photography | Books By Stephen G. Yanoff

REMEMBER THE MAINE?

No, not the US rallying cry during the Spanish-American War, which I so brilliantly wrote about in a history book titled, GONE BEFORE GLORY. I am referring to the actual state, which just happens to be the northeastern most state in America. I recently returned from “The Pine Tree State,” and I am happy to report that the place was magnificent! (We drove through New Hampshire, too, which we took for granite. Bad joke.) In any case, we had the pleasure of staying at the lovely Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. We wanted to stay at Walker’s Point Estate (The Bush family compound) but the entire Bush clan was in town, so it was difficult to get past the Secret Service. (We encountered the same problem with the Obama folks in Hawaii.)

After gouging ourselves on lobster and clams for a week, we drove down to Boston, which as many of you know, is often referred to as “Beantown.” Lots of baked beans. Everywhere you go you run into beans. The good part? We never had to stop for gas.

For continuity’s sake, I should mention that we actually began our escapade in Atlanta, then flew up to Albany, New York, rented a Humvee (actually an SUV) and drove north to Lake George, one of the most beautiful lakes in the universe. As some of you know, I actually grew up in Lake George…. meaning that I spent most of my teenage summers there. My parents owned and operated the Flamingo Motel, which is located in Diamond Point. Needless to say, I have a million fond memories of the region.

On this trip, we stayed at the splendid Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing. The resort is perched (not a fishing pun) on the shores of Lake George and is simply stunning in every regard. (I have attached some photographs below.) We spent about a week wining and dining, and had a marvelous time with the grand-kids. (Who never stopped eating!) If you’ve never been to the Adirondack region, you are truly missing one of America’s most beautiful places…. so start packing!

Now for some earth-shattering literary news….. I am proud to announce that my recent history masterpiece, titled, WONDER OF THE WEST, has been selected as a FINALIST in the 19th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Contest! (You can view my interview and read about the book by going to http://www.indieexcellence.com) The award comes with a HUGE cash prize, which I am willing to split with any of my blog followers. Just send me your bank PIN numbers so that I can transfer the money in a secure fashion. (Hey, if you can’t trust me, who can you trust?)

One serious note about money…. now would be a good time to purchase any of my books, because ALL royalties will be donated to the Texas Flood Relief. (To help with the disaster of July 4th.)

Finally, if you’re curious about my last outing, kindly scroll down and you will see some lovely photos. The first ones were taken in Lake George, then second group in Maine, and I think there might be a shot or two of the grand-kids. (I have to take a shot or two every time I’m around them!) Well, take good care of yourselves and enjoy the remainder of the summer. Speak with you soon,

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

WHILE ELVIS WAS THE UNDISPUTED KING OF LAS VEGAS……. There is another person who certainly deserves to be mentioned with reverence…..The great poker player named Steve Gee, who just finished 9th (out of a zillion other players) at the World Series of Poker! If you have been following this blog (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?) you know that Steve is the talented brother of my beautiful and brilliant friend, Diane Gee. Steve made a fantastic run for the gold and played against some of the best poker players in the world (luck for him, I was busy that week) and we are all proud of his accomplishment. And don’t feel sorry for the lad! Steve walked away with…… $754,798 for his efforts!! Not bad for one week’s work, eh? In case you’re wondering, that’s the same amount of my book royalties for THE PRESLEY PLOT. (Hey, a guy can dream!)

If you want to see Steve’s “farewell” interview at the tournament, just Google: “Steve Gee, World Series of Poker.” There is a “live” interview posted on this website. The interviewer forgot to ask him about his favorite author (would you like to guess who that might be??) but it is still worth watching.

NOW ON TO ELVIS……. My beautiful and brilliant cousin, Susan Wilson, the woman who single-handedly runs JRS Investments in Nashville, sent me a most interesting article about the King. For those of you in Tennessee (Five Tennessee Fan Clubs are on my blog) please note that the Tennessee State Museum is offering an exhibit (starting on November 8th.) called……. “ELVIS AT 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer.” The exhibit will include 56 images of the King, most of them captured before Col. Parker took over and limited the number of photos that could be taken. I have seen a few of these photographs, and I can honesty say that they are quite fascinating. If you’re interested, the exhibit will be at the museum until January 8th.

By the way, the most interesting photograph in the exhibit shows ELVIS in New York City (my “home town”) on the very day that the old boy made history by recording not one, but two songs that would become number one hits in a very short time……. Would you like this to be our trivia question of the week? Very well, please fill in the blanks listed below this paragraph and mail them to: ATTN: JILL KELLEY

56 FLOOZY BLVD., TAMPA, FLORIDA

You will be notified by the Pentagon if you win the trivia contest. Please note that if you do enter the contest you will immediately be subject to being drafted. If you are chosen for military service in a country with many goats, please do not despair. The contest sponsors are offering free air fare to and from Islamabad.

Well, on that semi-humorous note, I shall bid you adieu. I would like to remind you that last Sunday was Veterans Day, so if you know someone who served in the military, please thank them for their service to our country. God knows we all owe them a huge round of applause for a job well done. (Way to go, Cousin Max!)

Have a wonderful day and do not ask why “sour cream” has an expiration date! Love to all,

Doc Yanoff