Where I Live

On October 1st, a merger began. No there was no hostile takeover and people did not get rich overnight. What I am referring to is one of the mergers within the Girl Scouts of the USA organization. All across America this much beloved organization is going through historic a reorganization. This move is in response to the ever changing world in which we live and the dedication of the Girl Scouts of the USA to meet those challenges.

In east Tennessee, the Tanasi Council, Girl Scouts of Moccasin Bend Council, and the Girl Scouts of Appalachian Council are joining together. This will create a high capacity council serving nearly 50 counties. The combination of volunteers and staffing resources will enable the new council to increase the number of programs and events for the girls. The nearly 20% growth of Girl Scout membership in 2007 and 2008 has allowed for more opportunity for young girls to reap the benefits scouting represents.

This merger should be complete in October of 2009. For more information on the Girl Scouts of the USA, click HERE .

Tomorrow evening, October 30th, at 7:00 PM the Knoxville Civic Auditorium welcomes the 51st Annual Ebony fashion Fair. This year’s event is entitled The Runway Report 2008-2009. Designers from as far away as Japan and Italy will showcase the newest trends in fashion.

Whether you are a trend setter, an admirer of fashion, or both, this event is a must for you. The hottest fashions, worn by some of the most beautiful women in the modeling industry will be showcased tomorrow night.  This is the place to see and be seen as the saying goes.

With the purchase of every Adult ticket at $25.00 or Student ticket at $21.00, you receive your choice of either a year’s subscription to Ebony magazine or a six month subscription to Jet magazine. There are also some great door prizes that include two round trip tickets anywhere in the continental United States on American Airlines, a Ford Edge and other great prizes. Click HERE for directions.

For Ticket Information Call:

Thomas Strickland

865-679-9966 cell

865-540-4005 home

 

Yesterday saw the launch of an innovative and dynamic website called Positive Real Estate Professionals (PREP) . Through the use of the latest technology, PREP seeks to bring together the many diverse aspects of the real estate industry with consumer who are actively searching to join the ranks of responsible home owners. In a purchase or refinance transaction there are many very important things that a consumer must consider.

First and foremost among these considerations is the selection of a Realtor. Many people know a Realtor in the area they currently live but the question you must ask yourself is, Is Robert the Realtor from your child’s soccer game an educated, ethical, and devoted professional? Positive Real Estate Professionals seeks to alleviate this unknown by connecting only vetted professionals. Using a multi-pronged approach when considering the professional inclusion on the site is important to maintaining the necessary quality control standards consumers expect.

The selection of a lender or mortgage professional has to rank right up there with the selection of a Realtor in importance. With all the negatives swirling around the mortgage lending industry, it is important to have someone who, like you Realtor, is both ethical and educated. As the lending industry is constantly undergoing changes intended to protect itself and the consumer, it is vitally important the Matt the Mortgage Man keeps himself up to date on the latest industry changes. PREP strives to take the guesswork out of the process, to remove the variables that could become roadblocks for responsible home ownership.

From the initial stages of selecting a Realtor and lender or mortgage professional to selecting a home appraiser, home inspector, and insurance agent, PREP presents an easy to navigate way for consumers to find the professional they need. The inclusion of builders, re-modelers or renovators, and stagers can be equally beneficial if you are either preparing a home for sale or building a new home. PREP has a useful place in both the purchase and sale of a home.

Rich Dansereau October 27th, 2008

Today marks the launch of Positive Real Estate Professionals (PREP). This launch comes at an important juncture in the history of the real estate industry. With the recent volatility of the economic markets many buyers are confused by the constant barrage of negative information. The need for balanced information that does not rely on sensationalistic hype to draw readers and competent professionals that are not just trying to make a sale is vitally important.

Americans will continue to buy homes as the desire to be an active participant in responsible home ownership has not diminished because the financial markets are upset. While the terms by which attaining our plans and our futures may be effected by the financial markets, those same plans and futures must be dictated by us. Positive Real Estate Professionals (PREP) allows consumers to have free access to informative articles written by real estate professionals from across the entire spectrum of industry leaders. Education without sensationalism is one of the goals of Positive Real Estate Professionals (PREP).

Many buyers are uncertain where to turn when they need the competent and ethical services of a real estate professional. Bringing together the Realtor, lender / mortgage professional, builder, re-modeler / renovator, home appraiser, home inspector, home owner’s insurance agent, and home stager needed to complete a real estate transaction with potential clients is a main function of this website. Real estate industry leaders strive to cultivate long term, mutually beneficial client relationships. With the launch of Positive Real Estate Professionals (PREP) we intend to help facilitate those relationships.

With over 40 American crafted beers on tap, Barley’s was a welcome addition to Knoxville in 2002 and remains extremely popular today. The Knoxville location represents the first independently owned location.

The Knoxville location is in a 16,000 square foot, completely renovated, feed and hardware store in the heart of Knoxville’s Old City. There is also a 3,500 square foot patio that gives excellent views of the beautiful city sunsets. In addition to the excellent selection of draft beers, there is a full menu with a very wide array of food to tempt any palate. This is an excellent place to have casual dinner and drinks with friends.

Click HERE for directions!

The University of Tennessee Volunteers lost yet another game last night in Neyland Stadium . This time it was to #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide . There are two issues that I see with this game that I would like to expand on. The first concerns The Tide and them being ranked number 2 and the second concerns Philip Fulmer.

Alabama, has had a great season so far and still remains undefeated. However, I do not think that these guys are worthy of a number 2 ranking. After last weeks “escape” from Ole Miss, I think that it shows that this team has weeknesses. Personally, I think that Penn State and Texas Tech are both stronger contenders for this position and I think that Utah might actually be a better team than Alabama. Enough said.

Now, to the case of Philip Fulmer. Early in his career at UT, this is a game that Fulmer did not lose. He found a way to win. Lately, he has yet to find a way to get the ball into the end zone. Yesterday was no different. This to me shows that it is time for a change. Philip has done UT right and it would be great to see him step down as opposed to being fired. But, as for the 2009 season, it is time for UT to regain the glory that they once had and get back to being a powerhouse, not a powder house.

There really is no better time of year to live close to the Smoky Mountains. There is a crispness to the air and the warmth of the afternoon sun. The leaves give their showiest possible display as they turn crimson, gold, orange, and numerous other colors. If you are looking for something to do tomorrow and you enjoy a leisurely ride on you motorcycle, I would highly recommend the WIMZ and Shiloh Riders Association, Inc East Tennessee Toy Run.

Tomorrow’s event is the 17th annual toy run. The efforts of these riders represents epitome of the motto of the Shiloh Riders Association, “Changing Lives One Need At A Time.” The event starts at 9:00 AM in the Smokies Stadium in Sevierville. Click HERE for driving directions. Those wanting to participate are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy with a value of at least $10.00 or make an equivalent cash donation. Riders will be able to enjoy food and music at the stadium until the ride kicks off at 1:00 PM. The ride will end at the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson  in Maryville, Tennessee.

All the toys collected, and those that will be bought with the donations, will be distrubted to children in Sevier County who might otherwise not receive anything for Christmas. The East Tennessee Toy Run does not forget about the undrpriviledged teens and adults during the holidays either. Through year long efforts by the Shiloh Riders Association, Inc. charitable organizations including Teen Christmas, the Smoky Mountain Rescue Ministry , the Sevier County Food Bank , Second Harvest , and Safe Space also benefit.

So if you like to ride and are looking for something that is both fun and civic minded, why not participate in this great event. You can get more info by clicking HERE .

Jimmy Cheek will continue to wear orange to support the college he is affiliated with, only this time it will be Volunteer orange, not Gator orange. With the enthusiastic backing of President John Peterson, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved Cheek as the new chancellor. Cheek will officially take over as chancellor in February.

Cheek, the current senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida was named as the new chancellor for the University of Tennessee. Cheek has been a familiar face on the University of Florida campus since first becoming a professor there in 1975. He has one book, Effective Oral Communication in the Food, Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Professions, and numerous scholarly articles to his credit. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. from Texas A & M and his master’s degree from Lamar University. He has received many awards during his tenure at the University of Florida and is hailed as a champion of students’ quality of life while balancing the educational and research needs and expenses of undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty. His own research has focused primarily on experiential learning on student achievement and educational accountability.

The University of Tennessee and the residents of Knoxville give a hearty southern welcome to Jimmy Cheek and his wife Ileen.

A couple of days ago I posted about the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch held annually at Oakes Farm . That post dealt with the family fun of navigating the nearly six miles of a professionally designed maze, getting a pumpkin straight out of the pumpkin patch, and enjoying a leisurely hayride. In this post, I want to highlight something that many of you will find just as fun. 

Leave the young kids at home with the sitter and head back over to the Oakes Farm. With the exception of Sunday, October 26th, the Trail of Doom will run nightly. Each evening a totally separate maze comes alive with the horrifying sights and sounds that inhabit this particular part of the cornfield. With the help of the devilish folks at GoblinHaus , you can get an up close and personal glimpse of the fiends that dwell along the Trail of Doom. Just don’t get too close and by all means don’t fall down and twist your ankle as you will need your wits about you to escape this 45 minute frightfest.

Trail of Doom - Haunted Maze Admission, does not include admission to the regular maze —
Adults - $15.00
Ages 10 & Under - $13.00
Thursday Night special save $2.00 per ticket

Click HERE for Directions!

Things have definitely been cooling off here in Knoxville for the past few weeks. Don’t get me wrong, sleeping for a month or so with the windows open and the air off has been a slice of heaven. For me there are two times a year that are perfect for sleeping with the windows open, as the chill of winter is being shaken off in April and as the heat of summer is being left behind in October.

With the cooling however comes the inevitable frosts and eventual freezing temperatures. Because the weather is forecasting the first freezes of the fall  this weekend, I would recommend a few simple things. One of the easiest things you can do to save money and aggravation next spring, is to disconnect all your hoses and sprinklers from their spickets. You will want to roll your your hose up and store it along with your nozzles and sprinklers in the garage or a shed. Doing this will prevent them from freezing. The danger with water freezing inside any of these is that water expands when it freezes and can cause damage. You will also want to turn off any fountain pumps and store them in a similar manner. Winter can be a wonderful season and a little time spent now can prevent headaches next spring.

Yesterday, Chancellor Daryl R. Fansler ruled that the proposed Henley Street mixed use development does not violate the ordinance which prohibits city funds from building a convention center hotel. The judge found that no city funds will be used for the development. Developer Nick Cazana , President of Commercial & Investment Properties of Knoxville , is spearheading the Metropolitan Plaza project to be located on the site of the former Tennessee Supreme Court building. 

The “Met” will incorporate a 200 room hotel, office space, retail and restaurant space, and condominiums. The current owners of the Holiday Inn Select, Franklin L. Haney Co , a Washington based real estate and property development firm, apparently approached Cazana about a possible sale. Though the location, adjacent to the convention center was ideal, the additional investment of $10+ million in upgrades and the $250,000 to $500,000 in annual operating expense made the deal unworkable for Cazana. Though the City of Knoxville “…would love to see it [the Holiday Inn Select] be a quality facility and be thrilled with any improvements that were made,” said Sr. Director of Policy Development for the City of Knoxville in a June 18, 2008 interview with knoxvillebiz.com writer Josh Flory the city will not and cannot contribute financially to the renovations.

The “Met” should definitely add more style to the downtown Knoxville area and skyline. The local economy should benefit from jobs created as a direct result of the development. The question will be, can a 200 room luxury hotel and mixed use property stay occupied to the levels necessary to make it profitable. Most of the residents of Knoxville welcome this development and wish it the best of luck in successful operations.

One of the many advantages to living in Knoxville, Tennessee is access to some of the attractions that are generally only found in more rural areas. A prime example of this is the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Oakes Farm. Oakes Farm is located in Corryton, Tennessee. Corryton is a less developed suburban area of Knoxville. It is characterized by larger lots which tend to incorporate family gardens, chicken pens, and even small pastures. The Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch fits in perfectly.

The Oakes Family actually has a renowned artist, Shawn Stolworthy create the design for the corn maze each year. The time, effort, and expense that this family dedicates to its annual corn maze and pumpkin patch is evident. There is an eleven acre maze composed of two separate mazes. With nearly six miles of trails it generally takes one to two hours to locate the twelve different posts hidden in the maze as you successfully navigate it.

Once you have braved the maze, pile aboard the hayride to the pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch is a fun place for the little ones in your life to choose just the right pumpkin for them. If they want a small pumpkin or a huge pumpkin, the joy and excitement that accompanies choosing your own pumpkin can last a lifetime. To simplify the maze, hayride, and pumpkin patch experience, the Oakes Family has simplified the pricing and process!

Maze Admission: $8.00 Adults, $6.00 Children 6-11 (Children under 6 admitted free with parent)

The Works - Maze Admission, Hayride & Pumpkin - Adults - $13.00, Ages 6-11 - $11.00

Wed - Fri: 6:00 PM - 10:00PM

Sat: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sun: 1:00 PM - 6:00PM

Click HERE for directions!

Click HERE to visit the official website!

For 60+ years Old College Inn has been a landmark establishment on Cumberland Avenue. Cumberland Avenue, better know as “the Strip” virtually bisects the University of Tennessee. The shopping, restaurants, bars, and other haunts of UT students, especially those without cars, are pretty much confined to both sides of Cumberland Avenue.

Old College Inn (OCI) is a mixture of restaurant and bar. The dark would booths and paneling really give the place a pub type feel. Another thing that lends to this feel is the assortment of draft beers.

The food however is the key to the longevity of OCI. OCI is actually the first restaurant that I ever ate at in Knoxville and though the menu has changed over the years, the quality has not. Whether you are looking for an appetizer, like the Hot Pepper Bing which are spicy cheese balls served with homemade marinara, to go with a draft, or a light lunch or dinner, like the Chicken Southern Salad with a homemade dressing, OCI has got just the ticket. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of their signature dishes, the “Mett & Beans” which is grilled mettwurst over white beans and chili, served with pumpernickel, onions, relish, horseradish, and cole slaw. You can click HERE to see their entire menu.

And this being a Knoxville staple and integral part of the student, faculty, and alumni life of the University of Tennessee, you can always watch the Volunteers on one of the four big screens. Enjoy the proud tradition of food, football, and a cold beer just as previous generations have done.

Hours
Open Sunday Noon-Midnight
Monday-Saturday 11:00 A.M.- 3:00 A.M.
Happy Hour 3:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Phone: (865) 523-4597

Saturdays in the fall in Knoxville tend to have an air of excitement. Sometimes this can be attributed to all the great fall activities like Movies on the Town , Boo at the Zoo , or the Bloomin’ Butterfly Gardens at the Knoxville Zoo . It could just as easily be attributed to the outdoor activities that are so abundant because of the proximity to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. There are few things as beautiful as the vibrant colors of the changing leaves . Today’s excitement centers on something a little less esoteric, Volunteer football!

At 7:00 PM (EST) tonight the University of Tennessee Volunteers will take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Though UT is not having a very great season so far this year, football in Knoxville is always exciting. The crisp, cool evening air and the overwhelming size of Neyland Stadium infuse the Tennessee faithful and the the city of  Knoxville itself. The 100,000+ fans for both the hometown team and the visiting team flow into Knoxville for the matchup. There are portable BBQs for preparing the sizzling meats associated with tailgating. Coolers are filled with prepared potato salads, macaroni salads, and fresh vegetables. Then there is often a second cooler filled with chilled beverages. And as the evenings are getting chilly here, there may be a thermos filled with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. SUVs and trucks, their tailgates open, are the improvised buffets for the traditional tailgators. These are the traditional events that prepare the crowds for the main event, football! So whether you are cheering for the Volunteers or the Bulldogs, I hope you have a fun and safe time enjoying the proud tradition of Volunteer football.

Yesterday I wrote a post about the Bloomin’ Butterfly Gardens at the Knoxville Zoo . With it being the middle of October and the fast approach of Halloween, I wanted to highlight another event that began last night at the Knoxville Zoo and will run from October 16th to 19th and October 23th to 26th. Boo at the Zoo in conjunction with U.S. Cellular is providing a fun and safe environment for kids and young people to dress in their favorite costumes and collect candy. The cost is $6.00 per person, ages 2+ and $4.00 for parking.

There is a host of local businesses including, U.S. Cellular®, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Krispy Kreme, Kroger, Nortrax, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Shoney’s, Subway, Supercuts, and the TVA Credit Union that are sponsoring treat stations where the youngsters can collect candy. Though the zoo exhibits will have limited access, you will still be able to see many of the wonderful animals on display. So put on those princess and pirate costumes, grab your pumpkin candy pail, and head over to the Knoxville Zoo between 5:30-8:00 PM (EST) for a memorable evening. And don’t forget the camera!

Click HERE for driving directions!

Running through December 3rd at the Knoxville Zoo is a magical event in the Bloomin’ Butterfly Gardens . This is the time of year when hundreds of Monarch and other butterflies emerge from their cocoons in all their colorful beauty. This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with these delicate creatures.

For the Price of admission to the zoo $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for children between the ages of 2 and 12, you can experience the soft butterfly kisses of the monarchs and other butterfly species.  These are the memorable experiences that can last a lifetime and imbue children, and the child in you, with the innocent awe and wonder that such magical events instill.

The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM. Please give them a call if you have any questions 865-637-5331 extension 300. In addition to the price of admission there is a $4.00 charge for parking. Click HERE for driving directions.

In a previous post, I wrote about Knoxville’s Movies on the Town events that have been happening all summer and are winding down now. This Friday night in World’s Fair Park, beginning at 7:30 PM (EST), the Movies on the Town series will feature two classic films of the 80’s.

The first film will be Ghost Busters featuring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, and Siguorney Weaver. This fun film was nominated for two Oscars and is an iconic 80’s film. If you haven’t seen it in a while, the north lawn of World’s Fair Park will be a great setting to relive it.

The second film is the 1988 Tim Burton picture Beetlejuice . Pre-dating the Nightmare Before Christmas Beetlejuice hinted at the movie making genius that was to come. Beetlejuice stars Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Michael Keaton. It won the Oscar for Best Makeup. So bring your blankets and lawn chairs and relax in a family friendly setting to enjoy these fun films.

The Tennessee School for the Deaf (TSD) is a state sponsored school designed exclusively to meet the needs of the deaf and hearing impaired. The school has curriculum for students from preschool through high school. Students receive all the traditional instruction you would find in any Tennessee public school. In addition, students receive instruction in independent living, developing speech skills, and both occupational and physical therapy are available. There is also a full athletic program at the Tennessee School for the Deaf. In many cases, the athletic teams compete against other public schools in the area.

The school also provide housing for many of its students. The housing is done in small units and is meant to provide the support and stability that would be found if the students were living at home. There are the same type of responsibilities, i.e. housekeeping, cooking, etc, that one would encounter at home. The housing is a part of the secured campus so there is careful care paid to the health and welfare of the children. There are some students who live close enough to the school to be day students.

It is understood by the school administrators that there are special challenges for the families of their students. Because of this the school provides support groups for the families. A couple of times a year there are special workshops for the younger siblings of the students.

Knoxville is very fortunate to  be the home to this wonderful institution. Please click HERE to visit the official website.

In an earlier post on another blog I maintain, I highlighted the beautiful Tennessee Theatre , the Official State Theatre of Tennessee. Knoxville is also home to the historic Bijou Theatre. Originally opened in 1909, the Bijou Theatre is housed in the fourth oldest building in Knoxville. 

With a plan to restore the historic building to the past glory that the previous owners tried but could not effectively do, the Bijou Theatre was rescued in 2005 from foreclosure by two businessmen who negotiated  the purchase of it. With an incredible show of support, the mayor of Knoxville spearheaded a fundraising drive that brought in $2.1 million. The money was used to restore the facade, add handicapped accessible features, and mechanical systems. This enormous sum of money also gave the rescued theatre a two year operating budget. Now operating as a 501(c)(3) charity under the auspices of Bijou Theatre Foundation, this beautiful and historic theatre has a new life.

The restored theatre provides an intimate setting with a capacity of 700 people, and the acoustics are second to none. Thanks to the management of A.C. Entertainment , the Bijou Theatre is guaranteed a wide variety of performers to meet every musical taste.  Click HERE to view the current calendar and Click HERE to visit the official website of the Bijou Theatre.

Knoxville is a great place for outdoor activities. In east Knoxville, residents and visitors alike can find the beautiful Morningside Park. Morningside Park encompasses twenty-three beautiful acres and is adjacent to Alex Haley Square.

The park has a wonderful playground that was constructed by the local community with the backing of Kimberly Clarke Corporation. There is also a 16-hole disc golf course, paved fitness and walking trails.

The adjacent Alex Haley Square honors the Pulitzer Prize winning author and former Knoxville resident Alex Haley. There is a thirteen foot bronze sculpture of this prominent figure that dominates the square. The sculpture weighs approximately 4,200 pounds and was dedicated during Black History Month in 1998.

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, why not relax in Morningside Park and in the shadow of a towering American icon.

Contrary to popular believe, getting a mortgage in Tennessee is still possible. Most of the ads and the articles that I read talk about how the more stringent guidelines keep people from getting a mortgage. This is so far from the truth that it is not even funny. What I would like to go over here is a few of the misconceptions to the mortgage industry that are being spread over the nation. As for now, if you are looking for a home loan, they are definitely available here in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. And just so that everyone is on the same page, it is the same everywhere in Tennessee.

• Down Payment Assistance - This is not dead. a buyer can still get DPA. The only issues is that the DPA can not come from the Seller, Realtor, or Lender. It can be a gift from any one that you know or maybe not know. As long as the money does not have to be paid back, it will be acceptable. There is also no limit on how big or small the gift is. One stipulation is that you will need a copy of the check and a gift letter signed and filled out by the entity that is granting the gift.

• Down Payment % - Rumor going around is that the new DP% is a minimal of 10%. This is not true. FHA is still accepting 3.5%. Ask your lender if they are FHA approved and if they are not, then find one that is.

• Credit Score - I am hearing a lot about credit scores. Rumors are that lenders are requiring a 700 or higher to buy a home. This is truly a myth and if your lender tells you that, you need to find a lender that has access to FHA. FHA can do loans for people that have no credit scores or scores that are 500 and up. Remember though, these low scores will carry a higher interest rate.

• Length of time to get approved through FHA - This might be the biggest misconception that is going on today. The rumor is that FHA takes 30 days to 6 weeks. This is not true. Companies should be able to do FHA within 10 business days. If not, then find an FHA approved lender that will give you the 10 business day guarantee.

On Saturday, October 10th you can take advantage of the wonderful autumn weather we have been having as World’s Fair Park plays host to the 12th annual Community Shares Knoxville Brewers’ Jam. There are many beautiful locations in and around the Knoxville area that could have been selected to host this event but few are as beautiful and centrally located as World’s Fair Park.  This festival celebrates great handmade American craft beer, music, and food.

The festival runs between 1 and 7 PM and you must bring the paper ticket you print out when buying online, along with positive identification. This festival is open to people of all ages with tickets for those under 21 years of age and designated drivers costing $15 and those under 13 years of age costing only $2! In addition to the beer, there will be some great food and there are four music acts schedule to perform. Click HERE for bios on the bands and links to their websites.

Click HERE to visit the official website for this event! This event will help to support:

The Knoxville Police Department will be hosting “Halloween in the City”. They have hosted this event for a number of years now. It provides a safe alternative for families on Halloween. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 31st from 5 PM to 8 PM EST. It will be at Safety City off Concord Street between Kingston Pike and Sutherland Avenue.

The event will provide free beverages and food for all the guest. There will also be a costume contest, so please dig out all those costumes before loading the family up. Also, there will be a magician, clowns, a straw maze, plenty of games, and a ton of candy.  The biggest thing you do not want to forget is your camera.

Neyland Stadium is home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team . It was originally called Shields-Watkins Field because of its original benefactors when it opened in March of 1921. When it opened, it seated 3,200 people in bleachers on the west side of the field. With the success of General Robert R. Neyland who coached the Vols from 1926-1952, the stadium underwent five expansions. The largest of these expansions came in 1948 and saw 48,000 fans attend that year’s homecoming against Alabama. Through the years the the stadium has seen 17 renovations or additions bring the capacity to 102,037. Since the last major renovation in 1996, there has not been a University of Tennessee home game with less than 100,000 fans. Neyland Stadium is the largest football stadium in the south and the third largest stadium in all of college football in the United States.  In 1962 the name was changed to Neyland Stadium to honor the legendary coach who ushered in an era of athletic excellence for the Tennessee Vols. Here is a quick snapshot (courtesy of UTSPORTS.com , Official Home of The University of Tennessee Men’s Athletics ) of how Neyland Stadium has grown:

Movies on the Town will be be held in Knoxville, Tennessee again on October the 10th in Market Square. This particular weekend they will be showing “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. The pre-show entertainment begins at 7:30 pm and the movie will start at dusk. It is scheduled to be over by 10:00 PM. Admission is free to all that wish to attend.

This is the fifth anniversary of Movies on the Town. It is being hosted by the Knox County Public Library. The theory here is real simple. All you have to do is bring a lawn chair or a blanket and kick back to enjoy. Get there early to make sure that you get a great seat and enjoy all the entertainment.

The change of seasons is one of the benefits of living in Knoxville, Tennessee. Though I loved my time in Florida, witnessing the change of the seasons is a great thing. And as of now, the leaves are changing. That typically signifies a change in the season here in our stretch of the woods. As we watch the leaves change, we also get to see them fall.

As I awoke this morning to the brisk 50+ temperature, it made me flash back to a time that was. I thought that I would share some of the beauties that the mountains and hills of Tennessee can offer. I hope that you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

The University of Tennessee Volunteers took to the field last night at Neyland Stadium to take on the Huskies of Northern Illinois . To say the least, this Vols team is not impressive. The old saying that a win is a win is not so true in cases like this. What this tells me is that the Volunteers offense is anemic. Why is that?

Well, one only needs to look as far as the one touchdown that Tennessee threw. It was a 52 yard strike to Denarius Moore from  Nick Stephens. Nick replaced Jonathan Crompton, who was sporadic at best, as the starting quarterback. The other 2 scores came from a 36 yard and a 32 yard field goal by kicker Daniel Lincoln. Daniel also missed a 32 yarder late in the 4th quarter.

What I find to be the most disheartening thing about this game is the fact that the Vols could only gain a total of 225 yards. This tells me that come next week against UGA in Athens, the volunteers are going to become dog meat.

Knoxville , Tennessee is a great town! Located in the Smoky Mountains we have a very temperate climate and experience all four seasons. The mountains afford locals and visitors a lot of activities. You can spend the day hiking on any number of the well known (portions of the Appalachian Trail ) or lesser known trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are also trails set aside for those who like to mountain bike. In the warmer spring and summer months, the cool mountain streams entice you to swim or raft or innertube. As the streams come directly off the mountains, the water is clear and nearly free of contaminants.

As summer has given way to autumn, the nights are cool with temperatures in the 40’s (Fahrenheit) which is a perfect temperature to sleep with your windows open and the air conditioner turned off. You might even need a light blanket. The days still warm to the low 70’s (F) which is a wonderful temperature to engage in the many outdoor activities. Whether you are into playing tennis at Tyson Park or strolling along the Tennessee River in Volunteer Landing Park, this is the perfect time of year to be outside. The leaves will soon be putting on their glorious show of colors in the deep reds, brilliant golds, and vibrant oranges that are so associated with autumn. I hope that wherever you live, you take advantage of the outdoor adventures available to you.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

 About two weeks ago I posted about the Knoxville affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure upcoming Race for the Cure® event that is happening on October 11th in World’s Fair Park. I was reminded of this event through a post by Midori Miller entitled

ReBlog Please! Tell Ten Friends And So On…

In her post Midori is trying to spread the word about  and their Click To Give program. It works like this; you visit the breast cancer site (just click the log above) and click on the pink rectangle that says “Click Here to Give - It’s FREE!” and money is donated to underprivileged women to receive a free mammogram. This month will afford many opportunities to raise awareness, money, and hope for those who have been touched by this horrible illness. Below is a great video on breast cancer: