Odds and Ends

Some things for you newshounds to keep on your radar:

— The City of Memphis administration and the City Council will have a joint retreat this Saturday morning.

— There is also an Environmental Justice Conference (sponsored by the Sierra Club) Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Church of the River. The conference is entitled "Surviving & Thriving Now & In the Future." Might be worth a look. Pre-registration is required.

— The state's 2008 report card on education will be released Monday, November 10th, at 10 a.m.

Some other things that might interest:

— From USAToday: Cities rack up public artwork with bike racks. It's fun; it's utilitarian; it promotes a healthier, greener lifestyle. What's not to like? I liked the temporary bike racks that musician David Byrne did in NYC.

— The NYT's A.O. Scott calls "Soul Men" — which filmed briefly in Memphis — a raucous, rambling comedy: "It is also something of a bittersweet experience for fans of Isaac Hayes, who has an extended cameo as himself, and Bernie Mac, who plays Floyd Henderson, half of a has-been vocal duo reunited for one last show." For the rest of the review, click here.

— The Memphis Farmers Market's 2008 Winter Dinner Tour — in which six chefs try to create locally sourced meals through winter and spring — begins Sunday, November 9th, at the Majestic. For reservations, call 522-8555.