Where I Live

Marble Springs is the name that Governor John Sevier gave to his 355 acres homestead at the foot of the Bay Mountains south of Knoxville. He named the property Marble Springs because of the abundance of marble scattered over the property and the numerous springs that flowed through the property. Sevier built a cluster of structures mostly from pine and oak. Though only the main cabin has survived the trials of time, the other original buildings have been restored to period detail.

The Tennessee legislature purchased 35 acres where the original settlement was. To oversee the restoration and reconstruction of the property, the legislature created the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association.  Marble Springs is a popular place for educational outreach on the history and culture of the region. The general area is also a popular spot for families to picnic and enjoy nature.

I am a huge fan of most ethnic cuisine. I love Italian, Japanese, Cajun, and Caribbean foods but my favorite is probably Chinese food. From Mandarin to Schezuan I am a huge connoisseur of Chinese cooking. Not only do I love to make Chinese food at home for friends and family, I love to eat at a variety of Chinese restaurants.

In Knoxville, where I have lived on three separate occasions separated by several years, I love the Plum Tree restaurant. The Plum Tree is a medium sized place with all the traditional red and gold decorations of most independently owned Chinese restaurants. What you will not find are rude servers who are simply trying to rush through as many tables as possible to garner the most tips possible. The staff at Plum Tree treat you with courtesy and respect. As for the food, it is excellent! The in house sauces are as rich in their diverse flavors as any I have ever tasted. The vegetables are always fresh and prepared to perfection. As I am a vegetarian, I can only tell you that my dining companions have truly raved about everything from the seafood to the beef! If you are looking for an authentic Chinese restaurant in Knoxville, this is the place to go!

They are located at 7052 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 and can be reached via phone at 865-588-2002.

As part of the Great Decisions Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Stephen Zunes the acclaimed expert on American policy on the Middle East and Central Asia will speak for FREE in the Great Room of the International House. He will be speaking about Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Stephen Zunes is a professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco. He is the chair of the Middle Eastern Studies Program. Zunes has been recognized for his writing on diverse topics concerning American-Middle East policy. He is an editor of the Peace Review and chairs the academic advisory council for the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. He is also a contibuting foreign affairs journalist for the National Catholic Reporter. As a recognized expert in the field, Zunes will be sure to give an informative and enlightening presentation on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Quietly opening their premier Knoxville season in November of 2008, the Knoxville Thunderbolts have quickly moved to #11 in the American Basketball Association (ABA) power rankings. You may recall the original ABA that competed with the NBA from 1967 to 1976. An eventual merger of the professional leagues saw the dissolution of the ABA.

In 2000 the new ABA was formed. The new ABA is different from the old ABA in that it serves as a type of developmental or field system similar to the minor leagues and mirroring the NBA’s developmental league in many respects. The players in the ABA have a real passion for the sport and aspire to the NBA ranks. The ABA does use the familiar red, white, and blue basketball of its predecessor league. Currently the Knoxville Thunderbolts play their games at Grace Christian Academy with a domed stadium planned in the near future. If you are a sports fan, this is a great opportunity to see some excellent athletes.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

On January 31, 2009 the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum will host the Soffee Spirit Tennessee Open Championships. This competitive event will host more than 100 individual and team events designed to showcase the athleticism, agility, aptitude, and creativity of the competitors. The nationally certified judges will judge the competitors from all over the country and ages ranging from five years old to college age.

These are more than the cheerleaders you remember from high school. While those cheerleaders may have been very serious, this competition will showcase the best of the best. It is an “open” event though so there will be many skill levels represented. These are serious athletes who take their dance, acrobatics, and overall performances very seriously. If you want to see some great competitors this event may be just right.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

Established in 2001 by a grassroots effort, the Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum is located on the site of a former family nursery just minutes from downtown. The original nursery and orchard, Joe N. Howell Nursery and C.B. Howell Nursery, was established in 1786 by Revolutionary War Veteran David Wessels Howell.

The Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum covers a beautiful 44 acre ridgeline. Much of the original stone walls of the nursery remain. The entire original and expanded nursery site were purchased through grassroots fundraising efforts. Soon a stone belltower will grace the front entrance thanks to a generous, and anonymous, donor. This beautiful addition to the city of Knoxville showcases both native an exotic plants that grow well in the east Tennessee climate.The Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum are FREE to the public and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

Click HERE for driving directions.

Everyone can dance. Everyone should dance. Circle Modern Dance was founded to provide local choreographers, dancers, musicians, and performance artists a place to showcase their talents. In addition to showcasing accomplished dancers, Circle Modern Dance fosters dance for people of all ages and skill levels. This is a place to dance freely and without judgment.

The motto that anyone willing to make the effort and move is welcome. Classes are underway now with two different technique classes offered on Sundays and a Copeira class offered on both Tuesdays and Thursday. The techniques classes cost $12 per class or a package of four classes for $40. There is a discount for students and seniors. The Copeira classes are offered at $12 per class or $45 per month with the first class being free! Circle Modern Dance is active in its community outreach giving of it time and talent to many worthy organizations and festivals.

If you are interested in learning more about Circle Modern Dance you can contact them at:

circlemoderndance@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/circlemodernknoxville

865.524.7615

Our office and studio

are located at

The Emporium Center

for Arts & Culture

100 N. Gay St. Suite 104

Knoxville, TN 37902

Yesterday, lost to most people in all the excitement surrounding the inauguration of Barak Obama, the Tennessee Smokies announced the hiring of Ryne Sandberg as the new manager of the team. The Tennessee Smokies are part of the Southern League of Professional Baseball and the Double-A minor league team of the Chicago Cubs. The announcement was made at a luncheon comprised of both season ticket holders and sponsors.

Ryne Sandberg played second base for the Chicago Cubs for all but one year when he played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Sandberg helped to set the modern standard for second basemen. His strong, accurate arm led to nine consecutive golden gloves and helped to take the Cubs to the 1984 postseason, their first appearance since 1945. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 with 76.2% of the vote. Sandberg brings his years of big league experience and love for the game to the Tennessee Smokies.

Click HERE to view the official Tennessee Smokies website.

Sadly out of tragic situations and incidents progress is often made. In this case an accident that paralyzed a four year old child was the impetus for Ashley Nicole’s Dream Playground. A bit of the back story is that the horrible accident that paralyzed Ashley Nicole made it apparent that she could no longer enjoy the simple pleasure of swings, slides, and other playground equipment.

Modeled after Lily’s Garden in Nashville, the idea of a universally accessible  playground was born. This idea grew when it was discovered that nearly one in five children had a disability. Fundraising was the main element to raising the $290,000 needed to make the project a reality. It took a full five years for ground to be broke on Ashley Nicole’s Dream Playground but today the playground is a popular spot for all children to play together.

Click HERE to visit the park’s official website.

That is right! Just as the name title of the post says, the circus is coming! I remember the thrill I used to get when I was a kid and the circus came to town. From the clowns funny antics to the massive elephants and trapeze acts, the circus only has the fondest of memories for me. One of the great things was that they usually had a school day when the local schools all went on field trips to the circus.This is still the case with many schools in Knox County as the upcoming circus has a 10:30 am show on January 23rd set aside for the schools who wish to participate to do so!

As for the general public, beginning on January 22, 2008 the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to be precise will be calling Knoxville home for four days. The circus is being held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum .  If you have kids or are simply a kid at heart, this is a can’t miss event.

The shows are scheduled for:

Show Time: Jan 25th 1:00 PM
Show Time: Jan 24th 7:00 PM
Show Time: Jan 24th 3:00 PM
Show Time: Jan 23rd 7:00 PM
School Show, No Pre Show Jan 23rd 10:30 AM
Show Time: Jan 22nd 7:00 PM

Tickets can be purchase online by clicking HERE !

or at the following box office locations:

 All Knoxville area Cat’s CDs and Cassettes

Disc Exchange

f y e Music (formerly Camelot)

The Rhythm Section in Gatlinburg

Tickets Can Be Charged By Phone: Coliseum Box Office (865) 656-4444 or toll free (877) 995-9961

Today I had my second grade niece staying with me and I was looking for something fun for us to do together. As it is pretty cold out and I definitely did not want to be responsible for returning my niece to her parents with a cold, it was important that we find something indoors to do. Then it struck me, bowling is a fun activity.

When I suggested we go bowling, she was thrilled. Her only request was that she not have to use the bumpers. Bumpers, in case you don’t know, are placed in the gutters to keep the very young kids from only getting gutter balls. I figured that could be her call and I agreed no bumpers. So off to Fountain City Lanes Strike & Spare for a bit of bowling!

The building itself has a fun design as you can see from the picture above and we anxiously went in to have fun. We got our rented bowling shoes and selected the balls that were right for us; the smallest ball they had was a 6 lbs. and you have to ask for those. We were on lane two and were very excited to start racking up the points. My niece on her first ball got a STRIKE (knocked down all the pins)! This was a thrill for both of us. As I am not a very good bowler, it took me until the 5th or 6th frame to get a strike. Though neither of us are great bowlers, it was a lot of fun. If you are looking for something to do that is a little different, try bowling!

The Fountain City Lanes Strike & Spare is open:

Sunday 1:00 pm until midnight

Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am until midnight

Friday & Saturday 9:00 am until 2:00 am

They also host kids birthday parties, Lock-Ins, Corporate Events, Leagues, and  Tournaments.

Click HERE to visit their website!

Who would have believed that thirty-seven years after the release of the Eagles self-titled first album, and the infamous dissolution of their band after their 1982 release of Eagles Greatest Hits, Volume 2 that this legendary band would still be making and releasing quality music. In support of their most recent album, The Long Road Out Of Eden, the Eagles are touring again. If you are a classic rock, rock, or music fan then this is a concert that you simply cannot miss.

Thompson-Boling Arena will play host on  Tuesday, January 20th to the Eagles. Please note that this show was originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st. If you have not got tickets to see these living legends of rock, Glen Fry, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit you still have time! Tickets are available online by clicking HERE , by phone by calling “Tickets Unlimited” at  (865) 656-4444 or Toll Free (877) 995-9961 or you can visit any of these locations to buy tickets in person:

Box Office: Thompson-Boling Arena
Outlets: Cat’s Music (Knoxville and Sevierville)
Disc Exchange (Knoxville)
FYE Music (Knoxville and Morristown)
Rhythm Section (Gatlinburg)
Sonic Music (Bristol,Va.)
Smokies Stadium (Sevierville)
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
University of Tennessee Central Ticket Office

When you were a kid was there a jingle or the opening bars of a theme song that made you laugh and smile upon hearing it? For me, the unmistakable first chords of the Harlem Globetrotters theme music always made me smile. The basketball antics and tricks that these awesome players have used for years are part of my fondest memories as a kid. From playing for the Chinese Premier in 1979 to the Saturday morning “Harlem Globetrotters Show” cartoon that ran for three years and was syndicated to thirty countries, the Harlem Globetrotters represent some of what is best in America.

I am happy to report that, after 82 years, these entertaining players are still making people of all ages smile and laugh today! On January 16, 2009 the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unique brand of entertainment to Knoxville. Tickets are still available for this event to be held at Thompson-Boling Arena so if you have kids of your own or want to relive some of those childhood memories this is the perfect opportunity! Is that bucket full of water OR confetti? You won’t know until it is thrown!

Click HERE for online ticket info or visit one of these locations to buy your tickets in person:

Box Office: Thompson-Boling Arena
Outlets: Cat’s Music (Knoxville and Sevierville)
Disc Exchange (Knoxville)
FYE Music (Knoxville and Morristown)
Rhythm Section (Gatlinburg)
Sonic Music (Bristol,Va.)
Smokies Stadium (Sevierville)
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
University of Tennessee Central Ticket Office

Click HERE to visit the official Harlem Globetrotters’ website.

On November 12, 2008 I wrote a post entitled John Conlee & Janie Fricke In Concert. In that post I also highlighted the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge that was hosting the concert. I mention this because tonight the same theater is hosting the Appalachia Fest.

This is the third year for Appalachia Fest which celebrates the music that defines much of the Appalachian culture. As you would imagine, the music of Appalachia is an eclectic mixture of sounds that incorporates among others, country, bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Add to this an array of instruments from dulcimers to banjos and you will begin to get an understanding of the music. It is widely believed that southern Appalachian folk music has its roots in Irish, Scottish, English, and African musical traditions. In many instances, females were the writers of the lyrics and singers of the songs either A capella or with instrumental accompaniment. The songs were a form of entertainment, an expression of emotions, and a way to pass on family and regional history. Tonight you can partake in this rich musical heritage, click HERE to visit the official website.

Click HERE to listen to an excellent sample of this music genre entitled Sourwood Mountain performed by  Mary Jane Queen .

One of only twelve museums accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Frank H. McClung Museum supports and enhances the mission of the University of Tennessee to “serve the state, region, and nation through scholarship, teaching, artistic creation, professional practice, and public service.” This is a general museum with collections that span the ages, from the prehistory of the region of the region to the cultural and technological trends of today.

This great museum is a part of the University of Tennessee and is always free to the public! It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Unlike most museums around the world, the Frank H. McClung Museum is open on Mondays!

Click HERE to visit the official website!

Golden Retrievers are remarkable dogs. They are not only quite beautiful, they are often trained as guide, sign, and signal dogs to aid people with disabilities. They have also been used therapeutically with ill children and the elderly. These very smart dogs take readily to training whether for service or general good manners as an animal companion.

In Knoxville, the Heartland Golden Retriever Rescue works tirelessly to rescue abused, abandoned, and displaced goldens. Operating entirely on the generosity of the public, the volunteers and trained professionals give not only their time and money but their very heart to this cause.  This wonderful organizations operates in Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, northeastern Alabama, and southeastern Kentucky in their effort to save these animals.

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs which unfortunately correlates to a huge need with regards to rescue. Like most rescue organizations, the goldens are given a thorough examination, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped by veterinarians who work with the group. Heartland is committed to finding forever families for all of these animals. After being approved to adopt one of these animals they offer a 14 day trial period with the dog to make sure there is a good match.  If you want to volunteer your time, money, or expertise, click this LINK to visit the Heartland Golden Retriever Rescue website. Below are photos of a couple of beautiful goldens who would love to find their forever family.

Pandora - 9yo owner surrender with another dog.  This girl is wonderful.  Just has so much love to give.  Loves toys.  Very well behaved currently living with 3 other goldens and a cat.

Justine,  - has been waiting a long time for her own home.  She is a very sweet girl, and has suffered some health problems in the past but is doing better now.  Very calm and well behaved.

For more information please email

Heartland

or call 865/694-5477 (9am-7pm Eastern time)