Knoxville520.com

We know from experience both how hard four years of school can be and how agonizingly long a commencement ceremony can last. In 2004, Representative Zach Wamp gave UT's spring graduation address in which he told a story about golfing in South Africa. What was supposed to be an anecdotal tale of perseverance turned into something else entirely. Let's just say that college students are plenty immature enough to find tales of monkeys running out of South African forests to grab Mr. Wamp's (golf) balls pretty dern funny. By the time Mr. Wamp realized what he had said, half the graduating class was snickering with perverted glee. Silly politicians! We'd like to congratulate all the grads for their perseverence by dedicating this week's The Monday After to them.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2/5)

This marks the third straight weekend I swore up and down that Dreamgirls was coming out, and the third straight weekend of having to grumpily settle on a different film to see. This week I chose the three-hanky chick-flick The Pursuit of Happyness over the less desirable new releases (kiddy sci-fi Eragon and kiddy pig-slasher Charlotte’s Web).

I already knew the entirely predictable plot from the trailer: A down-on-his-luck single father perseveres through hard times while completing a competitive internship at a broker firm. The only things left up in the air were whether or not the guy would get the job in the end, and just how many tears you were going to shed when he did or didn’t.

Will Smith plays the hard-working single pop, and the real live Will Smith Jr. plays his adorable son. But it’s a story you’ve seen a million times, and there’s no reason to pay ten bucks to be suckered into crying by a worn-out plot. Download the trailer for free, tear up in the privacy of your own bedroom or cubicle, and wait for the movie to air on Lifetime. In the meantime, it might be more worthwhile to go see Dakota Fanning in Charlotte’s Web after all. What the ravages of puberty do to child actors is surely less predictable and more entertaining than this cliche of a film. -J.B.

Che Guevara (3/5)

I’ve never had a bad meal at Che Guevara. It’s my personal favorite Mexican spot here in town, you may remember it by it previous name La Paz, and this past Friday I made what seems to be my bi-weekly trip in for some grub and margaritas. Located in the Barnes and Noble shopping center off Kingston Pike this eatery is covered in delightfully tacky art. Random disco balls light up themes of Jesus, Miller High Life, Elvis, and of course Guevara himself. They have plenty of vegetarian options-my favorite has to be the mexicotti enchiladas, and the specials are always intriguing.

But I have to dock their rating a little for my last trip in. When I sat down I immediately noticed that they had a new menu, the first of my knowledge in at least a few years. But as I scanned the page disappointment set in. There didn’t seem to be any new items, just a couple deletions and a slight increase in most all of the prices. Oh well, it’s still the same great food and the increases were very modest. That aside I highly recommend Che Guevara to anyone up for some great Mexican cuisine. - D.M.

Scott McMahan at the Corner Lounge (4/5)

Friday's Toys For Tots show at the Corner Lounge featured an impressive roster of perfomers. The first to take the stage was Scott McMahan. I'd never heard him before, although he's been on my must-see list for awhile. I thought I was going to miss him again, but fortunately the Schedule Gods smiled down on me and made it to the show in the nick of time. I walked through the door and was instantly wrapped in McMahan's warm, gritty baritone. His songs kept the ever-growing audience captivated as we sipped our High Life or PBR. I was struck by how tuneful and melodic his voice was. You don't usually find that in someone with a vocal quality like his. McMahan's list of originals seems to be short, but he's still new on the scene. When he ran out of his own stuff, he got the crowd on its feet with a nod to Ray Charles. Listening to McMahan got the night off to a great start - and it only got better from there! - K.S.

The Philippine Connection (4/5)

The Philippine Connection, located at 3225 E. Magnolia Avenue, is a wonderful carry-out restaurant located near Chilhowee Park in East Knoxville. Menu items are cooked fresh upon order. While you can place your order in person, calling ahead (522-5276) will be your best bet.

Entrees are available in small or large portions, with your choice of meat and/or seafood, and are accompanied with fried or steamed rice and a very crisp vegetarian egg roll stuffed with cabbage. (Shrimp and turkey egg rolls are also available as appetizers.) The beef or pork lumpias are a tasty and narrow variation on the traditional egg roll.

The Philippine Connection offers two varieties of Pancit, a noodle dish with broccoli, carrot, celery and green bell pepper and your choice of meat or additional vegetables. Another popular traditional Philippine dish on the menu is Adobo, which is a meat braised in garlic, soy sauce and vinegar. The menu also offers a stir fry, chop suey, and other noodle and vegetable entrees. The frozen mixed fruit drink/dessert Halo-Halo is also available.

The Philippine Connection has been in business for well over a decade and it's small and dedicated staff are happy to assist you in placing your order. - D.D.

McGhee Tyson Airport (5/5)

Sometimes the best thing to do in Knoxville is to get out of town. This past week I made a quick trip to New York to see some friends, to spend some money, and to use public transportation while a little tipsy. I accomplished all three. (I also saw a black-haired Cameron Diaz in Times Square and successfully resisted the temptation to slather her with my adoration.)

I have to say that of all the airports I travelled through this weekend, we've got the most efficient, cleanest, and prettiest one right here at home. And the flight in from the north is stunningly picturesque. Go us. - J.B.




May you have wonderful holidays, receive plenty of expensive gifts, and keep Uncle Earl out of the nog! See you next week!