late August, 2005
- dOc treehouse: Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005) (DVD review)
Review by Chuck Aliaga
(digitallyobsessed.com, August 31 2005)
Lilo & Stitch was one of the Disney's better efforts over the last decade or so. It also seems like it might be one of the last, since hand-drawn animation just isn't as popular as it used to be. That doesn't stop the House of Mouse from taking their hand-drawn animated classics (not that Lilo & Stitch is a classic) and making direct-to-DVD sequels to them, though. In this case, despite the "2" in the title, we have Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, the second direct-to-DVD sequel in the series, and the follow-up to 2003's Stitch: The Movie.
This time, everyone's favorite indecipherable alien, Stitch (Chris Sanders, the same voice audiences know and love), learns that he was never fully charged when he was created, and has been feeling the effects of this recently. Not only do his eyes turn green when he starts going loopy, if Lilo and the gang can't find out what's wrong with him and fix it, the damage could be permanent. Lilo has some big-time multitasking to do, though, as she not only has to deal with Stitch's problems, but she is also trying to decide on a theme for her big hula performance at the local competition.
This story actually takes place between the the first two films, and all of kids' favorite characters are back for more fun. Most of the same actors lend their voices as well to the characters of Lilo's older sister, Nani (Tia Carrere), Dr. Jumba (David Ogden Stiers), Pleakley (Kevin McDonald), and the aforementioned Sanders, who plays Stitch. The major new voice talent is the ever-present Dakota Fanning, who takes over the voice of Lilo, and does a fine job at that. In fact, the high quality voice acting almost singlehandedly makes Lilo & Stitch 2 seem like a higher-quality, bigger-budgeted production than it actually is.
Elvis fans will be happy to hear that The King makes his presence felt in Lilo & Stitch 2, which isn't exactly a departure from the earlier films. He's actually featured a bit more here, and is more of an integral factor in the plot than before. I love Stitch and consider him one of Disney's funniest characters in recent years, but the Elvis bits have grown extremely old and tiresome. I guess it might help if I was a bigger Elvis fan, but Stitch's obsession with him takes away some of the fun of the little crazy-talking alien during the rest of the movie. Too much Elvis still can't take away the fall-out-of-your-seat hilarity when Stitch is rambling indecipherably like an alien version of Animal from The Muppet Show. So, even though it doesn't quite reach the overall charm and comedy of the original film, Lilo & Stitch 2 is one of the better direct-to-DVD efforts that Disney has produced to date. ...
- Canadian Idol's fab four tested with Elvis hits
By Noelle Parades
(CTV.ca, August 30 2005)
Inspired by their recent pilgrimage to one of music's holiest shrines -- Graceland -- Canadian Idol's fab four hit the stage Tuesday night to pay homage to the music of Elvis Presley. With the Idol crown at stake, the remaining hopefuls were given two chances to impress the judges, viewers, and not to mention, the ghost of the King himself. Judge Jake Gold explained that singing Elvis tunes often presents the danger of sounding like a mere impersonator, of which there are countless. "You're either going to do an impression of Elvis or you're going to make it your own. That'll be the real test tonight," he said. The Idols, however, seemed to steer clear of becoming just another Vegas act. Mixing hip-shaking rock and roll and sentimental ballads, the competitors took on the King's chart-toppers and tried to give the old classics a brash, new twist. ...
- Idols to honour Elvis: Show airs tonight
By Jeff Renaud
(St Thomas Times-Journal, August 29 2005)
Just when you thought life couldn't get any better for Aaron Walpole, the St. Thomas native was whisked away to Graceland over the weekend via a private jet to tape a segment that will be featured on tonight's tribute to Elvis on CTV's Canadian Idol. Walpole, along with the other three finalists still competing to become Canada's next Idol, visited The King's home in Memphis, Tenn., the legendary Sun Studio and the Gibson Guitar factory.
In a media release, Walpole tells CTV, "Wow, to get to visit Sun Studios -- the place where it literally all began is truly incredible. Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash ... it's like they still have a presence in these rooms."
The Canadian Idol Top Four will compete in this week's show by singing two songs each from Elvis Presley's huge repertoire. Song choices for Tuesday's show are: Love Me Tender, Blue Suede Shoes, A Little Less Conversation, Heartbreak Hotel, If I Can Dream, You'll Never Walk Alone, Can't Help Falling in Love and (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.
The hit CTV show airs today between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Following the telecast, viewers can vote as many times as possible for the Parkside Collegiate Institute grad between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. The telephone number to vote for Walpole will be posted on the screen during his performance on tonight's telecast. Last week, more 3.4 million votes were cast.
- Amazing Arkansas Woman: Pat Allen
Reporter: Kate Sullivan
Posted By: Stephanie Wilcher
(KATV, August 29 2005)
Say the name Elvis Presley and you are apt to get many smiles and fond memories of the Rock n Roll king. Many an Arkansan has made the pilgrimage to Graceland, but few of have made the king a lifelong passion. Every corner of Pat Allen's house is homage, a tribute to an American legend.
(Allen) "I have an Elvis trash can, an Elvis bath set."
(Allen) "I have Elvis statues."
(Allen) "He's just everywhere."
When Pat says everywhere, she means it. From the purse she carries to the polish on her nails
(Allen) "There he is in gold, blue Hawaii."
(Allen) "Don't forget the jailhouse wind chime."
Pat Allen has been a fan since the tender age of 15. Her collection is one of the most extensive in the state. She is an official member of the Elvis collectible club.
(Allen) "When I die, whatever my son doesn't want, it will go to Graceland."
While she never shook his hand or was ever in his presence, the image of the legend is a pivotal part of her life.
(Allen) "Because he never forgot where he came from, he was very poor like I was and he was always kind to people. He was always doing something for others." It is what Elvis represents - that means the most to Pat.
Her son now 30, was born blind. A surgery allowed him to see. Pat herself faced a health emergency just recently.
(Allen) "I had an aneurysm and they didn't give me a 50% chance of surviving."
(Allen) "And, I promised God, and I talk to Elvis too, that I'm going to do something to help kids in trouble. Suicidal kids and kids on drugs."
Pat's non-profit organization Teens In Trouble helps counsel kids going through hard times. She is an ordinary woman. She used to work in a factory and is now on disability.
Her astounding collection of Elvis memorabilia and her passionate adoration-for an American icon makes her truly amazing.
(Allen) "Elvis will always be in my heart."
(Allen) "He never forgot where he came from and that just touched my heart and I never forgot that."
- Ribbon cut for reopening of the PF Elvis Museum
(Mountain Press / zwire.com, August 30 2005)
Lynn McAllister, owner of the [Pigeon Forge] Elvis Museum and Gift Shops, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony recently for the reopening of the museum. Attending were Kay Powell with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism; Charlie Hodge, friend, vocalist and musician of Elvis Presley; Mrs. McAllister's father, Mike L. Moon, founder and curator of the Elvis Museum and once owner of Elvis' back-up gospel group, The Stamps Quartet; Dee Gallon, owner of Memories Theater; and others. ... A special musical jam session concluded the festivities with special guest musicians and vocalists paying tribute to Presley's gospel heritage. The Elvis Museum and Gift Shops has what it calls the world;s largest private collection of authentic collectibles, displays and memorabilia. It is located at 2638 Parkway. For more information visit www.ElvisMuseums.com.
- Elvis: still the king of rock 'n' roll
By Lynda Hollenbeck
(Benton Courier, August 29 2005)
A lot of conversations begin with: "Do you remember what you were doing when you heard President Kennedy was shot?" Another one that gets people going down memory lane is: "Do you remember the day Elvis died?" I thought of this a few days ago when radio stations were playing Elvis songs throughout the day to mark the 28th anniversary of the death of the one who, this many years hence, we still call the king of rock 'n' roll.
Will I ever forget Aug. 16, 1977? I think not. I was sitting at my desk in the old Courier building (the Troutt house) when then-receptionist Marion Carttar walked across the hall to the editorial office and announced: "Cissy (Marion's daughter, Cissy Brown) just called and said she heard on the radio that Elvis Presley is dead." No one knew what to say. Her words seemed unreal.
Elvis followers can surprise you. Some people raise their eyebrows when they learn I'm one of them. Beginning with early childhood, I was trained in classical piano and voice and am a lifetime lover of the Broadway stage. Not your typical rock 'n' roller. Nonetheless, I'm a true-blue fan of the poor kid from Tupelo, Miss., who soared to unbelievable heights and died tragically that hot August day in Memphis. A "Designing Woman" zealot, I have lots of the episodes on videotape and love watching them again and again. Among my favorites is the one about Elvis, titled "E.P., Phone Home." It was shown on the recent anniversary and I found it just as touching as when it first aired. ... Although I enjoy the music he recorded throughout his career, the sounds that came from the young, unpolished Elvis are the ones I like best. This was the Elvis of Sun Records fame. The one Sam Phillips helped make a star. ...
- CMA Announces Newest Members of Country Music Hall of Fame: Alabama, Glen Campbell and DeFord Bailey To Be Formally Inducted During "The 39th Annual CMA Awards" Nov. 15
Source: Country Music Association
(Yahoo! Finance / PRNewswire, August 29 2005)
The Country Music Association has announced that groundbreaking musical group Alabama, legendary singer/musician/television host Glen Campbell and pioneering Grand Ole Opry star DeFord Bailey will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. Formal induction for the artists will take place during "The 39th Annual CMA Awards," which will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network, Tuesday, Nov. 15 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Bailey will be inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Prior to World War II" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" and "Non- Performer" categories. Campbell will be inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975" category; and Alabama will be the first artist inducted in the new "Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present" category created earlier this year. All inductees are chosen by CMA's Hall of Fame panel of electors, consisting of more than 300 anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors. Alabama, Campbell and Bailey will increase the Hall of Fame membership from 92 to 95.
... Glen Campbell - Born in Delight, Ark. in 1936, Campbell received his first guitar at the age of four. While studying the recordings of jazz guitarists Barney Kessel and Django Reinhardt, Campbell learned to sing at church. At age 14 he began performing in Country Music bands across Arkansas, New Mexico and Texas; at age 18 his band, the Western Wranglers, toured the South; and at age 22 he moved to Los Angeles to become a session musician. During the early '60s, Campbell played guitar on records for The Association, Bobby Darin, Merle Haggard, Dean Martin, The Mamas and the Papas, The Monkees, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and many others. He released a couple of pop singles on the Crest and Capitol labels with limited success. He also sang and played guitar on "Kentucky Means Paradise" by the Green River Boys, which became a Top-20 Country hit in 1962. In 1965, Campbell became a touring member of the Beach Boys for several months after Brian Wilson retired from the road.
- All-Elvis radio? It's now or never
By Martin Miller
(Sun-Sentinel, August 29 2005)
Sirius leaps into the extreme niche - which could be the future of satellite and digital radio - with a channel just for Presley, 24/7. There are those who say that pop-radio stations play the same set of songs over and over again and all sound alike - a statement that is both true and not true of Sirius Satellite Radio's Elvis Radio. It's all Elvis Presley all the time, culled from a vast library of 2,700 songs but presented in a way listeners have never heard before - and one that may be a harbinger of radio's future. Elvis Radio, one of more than 130 channels on Sirius, may be the first station to transform what is normally a short-lived publicity stunt into a full-time dial fixture. As such, the all-Elvis station is widely viewed as an early litmus test for the ultra-niching that may lie ahead in satellite and digital radio, which offers listeners hundreds of channel choices. "When Sirius asked me if I wanted to program a channel committed solely to Elvis, it was a no-brainer," said Scott Lindy, a veteran of traditional radio and now Elvis Radio's programming director. "Everybody has an Elvis connection. I don't care who you are or where you're from, you know who Elvis is. This is no gimmick, we're not going away."
Broadcast daily from Presley's former home, the pop-culture mecca of Graceland, the one-note station celebrated its first anniversary earlier this month, timed to coincide with Elvis Week, the 28th annual commemoration of Presley's death. In observance of the event, the station aired live interviews with the King's music and film collaborators, friends and con-fidants, and then finished off the week with a candlelight vigil and procession. For the satellite radio industry, Elvis Radio is part of a marketing strategy to get paying customers inside the tent. Although there's no hard data available on ratings or how many subscribers Sirius has gained through niche programming, observers see it as a smart experiment. ... Sirius began its commitment to resurrecting the Presley sound by negotiating its way inside the gates of Graceland, building a brand-new studio there and signing up about half a dozen DJs consumed by the Elvis mystique or who knew the pop superstar personally. So if you want to know what Presley was thinking before he went on stage in Saginaw, Mich., in 1977, these are the guys to ask. "I'm not bragging, but I'm an Elvis expert," said George Klein, one of the station's DJs. Presley was the best man at his wedding, and Klein served as a pallbearer at his friend's funeral. "I've got a world of information on Elvis."
... The channel's regular playlist is between 800 and 900 songs, which by way of comparison is more than double, and maybe triple, the playlists of most top 40 stations. Many of Elvis' songs have multiple versions live, studio, even rehearsal takes. For instance, the station has 15 different cuts of "Hound Dog." ...
- Rick Hilton Showcases Elvis Presley Room At Paris Hilton
By Neil Levine
(The Spoof, August 28 2005)
Rick Hilton, father to the vivacious Paris and Nicky, and better half to Kathy and behind the scenes business advisor and show biz guru to Nicole, has decided he wants to speak up for Hilton Hotels, as a way of increasing brand recognition, visitor traffic plus as a slick way to hype the family shows, "My Wife Is A Hilton" and "Paris Hilton Is A World Class Hotel" and, most importantly, "Hiltons Are Not Just For Hiltons." ... "The Plaza has Eloise and Hilton has Paris, London and Elvis. ... "
- Stickin' it to the King
(Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer / Scripps Howard News Service, August 28 2005)
Elvis is in the building. And he's still generating hits. Wešre talking about a mosaic of the King, Elvis Presley himself, made from Post-it Notes. A total of 2,646 sticky notes, to be exact, on a 14-by-9-foot wall. The tribute to the rock 'n' roll idol, who died 28 years ago this month, has gone gold, in a sense. Pictures posted on the Web have attracted more than a million hits. It's the handiwork of creative types at Capstrat, a Raleigh, N.C., public relations and marketing agency. They stuck it on a wall in a conference room that is used for brainstorming. "We wanted to show employees a lot can be done with a little," creative director Todd Coats said. Charles Mangin, digital media designer, assembled it during a 10-hour period - although he was multitasking at the time. Why Elvis? Because he's an iconic figure you can have fun with, they say.
Todd Coats, left, and Charles Mangin used 2,646 sticky notes to make Elvis peer out from the wall
- ELVIRA: `TOM JONES LEFT ME NEEDING STITCHES AFTER SEX'
(Contact Music, August 27 2005)
CASSANDRA PETERSON, who also dated ELVIS PRESLEY as a teenager, admits the Welsh singer left her in so much pain after a night of passion in Las Vegas, Nevada, she needed medical help. She recalls, "It was a little hard to handle, shall we say. I ended up with a little tearing, a little bleeding and going to the hospital. I had to get stitches." And, though sex with Tom Jones was terrific, Peterson regrets not losing her virginity to Elvis. She adds, "I was so stupid for not sleeping with him." ...
- Air Of Grace Surrounds The Presley Clan
By Ian Starrett
(News Letter, August 26 2005)
In Memphis several years ago I tried my hardest to find out why the Londonderry Air was played at the funeral of Elvis Presley. While everyone there was tremendously helpful no real explanation could be found. To this day I wonder if Elvis had some personal fondness for the Maiden City that never became public knowledge. There was a story about Elvis one night having a conversation with a British actress. He told her that his ancestors had emigrated from a part of the British Isles called Scotland. Which seemed to tie in with a story that a Scots ancestor of the King once spent some time in Londonderry before setting sail on one of the emigration ships.
Brian Mitchell, of the Genealogy Centre in Bishop Street, has scoured the shipping lists from this North West port but cannot find the name Presley on any of them. However Brian, whose knowledge of family trees and such like is vast, is practically certain that Elvis had Ulster-Scots blood coursing somewhere through his Mississippi veins. Anyhow we up here will claim him and all this came into my mind watching an initially woeful, followed by a most interesting UTV Elvis double bill on Saturday night. First up was a handful of mostly nobodies murdering Elvis songs. One performer viewers did recognise was Katie Melua, raised in Belfast, a beautiful girl and a fine singer. But, sorry, Katie crucified Heartbreak Hotel. When I stood inside the Sun Recording Studio at 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, beside the actual microphone Elvis used to cut that historical track and they played Heartbreak Hotel over the speakers there the hairs rose as one on the back of my neck. ...
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