C. James Bye has only been in Memphis for about four months, but he's settled in and making things happen. He's an adjunct English professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College and a debate team judge. He's also started a record label called Stir Up Your Grey Matter that features bands from Memphis, Chicago and Wisconsin.

In other news:

- You know those city ranking articles that either make us really happy or kind of angry at the haters? Salon.com has a great article about how those articles are made and why they're usually wrong.

- The Commercial Appeal's paywall is up, and here's what you need to know: you can read 10 articles for free on commercialappeal.com every month, but after that, you'll have to pony up for a $10 per-month digital subscription (if you've got a print subscription, you can access the website). Access to their mobile site is also limited to those with paid subscriptions. Unlike with other newspaper paywalls, the CA's wall also applies to articles that you click on through social media links. The CA's blogs, however, seem to be exempt. Note, though, that they've been rolling out special web-only projects that may make the paywall worth it for you.

- The Eclectic Eye is having a school supply drive for five Memphis elementary schools. They're collecting new school supplies until Dec. 31 at their Midtown and Collierville locations. Also, if you buy a pair of frames from the eyewear boutique between now and the end of the year, they'll donate $5 to purchase new supplies.