early April 2007
- East Richland Middle School students take part in Living Wax Museum
By Kevin Ryden
(Olney Daily News, April 4, 2007)
East Richland Middle School became a museum Thursday evening during the school's second annual "I Need a Hero" Living Wax Museum. Approximately 60 displays were set up by eighth-graders on the first and second floors of the school that portrayed various famous people, both living and dead, in sports, history, politics, business, entertainment and other categories.
The "wax" figures came to "life" after a nickel or more was dropped into a container. Each character gave a speech about their life and accomplishments. The slew of characters included Walt Disney, Ronald Reagan, Henry Ford, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Tony Hawk and Jesus Christ. ...
- Presley's Python obsession
By WENN
(Yahoo! News / world entertainment news, April 4, 2007)
Rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley was obsessed with British comedy series Monty Python and spent hours impersonating characters from the cult show. The Hound Dog singer used to force his girlfriend Linda Thompson to watch the on-screen antics of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and Terry Jones. Thompson says, "He'd be doing all the voices, which is mind-boggling. He'd even do the ladies voices."
- Hotel sale to clear out goods
By Vic Kolenc
(El Paso Times, April 4, 2007)
More than 100,000 items -- including beds, chairs, toilets and sinks -- from the long-vacant, 200-room International Hotel will be sold in a liquidation sale beginning Thursday in preparation for an $18 million renovation of the Downtown hotel. "This is the largest garage sale in El Paso's history," said John Klesch, president of International Content Liquidators, a Chicago area company that specializes in hotel liquidation sales.
Twelve miles of carpeting, more than 2,400 chairs, more than 1,500 light fixtures, more than 2,000 doors, more than 500 beds and more than 1,000 pillows are among items to be sold over a 24-day period, Klesch said Tuesday from a dusty back office in the hotel at 113 W. Missouri. A giant bar from what was a 17th-floor restaurant is the most-expensive item at $1,500, and whoever buys it will have to remove it themselves. Room luggage racks are among the lowest-priced items at $3. "We want to clear the whole place out, gut it and go," said Jim Scherr, an El Paso lawyer whose family company in 2004 bought-the almost 40-year-old hotel for about $1 million in a foreclosure sale.
"I hope some people can make use of some of this stuff. Maybe some people will like to get the sink out of the Elvis Presley room" or from the room where movie stars Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw stayed, Scherr said. Klesch said he expected to get a few more dollars for items taken out of the rooms where the celebrities stayed years ago. Hotel room logs verify where they stayed, he said. ...
- We Built Rock 'n' Roll on This City! - A music lover's guide to Memphis
By Tim Cashmere
(undercover.com.au, April 4, 2007)
It was not long after the hectic week of South by Southwest that the Australians over there scattered to various parts of America to make use of their time in the land of the free. I, scattered to Memphis, Tennessee to seek out the history of modern music and was not let down. Paul Simon once sung "I have reason to believe we all shall be received at Graceland, Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee" and he's right, you and your cash will be received there, but believe it or not, Elvis Presley is but a small blip on the Memphis Music radar.
Begin your time in Memphis walking up and down Beale Street. Soul legend Rufus Thomas once said "If you were black for one Saturday night on Beale Street, you wouldn't want to be white again." Well Thomas presumably said this before Beale Street became a Mecca for aging white tourists looking for an "authentic" blues experience.
Don't dismiss it however. Sure, it may be touristy, but there is something to be said about the open-air feel of the street, the "big ass beers" in everyone's hand and the sounds of music blasting out of every nook and cranny the short strip has to offer. (May I recommend the Soul Platter at B.B. King's touristy chain bar on Beale?)
The city's proud musical history can't be mentioned without giving a nod to the Stax museum, detailing a history of the Memphis based label that operated from the early 60s to the early 70s pumping out artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas and more, not to mention Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin through their partnership with New York powerhouse Atlantic Records.
Of course, no musical whip around of Memphis is complete without hitting the legendary Sun Studios, where a young Sam Phillips discovered and recorded the likes of Elvis Presley, Howling Wolf, Roy Orbison, Ike Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and many many more. Even U2 recorded part of their 'Rattle and Hum' album there.
The Gibson Factory tour is interesting, and dumbed down for non-guitarists (although guitarists will still have their questions answered by people who actually do know what they're talking about). Just off Beale Street, you can book tours for ten bucks, but try to take the 11am, 12, 1 or 2pm tours from Monday Friday so you can see the factory workers working their magic.
The tour is excellent and a bargain (as, surprisingly, most tours are in Memphis) and you'll stand not only in the room, but on the very spot where Elvis recorded his first ever song (supposedly although according to the tour unlikely a gift for his mother).
If you really want to check out something different, then hook up with the charismatic Tad Pierson who will take you around to bars your average tourist wouldn't findŠ IN A '55 CADILLAC! ... and sum up the city and why it has sucked so many people, including himself into its limits.
See what a real juke joint looks like (on our particular night out we were introduced to musicians who had played with Memphis legends including Al Green, Albert Collins and Albert King) with Tad and let him look after cover charges and tipping the band.
Let it be known, his prices might not fit into the budget traveler's allowance, but forking out the cash is well worth it (how much do you think goes into Tad's pocket after he tips the band, covers admission charges and fuels that big-ass Caddy of his?) and you will be rewarded with some of the most memorable experiences in your traveling lifetime.
Of course, no trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to the home of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Mr. Elvis Presley. I can sit here all day and tell you it's really not worth it, lest you be an Elvis fan of gigantic proportions (as opposed to me, and my traveling companions who merely appreciate his contribution to music and don't mind the occasional hit gracing our stereo), but let's face it, you're still going to want to go.
Hell, I was told "it's not that good" or "it's pretty overrated", but I still went! Paul Simon's reasons to believe that we all shall be received at Graceland, Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, may have been misguided or yet to be clouded with gift shops and tacky souvenirs, but it's not going to stop you going, so just take my advice, book your tour in advance or be doomed to spend the day lining up to get your tickets. You might also want to take note that the trip will take you the better part of a day.
While you're in Memphis, eating great southern soul food or listening to some world class blues, R&B or something else, just stop for a minute to think who this city had nurtured and was home to at one point or another: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Jeff Buckley, Steve Cropper, Carla Thomas, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Howling Wolf, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters and Roy Orbison to name but a tiny sample.
Why did I write this article? I hope to inspire someone to step out and see where the music they loved came from. Just a week in Memphis is enough to improve your understanding of the music you love.
Where would rock 'n' roll be without Sun Studio? Where would R&B be without Stax? If you don't know the answer to these questions, you need to get yourself some education.
- Attorney: Billy Joe Shaver involved in bar shooting
By Erin Quinn
(WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD, April 2, 2007)
Police are questioning legendary Texas singer-songwriter Billy Joe Shaver in connection with a shooting Saturday night outside a Waco-area bar. While Lorena police decline to comment on anything but the skeleton details of the shooting, Shaver's attorney, Austin-based Joseph Turner, told the Waco Tribune-Herald Monday his client was indeed involved. He declined to elaborate on his client's role in the shooting.
Lorena police say the shooting occurred at 8:30 p.m. Saturday outside Papa Joe's Texas Saloon, 1505 Interstate 35. A victim was reportedly shot in the cheek but was talking and alert following the shooting. He was reported to be in stable condition at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.
Witnesses at the bar told the Tribune-Herald that the shooter took off in his car.
Turner said he spent Sunday interviewing witnesses at the bar. He said witnesses told him the other man involved in the shooting was intoxicated and had a knife. Shaver did not know the man, Turner said.
Shaver, who lives in Waco, shot to country music stardom in the 70s. He's written and performed songs like "Georgia on a Fast Train," "Live Forever," and "Try and Try Again," and has recorded more than 20 albums. He's written songs for legends like Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. ...
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- Museum rock
By BECKY MALKOVICH
(Southern Illinoisan, April 2, 2007)
Surrounded as he is by Elvis Presley memorabilia and music, there is little chance Clarence Skurat will be lonesome tonight. Skurat is curator of the Elvis Museum, which, like the "Heart-break Hotel" Presley made famous, is located on a lonely street - only this lonely street is in Woodlawn, population 638.
The King has been immortalized everywhere from his Mississippi birthplace in Tupelo to Tennessee, site of his beloved Graceland, so why not Woodlawn?
Especially since the rural Jefferson County town is home to Skurat, 56, a devoted Elvis fan. "I guess I was about 7 years old when I first heard Elvis Presley. I started collecting then and have ever since - all my life," he said.
"It started out small and then grew into something big. I don't drink and I don't smoke, so I spend my money on this. People said instead of having all of it packed away, I should start sharing it with the public."
Skurat opened the museum about three years ago. Immaculately kept and in an orderly display, the collectibles range from the sublime to the surreal.
There's the life-size statue of Elvis, which captures the rock and roll icon in all his hip-shaking glory. Or the golden bust made of more than 160 layers of cardboard. Under glass is Elvis' third-grade report card. FYI, he got all Es, for excellent, that is.
The museum library has all 30 TV Guide magazines that featured Elvis on their covers, as well as books, magazines and a copy of Elvis' last will and testament and Graceland inventory.
There's an all-Elvis Christmas tree and a stick candy - still in its original packaging - that if split spills out letters to form the words, "king of rock and roll." There are cookie jars, board games like Elvisopoly, whiskey decanters, classic paper doll books, even a paycheck from Elvias' pre-king status when he made $30 a week at Precision Tool in Memphis, Tenn.
The museum contains more than 1,000 items with a total value Skurat places at somewhere near $80,000.
"I just like Elvis. Even after he was rich and famous, he stayed the same. He didn't let it go to his head. He even went to war when he could have gotten out it," he said. "And he was always giving away stuff, especially Cadillacs. He loved giving away Caddies."
In his off-Elvis hours, Skurat is the head of maintenance at Woodlawn Grade School, where he has tried to introduce Elvis to the students. He holds an annual coloring contest and awards trophies to the top three colorers And like Elvis, Skurat wants to be able to help people in need.
"With the donations I get, I want to use some of that money to buy Christmas gifts for people who don't have much," he said. "Christmas was Elvis' favorite time of year and mine, too."
His museum draws visitors from all over the country. "People learn about it mostly by word-of-mouth. I've had people from California, Oregon, Indiana, all over," he said. As his school starts spring break today, Skurat will be on the hunt for more Elvis memorabilia at flea markets, antique malls and yard sales. "When I'm not working, I'm hunting," he laughed. "And as long as I'm able, I'll continue."
(STEVE JAHNKE/THE SOUTHERN)
- Elvis Seeks Help of Former Sweetheart in New Novel: Paranormal Visits from the 'King' Lead Four Women on a Quest for Truth
Source: AuthorHouse
(Yahoo! Finance / PRNewswire, April 2, 2007)
In her new novel, Cherry McKenzie tells a gripping story of four unlikely allies who search to uncover Elvis Presley's secret past. "Elvis' Secret Legacy" (now available through AuthorHouse) follows these dedicated women as they help the spirit of Elvis protect his secret.
McKenzie, who attended high school with Elvis in Memphis and was asked by the superstar to attend the prom, describes in this fictional tale how Kat McBride gets an unexpected visit from Elvis during one of her daily meditations. He asks for help in searching for his secret legacy. She enlists the help of her best friend, Posey Street, a metaphysical bookstore owner and a woman well-versed in paranormal activities. Posey and Kat work to piece together various clues given to Kat by the spirit of the rock legend.
Their search takes them to Graceland, where they meet Early May, a devoted fan who worked for a veterinarian who cared for the Presley pets. They are reluctant to get her involved because of her eagerness to help, but they realize they need her expertise. As they delve into the meaning of Elvis' original plea, the situation gets more convoluted and complicated. When it looks like the three women have hit a dead end, they encounter Maple Melton, a real estate agent who has strange abilities of her own.
What they discover next does uncover the secret legacy of Elvis Presley, but they are surprised to discover links to the underground world of lone sharks and greedy thugs.
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"Elvis' Secret Legacy" is an entertaining new novel that weaves a rock icon with paranormal influences and a search for the truth. Kat, Posey, Early and Maple join together as they maneuver their way between the land of the living and the land beyond to ensure that the King's legacy is safe.
Born in Memphis, McKenzie transferred to Humes High School, where she sat next to Elvis in speech and drama class. The mother of three married daughters and grandmother of one, the author lives in Irving, Texas, with her dog, Annie.
AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
- Bangalore third richest city in country
By Mini Joseph Tejaswi
(indiatimes.com, April 1, 2007)
BANGALORE: Bangaloreans are getting seriously rich, millionaires by the dollar yardstick. The city is the third-largest hub for high-networth individuals (HNIs), after Mumbai and Delhi. Bangalore is home to over 10,000 individual dollar millionaires and around 60,000 super-rich people who have an investable surplus of Rs 4.5 crore and Rs 50 lakh respectively. In this Richie-Rich class are professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs, consultants, US-returned Indians and expats. According to a study conducted by American Express, there are 83,000 HNIs and 7,11,000 super-rich people in India and the latter figure is expected to cross a million by 2009.
While Mumbai and Delhi account for the bulk of this number, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata had shared the third position until recently. Bangalore's share in the mutual fund market is an index of its wealth. In March 2006, the city has seen mutual fund investments worth Rs 22,000 crore against Rs 8,000 crore in June 2004.
Also, in 2006, its invested individual wealth ⤲ across all forms of financial instruments like stocks, shares, securities, debentures, mutual funds, etc ⤲ was $25 billion, as compared to $200 billion in Mumbai and $50 billion in Delhi.
Some of the key drivers of this wealth are a large number of rich Indians moving back to Bangalore from abroad, the city incubating dozens of high-value entrepreneurs and companies creating wealth for professionals by way of ESOPs and other options.
"India is the fastest growing wealth base in Asia Pacific and here too, Bangalore is growing faster than the industry average of 35%," said Vishal Kapoor, head & senior director (financial advisory services), American Express India. The HNI base is growing at 19.2% in the country and Bangalore records a greater momentum.
To tap this wealth, American Express is hosting an exclusive dinner and Elvis Presley music ⤲ Heartbreak Hotel ⤲ for around 300 select super-rich couples in the city. Amex has also brought in a wide range of highly-protected items from the personal collection of Presley's family. These include his records, costumes, letters, manual jottings that later became popular numbers and albums, his social security card, condolence wires sent by eminent personalities from around the world and tickets to his maiden concert.
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