Great Coffee Spots in Knoxville, Tennessee

Did you know that National Coffee Day is Sept. 29? What a fun day to celebrate. There are many ways to fix a cup of coffee now and many places where you can go to grab a cup of java. Whether you are going to celebrate National Coffee Day at work, in your dorm or on the job we've got a of places to get you covered. Just run in and pick up a steaming cup of coffee. Treat yourself. You're worth it!

Starbucks seems to be just about everywhere in Knoxville. You can't beat them when you want a fancy cup of coffee. Its' a great place to be for National Coffee Day.

Panera Bread is another great place. There are several locations in Knoxville. We've heard that they are having a buy-one-get-one deal for National Coffee Day.

Dunkin Donuts has long been known for great coffee. They make every day seem like National Coffee Day.

A local favorite for most people is Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. National Coffee Day and a Hot Doughnut Now. What could be better?

When it comes to coffee even McDonald's has gotten into the act. It seems that they are even offering a premium blend. Here you can just hit the drive-thru for National Coffee Day. What will they think of next?

World Rabies Day and Knoxville, Tennessee

Today is World Rabies Day 9/28/2009. What a great reminder for us all to check the vaccination records of our pets. If you have been to any of the great Knoxville dog parks then you know that a rabies vaccination is a requirement for your pet. It also just makes good sense to protect your furry friend.

An e-friend of mine and I were discussing World Rabies Day when she sent me a link. East Tennesseans already know that we are lucky to live in the Knoxville area. It's a beautiful place where people are friendly. But until my friend sent me the link for this article I had no idea that Knoxville researchers contributed to the prevention of infection in horses.

Visit the World Rabies Day website for more information by clicking the link above. If you are interested in getting involved with a pet group in the Knoxville area visit the website of KnoxPets.Org. There is a long list of activities and groups that pet owners (and pets) might be interested in.

World Rabies Day comes but once a year. Vigilance against rabies happens every day of the year. Be educated. Act smart. Protect your pet. It's not just important for dog parks...next...

Pellissippi State Balloon Festival Canceled Due to Weather

This just in from the Twitter account of the Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival. The 2009 festival is now canceled. Bad weather conditions are expected for the remainder of the day. Here are some photos my family took earlier today. It looks like it would have been fun! We'll just have to wait for the 2010 Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival in Knoxville.
 

We're sorry.
As of June 2011 this festival has been discontinued. Read more on Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival Discontinued.

Pellissippi State Balloon Festival is a "GO" Despite Weather Concerns

Despite weather, the Pellissippi State Balloon Festival is ON! This is the latest news according to WBIR. That's great news for all of us who want to attend today. There will be lots to see and do. I can't wait to get there.

Bad weather is bad news for balloons. WBIR reports that the balloons could be grounded. Read their story here.

You may be asking yourself what there is to do at the Pellissippi State Balloon Festival if the weather doesn't cooperate. The short answer is "Lots!"

Here's the link to an earlier article I wrote about this terrific festival. If this isn't enough to get you excited mosey on over to their impressive schedule of events. You can see that fun starts at 2:00 pm when the Ultimate Canines perform. This show promises boatloads of enjoyment for the entire family.

If Ultimate Canines aren't your thing you're still in good shape. Travel down a musical "memory lane" at the Pellissipi State Balloon Festival 2009 with J. Luke Cochran. The music begins at 3:45 pm. Visit his website to hear a sampling of what's in store.

Of course, there is always the possiblity that the weather will change and the balloons will be able to fly. If that happens, liftoff is at 7:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2009. For more information on the weather policy of the Pellissippi State Balloon Festival in Knoxville click here.

Unfortunately, we received word in July 2011 that this event has been permanently discontinued.  Please see this article to for more.

Celebrate National Dog Week Enjoy Knoxville Dog Parks

What better way to celebrate National Dog Week than by taking your best furry friend to a Knoxville, Tennessee dog park? It's a great way to enjoy the great fall air and have some fun.

You may be surprised to find out that there in more than one dog park in our area. I know I was very glad to see a range of choices. If you are a looking for a great place in Knoxville to walk your dog or someplace is dog friendly here are a few good opportunities.

Dog Parks in West Knoxville

Pet Safe Village Corporation
Open 7:00 am - Sunset
10427 Electric Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37932
Phone: 865 777-DOGS (3647)

The first dog park in Knoxville was developed by PetSafe Village Corporation. It is an on-leash park. Owners must clean up after their pets. During certain days and times this dog park in Knoxville will allow you to have your dog off the leash. It is on PetSafe Village Corporation private property. No government funds were used to build it or are used to maintain it. It's a great place to walk your dog! Check out their website to learn more.

Dog Parks in Northwest Knoxvile

Dogwood Dog Park
4901 Bradshaw Road
Knoxville, TN
Near Northwest Middle School

This was the first public dog park in Knoxville. It's located in Victor Ashe Park. The off leash area is about one acre and is fully fennced. Features include a puppy playground and jump, dog water fountain, tunnel, waste stations and other structures. Click the link above to learn more.

Dog Parks in Downtown Knoxville - Coming soon!

Corner of Summit Hill and Central
Downtown Knoxville

This dog park in Knoxville is expected to be completed in the summer of 2009. There will be spearate areas for large and small dogs, water and structures. The city received a grant which will help the park be environmentally friendly.

Dog friendly Knoxville is a fun place to live. Before you and your dog leave the downtown area of Knoxville be sure to stop in at Rita's Water Ice in Market Square Mall. There your beloved Fido can get a special treat just for bringing in a two-legged friend.

Are you looking for more information about owning a dog in Knoxville? The City of Knoxville website has all the information you need.






Did someone say "dog parks in Knoxville"? This guy wants his leash!

Southern Speak Terms and Culture by a Native Southerner

Some of you may be catching my latest articles on Associated Content. In the articles on Southern Culture and understand I have attempted to describe life as I live it. I've talked about some of the stories that were told to me by my grandmother and mother and defined terms. My intent is not for this to be a scholarly work but simply a recollection of what I was told and by whom. The articles are light and fun. Read them. You'll get a kick out of them.

The three part series on Southern culture and how to speak like a Southerner include:

Southern Culture and Understanding; by a Southerner
Southern Culture Explained by a Southerner Part 2
How to Speak Like a Southerner Part 3

I'd love to hear about anything that these articles didn't cover. There is too much in Southern culture to be contained in three articles and a blog post. Please, don't be shy about leaving your comments.

Being a part of Southern culture and learning how to speak Southern is a fun way to approach life. There's nothing quite like living in the South!

What is Southern Culture?

Southern culture is learned at the knees of our grandparents. At least, for me it was. This isn't something that you can learn from a textbook. To be fully appreciated the Southern culture must be experienced.

From the rephrasing of words or the mention of events, it is the subtleties that get you in Southern Culture. If you are southern an "aint" isn't something that crawls on the ground. It's the relative of your mom or dad. It's as easy as an invisible neon sign that says "I'm Not Local" or "I live in Knox County" if you use the term "Straw Plains" instead of the very proper "Strawberry Plains."

It's knowing that The War is the War of Northern Aggression. Southern people might call it the Civil War if there had been anything civil about it.

If you're not from here then you don't get Southern Culture. You probably also don't know what poke greens are or even wilted salad. But that's ok. You're forgiven because you are in the Bible Belt and that's what we do. We welcome others, offer our best hospitality and share our mess of broken beans and our chow-chow.

Southern Culture understands that if your great granddaddy rode a horse home after the war it was because he sided with the Union. It also means that you know the "walk" in Alabama was a march that would (thankfully) change the course of history.

But Southern Culture also means standing for what you believe in - even if you stand alone. It means loving thy neighbor with bowls of soup or hominy after an illness or death. It means taking care of family and showing respect. That means going to church and taking your hat off in a building.

Southern Culture also means understanding the interconnectedness of the many ethnicities that are found in the South. Southern states, both then and now, are a blending of cultural diversity. Yes, it was antebellum plantation houses. But it is also Native American heritage through the richness of the Cherokee Indians and other tribes in the area. It's also African-American, Caribbean, Jamaican, Italian, Chinese, European American and more.

Most of all, Southern Culture means having pride in your work and in a job well done while learning the hard lessons of the past and looking forward to a good future, filled with hope and promise - for everyone.

For more about Southern Culture check out these links:

Southern Culture - An Understanding from a Southerner
Manners
Southern Hospitality

Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful Photo Movie

We took these photos of  Yellowstone National Park in July 2009. We were headed back to Tennessee from Alaska on our mother-daughter trip of a lifetime. It was an amazing experience. After you view the photo movie we think you'll agree that Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique places on Earth.

If you have trouble playing the movie you view it directly from Voices.Yahoo.com.



While in Yellowstone National Park we took a video of Old Faithful and placed it on You Tube. That was an experience to be remembered! The park rangers have the eruptions timed to within 10 minutes of the expected blast. Suddenly, the site starts to spew steam. In another minute a plume of steam shoots high into the air! All too soon, nature's display is over.

The Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone National Park stops spraying and takes a break. It has to rest up for next time. The process repeats itself several times a day. It's amazing to think that you can time a natural occurrence this way. Our visit was amazing. You can read more about our trip by clicking here.

Use these links to learn more:
Yellowstone National Park - NPS.Gov
Yellowstone.Net
Wyoming Tourism

Greekfest 2009 in Knoxville, TN A 30 Year Tradition

It's hard to believe that it's that time already. Greekfest in Knoxville, Tennessee is upon us. The fun happens this Friday, Saturday and Sunday on September 18-20.

Despite the economic worries and record gas prices of 2008, Greekfest still drew crowds. (Read more about the 2008 event here.) t's a spectacular mix of culture and tradition that brings people in from all over the United States.

Visitors to Greekfest in Knoxville need to know that there is no parking on site. Leave your car at either the Laurel Church of Christ or the Western Plaza Shopping Center and take the free shuttle. You'll be dropped off right in front of the church. What could be more convenient?

At the festival there is a spectacular blend of music and dancing. The authentic Greek folk dances are performed by the youth of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. They spend many long hours learning the intricate movements. Expect to be impressed.

There are also cooking demonstrations, Greek Food and an unequaled shopping experience. Merchandise from Greece will be available. There is fine jewelry in both gold and silver, fine linens, shawls and clothing.

The highlight of Greekfest is the tour of the beautiful St. George Greek Orthodox Church. This is an experience that is not to be missed. Tours are guided and free.

The Greek Festival takes place at:

St. George Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Kingston Pk.
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865. 522.5043

For more information visit the following links:

The Official Website of Greekfest in Knoxville, TN
2009 Greekfest

Hola Festival Knoxville, TN Sat. 9/19/2009

This Saturday, September 19, 2009 is the date for the Hola Festival. Knoxville is known for our wide variety of cultural events. No town does culture better than we do! This festival is another fine example.

The festivities for the Hola Festival go from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. There is lots to do. Bring your walking shoes and your Salsa moves and prepare to have fun. Activities include a kids area with Dora the Explorer and a day of dancing and music for the entire family.

There will also be a colorful display of the Parade of Nations. It is the goal of the Hola Festival to have every nation represented. Look for vibrant costumes from the Caribbean, Spain and other Latin American Countries.

The Bazar at the Hola Festival is a terrific place to pick up souvenirs and craft items to take home. Christmas is just around the corner. Is there a better place to pick up a unique gift?

If you get hungry while you attend the Hola Festival that's ok. There will be plenty of food vendors who can help you out. Cultural food is available from several vendors on Market Square Mall.

Now do you want the best news? Parking is free and so is admission. This makes attending the Hola Festival not only fun and educational but budget friendly for families. For those who want to donate a bag of rice or can of beans is accepted. These items will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Knoxville. Look for the collection bins at the festival entrances.

Use the free parking at the Market Square Garage and walk over.

A parking garage map and other festival information is available from these links:

Knoxvile Tourism and Sports
Associated Content
Tennessee Vacation Events

Mt. Carmel UMC Hosts Lord's Acre Sale 2009

It's a Lord's Acre Sale in Greeneville, Tennessee!

Have you ever seen a photograph of an idyllic country church and wished you could go? Did looking at the pastoral scene make you want to enjoy a quieter simpler life for just a little while? If so, this may be the chance that you have been waiting for.

Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church (Sunnyside-Greeneville) is having their Lord's Acre Sale on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Sunnyside Firehall. The meal will be served from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. There will be an auction at 8:00 pm with many items.

Here's an excellent opportunity for a fun evening out. You can enjoy a good dinner, meet people and have a great time. Plus, you can do all of this by helping a good cause. What's not to love?

If you are coming from Knoxville, getting to Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church for the Lord's Acre Sale is one of those "one-tank-trips" that's easy on the budget. For directions to the Sunnyside Firehall click this link. Proceeds from the dinner and sale will help this church with many projects.

This event is sure to be a fun family oriented activity. Who knows? Visiting Mt Carmel United Methodist Church in Sunnyside-Greeneville may be the beginning of a new fall tradition for your family.

St Mary, Montana and Johnson Campground

Johnson's Campground and RV Park in St. Mary, Montana proved to be a good stop on our mother-daughter trip of a lifetime to Alaska. We stayed there when we visited Glacier National Park. The slideshow movie turned out well. When we came back into the United States from Canada I didn't know what to expect. This was my first time in Montana. The theme for the state is "Big Sky Country". It's easy to see why.

When you cross the Canada border and come into the United States you come onto the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. In just a few miles you will come to St. Mary, Montana. The community offers services in the way of lodging, restaurants and gas as well as a grocery store. That's what makes it such a popular place when visiting Glacier National Park. The people are friendly and will gladly tell you about their community.

If you are thinking of visiting St. Mary, Montana or Glacier I have an article that may interest you. It not only covers the community but also has information about the Johnson's Family Campground and RV Park. The article had good information about what to expect and is online here.

For more information about visiting Glacier National Park or St. Mary click below:

Johnson's Camground and RV Park.
St. Mary's and Johnson's Family Camground
Blackfeet Indian Reservation

Photo Slideshow of Wall Drug, South Dakota

Wall Drug was THE coolest place to visit. Ok, it's not often I get this excited about a tourist spot but I am. It was just amazing in a touristy plastic kind of way. The whole place is an over-the-top experience. There is a gigantic plastic rabbit, free ice water, shops and more at Wall Drug in South Dakota. My experience was just fun! The photo slideshow doesn't do it justice.

There is too much to see and take in. You should plan to spend a couple of hours or an afternoon. The historical wall of pictures is worth it. But, that's just part of the fun. If you are anywhere near Wall Drug in South Dakota you should stop in and see what I mean.

Photo Video of Kalispell, Montana

We took these photos of Kalispell, Montana in July 2009. There was a great little downtown business district with several shops and charming buildings. Not far away was a mall and some other attractions.

The big claim to fame in Kalispell, Montana is the proximity to Flathead Reservation, Glacier National Park and the huge number of outdoor activities that the area offers. If you love the outdoors you'll love visiting here! Kalispell, Montana was truly a neat place to visit.

We stayed at the EconoLodge on Hwy. 93. It was older and definitely not deluxe but the staff was friendly, the room was clean and the place was reasonalbly priced.

Photo Video of Keystone and Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota

Olympic Park in Calgary, Alberta Canada

I've dreamed of seeing Calgary Canada since the Winter Olympics years ago. It was awe-inspiring and humbling to be standing where dreams were realized and hopes were dashed. The scenery is just as lovely as the people are in Calgary, Canada. We greatly enjoyed our road trip back to Tennessee from Alaska. In addition to the mission trip I would do the whole experience again. And yes, I would definitely stop in Calgary, Canada on the way home.

Historic Deadwood South Dakota in the Black Hills

Deadwood, South Dakota is a town that must be seen to be believed. It is such a unique spot that the entire city is on the National Register of Historic Places. It just doesn't get much better than that.

Johnson's Campground, St. Mary Montana Near Glacier NP

St. Mary, Montana was a fun place to visit. We stayed at Johnson's Campground and RV Park and had an absolutely great time. The tent space was quiet. We weren't far from the facilities. If the showers lasted longer than 6 minutes it would have been close to perfect.

We dined at Johnson's Famous Historic Family Restaurant. This was quite a hit in St. Mary, Montana. We asked a couple of locals where they suggested and they both recommended this place. It was near the campground so we gave it a try. Wow! Was it good!

St. Mary, Montana had lots of outdoorsy things to do. The folks at Johnson's Campground and RV Park and Johnson's Famous Historic Restaurant would happily make suggestions or share information. This was a very welcome stop on our trip back to Tennessee from Alaska.

Plus, it was close to Glacier National Park. Definitely a winning combination in my book! If you're visiting the stunning Glacier National Park you might want to try St. Mary in Montana and stay at Johnson's Campground and RV Park.

Video Photo Show of Lancaster Air Society Museum

Hubby is a HUGE air buff. When we saw the Lancaster Air Society Museum we had to stop. Too bad we got there only an hour before closing. It would have been nice to spend more time there. The whole thing was very educational. They have WWII bomber planes, memorials, static dislpays and lots of information.

Since they only ask for a donation any family can go. Of course, from Tennessee getting there is a real treat. But, if you are in the area be sure to stop at the Lancaster Air Society Museum.

Photo Movie Slideshow of Banff National Park in Canada

Banff National Park is only a few miles from Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. They are a little under 200 miles from the United States Border. We thought both parks were absolutely beautiful. Even though the parks are close the scenery is different.

In general, the farther north you are in Canada the taller the mountains are. The weather tends to be cooler and the trees are not as tall. If you have time, you will want to go to both of these Canada National Parks if only to drive through. There is a lot to see and do. You could easily stay a week at either park. It's easy to see why so many people go back to the Canadian Rockies and Jasper and Banff National Parks year after year.

I hope you enjoy the slideshow of Banff National Park. Look for the video slideshow of Jasper National Park here.

Articles on Banff National Park and Jasper National Park can be found online at http://tr.im/youvebeenreviewed.

Photo Video of Glacier National Park

This is a video slideshow of photos from Glacier National Park in St. Mary, Montana. The views of the glaciers and mountains literally took your breath away. Many of the photos you see in the video slideshow were taken on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It was exciting, exhilarating and just everything that you hope the visit to Glacier National Park could be.

We stopped at the park as we came back from Alaska. The whole trip was filled with spectacular experiences. Search under "Alaska" on this blog to see more. In addition to Glacier National Park we visited Calgary, Alberta in Canada, Denali National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Talkeetna, Alaska and more.

There was one sobering fact that we learned at Glacier National Park. The glaciers are receding. Because of global warming it is expected that the glaciers that carved this park will have completely disappeared.

Because the rivers, streams and valleys were carved by glaciers the park will retain it's name. Even though these mighty forces are becoming extinct the park will still be known to future generations as Glacier National Park.

How to Pick Out the Right Digital Camera

How to pick out the right digital camera... I was looking at cameras in the photo section of Wal-Mart when a lady stopped me. She was in the market for a new one and had no idea how to pick out the right digital camera. Hoping I had some ideas she asked me about the one I was looking at and why I would consider it.

Hopefully, I was able to give her some pointers. There are many great digital cameras on the market today. The range of prices goes from the ultra affordable to the stratosphere. Most of us will wind up selecting something in the middle.

One of the best articles that I have read on How to Choose a Digital Camera is right here. The author isn't a camera sales person. He has no investment in trying to sell you anything. The information is useful and truly informative. You might want to give the article a try.

I really like my Kodak Easyshare C713. It's a simple point and shoot that works fine for my needs. The fully automatic setting takes a great picture. It also helps that it can take a beating and remain functional. For the days when I am feeling exceptionally brave I can play around with different settings on the camera. There are settings for low light, portraits, museum settings and a good macro setting for close up work.

The only bad thing about the camera is the way it goes through batteries. I always keep a set of rechargeable batteries handy. These turn out to not only be more effective but they are less expensive over the long run. Don't forget to consider the batteries when you are exploring how to pick out the right digital camera. Some cameras have to use batteries that only go with their own particular brand. Finding replacement batteries for these digital cameras can be challenging.

For more about how to pick out a digital camera check out these links:
How to Choose a Digital Camera
http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/misc/DigPhotog/start/camera.html
E-How - How to Choose a Digital Camera

Our Trip to Jasper National Park

This video is of my trip to Jasper National Park in July 2009. We drove through Jasper and Banff National Parks on our way home from Alaska. I hope you enjoy it.

Note: This slideshow is different from the one posted to my account on Associated Content so you may want to see them both.

Silver Spoon in Knoxville Youve Been Reviewed

I went out with friends to the Silver Spoon American Cafe in Knoxville, Tennessee. We wanted good food, good service and an atmospherw where we could sit down and talk. Our friend chose the Silver Spoon American Cafe. It was a great choice.

My dish was the chicken pot pie. The light flaky crust covered the top of the whole bowl. Inside were chunks of chicken, broccoli and carrots floating in a tasty wine sauce. It was out of this world. A promotion at the Silver Spoon American Cafe had this entree paired with an appetizer (we chosee and split the gigantic spincah dip) . It also came with dessert. My choice there was the peanut butter pie.

Hubby likes his burgers. This time out was no exception. He selected the burgundy burger and was very pleased. According to him this entree had a great flavor and came with a side of french fries - his favorite.

The service was good. I also liked that the noise level at the Silver Spoon isn't obnoxiously loud. Conversation was able to flow well despite the distractions of music and television sets. We had a great night out. The price didn't break the budget.

I am already looking forward to going back to the Silver Spoon in Knoxville.

For more about the Silver Spoon American Cafe please visit:

Associated Content
Yahoo Local
Silver Spoon American Cafe Website
Metro Pulse

Tips for Frugal Fall Travel

Looking for fall travel ideas? There are all sorts of ways to save money these days. Traveling on a budget has never been easier. These tips will help you save money so you can enjoy fall travel without breaking the bank.

Here are some hot fall travel tips to help you save money.

Food

We all know that you can pack a cooler and take a picnic grill with you. Buying your own groceries saves you a ton of money versus eating out. Sometimes eating dinner in a nice restaurant can be very satisfying. Look for coupon books that can save you money. These can be found in rest areas, visitor centers and sometimes in convenient stores.

Look for travel promotions.

Right now you can book a vacation at Walt Disney World and get their free dining plan. This offers huge cost savings. The previous summer plan has been extended. Go to www.waltdisneyworld.com for information.

Choice Hotels is offering more value through their Choice Privileges reward program. Sign up or use your existing membership. Stay 3 nights and receive enough points to earn a free night at another Choice Hotel property. This fall travel promotion runs for several weeks. Check out www.choicehotels.com.

Travel close.
Make it a one-tank trip will save you on gas and can also make it easier to plan. This is also a good day trip option when you need a break but don't want the expense of staying in a motel.

Camping
This is always an inexpensive option for fall travel. State and National Parks provide great value. Spaces are usually on a first come first served basis but can sometimes be reserved.

Click these links for more articles on fall travel options:

Fall Travel Tips
AAA Helps Stretch your Travel Budget
USA Fall Foliage
About.Com

Do you have your own fall travel tips? Why not leave them in the comments section and share them with others?

Portable CharBroil Grill is Perfect for Fall Travel

Blog followers know that I love to travel. Trips for 2009 have taken me from Tennessee to Alaska, Washington, D.C. and to Atlanta. If you've read this blog you also know that I always travel on a budget.

One handy item that has made traveling easier is the portable gas Char-Broil Grill. It helps make travel more frugal, tailgating is easy and it is perfect for setting up at parks.

The grill sells for about $20 at Lowe's. Putting it together took about 20 minutes. It folds compactly for traveling. This gives me plenty of space for coolers, suitcases or whatever else I need to add to the car.

One of the best things about the portable Char-Broil Grill is that it uses small cannisters of propane. These are easily picked up at Walmart. They run about $4 for two cans. We are able to cook several runs of pork chops, steaks or hamburgers with a single can. When it is empty just put it in your curbside recycling pick up.

The Char-Broil Grill is one of the best gadgets we've ever had on vacation. I look forward to using it for years to come.

Resources
CharBroil Grill on Associated Content

CharBroil.Com

Lowe's Link

Boomsday Tips in Knoxville on Labor Day Weekend

Are you going to Boomsday in Knoxville? It's the largest Labor Day firewor ks show in the United States. You won't want to miss it!

But the good news is that Boomsday is more than just a fireworks show. There are free concerts, food and craft vendors and lots to see and do. Kids will have a blast in an area that is just for them.

One of the tricks for getting around to the Boomsday is to go early. Get your parking space by 2:00 or 3:00 at the latest. Expect to pay $10 at some garages including the City County Building and Blount Mansion.

Pack a picnic for your car but don't plan on taking it onto the festival grounds. Coolers and backpacks are a no-no. They won't let you bring in bottles of water either. Plan to get these from the food vendors at Boomsday.

Be patient. Last year our 30 minute trip to Boomsday took over 3 hours to get home. There was lots of traffic. Most everyone was in a good mood but not quite everyone. Be patient, drive slowly and you will be fine.

There will be road closures that will affect traffic both going to and from Boomsday. This is necessary for the safety of crowds and for fireworks detonation. This is mostly centered around the Henley Street Bridge and Neyland Drive area. Look at the Knoxville Events Facebook Page below for the list or pick up a copy of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Looking for more information about Boomsday? Click on the links below.

Resources:

Boomsday

Knoxville Events on Facebook

Boomsday.Org

Boomsday Knoxville

Free Vistaprint Business Cards Product Review

I've had several people ask where I buy my business cards. They are almost always surprised when my response is "Vistaprint". They're printed on heavy glossy card stock. These catchy black and gold cards definitely spark attention.

If you have been anywhere in the internet you have probably seen advertisements for free business cards from Vistaprint. The ad

s certainly caught my eye. But, I was skeptical. Can Vistaprint really give away cards and would they be any good.

Then, a friend of mine ordered from Vistaprint. She liked the cards and gave me one. This was years ago. Since then, I have made several orders and have been consistently pleased.

The free cards have a Vistaprint advertising on the back. You guessed it. The only way to get cards without that advertising is to upgrade. Fortunately, the upgrades are very reasonable. For full color cards and shipping my last run cost just over $16.

Vistaprint beat the other print shops hands down for price. The quality of the cards is good and the shipping time was lightening fast.

Another nice thing about Vistaprint is that you can benefit charity with your order. By clicking thier link on iGive (or by downloading the iGive toolbar) a tiny percentage of the purchas

e can go to benefit the charity you choose. And, it won't cost see a differenence on your total.

My donation for this purchase was .63. It's not much, but it's another great reason to use Vistaprint.

Resources

Vistaprint

Product Review on Vistaprint Free Business Cards

Vistaprint Product Review

Seward, Alaska Video and Photo Link

If you like seaside towns you can't help but fall in love with Seward, Alaska. After completion of the mission trip in Willow we drove to this beautiful town. Seward sits on Resurrection Bay which is on the Kenai Peninsula. My family and I fell in love with this town and plan to explore it in depth next time we visit.

This link to photos of Seward will give you a nice overview of what the town is like. They were taken in July 2009. Among the things to see and do in Seward are trails, fishing opportunities, seaside camping and lots of shops.

At Seward, you will also find memorial tribute to the people who lost their lives due to a tsunami in 1964. The memorial is a reminder of the awesome power of the sea and the unpredictability of earthquakes. If you make time to go to Seward, Alaska be sure to stop by the monument.

More about Seward, Alaska

Seward.Com
Alaska.Org
City of Seward

Verizon MiFi 2200 A Hot Spot To Go Review

They're just never around when you need them. We're talking about hot spots here. Not something else. How many times have we beaten our head against the way to find a good hot spot when we needed it? With the MiFi from Verizon Wireless we don't have to worry about that frustration anymore. This little tech gadget makes it easy for us to have a broadband internet connection when we need it.

Sure, we can go to restaurants like Panera Bread or McAlister's. But what about when the restaurants are crowded with noisy preschoolers? Let's not forget that Panera Bread kicks you off of the Wi-Fi after 30 minutes if you are there during peak hours. By the time you get connected and your thoughts together *poof*, you are offline.

This is where the MiFi from Verizon wireless comes in handy. Other cell modems will only power one computer. With the MiFi 2200 you can connect up to 5 computers to become your own Wi-Fi hot spot. It is a cellular modem that goes beyond the call of duty.

The little gadget is tiny. The Mi'Fi 2200 fits in the palm of your hand. It's not quite the size of a deck of playing cards. It's battery operated. You can charge it with either a regular electrical outlet or use the USB port on your laptop. What could be easier?

When it comes to portable wireless interent this MiFi is going to be hard to beat. The only downside will probably be the price tag. After r

ebate my Mi-Fi was only $99.99. The service plan is $59.99 per month. (More on that here.) We've tried it in several East Tennessee areas and we took it on our trip to Atlanta. So far, it has worked every time that our Verizon Wireless phones have been able to get a signal. This makes it really handy to own and is very easy to use.

The MiFi 2200 from Verizon Wireless has been a cool little gadget. It makes you wonder what they'll come up with next.

Resources:

Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Review
Verizon Wireless Information

Phonescoop

Lafollette UMC Willow, Alaska Mission Trip Photos and Story

A brief story of my experience during the Lafollette Mission Trip to Willow, Alaska is now online. This has been one of the formative experiences of my life. From building a house to seeing Denali and watching the face of my daughter light up, I can testify that the trip to amazing.

You can click this link to see the photos. It gives a good overview of where and how we stayed, the house that we built and more.

Building a house in Alaska is very different from building one in Tennessee. For starters, the house had 21" of insulation in the ceiling. Check yours for comparison. You'll probably find that yours has a good bit less than that.

Then, after the insulation is complete the walls have to be wrapped in room size pieces of plastic. This forms a vapor proof barrier that has to be secured and inspected. Then the walls can be put up. It took our team the entire week just to install the insulation.

When the day was over we got to spend time relaxing. One night the team was invited out on a boat and had one of the most interesting experiences of the trip.

Everything wouldn't fit into one slideshow. But what I was able to fit in might just be enough to tempt you to visit Alaska one day.

Resources:
Willow, Alaska Tour and Travel
Willow Chamber of Commerce
Fran Lynch, Missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries

Red Lobster Oak Ridge Restaurant Youve Been Reviewed

My family and I went to the Red Lobster in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. We were trying to cheer up our daughter who had some upcoming medical tests that afternoon. The restaurant was her choice. They had the Endless Shrimp promotion going on. If you are a shrimp fan this may be the best time to go!

You'll find the Red Lobster in Oak Ridge at 359 S. Illinois Ave. It's right on the main road and is not hard to find. There' s plenty of parking to make dining there easy.

Our server was right on the mark. Jospeph kept the iced tea coming and the empty plates removed. If we go back we're definitely asking for him!

The rest of the meal was so-so. Read more on the full review by clicking here.

Resources:

Red Lobster on Yahoo

East Tennessee Dining Red Lobster Oak Ridge Menu and More

Make Money With Twitter Posts via Short URLs from Linkbee

Make money with your Twitter posts (called Tweets) by using the short URL service Linkbee. Since the days before Twitter people have looked for ways to shorten their website addresses.

At first, this was because the free service providers offered long urls. These website addresses were cumbersome and hard to remember. The first address for our nonprofit was a heavy www.geocities.com/hotsprings/2402. This was a lot to have someone to remember.

TinyUrl came riding to our rescue and remains a popular service to use. This has been followed by services offered through other companies such as http://bit.ly and http://tr.im. I've used each of these providers with good luck. The short urls work like they are supposed to and are much easier to use on Twitter than the longer versions.

Now, a new service is available. Linkbee not only offers to shorten urls but to help us earn money. To do that they will add a banner ad at the top of your link. The ads are at the top of the destination url and show up for a few seconds. ( Click this link for an example. It is of photos that I took of Union Station in Washington, DC. Use the back button on your browser to return.)

Ads on Linkbee can also be Interstitial. This means that the ads will appear for a few seconds after you click the link. Click this link to see how an interstital ad works. The article you will go to is about how a puppy brought back the smile on an abused child. There is a 10 second delay while the commercial is viewable. Use the back button on your browser to return.

There are some dangers associated with a short url.

One possible problem is that you don't know where the link will take you. For this reason, you will want to only click on short urls from websites or Twitter users that you trust.

Also, if a company that provides the short url goes under so will the links. This can leave a broken trail which can be hard to fix.

The interstital ads can be maddening. Many users would rather click another link than to wait for a page to load. Ten seconds may not seem like a long time you are searching the internet.

Ad revenue from short urls can provide important funds for businesses, individuals and nonprofit agencies. Most people using the internet do not like paying for information. Advertisements are a way to generate income to pay for the information.

To many any money, the volume directed through Linkbee Links is going to have to be huge. Like Google Ads and other internet advertising mechanisms the profit is going to be based on the volume. With a payout of $1.50 per 1,000 views it is going to take a while for an internet marketer to see much in the way of earnings.

Still, companies like Linkbee may be a good way to generate needed revenue without taking away from the internet experience for the user. Time will tell if this is the way of the future or the next internet bust. Those who are using Linkbee to make money are certainly hoping that it will catch on like Twitter.

Resources

http://abclocal.go.com

TechJournal South

Crunchbase.com

Regal Cinema Pinnacle 18 at Turkey Creek Youve Been Reviewed

What is so great about the Regal Cinema Pinnacle 18 at Turkey Creek? Lots. In addition to whatever movie you are seeing just going to this theater is a lot of fun. From the moment you walk in you are dazzled by an array of color and energy.

The outside of the Regal Cinema Pinnacle 18 at Turkey Creek reminds me of an old-fashioned movie theater. The lines snake around and you are greeted by a friendly box office attendant. After that you soon realize that this isn't your grandparents' theater.

At the Regal Cinema Pinnacle 18 at Turkey Creek you can order the usual items from the concession stand. Every movie has popcorn and soda. But here, you can also order a pizza and have it delivered to you in the theater. How's that for a new twist on service?

Inside the theater is comfortable stadium seating. There is plenty of space to move and feel comfortable. It's nice to move your feel without worry about bumping into the person seated in front of you.

Screens choices are digital, big screen or IMAX. For more information about the different screens or pricing read my full review by clicking this link.

The Regal Cinema Pinnacle 18 at Turkey Creek really is worth the drive.

Send in Your Knoxville Area Event Announcements

Are you a nonprofit or other group that is having an event? Send us your Knoxville area event announcements.

Email us at youvebeenreviewed@gmail.com. We need all the who, what, where, when and why. It won't cost you anything and is a great way to get the word out about the event. If we can, we'll even review your event to give you even more exposure.

Keep an eye on this blog for information on Knoxville area event announcments!

Here are some September Knoxville area events for 2009:

2009 Chrysler Jeep Boomsday Festival Sept. 6

9/11 Remembrance Ride Sept. 13

Pellisssippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival Sept. 25 & 26,