Posts Tagged ‘music’

My son’s really into music and always downloading songs to his iPod.  Whenever I’m reminded of an old and favorite song, I’ll mention it so he can check it out.  Recently, I thought of “In The Ghetto” and as soon as the words were out of my mouth, he said “You mean Elvis’ song?”  My heart went pitter-patter and I silently yelled “Yes, I did raise him right!”

Thousands of fans will be making the pilgrimage to Graceland for Elvis Week August 10-16.  34 years after his death, he’s still with us.  I was browsing through Elvis websites and there are zillions.  But for fun and insight and collectible info without sales pitch, this was my favorite.

Meet Tom Willett is a long-time fan and collector of all things Elvis and, arguably ‘world’s worst Elvis impersonator’.  With more than 50 years in show business, Tom has an insider’s perception of the entertainment industry.  And as he states – Everything on this site is free. There is no membership. There are no fees. You do not have to register. Enjoy your visit.

If you follow Wandering the Web, you know I usually choose sites that have lots of categorized information.  Elvis Collectables is different.  It’s like a fantastic story with all this great collectible stuff woven in.  Tom makes connections that many collectors may not have recognized.  He tells us about the people and places Elvis was involved with, how these associations are also collectible.

If you love Elvis, if you collect Elvis, if you just want to revisit your past (or your parents’!), check out Elvic Collectables at http://www.elviscollectables.com/index.html.  It’s a trip you will enjoy.

P.S. Elvis’ first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show September 9, 1956 – was watched by 60 million U.S. viewers, roughly half of the population who had TVs at that time.

Any excuse will do, and who doesn’t love a party?  But to make it special, why not pick a theme?  A decade, celebrity, event, sports, movie, lifestyle, cuisine, season – the possibilities are endless.  If you’re celebrating someone’s birthday or anniversary, the year can take on a life of its own.

Invitations!
You can buy ready made invitations, but where’s the fun in that?  Using your computer you can make your own.  Photos and clip art can be found online for free (sxc.hu or rgbstock.com come to mind).

Or go for unique.  Postcards with flamingos, parrots, hula girls for a tropical theme.  Having a poker party?  Write your invite on the back of old Monopoly money.  Even if your gathering is by word-of-mouth, put the address and phone number on something unusual and less likely to be misplaced.

Decorate!
Going Western?  Use an old cowboy boot with a glass inside to hold fresh flowers, stick up some John Wayne posters, drape a bullwhip over your hutch, print out a sheet of cattle brands and use a removable glue to attach to drink glasses.

Anniversary or Birthday Party?  Hang up the year’s popular movie posters/celebrities/cars, whether Tommy Dorsey or The Who – album covers really create a time warp, toss around a few magazines like Saturday Evening Post or Life, use dinnerware serving pieces from the era.

Having a Tea Party?  Who says the china has to match?  A different cup/saucer set for each guest is a sure conversation starter.  Doilies and vintage cake plates set a refined and cozy mood.

Game Day?  It’s only one day, so take down the lovely landscape watercolor and hang up a beer sign.  Gather a collection of labeled beer glasses so each guest has a different one.  Find an old helmet, line with aluminum foil and you’ve got your chip bowl.  Recycle a trophy as a prize for the one guessing closest to the final score.  Substitute baseballs in the potpourri bowl.

Have fun and be sure to send us an invite!