. (525-4611, memphisinmay.org)

Blues Music Awards
The 30th annual Blues Foundation awards show is like the Grammy’s of the blues world. Cook Convention Center. May 7th. (527-2583, blues.org/bluesmusicawards/)

Memphis Greek Festival
Celebrate the culture of the Mediterranean with Greek food, dancing, music, and more at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. May 8th-9th. (327-8177, memphisgreekfestival.com)

Memphis Italian Festival
Stroll through the wine and cheese garden while you send the kids to play in Luigiland. This annual festival at Marquette Park celebrates Italian culture with plenty of food, a grape-stomping session, a pizza-tossing contest, and more. May 28th-30th. (767-6949, memphisitalianfestival.com)

Carnival Memphis
Memphis was once the cotton capital of the South and this annual festival honors that heritage with a parade, “krewe” coronations, and the grand finale, a Crown and Scepter Ball. May 29th. (458-2500, carnivalmemphis.org)

June 2009

Stanford St. Jude Championship
Veteran golfers compete in this PGA event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the Tournament Players Club at Southwind. June 8th-14th. (748-0534, stanfordstjude.com)

Germantown Charity Horse Show
Equestrians and their horses have been gathering in Germantown for this multibreed show since 1948. Held at the show grounds next to Germantown High School. Early June. (754-0009, gchs.org)

Juneteenth
The oldest-known celebration of the end of slavery is held at Douglass Park. Enjoy live music by local hip-hop and blues acts and see educators honored for their work with African-American youth. June 19th-21st. (385-4943, juneteenthmemphis.org)

The Orpheum Classic Movie Series
The Orpheum isn’t just for Broadway shows and concerts. At this annual summer series, the performance hall becomes a vintage movie theater, screening favorites such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Gone with the Wind,” and even “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” June through August. (525-7800, orpheum-memphis.com)

Live at the Garden Concert Series
Commune with nature while catching shows by classic touring rock and pop acts. Last year’s performers included Jewel, Huey Lewis & the News, and the B-52’s. Pack a picnic and lounge on a blanket throughout the show. June through September. (685-1566, liveatthegarden.com)

JULY 2009

Red, While, & Blues Star Spangled Celebration
Celebrate America’s independence with a massive fireworks show, live bands, and activities for the whole family. Tom Lee Park. July 4. (529-0999)

August 2009

Elvis Week ’09
Elvis fans from the world over descend on Memphis for this annual tribute to the King of Rock-and-Roll. The celebration includes the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest as well as plenty of parties, film screenings, and concerts. August 8th-16th. Candlelight vigil at Graceland, August 15th. (332-3322, elvisweek.com)

Memphis Music and Heritage Festival
Who says nothing good comes for free? At this annual musical extravaganza, bands perform blues, rock, rap, and more on indoor and outdoor stages, and it’s all completely free. Also don’t miss the arts and crafts and food samplings from local restaurants.
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Labor Day Weekend. (525-3655)

SEPTEMBER 2009

WLOK Stone Soul Picnic
Pack your picnic basket and head to Tom Lee Park for this 34th annual event where the best of Memphis gospel music meets the Mississippi River. 1-10 p.m. September 5th. (527-9565)

Delta Fair & Music Festival
Ten days of rides, food, live music, and more during this annual festival and fair. September 4-13. (deltafest.com)

Germantown Festival
For over 30 years, families celebrate two days of entertainment at this annual festival. Don’t miss the Race of the Weenies, where dachshunds compete to see whose little legs can go the fastest. September 12th-13th. (757-9212)

Central Gardens Home Tour
This annual tour of one of Memphis’ most prestigious neighborhoods takes visitors through several graciously appointed mansions. Early September. (centralgardens.org)

Southern Heritage Classic
Jackson State University takes on Tennessee State University once again in this 19th annual football showdown at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Wake up early on game day for a morning tailgate party, a fashion show, and a high school battle of the bands. Game time is 6 p.m. on September 12th. (398-6655, southernheritageclassic.com)

International Goat Days Family Festival
At this annual event in Millington, revelers celebrate our four-legged friend with goat barrel races, goat-inspired food items, goat chariot races, and milking contests. Mid-September. (872-4559)

Cooper-Young Festival
Head to the hippest intersection in Midtown for this 21st annual festival. Over 300 artisans peddle their wares, local bands jam on outdoor stages, and vendors sell fair food and beer. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. September 19th. (276-7222, cooperyoungfestival.com)

Zoo Rendezvous
Sample cuisine from local restaurants and check out live bands at the zoo’s biggest fund-raising party of the year. September 12th. (333-6757, memphiszoo.org)

Downtown Alive Concert Series
Shed those mid-workweek blues at this fall concert series sponsored by the Center City Commission. Each Wednesday, local and regional musicians play in a different downtown location. All performances are free. Mid-September through mid-October. (575-0540)

Clanjamfry
Don a kilt and dust off those bagpipes for the 10th annual Clanjamfry Scottish Festival. Held on the grounds of Evergreen Presbyterian Church, this event boasts traditional Scottish music, a Highland dance competition, and native foods. There’s even a border collie who spends the day doing what that breed does best — herding sheep. Mid-September. (274-3740, clanjamfrymemphis.org)

Mid-South Fair
The Mid-South Fair moves to its new location in Tunica, Mississippi, near the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Expect thrill rides, carnival games, educational and cultural exhibits, free concerts, and plenty of greasy funnel cakes. September 18th-27th. (midsouthfair.com)

The Blues Ball
For the past two years, this annual gala has taken place in two blocks of downtown Memphis, including the area around the Gibson Guitar Factory, Ground Zero Blues Club, and the Westin Hotel. Late September. (527-5683)

OCTOBER 2009

Memphis Grizzlies Basketball
Sure, the Grizzlies have had a few rotten years. But with draft pick O.J. Mayo, they just might bounce back (pardon the pun) in the 2009-2010 season, which begins in October and lasts through April. (tickets, 888-HOOP)

Pink Palace Crafts Fair
Shop for goods from artisans at the 36th annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair. The fair draws about 30,000 people every year, so arrive early. Don’t forget to bring the kids; there’ll be plenty of games and crafts. October 1st-4th. (320-6408, artsandcraftsfestival.org)

Indie Memphis Film Festival
Since 1987, this annual festival has celebrated the soul of Southern film. Screen local and regional independent films, participate in workshops, and learn about the filmmaking process. October 8th-15th. (246-7086, indiememphis.com)

Ghandi King Conference on Peacemaking
Follow in the tradition of peacemakers Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. at this annual conference on nonviolence where national and local peace leaders head workshops and lectures. The conference takes place at Christian Brothers University. Mid-October. (gandhikingconference.org)

Southeastern Indian Heritage Festival
Get in touch with your Native American heritage. At this annual festival, American Indian communities gather to celebrate through dance, music, food, spiritual activities, and something called stick-ball. See for yourself at the Chucalissa Museum. Late October. (785-3160)

Annual Freedom Awards
For nearly 20 years, the National Civil Rights Museum has been honoring individuals from around the globe whose accomplishments embody the ideals of the civil rights movement. October 27th. (521-9699)

NASCAR Nationwide Series 250
Rev your engines and head to the Memphis Motorsports Park for the NASCAR Busch Series race. It’s the only NASCAR event benefiting an international charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Don’t miss the meet-and-greet with NASCAR stars. October 23rd-24th. (866-40-SPEED, memphismotorsports.com)

Halloween
Dressing up isn’t just for kids anymore. Dig out that old pirate costume and set sail for one of many of Midtown’s and downtown’s spooky soirées: P&H Café (726-0906); Memphis Zoo’s annual “Zoo Boo” costume party (726-WILD); Zinnie’s East (274-7101).

NOVEMBER 2009

C.O.G.I.C. Convention
Though former Bishop G.E. Patterson passed away, the Church of God in Christ hasn’t forgotten its Memphis roots. COGIC members will celebrate their 102nd Holy Convocation in the Bluff City. November 2nd-9th. (866-522-1331)

W.C. Handy Birthday CelebrationHonor W.C. Handy as the “Father of the Blues” with a parade down Beale Street on November 15 and the annual W.C. Handy Heritage Awards on November 15th. (527-3427)

Enchanted Forest
Delve into a winter wonderland at the Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center’s annual Enchanted Forest holiday show. See specially decorated trees, a large-scale gingerbread house, and holiday characters. Runs from late November to late December. (287-6308)

Memphis Holiday Parade
Get into the holiday spirit with a sneak peek at Santa and his elves at this annual parade through downtown. Late November. (575-0540)

DECEMBER 2009

Holiday Parties
The season wouldn’t be the same without a calendar filled with social affairs. Book your plans in advance for the Peabody’s annual Jingle Bell Ball (early December) and Ballet Memphis’ “Nutcracker” (early December).

Subsidium’s Annual Carrousel of Shoppes
Now you can shop without the guilt. At this annual event, a weekend of shopping provides a lifetime of hearing, as proceeds from your purchases benefit the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. Held at the Agricenter. Early December. (448-8490)

New Year’s Eve Celebration
You can spend the last night of 2009 in style at one of many local New Year’s Eve bashes, like the New Year’s countdown on Beale or the glitzy galas at the Peabody and the Madison Hotel.

Categories
Opinion Viewpoint

Bianca Knows Best … And Helps a Nice Guy

Dear Bianca,

I have a large circle of friends, and sometimes those friends introduce me to their friends. A few months ago, I met a woman at a party (a friend of a friend, of course), and we started talking. She seemed cool — really pretty, smart, funny.

So I gave her my number, and she called the next day. We set up a date, and though it started out okay, I realized mid-way through that she was a little annoying. She talks about herself too much and didn’t seem to get any of my jokes. So when she called the next day, I didn’t answer.

She called again a few hours later and three times the next day. I finally answered and made up some lame excuse about losing my phone. Then I set up another date, against my will. It went horribly and she kept throwing herself at me, like she wanted to get laid. I resisted despite my male urges.

I think I’m too nice. I don’t know how to reject someone. Should I start ignoring her calls again? How can I make her go away without telling her I don’t like her?

— Scared to Reject

Dear Scared,

You are a big ol’ wuss, and you’ve dug this hole way deeper than you should have, though I’m proud of you for not sleeping with the woman, despite her not-so-subtle invitation.

You’re right that the easy way out would be to stop answering her calls. But truly persistent types (and it sounds like she is) may not give up. I once gave my number to a random person that I’d just met and instantly regretted it. I only answered his calls once or twice and then started hitting ignore. That was two years ago, and he still calls at least once a month.

But “do as I say, not as I do” in this scenario. That guy just wanted friendship but this woman obviously wants more. Ignoring her calls may cause her to get all stalker-like on you. Not to mention that since this woman is a friend of a friend, chances are, you’ll run into her again.

The best approach is to tell her truth. You don’t have to mention her flaws, just tell her she’s not your type. Suck it up and explain that you’ve been meaning to tell her this but were afraid of hurting her feelings.

She’ll be hurt, no matter what, but the hurt could be far worse if you allow this relationship to linger any longer.

Got a problem? E-mail Bianca at bphillips@memphisflyer.com.

Categories
News

Driving Change

If the nation’s 51 largest metro areas could change rates of education, poverty and driving — even marginally — how much of a difference could it make?

A study by Portland economist Joe Cortright says even a small change could mean $166 billion in economic gain.

CityDividends, a study by Cortright and CEOs for Cities, says the Memphis metropolitan area could see dividends of $1.3 billion annually if it could:

1. Increase the four-year college attainment rate by 1 percentage point

2. Reduce the vehicle miles traveled by one mile per day per person

3. Reduce the poverty rate on 1 percentage point

To read more, visit Mary Cashiola’s In the Bluff blog.

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

Revenge Match: Griz Host Wolves Tonight

After losing 108-98 in overtime last week in Minneapolis, the Grizzlies seek revenge tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s the first meeting in Memphis between the teams since their draft-day trade that netted the Grizzlies O.J. Mayo in exchange for Mike Miller and fellow rookie Kevin Love.

Grizzlies fans are justifiably feeling good about the trade, but will feel better with a win tonight. Chris Herrington has a preview up at Beyond the Arc and will be live-blogging the game tonight.

Categories
News

Eight is Enough: The Best Media Moments in Memphis in 2008

CREDIT: (mediaverse)

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. But for Memphis media, 2008 was mostly the worst of times. Layoffs, lawsuits, and declining ad revenues thrust Memphis’ news providers into the headlines, while local bloggers explored the tasteless outer limits of tabloid journalism. Here’s a list of eight memorable Memphis media moments from 2008.

1. Talk About Foreshadowing: On January 10, 2008, employees at The Commercial Appeal followed in the somber but fashionable footsteps of Johnny Cash, Hamlet, and the desk clerk at the Heartbreak Hotel by dressing from head to toe in black. Officially, the mourning garb was to protest business practices at the CA and to commemorate the fact that Newspaper Guild members had gone five years without a contract.

Today, as the Guild approaches its sixth year without a contract, last January’s “Black Day at the CA” looks like good times. By the end of 2008, Memphis’ daily newspaper’s pages had been shrunk by an inch; its staff had been shrunk by 9 percent (57 employees); its parent company split into two separate divisions, which both lost value; stockholder dividends were suspended; and in a money-saving measure, home deliveries were stopped for nearly 10,000 households in areas that had been served by the CA for years. Perhaps this year the paper’s employees will get with the spirit of the new Depression and wear barrels?

2. Biggest Head on Union Avenue: Will Andy Wise’s two-story head still greet eastbound travelers on Union Avenue now that his no-compete clause with former employer, WREG Channel 3, has expired and he can appear on camera at WMC? More important, is the self-styled consumer advocate still on a mission from God (as he claimed to be in 2005, following a report on Mayor Herenton’s illegitimate child).

3. Naming Rights: Speaking of illegitimate children, former Commercial Appeal reporter and gadfly “mediaverse” blogger Richard Thompson nailed it when he christened the CA‘s weekly front chronicling of estimates of Memphis children born to unwed mothers “The Bastard Meter.” The BM, which was created and compiled by a substantially-funded, not-for-profit organization called the the Urban Child Institute, estimates that 15,500 babies were born to single parents hereabouts in 2008. Editor Chris Peck recently penned a head-shaking column about the poor bastards, concluding, “Their lives will be tough on them.”

4. The Thaddeus Matthews Award for General Ickiness: Unsurprisingly, this year’s award goes to blogger and radio provocateur Thaddeus Matthews himself, who used his website to post graphic photographs of a nude victim of the brutal Lester Street slayings. Matthews snapped his candids while touring N.J. Ford and Sons Mortuary. It was just another day on the job for Matthews, who also works as a repo man and operates the social networking site “Sista Big Bone Needs Love Too.”

5. Reno 911 Award: This year’s Nine-Eleveny goes to the blogger known as Dirk Diggler, and his hilarious foil, Police Director Larry Godwin, for their joint adventures in scurrilous rumor-mongering and expensive overreaction. Sure, Diggler said some scandalous things about Godwin on his blog, but was it really worth an $88,000 lawsuit? “Smart City Memphis” blogger Tom Jones snarkily described Godwin’s pursuit of the anonymous blogger as an “obsession with Moby Dick.” And that’s about the size of it.

6. Merry Christmas, You’re Fired: December was a tough month for WMC-TV. The station laid off some of its name-brand talent, including weeknight co-anchor Donna Davis, midday anchor Bill Lunn, and 13 others. WMC’s parent company Raycom Media blamed advertising-sales woes.

7. Excellence in Desperate Memo Writing: This note to Commercial Appeal employees from the desk of circulation director Karl Wurzbach speaks for itself: “Subject: HELP!!! Due to the carrier delivery rate revision project we are currently involved with, we are experiencing a significant but not unexpected number of down routes. WE NEED YOUR HELP! We will accept help from any salaried employee that wants to volunteer to help out by throwing routes (one day, many days, WHATEVER!) Also, we will pay friends or family members a “substitute” delivery fee of $10 to deliver the affected routes. Must have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle. We have work available in all towns.”

8. Man Against Unnatural Nature: To demonstrate the effects of hurricane-force winds on the human body, WREG weatherman Jim Jaggers threw caution to the wind, put on some chunky looking goggles, and climbed into a Maryland wind tunnel. What followed could have been a satirical segment for The Daily Show if it hadn’t been actual reporting. A sample of the dialogue as shouted against the roaring fake elements: “This is pure wind … It’s like I’m hanging outside of my car on the interstate. My pants are flapping against my leg!” One for the ages.

— Chris Davis

Categories
From My Seat Sports

FROM MY SEAT: A Fine Shine for ’09

If you call yourself a Memphis sports fan and didn’t have
fun over the first weekend of 2009, you’d best get comfortable with your Wii. In
a veritable three-day festival of athletics, the Bluff City set a standard
unlikely to be matched over the next 51 weeks.

• Last Friday, playing in weather borrowed from early
October, Kentucky erased a 13-point deficit to beat East Carolina in front of
56,125 fans at the 50th AutoZone Liberty Bowl Classic. The game’s singular
highlight, of course, came on Wildcat defensive lineman Ventrell Jenkins’ fumble
recovery, which he returned 56 yards for the game-winning touchdown with three
minutes to play. Jenkins delivered the finest stiff-arm since the Heisman Trophy
was sculpted, dropping Pirate quarterback Patrick Pinkney on his way to paydirt.

The outcome, alas, is hardly a ringing endorsement for
Conference USA. When C-USA’s champion is knocked off by a Kentucky team that was
merely the sixth or seventh best squad in the SEC, the divide between the
“mid-major” league in which the University of Memphis plays and the BCS big boys
only seems to expand. For what it’s worth, since the Liberty Bowl adopted its
current C-USA-vs.-SEC format after the 2006 season, the SEC representative
hasn’t won by more than eight points.

• Saturday night at FedExForum, the Memphis Tigers played
their sixth home game in 18 days, handling the Lamar Cardinals, 108-75, in the
Tigers’ highest scoring game of the season. (The win seemed more significant
than it should have, with former Tiger coach Tic Price sitting on the Lamar
bench, an assistant to Steve Roccaforte, himself an assistant to Memphis coach
John Calipari for three years.) Longtime fan favorite Antonio Anderson not only
seized the spotlight, but made history. Tagged with somewhat of a euphemism as
“the glue guy” for three 30-win teams, Anderson became only the second Tiger
player to achieve a triple-double (12 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists). And even
Penny Hardaway — who performed the feat in 1993 — couldn’t claim the remarkable
13-0 assist-to-turnover ratio Anderson managed in the Tigers’ 10th win of the
season.

“No turnovers?,” asked Anderson after the game. “Usually I
sneak one in.” When asked about the historical stat line, Anderson smiled and
said, “I’ve never had [a triple-double]. I’d been slumping, but Coach just told
me to work out of it. My teammates stuck with me, and now I’m coming out.”

The Tigers — unranked for the first time in three years —
hope they turned a corner with the move of freshman star Tyreke Evans to point
guard three games ago. “Tyreke should have been our point guard from the start
of the season,” admitted Calipari after the game. “Whose fault is that? Mine. He
now has the ball in his hands 90 percent of the time. We need to get to where he
has it 95 percent.”

The switch is one Evans — the team’s leading scorer, he had
25 points against Lamar — has welcomed. “Everybody seems to be on the same
page,” said Evans. “As point guard, I have to get into the lane and find people
for open shots. I’m used to having the ball in my hands, so I’m glad [Calipari]
put it in my hands, to let me show what I can do. I have to make the right pass,
and at the right time.” When he’s not scoring himself, that is.

• To cap off the weekend Sunday — back at the barn on Beale
— the Memphis Grizzlies ended a 13-game losing streak to Dallas by drubbing the
Mavericks, 102-82. The Griz shot an astounding 67 percent in the first quarter
and trailed only briefly in the third, beating their divisional rivals for the
first time at FedExForum. O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay, and Hakim Warrick all
had at least 18 points for the Grizzlies as they ended an overall losing streak
of four games. A much younger team than the Mavs, the Grizzlies also were the
quicker, more energetic, more lively basketball team in this rare matinee. And
what is early January if not a time for youth and vigor?

Add the Ole Miss victory in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s
Day and the first four days of 2009 were a winning streak unlike many the
Mid-South has seen as one year gave way to the next. With a general consensus
that 2008 is a year best left behind, why not start in the world of sports?

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

Griz Beat Mavericks; Rookies Shine

Grizzlies rookies O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol lead the way as the Grizzlies broke a 13-game losing streak to the Dallas Mavericks with an impressive 102-82 victory at FedExForum today.

Gasol scored 19 points in the first half before handing the baton to Mayo, who scored 18 of his team-high 21 points in the second half. Chris Herrington breaks it all down at Beyond the Arc.