My son's birthday isn't until March, but I am already making plans for his celebration. My son is turning three this year but (knock on wood) he isn't begging for a Chuck E. Cheese or Pump It Up party -- yet. I know it's only a matter of time before my party planning will go beyond merely choosing a theme, baking a cake, and stuffing treat bags for the kids. In another year or two, I will join the ranks of thousands of other parents who have to find, reserve, and pay for the perfect birthday party destination. Fortunately for these parents, Memphis has a ton of birthday party destinations. From the the old stand-by's to creative new favorites, there is something for everyone and for kids of all ages.

Photo by Neil Gould

I admit it. I am an American Idol addict. It's a guilty pleasure that I quit apologizing for -- about six seasons ago. So now that I have that out in the open, I can freely talk about my excitement at seeing a Memphian make the cut and receive that coveted golden ticket on Wednesday's audition show.

The local woman's name is Lil Rounds (according to some websites, Lil is short for Lillian) and she is 23 years old. The story she shared on American Idol was a poignant one. Apparently, Lil Rounds' apartment was hit by a tornado last February. Now, she and her husband and three children are trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. It wasn't sympathy, though, that earned her a trip to Hollywood. It was her soulful vocals that won over not only the judges, but viewers all over the country.

In truth, by the time the show airs, the contestants have already been to Hollywood. According to a couple of American Idol bloggers, rumor has it that Lil Rounds at least made it into the top 50. Will she also make it into the top 12? That remains to be seen but she is definitely a contestant to watch.

If you, like most of us, didn't manage to secure tickets for the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. on January 20th, there are a couple of ways to watch it live on the big screen right here in Memphis. The Malco Paradiso will be hosting one of these inaugural showings, sponsored by MSNBC and Screenvision. The event is free, but you must have a ticket to attend. The other showing will be held at the National Civil Rights Museum where the inauguration will be aired live on two big screens. For information on the museum's showing, call (901) 521-9699.

You are probably familiar with MIFA meals, the program that delivers hot meals to senior citizens each day. On the Martin Luther King holiday, MIFA needs extra help delivering these meals. They are inviting anyone who is interested in helping to attend the King Day program that morning at MIFA and to then stay and help deliver meals. Volunteers can expect to devote about an hour an a half of their time to this project. This is a great way to participate in the national King Day of Service. Anyone interested should contact Charlie Nelson at (901) 529-4514.