Early March 2002
- Elvis sighted on interstate
(Clayton News-Daily, March 14, 2002)
Elvis, a 150-pound Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, jumped or fell from a horse trailer while being transported along 1-285. He was later rescued, having suffered a broken back leg.
- Elvis tops rock 'n' roll greats poll
(Ananova, March 14, 2002)
Elvis Presley has topped a poll of the 100 "greatest rock 'n' rollers of all time." The poll features in the new book Rock And Roll At 50 - A History In Pictures by Life Books. The Beatles are second in the poll, with Bob Dylan at number three, James Brown at four and The Rolling Stones in fifth place. The rest of the top ten consists of Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, Michael Jackson and Kurt Cobain. Rock And Roll At 50 - A History in Pictures features a foreword by pioneering rock 'n' roll broadcaster Dick Clark.
- CALL BOX: Collectible coin features Elvis image
(Florida Times-Union, March 13, 2002)
Dear Call Box: There was a question in Call Box asking about a Tennessee quarter featuring Elvis Presley. Some company is selling a coin with an Elvis likeness on it. -- L.C., Southside.
Dear L.C. You're right. But let's be clear. This is a collectible from a private company, not the official Tennessee state quarter. The International Collectors Society of Owings Mills, Md., (1-800-641-0020) is offering a Tennessee quarter with a colorized image of a young Elvis superimposed on the George Washington side. The Elvis quarter costs $9.95, plus $3 shipping and handling for a total of $12.95. Meanwhile, the federal government issued this statement: "The U.S. Mint does not encourage, endorse or sponsor products that alter the fundamental images depicted on its coins. A superimposed design is entirely different than the coin's original image and almost obliterates the coin's organic design. Altering U.S. Mint coins this way may heighten the concerns of people who regard the images and designs on our nation's coinage as sacrosanct."
- Elvis, Jon Lovitz and The Time Machine (1st item)
By Bill McCuddy
(Fox News, March 11, 2002)
Now it can be told, Elvis left the building heavily armed. One his tailors tells The New York Times that the King was a walking arsenal. "He carried mace in two different pockets and had a walking cane that turned into a sword." Maybe to slice bananas for those fried peanut butter sandwiches? Maybe, but the man with the perfectly "suited" name - Jack Taylor - says he also had to sew a special loop inside every Elvis jacket "for his dagger."
- Jailhouse Wok scandal
(ABC [Australian Broadcasting Corporation], March 9, 2002)
New South Wales may be a state where tales of the ALP and political chicanery are legendary but nothing, it seems, can top what's now being called the Jailhouse Wok scandal. It's been revealed that Phuong Ngo, the former ALP councillor serving a life sentence for the murder of State MP, John Newman, hosted a party inside Sydney's Long Bay Gaol, attended by a heady mix of convicted murderers and heroin dealers, with special guests of honour from Fairfield Council.
- Elvis ranch proposal merits consistency, close scrutiny (Editorial)
By Tom Pittman
(DeSoto Times, March 9, 2002)
Outsiders with shady past business dealings should not be given more freedom than local citizens and developers in rezoning and commercializing DeSoto County's land. That is what is happening, however, with the proposed theme resort that includes the ranch formerly owned by Elvis Presley. It's a $500 million proposal that already has gained international attention. ... Since the proposed development is so unusual and so little is known about its developers, the county should make sure its proposed rules are subject to at least the same degree of exactitude that is required of local citizens. This Nevada-based company does not deserve a virtual blank slate to write its own rules. The DeSoto County Planning Commission gave the text for the PUD unanimous approval last week on its first hearing. The county Board of Supervisors should be more careful when it decides whether to grant the new zoning at its April meeting.
What has been uncovered by the DeSoto Times about the developers J.D. Stacy and Daniel Delpiano is less than flattering. Stacy managed high-powered NASCAR teams, including Dale Earnhardt, about 20 years ago but left the sport amid controversy. An article on the NASCAR web site says that he visited various misfortunes upon those naive enough to trust him. This history suggests DeSoto County leaders should be wary. His partner, Delpiano, is currently under investigation by the Florida comptroller's office for alleged financial misdeeds, according to Florida authorities. Delpiano's partner already is under a cease and desist order from Florida authorities to prevent him from selling securities in that state.
The plan submitted by these men to DeSoto County has no specific rules. ... Stacy and Delpiano's conceptual plan does have one specific. It is themed around Elvis Presley. That proposal is DOA - dead on arrival. The organization with the rights to Elvis' name and likeness, which has guarded them effectively for decades, has warned that this development does not have permission to use either. The conceptual plan is left with no concept. The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors ought not to approve this conceptual plan until its developers at least gain approval to use their overall concept - Elvis.
- Elvis resort backer denies involvement in Florida case
By Robert Lee Long
(DeSoto Times, March 9, 2002)
A partner in the planned 808-acre Elvis Presley Ranch Resort near Horn Lake said he did not have any direct involvement in a Florida time-share deal currently under investigation by the State of Florida. On Thursday, the State Comptroller's Office in Florida reported that it was investigating complaints against a company known as Premiere Holidays International, Inc. The company, which lists Daniel Delpiano as a corporate officer, is under investigation for alleged improper financial dealings. Laura Royal, a financial investigator with the Florida Comptroller's Office said the comptroller's office had an open investigation on Mr. Delpiano at this time. However, Delpiano said Friday that he was only a third party in a dispute which arose between an insurance company claim and the lien holder over promissory notes that were not paid on time. Delpiano said the insurance company said it honored the claims and a lawsuit soon arose between the insurance company and the note holder over the unpaid promissory notes. ... Basically, the issue in Florida has nothing to do with the Elvis Presley Ranch, Delpiano said. The investigation has to do with the insurance company and Stetson and Associates, the company named in the investigation. ... Meanwhile, Florida officials said Friday that Delpiano, Stetson and other officers remain an active part of the investigation.
- Mayor sets NPR reporter straight about Elvis: Otis to be on NPR's 'Weekend Edition' today from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
By M. Scott Morris
(Daily Journal, March 9, 2002)
National Public Radio's Scott Simon offered "a thousand and one apologies" to Tupelo Mayor Larry Otis. During a March 2 segment on NPR's "Weekend Edition," Simon referred to Memphis as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Now, he knows better. Otis fired off an e-mail at 9:09 a.m. March 2, and Simon e-mailed an "unflinching apology for momentarily forgetting that Elvis Presley was born in your city, not Memphis" that arrived at 10:19 a.m. "I was impressed," Otis said. "That was quick." Simon wasn't finished. At 2 p.m. Friday, Simon called the mayor for an extended interview about all things Elvis. The interview is scheduled to run on today's "Weekend Edition," which runs from 8 to 9 a.m. on Publicx Radio in Mississippi. During the 15-minute interview, Simon and the mayor discussed Elvis' musical influences, his generosity to the city and the new statue at the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum depicting the King as a 13-year-old. The mayor was thrilled with the chance to share Tupelo's charms with a national audience. Even if Simon doesn't make it to the festival, at least NPR listeners will know about the event.
- Napster rivals to prove themselves: Judge demands proof of copyright registration from labels suing Napster
By James Middleton
(vnunet.com, March 8, 2002)
The judge presiding over the Napster case has given the record labels suing the company until today to prove they own the copyrights to over 200 songs openly traded on the file swap service. The call follows accusations by Napster that the record labels had misused their copyrights to illegally dominate the ever expanding music distribution market. District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel has demanded proof of copyright registration from some labels for the likes of artists such as the Beatles and Elvis. Hall Patel has appointed a special examiner to analyse copyright documents presented by the record labels and file a report detailing whether they have sufficient rights. Napster is claiming some small victory for getting the judge to investigate the labels copyright claims, but the future of the company still hangs in the balance. Napster was set to return as a subscription-based service but no launch date has been set and the new technology is still very much in beta test mode.
- Graceland all shook up over rival Elvis resort
By Chris Ayres
(The Times, March 8, 2002)
The owners of Graceland, which accommodates visitors in Heartbreak Hotel and feeds them at The Chrome Grille, are threatening legal action after planning permission was granted for a rival Elvis resort eight miles down the road. The new park will cost $517 million (£335 million). Jack Soden, president of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the company set up to manage the singer's estate after he died 25 years ago, fears there will not be enough demand for Elvis memorabilia to sustain two theme parks.
- Supervisors still have questions about proposed Elvis resort
By Rino Dolbi
(DeSoto Times Today, March 7, 2002)
A proposal to build a $500 million Elvis Presley theme resort in County has raised a lot of questions in the minds of DeSoto County Supervisors. The 808-acre development, which is being proposed by Georgia developer J.D. Stacy, received a preliminary approval last week by the county Planning Commission. The property is located in the area off Goodman Road and Highway 301. The Board of Supervisors, which has the final say in whether the plan is approved, is set to hear the proposal on April 3. Board Supervisor John Caldwell said Wednesday he favors development in the western part of the county but wants to hear the proposal before making his decision on the theme resort. ... Stacy is seeking a rezoning which would allow for the theme park as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Questions have been raised as to what would happen to the land if the PUD is approved but the Presley project does not materialize.
- I'LL BE LONESOME ON ELVIS' BIG NIGHT
(The Citizen, March 6, 2002)
DEVASTATED Elvis Presley fan, Paul Cooke, won't be at Graceland for the 25th anniversary of The King's death in August. All flights to, and accommodation in an around Memphis, Tennessee, were already booked when he was there in April of last year. Paul, who lives in the Linden area of Gloucester, said: "It is the biggest disappointment of my life. "I thought I would be all right trying to book more than a year in advance, but demand is so intense everything had gone nearly a year ago. The only flights available are so expensive I can't afford them."
- NEWS - George Strait Draws Record Crowd At Astrodome Finale
(yahoo.com, March 5, 2002)
George Strait drew a record crowd of 68,266 at RodeoHouston at the Reliant Astrodome on Sunday night (March 2). Strait's performance was the final one for Houston's Reliant Astrodome, formally the Harris Country Domed Stadium, which opened April 9, 1965. In its history, the Dome has been the scene of many concerts including Roy Rogers, Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Selena, and Boyz II Men, to name just a few.
- Kansas doctor claims Elvis has left the surgery
(ABC, March 5, 2002)
As unlikely as it sounds, a doctor from Kansas in the United States claims Elvis Presley is alive and well and has been coming to see him for treatment for severe migraines. Dr Donald Hinton, a University of Kansas School of Medicine graduate, has told reporters he has been treating Elvis for the past five years for a range of medical problems, including migraines. Elvis is also having problems grinding his hips these days, as he is apparently suffering from arthritis. Dr Hinton says he even has DNA from his patient, proving it is Elvis. The 35-year-old doctor denies he is running a scam, even though he has just published a book which he has co-authored with Elvis, which contains letters from the rock star to his fans. A spokesperson for Graceland, Elvis's former home and museum, says the legend is still buried in the garden to the best of her knowledge.
- Dear Call Box: Is there a new state quarter with a likeness of Elvis Presley?
From F.C., Northside (3rd item)
(Florida Times-Union, March 5, 2002)
Dear F.C. - There is a new Tennessee quarter, the first of 2002 and 16th in the series. But there is no Elvis on it. The design incorporates a fiddle for Appalachian music of East Tennessee, trumpet for the blues of West Tennessee and Memphis and guitar for central Tennessee and Nashville. Florida's state quarter is scheduled for release in 2004.
- GIAMBI DOES HIS BEST ELVIS
By GEORGE KING
(New York Post, March 4, 2002)
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Jason Giambi caused quite a stir at Osceola County Stadium yesterday. And then he played the game. Finished with batting practice, Giambi signed autographs for 15 minutes along the first-base line and caused enough excitement that fans had to be moved away from a fence for fear the crowd would crash through the gate. Later, as Giambi worked his way along the dugout, stadium security was rushed to the dugout to keep people off the top of the dugout. "Elvis has left the building," Giambi said, jokingly as he jogged off the field. Giambi and Presley share the same birthday, Jan. 8.
- Jiang Zemin is China's Al Gore (2nd paragraph)
(Conservative Politics: US, date unknown: found March 4, 2002)
China's leader is not very charismatic. An ABCNEWS.com biography of President Zemin notes that "Jiang studied electrical engineering in Shanghai, where he developed a taste for Benny Goodman, English films and the Communist Party." This gives the phrase "party school" a whole new meaning. He's been known to let his hair down occasionally, though. The same biography goes on to say (and, as Dave Barry would say, I am not making this up): "During a visit with Philippine President Fidel Ramos, [Zemin] shocked everyone by dancing the cha-cha and singing a duet of 'Love Me Tender.'" Jiang Zemin as an Elvis impersonator? Now that's entertainment.
- musicNEWS: Elvis the Theme Park
(antiMUSIC, March 3, 2002)
Gene Simmons of KISS had the wild idea in 1978 of creating a KISS carnival that would travel with the band on tour, complete with a full collection of rides and attractions. While they partially realized that dream during their Psycho Circus tour, the full blown excitement of a KISS theme park never became a reality. It now appears the King of Rock n Roll will beat KISS to the punch with a new Elvis theme park set to open on August 16th in Mississippi. According to the BBC the $500 million dollar theme park will be called "Elvis Presley Ranch" and will be located about 15 minutes from Graceland. Paul D'Agnese, president of project developers EPR Enterprises LLC, said of the "Elvis Presley Ranch", "Our objective for this resort is to build a place where Elvis fans and visitors can experience a part of his life in a setting that is wholesome, fun and memorable for the entire family." There is no indication of what attractions will be featured at the theme park or if it will be closer to a museum setting like a Presidential library but you can be sure to find plenty of Elvis impersonators on hand win [sic] they open their doors in August on the 25th anniversary of the singer's death.
- China's Mobile Internet Market: Warring States, Elvis (4th item)
(Bloomberg News, March 2, 2002)
(Also reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, March 2, 2002)
A revenue-sharing program, called Monternet, now has more than 300 member firms that create everything from games simulating the Warring States period of Chinese history to specialized ring tones. Shanghai-based Linktone earns 1.65 yuan when a customer makes a 2 yuan download so that his cell phone plays Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender'' when a call comes in. Elvis, known in China as "King Cat,'' has helped Linktone expand its revenue by 40 percent a month.
- Cybill So Graham Naughty
By NICK PARKER
(The Sun, March 2, 2002)
Ooh, chuck ... Cybill shocks fellow guest Cilla with her raunchy confessions on So Graham Norton show. HOLLYWOOD'S Cybill Shepherd will tonight be seen leaving prim Cilla Black shocked - by boasting of her wild sex life on TV's So Graham Norton show. Astonished Cilla ends up branding her fellow guest a "loose woman" as the former sexbomb confesses to: TWICE romping with two men at the same time - calling it a "Cybill sandwich". REVEALING ex-boyfriend Elvis Presley had an impressive manhood. TELLING how Elvis refused to perform oral sex on her - until she talked him round. Cilla squirms with embarrassment as ex-Moonlighting star Cybill, 52, says: "He was a quick learner once he got the hang of it."
- Graceland officials will challenge planned Elvis resort
(DeSoto Times, March 2, 2002)
MEMPHIS - Officials with Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis are planning legal action to stop a Georgia developer from using the late entertainer's name on a proposed $500 million resort in DeSoto County. The county planning commission on Thursday granted preliminary approval for the 808-acre Elvis Presley Ranch resort which is being developed by J.D. Stacy of Alpharetta, Ga. The land is located at the intersection of Goodman Road and Highway 301 and includes a 154-acre tract known as the Circle G Ranch which was once owned by Presley. Neither Stacy nor anyone from his organization has contacted Elvis Presley Enterprises, which holds the exclusive rights to the Elvis name and image. During Thursday's planning commission meeting, Stacy said his attorneys believe he will not need permission from Elvis Presley Enterprises to use the name "Elvis Presley Ranch" because the ranch once belonged to the entertainer. Jack Soden, president and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said Friday that his organization is prepared to challenge that assertion in court.
- ELVIS GETS THEME PARK
(www.dotmusic.com, March 1, 2002)
Elvis Presley is to be honoured with a $500 million theme park in his home state of Mississippi. The 'Elvis Presley Ranch' is to be built just 15 minutes from the singer's famous Graceland home in Memphis. The complex, which houses part of the ranch that Presley bought in 1967, will also feature golf courses, amusement rides and a wedding chapel. Paul D'Agnese, president of project developers EPR Enterprises LLC, said: "Our objective for this resort is to build a place where Elvis fans and visitors can experience a part of his life in a setting that is wholesome, fun and memorable for the entire family." According to the BBC, park organisers hope to hold the opening ceremony on August 16, the 25th anniversary of Presley's death. Elvis, who was born in 1935 sold over one billion records throughout his career. Meanwhile, it's reported that The King's music will feature on Disney's forthcoming animated film, 'Lilo and Stich'.
- Commission gives preliminary approval to Elvis resort
(DeSoto Times Today, March 1, 2002)
HERNANDO - A plan to build a $500 million Elvis Presley theme resort in DeSoto County received preliminary approval from the county Planning Commission Thursday night after a two and a half hour hearing. ... Officials with Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis said last week that they were unaware of the project but would take legal steps to prevent the use of the Elvis name without their permission.
- Elvis park supporters site [cite?] economics over homage for park's construction
(DeSoto Times Today, March 1, 2002)
HERNANDO - 'If you build it, Elvis fans will come.' This is just one of the Elvis Presley theme park slogans used Thursday night outside the DeSoto County Administration Building during the county's zoning commission meeting. More than 100 people were in attendance to witness a ruling for rezoning of the proposed site for the park, packing the county board room and the hallway outside the meeting. Though Presley's name has been attached to the proposed $500 million theme park, supporters of the project seemed to be more interested in the economics. ... "It's close to Graceland, and that place attracts more people every year than the White House."
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