August 16, 2012

REMEMBERING THE KING…..

Well, as many of you know, today, Thursday, August 16th, marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. I find it difficult to believe that 35 years have gone by so quickly, but as they say, the calendar does not lie. I am happy to report that the fans who traveled to Memphis to honor The King received a very special surprise. (No, Elvis did not make a surprise appearance and file for Social Security!) However….. for the first time in history Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley appeared together at the annual gathering!

In case your wondering why my first mystery was THE PRESLEY PLOT (I have 4 more books in the works!) let me share some interesting details with you….. the annual Memphis tribute to Elvis Presley draws hundreds of thousands of fans and runs for the entire week! The tribute begins with a candlelight vigil at Graceland (which this year attracted 75,000 people!!) If you have ever wanted to visit Graceland, this is the time to go. Trust me, you will never forget the sight of so many people walking silently along, holding candles, weeping, and scraping wax from their fingers. It is a sight to behold! (As I said in Memphis, no other artist could ever hold a candle to Elvis!)

Oddly enough, when his “old flame” showed up the crowd was stunned…… I later discovered that her appearance was one of those last-minute decisions….but I’m sure everyone was thrilled to see the two ladies together for the first time. The coolest moment came when Lisa Marie (Elvis Presley’s daughter) told the assembled mass: “I’ve always avoided this because I felt it would be too emotional, but I really felt it was important to come down here tonight…… I love you very, very, very much.”

Lisa Marie was only 9 years old when her father died, and as she restated in Memphis, she actually thought that her famous father would be forgotten as the years marched on. OMG, was she wrong! Event organizers predicted no less than 500,000 visitors during the week of rememberance! As I have mentioned before, Elvis is selling more records today than when he was alive! (And believe me, that was a lot of records!) Graceland, from what I’ve seen, has become something of a national monument, and I recently read that it is the second most visited home in the United States! The first is the White House, but none of the occupants were ever as popular (or talented) as Elvis Presley. Granted, a few had similar parties, but none could match the fun and games that occurred at Graceland.

If you want to catch a glimpse of the total madness (in a fun sense) of Elvis Week, I suggest you log onto: http://www.elvis.com/elvisweekonline/

These folks are providing day to day coverage of the event, and you have to see it to believe it. (Imagine a city filled with Elvis impersonators!) They actually do a terrific job covering all of the hundreds of sub-events and special tributes that occur during the week, and if you enjoy the King’s music, this is the site for you. Of course, an even better source of information would be a copy of the best-selling mystery novel THE PRESLEY PLOT. I took the liberty of sending a signed copy of the book to both Priscilla and Lisa Marie, and I fully expect a “thank you call” from both of the ladies. (Hey, a boy can dream!) If I don’t hear from them, I will just assume that they have a lousy cell phone plan. (I doubt they’re short on funds, but you never know.)

Well, there you have it friends…… a sweet, but sad day for millions of fans around the world. If you’re my age (39 years old) or even close to it, take a moment to reflect on the music of this incredible man. In truth, there will never be another like him. Nobody will ever come close to the King. (Although the Beatles are certainly up there.) Of course, they were four distinct talents…. and Elvis was solo.

I wonder if he is lonesome tonight? I hope not. I doubt it.

Long live the King!

Doc Yanoff

August 15, 2012

“SPEEK THE SPEECH I PRAY YOU!”

So implored Hamlet, offering directions and advice to a group of actors at the court of Denmark. You do remember Hamlet, don’t you? His brother, Omelette was more famous, and much more pleasant. (Most thought he was a good egg.) Coincidentally, Omelette was a private detective in Copenhagen. (Similar to Adam Gold!) I think, but I’m not sure, that is where the term “hard boiled” detective comes from. Maybe not. In any case, Omelette liked to keep his “sunny side” up, and I feel the same way! By now, you might be wondering why I’m discussing Hamlet and his brother….. because I am packing for my trip to jolly old England!

Even though I’m working hard I’ve gained a few pounds. (I went to the bank for some British currency.) I gained 400 pounds to be exact, but it cost me an arm and a leg. (Not literally, mind you, just a figure of speech.) I thought it wise to have some Brit money when I land at Heathrow Airport on Saturday. I’m just hoping that I am able to fully communicate with our English cousins. (They do speak funny.) If I recall, Winston Churchill once said that England and America are two similar countries…. separated by a common language!

I’m not too concerned about encountering a language barrier, but I do have to watch my pronunciation on this trip because I have been invited to speak about my book and sign some copies of THE PRESLEY PLOT at several functions in London. Two of the most prominent Elvis Presley Fan Clubs in England have invited me to tea and crumpets (What the heck is a crumpet, anyway?) and I have tentatively accepted their invitations. (I say “tentatively” because I want to know what a crumpet is before I accept!) I’m guessing it’s like a trumpet, only a string instrument. (No problem, I had to pull a few strings to get the invite!) Maybe I should look it up before I go. The English have some very peculiar habits. The last time I was in London, my hotel waiter asked me if I would like to bring a couple of tarts back to my room! (I had brought my own ladyfingers, thank you.)

Nonetheless, I was quite flattered by the invitations, and if my schedule permits, I will certainly attend both events. My first stop will be the British Museum, and then a short visit with some noble personages. (We have been invited to lunch by the Duke of Wellington.) Or was that the Duke of Earl? One of the two. I also intend to dine with an old friend of mine who is an insurance underwriter at Lloyds of London. He is a charming chap, and the last time we dined together he introduced me to the best Indian food in the city. I am a curry fanatic, and I adore Indian cuisine. In fact, I always compliment the chef after I gouge myself. (No, I don’t do it to curry favor!) I do it because I love curry flavor. And everything else on the menu!

I made reservations at two wonderful Indian restaurants….. and I hope I don’t have any trouble finding them. I think I’ll be all right. You know what they say in Mumbai. (“Sikh and ye shall find!”) How hard could it be to find the two top-rated Indian restaurants in London? (Famous last words.) I shall keep you informed of my Punjabi progress…. but keep your fingers crossed for me, just in case!

Well, my friends, pip pip and cheerio! I must go find my passport and disposable underwear for the trip. (You never want to mix the two up when you get to Customs!)

Take care, have a wonderful day, and I shall write again whence I get settled in London……

LONG THE KING! (Elvis)

Doc Yanoff

August 13, 2012

ELVIS AT THE OLYMPICS!

If the King was alive today….. he would be very old! (77 years old!) Still, one must wonder which sporting event Elvis would have enjoyed the most. (Please, no jokes about the “broad jump” or the “breaststroke!”) As a former wrestling champion, I would like to think it would be wrestling, but your guess is as good as mine. As some of you know, I actually petitioned the Olympic Committee, seeking the addition of the one athletic event in which I still excel (I’m afraid my wrestling days are over) but they declined to include the Potato Sack Race! Yeah, I know what you’re thinking…. what’s up with that?! In my view, they are clearly anti-spud, and if you think I’m just bitter….. when was the last time the Olympics were held in Idaho????

I rest my case. By the way, I actually won a blue ribbon in the potato sack race back in elementary school. (The crowning achievement of my time at Wheeler Avenue School in Valley Stream, New York!) I still have the blue ribbon I won, and to be perfectly honest, I have been known to wear it on my lapel from time to time. Not to brag, but it was a very tough race. Very tough. The judges forgot to tell me that I was supposed to put my legs in the sack! Have you ever tried running a race with a sack over your head? Thank God I had a good sense of direction during my misspent youth!

By now you are probably wondering why I am discussing the Olympics, eh? Well, there is method in my madness….. I am on my way to London! That’s right, old chap, the missus and I are flying across the pond at the end of the week, anxious to spend one glorious week in jolly old London! Hide the gin! Hide the Indian food! Hyde the park!

We will be staying at the lovely Egerton House Hotel in fashionable Knightsbridge! (I hope they have indoor plumbing.) The hotel looks wonderful on the internet and from my travel sources, I understand that it is quite posh. You know the drill, silk sheets, full gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, and lots and lots of tarts. (No jokes about my wife!) They have a bartender named Antonio who has been working there for over 40 years…… and makes the best martini in the world! I cannot wait to make his acquaintance! I am sure we will become fast friends.

After some days in London, we are off to Paris, France, which I hear awaits my arrival with baited breath! (I will be signing copies of THE PRESLEY PLOT both in London and Paris, and engaging in several speaking forums…… which should prove quite interesting…… since I do not speak a word of French!) Nevertheless I am looking forward to the trip and also to speaking to our European cousins. I love Europe, even though the place is filled with foreigners!

When we have “done” Paris, we travel south to Lyon, and then board a luxury barge for a week-long trip down the Rhone! The ship sails (glides) down the river very slowly and travels through the heart of Provence! I am really looking forward to this part of the trip, as I have often dreamt about such a voyage. The food is supposed to be five-star, and the excursions are simply marvelous! (wine tasting, foi gras tasting, souffle tasting, etc.) Do you think I’m dwelling on the food too much? Yeah, me too! Well, man does not live by bread alone…… I promise to drink my share of burgundy!

I will fill you in later about the rest of the trip…… my sweet grand-dog (Baker) is growling at me because he needs to go for a walk! Duty calls! I am going to the dogs! Make that, going with the dog…..

Have a great day!

Doc Yanoff

August 9, 2012

NEW YORK TIMES REVIEWS “THE PRESLEY PLOT!”

ALL RIGHT, NOW CALM DOWN! THE N.Y. TIMES HAS NOT OFFICIALLY RESPONDED TO OUR WRITTEN REQUEST TO REVIEW “THE PRESLEY PLOT,” BUT I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT A REVIEW IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

WHY DO I BELIEVE THIS? BECAUSE LIKE ELVIS, “I BELIEVE THAT FOR EVERY DROP OF RAIN THAT FALLS…..” (WELL, YOU KNOW THE LYRICS.)

AND NOT ONLY THAT! I ALSO BELIEVE THAT OTHER REVIEWS ARE ON THE WAY BECAUSE…… “THE PRESLEY PLOT” HAS JUST BEEN REVIEWED BY THE ONE AND ONLY….LESLEE BASSMAN…..THE WONDERFULLY TALENTED BOOK REVIEWER FROM THE FOUR POINTS NEWS! (THE ONLY GREAT NEWSPAPER THAT WE HAVE IN AUSTIN!)

MS. BASSMAN WAS KIND ENOUGH TO DO A FEATURE ARTICLE ON THE BOOK (AND ME!) AND THAT VERY ARTICLE CAN NOW BE FOUND, READ, DIGESTED, DEBATED, DISSECTED, AND DISCUSSED BY SIMPLY GOING TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE:

Four Points News August 9, 2012 Issue – FlipSnack

(Page 8)

IF YOU LOVE ELVIS PRESLEY, OR STEPHEN G. YANOFF IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR, OR EVEN IF I OWE YOU MONEY, YOU NEED TO LOG ONTO THIS FASCINATING WEBSITE AND READ THE TERRIFIC ARTICLE THAT THEY HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT YOURS TRULY! WHAT DEPTH! WHAT DETAIL! WHAT A GREAT PHOTO OF PATTY!

DO NOT DELAY! THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE (ALL RIGHT, SO I’M REACHING) BUT IT IS INTERESTING AND WELL WORTH YOUR TIME! WHEN YOU FINISH READING IT, DROP ME A LINE AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

BE WELL, DRIVE CAREFULLY, AND I WILL SPEAK WITH YOU SOON!

DOC YANOFF

July 30, 2012

ELVIS SHAKES HIS PELVIS!

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen…..

Well, for you history buffs out there, please note that today is the day! Which day, you ask? Why Monday of course…. However I am not referring to the day of the week, but rather to the historic event that occurred on this very day back on July, 30, 1954. So what happened, you ask? A young, somewhat shy man from Tupelo,Mississippi, made his professional debut in Memphis, Tennessee. What man, you ask? (Hey, why are you asking so many questions?)

Music lovers….. it is my pleasure to present the future King of Rock ‘n’ Roll (so went the introduction)……. the one and only……. ELVIS PRESLEY!

Our future king performed at Overton Park Shell in Memphis, and he sang two songs in front of Sam Phillips (the owner of Sun Records….. and the man who “discovered” Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and other amazing artists) The King’s parents were also in attendance, which according to legend, made young Elvis very nervous and he began to do something that the audience thought was planned…… he began to shake his legs! The crowd went wild! So….. he began to shake his pelvis….. and before you knew it, he was “all shook up!”

Hence the title of one of his most popular songs!

During the break, the crowd rushed to the stage and demanded to buy copies of THE PRESLEY PLOT. (That wonderful new mystery by Stephen G. Yanoff…. now available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Kindle.) When Colonel Parker ran out of copies, the crowd began to panic and there was a near riot, which had to be squelched by a huge contingent of Mississippi State Troopers! 37 people were injured in the melee, and two were imprisoned for inciting a “literary disturbance!”

ALL RIGHT, I MADE UP THIS LAST PARAGRAPH….. BUT I HAD TO FIND A WAY TO MENTION MY BOOK!

Well, now you know the rest of the story….. I hope you all have a lovely day!

As we say in Tupelo….. “Long live the King!”

Doc Yanoff

July 21, 2012

ELVIS TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION!!

Well, at least stranger than the fiction I write. Then again, maybe not. What if I told you there was a book (recently written) about the discovery of some never-before-heard songs by Elvis Presley… a book entitled THE PRESLEY PLOT… and then I told you that earlier this week some “urban archaeologists” discovered… a never-before-heard recording by…. Elvis Presley!?

INCREDIBLE BUT TRUE!!

Last week a “lost” recording was uncovered….. a song that Elvis sang on a show called Louisiana Hayride…. in 1955!

The song was the King’s rendition of a country standard called “I Forgot To Remember To Forget You.” (Which is not an easy title to remember!)

Thus we have a clear case of truth being (almost) as strange as fiction. The newly discovered record is selling almost as many copies as THE PRESLEY PLOT, but the cover is not nearly as nice! (And it cannot be purchased on KINDLE.)

Nevertheless, I urge all of you to buy as many copies of both as you can afford, and then seek a small mortgage on your home, buy more copies, and go on with your lives.

Or….. you can just pass this message along! (Either will do.)

Have a great weekend… and be careful out there!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

July 13, 2012

THE “SEASONED” CITIZENS CENTER…..

Good day, ladies and gentlemen…..

As some of you know, I spent several years serving as a volunteer chaperon at the Austin Senior Citizen’s Center. (No, they weren’t being naughty! We were going on field trips around Central Texas.) I enjoyed every minute, and lately I have continued to speak at some of their meetings, as well as some of the large AARP groups that we have down in these parts. The turnout and reception are always good, and my most recent foray was no different.

After a brief discussion about THE PRESLEY PLOT (and high blood pressure!) I took some questions from the audience, and guess what??? There was a lovely woman in the group (somewhere between 90 and 95 years old) who actually met Elvis Presley during her youth! In fact, she met him in two countries at once! (Sort of.)

Apparently, The King performed on this very day at the “international” site known as….. NIAGARA FALLS! (On the U.S./Canadian border) The year was 1974 or 1975.

When she first mentioned Niagara, an older gentleman thought she said “Viagra” and he became quite interested in our conversation. He seemed rather disappointed when he learned that we were talking about the falls. Ah well, such is life.

The dear lady had a vivid memory of the Presley concert and even after all of these many years, she is still a huge fan. (She purchased two copies of THE PRESLEY PLOT, one for each of her grandchildren. Take that, Snoop Dog!)

Today is sunny and warm, so I must leave you now. (My “grand-dog” is staying with us this week, and he needs to go to the park.) Be well and be careful…..

Doc Yanoff

July 7, 2012

SOMETHING FISHY!

I’d like to wish everyone a happy (albeit belated) Fourth of July! Hopefully nobody had a “short fuse” and everyone had a “blast.” (I assume some of you got “lit,” but I won’t go there!)

My personal celebration included a wonderful guided fishing trip on Lake Buchanan in Central Texas. My compadres and I (Dr. Talbott and Professor Bomblatus) drove up to the charming hamlet of Tow, Texas, and “hooked up” (so to speak) with Ken Milam the legendary owner/operator of “STRIPER FEVER.”

Thanks to my well-honed skills as an outdoorsman (I brought the beer) we all had a great time and we each caught our full limit of fish. Ken was kind enough to filet the little rascals when we got back to shore, and we returned with plenty of delicious filets for that night’s dinner. (Trust me, you have not tasted fish until you’ve had fresh caught striper with Cajun seasoning, grilled over an open fire!)

Ken Milam is also the host of “The Great Outdoors,” a very popular radio program broadcast in the Texas Hill Country. Since I caught the biggest fish (all right, one of the biggest) he was kind enough to offer his help in arranging a book signing/speaking engagement at Callahan’s General Store, a landmark facility in Burnet, Texas. I am one busy buckeroo this summer, but if my schedule opens up, I intend to take him up on his offer.

Meanwhile….. THE PRESLEY PLOT continues to sell well and garner good reviews. Earlier this week, Ken Evans, a prominent Austin businessman (and one hell of a poker player!) purchased 20 books for family and friends. Thank you, Ken! A few more sales like that and I will be able to retire. (Again!)

I just received an interesting update on the Elvis Presley Steamboat Cruise leaving out of Memphis…. and I will post some tantalizing details in my next missive.

Until then, have fun and be safe…..

Doc Yanoff