Memphis is considered by many to be the barbecue capital of the world. From our distinctive dry ribs to our messy pulled pork sandwiches, there is no doubt that we know a thing or two about it. And everybody seems to have a specialty - barbecue spaghetti, barbecue pizza, and barbecued bologna are just a few of the unique barbecue dishes to be found in Memphis. Unfortunately, we can't all be contenders in the upcoming World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Nonetheless, if you have a barbecue specialty you'd like to share, tell us about it!

• All About Memphis Style Barbecue
• What is Pulled Pork?
• Talk About Barbecue in the Forum

Photo by Peter Hellebrand

The Memphis Shelby County Vector Control announced this week that West Nile Virus is back in town. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in the following local zip codes: 38017, 38116, 38122, 38125, 38127, 38133, and 38141. Although Vector Control has been treating bodies of water to reduce the mosquito population, West Nile Virus has been detected earlier this year than in some previous years. The county will continue to spray for mosquitoes in areas where the virus is detected.

To reduce your risk of contracting the virus, the Centers for Disease Control has put together a list of preventative measures to take. Similarly, the Shelby County Health Department offers these tips:

• Wear DEET-containing mosquito repellants according to label directions.
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Check properties for objects - including old tires, flower
  pots and drip plates, tin cans, buckets, and children's toys - that collect rainwater and either drain or dispose of the
  water.

   

• Install or repair windows and door screens.
• Empty, clean and refill birdbaths and small wading pools weekly.
• Empty and refill pets' water bowls every few days.
• Repair failed septic systems.
• Repair leaky outside faucets.
• Clean rain gutters and down spouts.
• Secure swimming pool covers tightly and remove any standing water after rainfall.
• Store wheelbarrows, canoes and boats upside down.
• Stock ornamental lawn ponds with mosquito fish (Gambusia) that eat mosquito larvae (Gambusia fish are available
  FREE from the Vector Control Program).

A lot of folks look forward to Thanksgiving dinner or perhaps Christmas dinner each year. For me, though, the most anticipated meal of the year is dinner at the Memphis Greek Festival. Every year I get the same thing--lemon chicken (served with rice), fasolakia (Greek-style green beans), and spanikopita (spinach pie). Yum!

The 55th annual Memphis Greek Festival, put on by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, will take place this Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11. This is the largest Greek Festival in the Memphis area and features authentic Greek food, music, dance, and more. The festival will take place rain or shine from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. both days. Read more about the Greek Festival and make plans to attend. Want a sneak peek of what's in store for you at the festival? Check out these photos from a previous year's festival.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, photo by Teresa R. Simpson, licensed to About.com

Yesterday I told you about the free summer membership to the Pink Palace. Today I've got another summer freebie for you. Kids Bowl Free is a program bringing free games of bowling to children all over the country. All you have to do is register at www.kidsbowlfree.com and the bowling alley of your choice will email you coupons every week.

Each child will receive two free games of bowling daily. Shoe rental fees are not included in the coupon (depending upon how often your child bowls, it might be worth it to just buy him or her a pair of bowling shoes). In addition to the free passes for kids, the website also offers family passes for adult family members. Starting at around $25, grown-ups can bowl daily all summer long, too.

Andy B.'s, Cordova Bowling Center, Billy Hardwick's, and Winchester Bowl are all participating. Each has different hours during which the free passes can be used. The Kids Bowl Free website has all of the details for each bowling center.