California Wine Tasting At Mantia's

Mantia's will host a California wine tasting on Wednesday, October 3 at 6:30pm. In addition to tasting fabulous wines, admission will also get you hors-d'oeuvres specially prepared to complement each wine. Admission is $25 per person and reservations are recommended.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week Of 10/1/2007

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at-large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

The playoff field for the week of 10/1/2007:

1. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. California (At Large PAC 10)
4. Ohio State (Big 10 Champion)
5. Wisconsin (At Large Big 10)
6. Boston College (ACC Champion)
7. South Florida (Big East Champion)
8. Kentucky (At Large SEC)
9. Florida (At Large SEC)
10. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
11. Virginia Tech (At Large ACC)
12. Hawaii (WAC Champion)
13. BYU (MWC Champion)
14. Central Florida (CUSA Champion)
15. Ball State (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)

Dropped Out: West Virginia (#5, Big East Champion), Texas (#9, Big 12 Champion), Rutgers (#10, At Large Big East), Southern Miss (#13, CUSA Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), ACC (2), Big 10 (2), Pac 10 (2), Big 12 (1), Big East (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Troy vs (1) USC
(9) Florida vs (8) Kentucky
(12) Hawaii vs (5) Wisconsin
(13) BYU vs (4) Ohio State
(11) Virginia Tech vs (6) Boston College
(14) Central Florida vs (3) California
(10) Oklahoma vs (7) South Florida
(15) Ball State vs (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Kentucky vs (1) USC
(5) Wisconsin vs (4) Ohio State
(6) Boston College vs (3) California
(7) South Florida vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Ohio State vs (1) USC
(3) California vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

Who is Hannah Montana?

The craze at the office lately has been trying to find tickets to the Hannah Montana concert at the FedEx Forum. Maybe I'm getting old or I'm simply out of touch, but I had to ask "who the heck is Hannah Montana?" I was quickly informed that Hannah is Miley Cyrus, daughter of Mr. Achy Breaky himself Billy Ray. Apparently they have a Saturday morning TV series and the younger Cyrus will showing off her talents on a national tour. I was sort of relieved to hear that this was music related. I was beginning to think my co-workers were obsessed with Joe Montana's kid or, better yet, a new sandwich at Arby's.

Since the tour announcement, shows have been selling out in minutes across the country. And it was no different here in Memphis. Seats are no longer available through the Forum box office or its ticket affiliates, but you can still get Hannah Montana Tickets from Stub Hub.
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Scary Thought....Halloween Is Fast Approaching

Driving home from work this evening, I passed by Party City near the corner of Poplar and Highland. I glanced up and noticed they were setting up Halloween decorations. Then it hit me, September is almost over and Halloween is right around the corner.

Last year I picked up most of my costume gear at Party City. They had a great selection, but the store was packed. While goofing around tonight, I came across Costume Hub. They have a large selection of costumes and accessories with low shipping costs. I think I'll avoid the crowds this year and get something from these guys. Check them out.

UCP's 22nd Annual Great Chefs' Tasting

The 22nd Annual Great Chefs's Tasing benefiting United Cerebral Palsy will be Tuesday, October 23 at the Pink Palace Museum and Mansion. Enjoy an evening of entertainment and wonderful food from some of Memphis' favorite restaurants. Festivities begin at 6:30pm. For ticket information visit United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week Of 9/24/2007

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at-large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

The playoff field for the week of 9/24/2007:

1. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
4. Florida (At Large SEC)
5. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
6. California (At Large Pac 10)
7. Ohio State (Big 10 Champion)
8. Wisconsin (At Large Big 10)
9. Texas (At Large Big 12)
10. Rutgers (At Large Big East)
11. Boston College (ACC Champion)
12. Hawaii (WAC Champion)
13. Southern Miss (CUSA Champion)
14. BYU (MWC Champion)
15. Ball State (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)

Dropped Out: Air Force (#13, MWC Champion), Central Michigan(#15, MAC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
Big 10 (2), Big 12 (2), Big East (2), Pac 10 (2), SEC (2),ACC (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Troy vs (1) USC
(9) Texas vs (8) Wisconsin
(12) Hawaii vs (5) West Virginia
(13) Southern Miss vs (4) Florida
(11) Boston College vs (6) California
(14) BYU vs (3) Oklahoma
(10) Rutgers vs (7) Ohio State
(15) Ball State vs (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Wisconsin vs (1) USC
(5) West Virginia vs (4) Florida
(6) California vs (3) Oklahoma
(7) Ohio State vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Florida vs (1) USC
(3) Oklahoma vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

Autumn Wine Dinner at Bari

Bari will host a 4 course wine dinner on Monday, September 24. All courses will be paired with wines from Victor Robilio. This event starts at 6:30 pm and costs $55 per person. Reservations are recommended.

Course info:

1st
Calamari stuffed with bread crumbs, tomato, garlic, parsley, & capers sautéed with aromatics & lemon
Paired with Tenuta di Salviano Orvieto Classico Superiore, D.O.C.

2nd
Mussels, calamari, clams, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, & celery oven roasted with rice and extra virgin olive oil
Paired with Cabreo La Pietra Chardonnay

3rd
Black pepper rubbed short rib roast, roasted with onions, portabella, & new potatoes served with a primitivo fortified jus
Paired with Banfi Chianti Classico

4th
Caramel almond cake with amaretto apples & cinnamon gelato
Paired with Rinaldi "Bug Juice" Moscato d'Asti

Memphis Roller Derby Championship - September 22

One of my neighbor's reminded me today that the Memphis Roller Derby Championship is fast approaching. The Women of Mass Destruction will take on the Angels of Death Saturday night at 7pm at FunQuest in Collierville. I've yet to make it to a Memphis Roller Derby event, but I've heard nothing but good things.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week Of 9/17/2007

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at-large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

The playoff field for the week of 9/17/2007:

1. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
4. Florida (At Large SEC)
5. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
6. Wisconsin (Big 10 Champion)
7. California (At Large Pac 10)
8. Ohio State (At Large Big 10)
9. Texas (At Large Big 12)
10. Rutgers (At Large Big East)
11. Boston College (ACC Champion)
12. Hawaii (WAC Champion)
13. Air Force (MWC Champion)
14. Southern Miss (CUSA Champion)
15. Central Michigan (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)

Dropped Out: Louisville (#8, At Large Big East), Georgia Tech (#11, ACC Champion), TCU (#13, MWC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
Big 10 (2), Big 12 (2), Big East (2), Pac 10 (2), SEC (2),ACC (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Troy vs (1) USC
(9) Texas vs (8) Ohio State
(12) Hawaii vs (5) West Virginia
(13) Air Force vs (4) Florida
(11) Boston College vs (6) Wisconsin
(14) Southern Miss vs (3) Oklahoma
(10) Rutgers vs (7) California
(15) Central Michigan vs (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Ohio State vs (1) USC
(5) West Virginia vs (4) Florida
(6) Wisconsin vs (3) Oklahoma
(7) California vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Florida vs (1) USC
(3) Oklahoma vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

Wine & Food Tasting At Circa - September 19

Circa and John Bragg will host a wine and food tasting on Wednesday, September 19. This event will feature unique wines paired with signature dishes. Admission is $25 and reservations are required.

Chef Prepared Meals Deliverd To Your Door

A friend of mine that just moved to Chicago recently told me about HomeBistro.com. Their menu looks great and it includes low carb and lite options. With everyone having hectic schedules, this seems like a simple way to have a great meal in minutes.

RiverArtsFest To Be Held October 26-28

Per the Memphis Business Journal, the new RiverArts Festival will be held October 26-28 in Downtown Memphis. Announced activities include art exhibits at various galleries, a food court, an arts market and live entertainment. Admission is free. This should be a nice addition to the Downtown arts scene.

New Name In Memphis Arts

The Greater Memphis Arts Council is now ArtsMemphis!

ArtsMemphis will celebrate its new identity with a special celebration on Wednesday, September 12, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the courtyard between Toyota Plaza and the Toyota Plaza parking garage on S. Third Street. There will be food, fun, give-a-ways and special rebrand announcements from board members and arts groups. If you are Downtown, be sure to stop by this exciting event.

Big College Football Games This Weekend

I'm not talking about Ole Miss vs Vandy. The game of the week will be USC vs Nebraska. This isn't your dad's Nebraska team. They no longer load up and run the option, they now rely more on the passing game. It shouldn't make a difference though, USC should have the all the weapons to handle the Huskers.

Another interesting game this weekend will be Notre Dame against Michigan. This monster match up will definitely have national appeal. Too bad they are both playing for their first win of the season.

Be sure to get your tickets early for both games.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week Of 9/10/2007

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at-large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

The playoff field for the week of 9/10/2007:

1. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
4. Florida (At Large SEC)
5. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
6. Wisconsin (Big 10 Champion)
7. California (At Large Pac 10)
8. Louisville (At Large Big East)
9. Texas (At Large Big 12)
10. Ohio State (At Large Big 10)
11. Georgia Tech (ACC Champion)
12. Hawaii (WAC Champion)
13. TCU (MWC Champion)
14. Southern Miss (CUSA Champion)
15. Central Michigan (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)

Dropped Out: Georgia (#8, At Large SEC), Virginia Tech (#10, ACC Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
Big 10 (2), Big 12 (2), Big East (2), Pac 10 (2), SEC (2),ACC (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Troy vs (1) USC
(9) Texas vs (8) Louisville
(12) Hawaii vs (5) West Virginia
(13) TCU vs (4) Florida
(11) Georgia Tech vs (6) Wisconsin
(14) Southern Miss vs (3) Oklahoma
(10) Ohio State vs (7) California
(15) Central Michigan vs (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Louisville vs (1) USC
(5) West Virginia vs (4) Florida
(6) Wisconsin vs (3) Oklahoma
(7) California vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Florida vs (1) USC
(3) Oklahoma vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

A New Way To Get More Out Of Your iPod Or MP3 Player

A friend of mine recently told me about ShrinkMyTunes, a simple software download that significantly reduces the size of MP3 files, allowing you to fit up to 4 times more music on your iPod or MP3 player or mobile phone.

This seems like a smart alternative to buying a new iPod or MP3 with larger storage space. Give it a try.

Oxford's Town BBQ Throwdown - September 28-29

The innagural Oxford's Town BBQ Throwdown will be held on Friday,September 28 and Saturday, September 29 at the Oxford Conference Center in Oxford, Mississippi. A Memphis In May sanctioned event, the BBQ Throwdown will feature professional and amateur cookers competing for over $18,000 in cash and prizes. For those who just want to have a good time, there will be a People's Choice competition, a carnival and live music.

Wine Pick: 2004 Lyeth Meritage

I recently had this award-winning wine while watching a football game. It softened the blow of watching the Colts blow out the Saints.

The 2004 Lyeth Meritage (Sonoma) is a Bourdeaux-style blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This ruby red wine had a fruity aroma and the palate was full of berry and vanilla flavors with a long finish. If you are looking to pair this with food, beef or pork is recommended.

Ask for this wine at your favorite wine retailer.

Cooper Young Festival Saturday, September 15

Looking for some big fun in Midtown Memphis next weekend? If so, be sure to stop by Cooper Young Festival on Saturday, September 15th. Festival goers will enjoy a fun-filled day of the arts, live music and Memphis culture. Admission is free.

College Football Week 2

Another action packed college football Saturday kicks off in minutes. Later this evening, Virginia Tech will take on LSU in Baton Rouge. After a full day of beer and boudin balls, Tiger fans will be at their best. The stout LSU defense and the Tiger Stadium home field advantage will lift the Bayou Bengals over the Hokies 27-17.

In other action today, Memphis showed in improvement in the second half against Mississippi last week, but the Tigers will have their hands full with a confident Arkansas State team. The Indians will edge out a close one 31-28.

Tennessee will rebound and win at home over Southern Miss 31-20.

TCU will give Texas fits, but the Longhorns should take care of business after getting a scare from Arkansas State last week. Texas wins 28-23.

Finally, its Southern Heritage Classic week in Memphis. The SHC will be a competitive game with lots of entertainment in the stands during the game and at half time. After losing to the Fighting Okra of Division II Delta State last week its hard to pick Jackson State to win, but the Sonic Boom will inspire the Tigers to a victory over Tennessee State 17-13.

Bravo Memphis Kickoff Party - Thursday, September 20

Bravo Memphis will kickoff its 2007-2008 season on Thursday, September 20 at the Delta Axis Powerhouse located at 45 G.E. Patterson. Bravo Memphis is a program designed for young professionals to get a sampling of the arts in Memphis. Typical programs include a pre-show cocktail social and networking and exclusive performances from the most talked about cultural organizations in Memphis. Stop by the Delta Axis and learn more about subscription discounts, door prizes and ticket giveaways.

Welcome Back Raiford's?

According to this article from the Memphis Business Journal, Raiford's could be re-opening soon.

Gov't Mule To Play On Gibson Roof Top October 24

Warren Hayes and Gov't Mule will return to Memphis and play on the Gibson Roof Top on Wednesday, October 24. Tickets go on sale Saturday.

Wine Tasting at Mantia's

Mantia's is hosting a wine tasting on Friday, September 7 at 6:30 pm. There will also be hors d'oeuvres to complement each wine.

Tickets are $25/person and seating is limited. Reservations are recommended.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week Of 9/4/2007

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly on Monday afternoons to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at-large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

The playoff field for the week of 9/4/2007:

1. USC (PAC 10 Champion)
2. LSU (SEC Champion)
3. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
4. Florida (At Large SEC)
5. Wisconsin (Big 10 Champion)
6. Louisville (At Large Big East)
7. Oklahoma (Big 12 Champion)
8. Georgia (At Large SEC)
9. Texas (At Large Big 12)
10. Virginia Tech (ACC Champion)
11. California (At Large PAC 10)
12. TCU (MWC Champion)
13. Hawaii (WAC Champion)
14. Southern Miss (CUSA Champion)
15. Central Michigan (MAC Champion)
16. Troy (Sunbelt Champion)

Dropped Out: Michigan (#4, Big 10 Champion)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), Big 12 (2), Big East (2), Pac 10 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), CUSA (1), MAC (1), MWC (1), Sunbelt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Troy vs (1) USC
(9) Texas vs (8) Georgia
(12) TCU vs (5) Wisconsin
(13) Hawaii vs (4) Florida
(11) California vs (6) Louisville
(14) Southern Miss vs (3) West Virginia
(10) Virginia Tech vs (7) Oklahoma
(15) Central Michigan vs (2) LSU

Round 2
(8) Georgia vs (1) USC
(5) Wisconsin vs (4) Florida
(6) Louisville vs (3) West Virginia
(7) Oklahoma vs (2) LSU

Round 3
(4) Florida vs (1) USC
(3) West Virginia vs (2) LSU

Championship Game
(2) LSU vs (1) USC

Wilco September 13th at Snowden Grove

Wilco will visit Snowden Grove Amphitheater in Southaven on September 13. Concert Tickets are still available.

Big Fun At The Agricenter

The 2007 Delta Fair & Music Festival kicked off last night at the Agricenter in Memphis. I've never been to this festival, but it looks like a good time. Fair food, games, contests and lots of live music. The music ranges from country artist Mark Chestnutt to High School The Musical and from the Spin Doctors to the legendary Otis Day and the Knights.

The festival ends on September 9.

Don't Miss The Lion King

That's what I've been hearing at work..."Don't miss The Lion King." Apparently the family-friendly stage performance of The Lion King at the Orpheum is a must see. The show will be in town through September 16. Get your tickets now.

2007 College Football Has Finally Arrived

The 2007 major college football season kicked off this week on Thursday night with several televised games, including LSU's 45-0 thumping of the hapless Bulldogs of Mississippi State.

Virginia Tech, America's new favorite team, opens up today at home against East Carolina. This will be the first Hokie football game since last spring's shooting tragedy. ECU will put up a fight, but the far superior and emotionally motivated Hokies will take care of business. Beamer Ball wins big 38-14.

In other action today look for Memphis to edge Mississippi 20-16.

Tennessee-Knoxville will have their hands full today with California. The Bears will squeak by at home 27-24.

And look for the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss to easily handle Tennessee-Martin 35-10.

Tickets are still available for most of these and other big games this season.