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"Jailhouse Rock" - artwork for HD DVD release: Stars: Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler, Mickey Shaughnessy Other Stars: Vaughn Taylor, Dean Jones, Jennifer Holden, Glenn Strange, Percy Helton, Peter Adams Director: Richard Thorpe MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (modest violence) Run Time: 01h:36m:55s Release Date: September 18, 2007 UPC: 012569798441 Genre: musical   Buy from Amazon.com (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Madison, Wisconsin marks spot where Elvis broke up gas station fight: On Friday we mentioned the Elvis plaque at Prestwick Airport. Thanks to Bruce Frey for letting EIN know about another Elvis marker:

"Thought I would let you know they finally have marked the spot where Elvis broke up the fight at the gas station in Madison, Wis.  The marker commemorates the spot and a re-enactment was done on the 30th anniversary at the spot.  It has grown into local legend in Madison. I would eventually like to see a statute.  One step at a time."

"Janis and Elvis" reissue on CD: Now 50 years on from the legendary original issue, El Toro Records offers a new CD version to mark the golden anniversary of the brief union of Janis Martin and Elvis Presley, boosted with 18 additional tracks to take advantage of the CD medium. Synopsis: One of the rarest and most sought-after record releases from the last half-century of Elvis Presley collectibles, South Africa's 10" LP 'Janis and Elvis' was issued in 1958 through Teal Records, the company who had the local license to issue RCA records in South Africa at the time. The elusive original LP now commands figures in excess of $5,000.

Featuring just four songs apiece from the two artists featured (the first eight tracks of this CD), the Elvis selection was inexplicably drawn entirely from his Sun recordings with Scotty Moore and Bill Black – specifically from his third and fourth Sun singles from 1955 – while Janis Martin's tracks were gleaned from her second and fourth RCA singles from 1956. Amazingly, although it had formed half of her third release, Janis's now famous early tribute to the Hillbilly Cat - 'My Boy Elvis' - was not even considered for inclusion on the LP.

A sad postscript. After years out of the music scene, in recent times Janis - "The Female Elvis", as she'd been dubbed by RCA - was back in business, performing and recording a new album produced by Rosie Flores. She'd been due to appear at an Americana Festival in Britain earlier this year and then again at the Rhythm Riot, Camber Sands, this coming November. Shortly before the first event she fell ill, by late August she'd been diagnosed with terminal cancer, within two weeks she passed way on 3rd September. This CD release was of course planned long before the rapid and tragic turn of events. R.I.P.

Track listing: 1. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone-Elvis 2. Ooby-Dooby-Janis 3. Milk Cow Blues Boogie-Elvis
4. Let's Elope Baby-Janis 5. Baby Let's Play House-Elvis 6. One More Year To Go-Janis 7. You're A Heartbreaker-Elvis 8. Barefoot Baby-Janis 9. Mystery Train-Elvis 10. Good Rockin' Tonight-Elvis 11. Will You, Willyum-Janis 12. Trying To Get To You-Elvis 13. I'll Never Let You Go, Little Darlin'-Elvis 14. Little Bit-Janis
15. How Do You Think I Feel?-Elvis 16. Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)-Elvis 17. Drugstore Rock And Roll-Janis 18. Paralyzed-Elvis 19. I'm Counting On You-Elvis 20. My Boy Elvis-Janis 21. Anyplace Is Paradise-Elvis 22. Playing For Keeps-Elvis 23. Little Bit-Janis [Alternative Take] 24. My Baby's Gone (I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone-Elvis [Alternative Take] 25. First In Line-Elvis 26. How's The World Treating You-Elvis (News, Source: HMV U.K. /Elvis News)

Chart update: On the Irish Single Top 50 "Hard Headed Woman" is a new entry at #26. On the Album Top 100 "The King" drops from #34 to #39.

On the Dutch Mega Top 50 "Don't" is a new entry at #59. "The Complete Dutch Collection" drops from #15 to #25. "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" dropped off the Back Catalogue Top 50. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"E.P. In Concert" book update: Yesterday we mentioned this very rare Paul Lichter book was on ebay. Bidding has ended and the book sold for US$208.00! (News, Source: ebay)

Hallmark group to release "Christmas With Elvis": In The UK Hallmark released the Christmas compilation "Christmas With Elvis". Track listing: 1. Winter Wonderland 2. Here Comes Santa Claus 3. Blue Christmas 4. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) 5. If Every Day Was Like Christmas (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley 7. I'll Be Home On Christmas Day 8. Silver Bells 9. Santa Claus Is Back In Town 10. "I'll Be Home For Christmas 11. O Come, All Ye Faitful 12. White Christmas 13. Merry Christmas Baby 14. Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees 15. Silent Night (with clipped intro) (News, Source: Elvis News)

"E.P. In Concert" book for sale on ebay: A copy of this ultra rare and much sought after book by Paul Lichter is currently listed on ebay. Bidding is very strong and the price had reached US$100.00 when we added this news item. (News, Source: ebay) Read why "E.P. In Concert" is a collectible item

Vince Vaughn's Elvis act fails to impress: Vince Vaughn was booed off the stage after failing to impress the audience with his Elvis impression.

The 'Wedding Crashes' actor was drinking with a friend at Los Angeles' Bordello club when he decided to storm the stage and launch into a drunken and out of tune rendition of Elvis track 'Little Sister'.

An eyewitness said: "After the rockabilly band finished a song, Vince must have decided that everyone was dying to hear him sing! He suddenly climbed on stage and talked to a band member off to the side, then grabbed the microphone and announced, 'I'm gonna do an Elvis song!' Everyone was excited at first since Vince is a celebrity.

"He started singing 'Little Sister', but he was off key and seemed to stumble through the lyrics. The regular crowd was not impressed at all. They actually started booing halfway through the song, and when he was through, one guy yelled out, 'Hey Vince - don't quit your day job!' "

According to the onlooker, the 37-year-old actor looked dishevelled and "glassy-eyed" when he arrived at the venue at around 10pm on August 24. The source added: "Vince already seemed a little glassy-eyed when he came into the club, but the first thing he did was to order a couple of cocktails

"He hadn't shaved and looked like he needed sleep." (News, Source: monstersandcritics.com)

Chart update: The U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week ending October 6, 2007:

Top 200 Albums - Viva Las Vegas - reenters at #144
Comprehensive Albums - Viva Las Vegas - reenters at #161
Comprehensive Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - reenters at #181
Top Pop Catalog - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - up 18 to #18
Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - up 2 to #3
Top Country Catalog Albums - Ultimate Gospel - up 6 to #14
Top Music Video - Aloha from Hawaii - up 3 to #12
Top Music Video - 68 Comeback Special - up 2 to #10
Top Music Video - Elvis Lives - 25th Ann Concert - up 1 to #25
Comprehensive Music Video - Aloha from Hawaii - up 3 to #12
Comprehensive Music Video - 68 Comeback Special - up 2 to #10
Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis Lives - 25th Ann Concert - up 1to #25

Dropping off the Charts: The Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley duet drops off the Pop 100 and Hot Digital Songs charts.

On the U.S. Cashbox Magazine charts Elvis has two entries in the 'Top Inspirational Albums' Chart:
#41 "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel"
#43 "He Touched Me".

"Elvis The King" has left the building, dropping out of the United World Top 40 Album Chart. It had been in the United World Chart for 5 weeks. (News, Source: Elvis International/Elvis News/United Top 40 Chart)

"Rare Broadcasts" CD/DVD: Here is the track listing of the "Rare Broadcasts" CD + DVD set from the Storming Music label. This CD is due for release October 22, 2007. Track listing DVD: Baby Let's Play House - Tutti Frutti - Money Honey (Stage Show 1956) - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes (Milton Berle Show 1956) - Hound Dog (Ed Sullivan Show 1956) - I Want You I Need You I Love You (Steve Allen Show 1956) - Hound Dog (Milton Berle Show 1956) - Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Ready Teddy (Ed Sullivan Show 1956) - Hound Dog (Steve Allen Show 1956) - Don't Be Cruel - Love Me (Ed Sullivan Show 1956) - Too Much - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Peace In The Valley (Ed Sullivan Show 1957) Track listing CD: Baby Let's Play House - Tutti Frutti - Money Honey (Stage Show 1956) - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes (Milton Berle Show 1956) - Hound Dog (Ed Sullivans Show 1956) - I Want You I Need You I Love You (Steve Allen Show 1956) - Hound Dog (Milton Berle Show 1956) - Don't Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Ready Teddy (Ed Sullivan Show 1956) - Hound Dog (Steve Allen Show 1956) - Don't Be Cruel - Love Me (Ed Sullivan Show 1956) - Too Much - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Peace In The Valley (Ed Sullivan Show 1957) (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

More on the Rock and Elvis: (see earlier stories yesterday & 26 Sep 2007) Attention, future directors of movies starring The Rock: It would be a good idea for you to get all shook up.

"I love Elvis, I have always loved Elvis," says Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, who visited Minneapolis' new Westin Hotel last month to promote "The Game Plan." In the movie, which opens today, he plays a former football player (not a stretch; the former wrestler played football for the University of Miami) who discovers he has a daughter (not a stretch, since Johnson also has one) and who loves Elvis (also not a stretch).

"I was the one who had the idea that he would love Elvis and would have an Elvis poster that he would constantly be consulting for advice," says Johnson, a large, navy blue tattoo snaking out of his light blue shirt. He was pretty committed to the Elvis idea, too. So much so that when he had a "great" meeting with a director who said he thought Johnson's character was more likely to be an Aerosmith fan than an Elvis fan, Johnson gave him the heave-ho.

Next up: potential director Andy Fickman.

"So when I met with Andy, he said, 'What do you think about the character?' and I said, 'Wait. First, how do you feel about Elvis?' " Johnson says. "He said, 'I love Elvis.' And I said, 'OK, but how much?' Because I wanted to be sure, you know. So he said, 'I've been to Graceland three times, I have all his records.' And I said, 'OK, the meeting can continue.' "

"It was like 'Elvis Jeopardy' or something," Fickman says with a chuckle. "Luckily, I grew up in Texas, where everyone loves Elvis." (News, Source: Pioneer Press)

'Viva Las Vegas' ABC TV show; more reader feedback: Elvis super-fan Ida Ritter felt strongly enough about the failure of ABC's 30th Anniversary program to write a letter of complaint to EPE. Ida doesn't hold her punches stating, "Bad program and such a nice opportunity missed, only because Priscilla and all EPE I bet had their hands in the handling of all these. Only the ones that bow to them are honor or able to be there, I pity them all''. Graceland's reply was an interesting understatement. Read our EIN review and your updated feedback here. (News, Source; EIN)

Puddle of Mudd banned from Graceland: Some things never change. Even though they are a few years past their heyday, Puddle of Mudd's Wes Scantlin is still a bozo.

Puddle of Mudd's album "Famous" comes out on October 9th and what a "perfect" way to hype your new CD then to get banned from Graceland for doing something really stupid like jumping into the Kings pool because you just feel like it.

The hype or rather announcement reads: Puddle of Mudd has been banned from Graceland! The band was touring the mansion of Elvis Presley on September 24th when front man Wesley Scantlin decided to jump into the pool.

The guards removed him and he is now banned from Graceland for life! "I just wanted to go for a swim," he said. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Track listing for "Elvis Golden Records Vol. 1" LP: Sony/BMG will release the classic album "Elvis' Golden Records, Volume 1" on 12 inch vinyl on October, 8, 2007. This release was originally announced as a 2 disc release. The track listing: Hound Dog/Heartbreak Hotel/Jailhouse Rock/Love Me/Don't Be Cruel/Love Me Tender/Treat Me Nice/Anyway You Want Me/I Want You I Need You I Love You/Loving You/All Shook Up/Too Much/That's When Your Heartaches Begin/Teddy Bear (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited /Elvis News)

Elvis Express Radio: Lee Dawson who operates Elvis Express Radio (EER) has reluctantly had to change its operation. While no longer providing news items on the EER website, Lee will now concentrate on bringing listeners up-to-date Elvis news via his regular Elvis radio show. Click here for one of the most entertaining Elvis radio shows around. (News, Source: EER)

Elvis plaque unveiled at Prestwick Airport: Elvis has made a triumphant return to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, 47 years after he set foot in the UK for the first and only time. Filling the shoes of the King of Rock and Roll was lookalike Gordon Hendricks who arrived on board a private jet and was welcomed by fans, airport staff and members of the media, at an event marking the real Elvis's visit in the 1960s. Stewart Stevenson MSP unveiled a plaque in the terminal building which celebrates Elvis’s stop at Glasgow Prestwick on March 3, 1960 when he had finished national service with the US Army and his aircraft made a refuelling stop as he flew home from Germany.

A special guest at the event was Kilmarnock man Ian Ghee, who met Elvis and took photographs of him when he arrived in 1960, he said: "I remember my boss telling me we had a VIP arriving and at first he wouldn’t tell me who it was.

The Rock on Elvis Insiders: An 18 second promo that pro-wrestler the Rock does for Elvis fans to promote The Game Plan is up at elvisinsiders.com. Members of the site have access to a four minute video of The Rock talking about the movie. See earlier story below dated 26 Sep 2007 (News, Source: 411mania)

"Elvis is the KING" says Stephen King!: In Entertainment Weekly, writer Stephen King lists his choice of 'The 24 Greatest Rock Songs Ever Made'. About the list Stephen king said, "The stuff that hasn't stood the test of time went out. When 'Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds' or 'Born to Be Wild' comes on my car radio (which is, by the way, a NO SUPREMES ZONE), I break my fingers switching the station! These outdated songs have nothing new to say to me.. . . The songs that I finally chose on my list do always have something new to say. Trust your Uncle Stevie on this!" - So the nice surprise is that Elvis makes the list 3 times. 16. 'Don't Be Cruel' - Total bebop testifying. Brian Setzer would sell his soul to do this.

'Elvis Insiders' get a bumpy ride with the not so improved "Online Experience": Despite EPE announcing that from Sept 12 there would be an "All new Elvis Insiders site" operating most fans have been unable to log in, ending up being stranded at the gate. EIN confirms that the last 2 days have got us no further than a jpeg image with no Log In options being offered. EIN runs this website with no membership fees, no adverts, no pop-ups and no mainstream shop. We provide this service only for the love of Elvis and to keep his flame burning bright. Maybe EPE, with the few bucks that they earn off Elvis fans, could provide "A Little More Action Please."  (News, Source; EIN)

Scotty Moore in the '100 Greatest Moments In Guitar' history: The November 2007 issue of Guitar magazine features a top 100 of the Greatest Moments In Guitar History. At #65 Scotty Moore's contribution to the SUN classic 'That's All Right' and the birth of Rock And Roll is listed. The 2007 EIN Tour group was a Scotty's final concert, see here for EIN Elvis Week 2007 news.  (News, Source: ElvisNews/EIN)

Elvis bonus stamps with Big Hits Japanese CD: An additional attraction to the new BMG JAPAN release 'Big Hits In Japan' (see EIN news Sept 15th for images) is the additional 30th anniversary stamp sheet. Available from the Japanese Love Me Tender shop website.     (News, Source; ElvisJapanWorld)

Australian Edition of "Elvis The King of Rock n Roll 30 Hit Performances and More" DVD: The cover artwork, liner notes and bonus tracks details for the Aussie release of this DVD are now available. This is THE mass market Elvis DVD aimed squarely at the consumer who wants a definitive Elvis compilation on DVD. The content is 30 of the greatest tracks ever recorded, with the best performances available. The SINGLE DISC DVD will be released in Australia on 29 October 2007. (News, Source: Sony BMG Australia) View larger cover image, liner notes & bonus track details

Buyer Beware! - bogus Elvis autographs continue to sell on ebay!: A number of alleged Elvis signatures, which are clearly bogus, continue to rip-off unsuspecting or ill-informed buyers on ebay. Currently the very suspect (read "bogus") autograph opposite is for sale and has attracted a high number of bids. Click to view another suspect signature on ebay. At the same time signatures from reputable sources are being turned in! It seems as though some fans are obtaining psychological satisfaction from purchasing very cheap but fake signatures! As a rule of thumb, if the start price is under $350.00 it's bogus (or the seller doesn't know what they're doing)!

EIN is currently working on a Spotlight article looking at Elvis autographs. We hope to have it published in the next week or so.

In the meantime, we offer this comment from UACC member and autograph expert, Al Wittneberg, who released his book "A Study of Elvis Presley's Autograph" earlier this year:

"When compiling this book, I ran Elvis Autograph on a search of ebay and found 150 items. Going patiently through each one I found none of them to be the genuine article".

While EIN does not consider all Elvis autographs on ebay are forgeries, Wittneberg's finding is a very strong message that fans need to be more diligent when buying Elvis signatures. In his book Wittneberg includes pictorial examples of bogus Elvis signatures. A number of these were commented on by fans on various Elvis messageboards and passed as authentic!!! (Comment, Source: EIN)

"Elvis' Grave" (DVD Review): One of Elvis world's most obscure films is now available on DVD....Elvis' Grave. Blending elements from the infamous Texas Chainsaw Massacre and classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, the plot of this low budget feature is described as: "A Chainsaw wielding, psycho-impersonator from hell -- on a conquest tour of terror!" Read EIN's full review of this offbeat 'B' grade film, a film with a scorching rock 'n' roll soundtrack...but does it live up to its pr as a "Southern Gothic Musical"...or is it something even more sinister? Rated NR for Nauseating Repulsive, this is a film which gives new meaning to the ETA phenomenon!! Blair Witch cohorts...move over! (DVD Review, Source: EIN)

Elvis' tour bus for sale on ebay: The touring bus that - supposedly - belonged to Elvis is now for sale on eBay for 2,500 $US. The inside front of the bus has some of the interior left in it. The inside back of the bus unfortunately has been completely gutted and the former owners weren't nice about it. The motor is a 318 Detroit diesel, supposedly with 500 miles on it, rebuilt. The bus needs tires, and everything above the tires... well maybe some things below the tires too. Offering this bus to the public might be it's last chance, or to the bone yard she goes. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/ebay)

Don't argue with The Rock - Elvis Has Not Left the Building: In the new Disney movie, "The Game Plan", wrestling superstar The Rock plays a professional grid iron quarterback who is a big fan of the King. (Opposite: The Rock with director, Andy Fickman) Johnson’s character’s obsessed with Elvis and the actor’s also a huge fan. “I love Elvis. The moment I sat down with Andy I said, ‘Andy, do you love Elvis?’ He said, ‘Absolutely!’ And we went for it. It was another fun way of adding a layer to the character that might be interesting. Again, self-deprecating comedy is great. I love the fact that he was singing to her in a very sweet and tender moment, and she says, ‘I think you sound like a wounded moose.’ I love that type of comedy and how the joke falls back on me. For an actor to sing in a movie, and play the guitar, it’s really not funny. You’re like, ‘Oh, he can sing and play guitar.’ But the joke makes it funny, when it falls back on him.”

Johnson’s personal favorite Elvis song is Are You Lonesome Tonight but don’t ask him to sing it for you. “I can’t hold a tune,” confessed Johnson. “It was movie magic, in the studio.”

Fickman had a different take on Johnson’s singing skills. “A lot of times you have an actor who wants to pre-record their song. With pre-recording, you can go in and fix everything. That’s him playing the guitar and that’s him singing, and he was spot on. We didn’t go in and do any mixing. All of the Elvis estate and Graceland, everybody, has seen this performance and everyone’s just been so happy. It blew everybody away.” (News, Source: )

Best selling Elvis books of 2007: According to Elvis Matters, the best selling Elvis book of the year is "The Gospel Side of Elvis" by Joe Moscheo. Last week, the hardcover book with preface by Priscilla, hit the 60,000 mark, and more orders are coming in every day. The publisher expects to sell 100,000 copies before the year is over. While sales figures are not currently available, ElvisBookResearch informs EIN that two other Elvis books selling well are Sonny West's "Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business" and Alfred Wertheimer's "Elvis At 21: From New York To Memphis". (News, Source: Elvis Matters/ElvisBookResearch)

"God Is My Shepherd Volume 2": On Monday we announced Volume 1 in this series. Now Volume 2 has been announced already: Tracks: He Knows Just What I Need (Take 1 ) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 2, 4) - His Hand In Mine (Take 1) - His Hand In Mine (Take 2, 3) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 1) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 2, 4) - If We Never Meet Again (Master) - His Hand In Mine (Take 4) - His Hand In Mine (Take 5) - I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 2, 3) - I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 5) - In My Fathers House (Take 7) - In My Fathers House (Master) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 2, 3) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Master) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 1) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 2) - Known Only To Him (Take 1, 2) - Known Only To Him (Take 4, 5) - Mansion Over The Hilltop (Take 1) - Mansion Over The Hilltop (Take 3, 4) - Milky White Way (Take 1, 3 ) - Milky White Way (Take 4, 5) - Working On The Building (Take 2) - Working On The Building (Take 4) (News, Source: Elvis News)

The Other Graceland - you have to see this to believe it!! (Source: PEP, FECC forum)

Elvis Sauce direct from Graceland: Need a neat new sauce to go with your chicken wings? Then why not try this tasty little item from EPE. EPE price: US$9.95. Elvis Blue Hawaii Luau Glaze adds a tropical touch of sweet and sour to grilled chicken, pork, and seafood. (News, Source: Narek on FECC/EPE)

UK Elvis imitator wins big...and heading for Graceland: An Elvis Presley fan and look-alike has won almost £20,000 from bookies William Hill - and immediately splurged his winnings on a trip to Memphis to pay tribute to his hero.

Phil Sinclair, from Aberdeen, Scotland, staked a bet of just £7 on three Championship football matches at the weekend - successfully tipping Stoke to beat Plymouth 3-2; Scunthorpe to lose to West Brom 2-3; and Crystal Palace to beat Sheffield United 3-2. His winnings added up to £19,682.

Phil is in his mid forties, and told staff that he is an Elvis imitator. He was so excited to land the bet that he immediately went and booked a trip to visit Graceland, Elvis' home in Memphis.

"The bet left us all shook up and wondering whether he is really the devil in disguise," laughed William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe. (News, Source: Matt Shepherd)

Living Legacy Jr. ®: Is he the son of the King? Elvis Aaron Presley Jr. has a film about his life coming out. The true life story of Elvis Aaron Presley Jr. The final chapter is just the beginning. "The Living Legacy", "Elvis Aaron Presley JR", Story, Likeness, Voice and DNA are all protected by Registered Trademark and Copyright owned by E.P.J.R.E. Visit the EP Jr. website Visit EIN's "Elvis Conspiracy" pages

"Leaves of Elvis' garden (Book Review): On her return from Elvis Week 2007, Susan MacDougall sat down to delve inside the latest book from Larry Geller, one which looks at Elvis' spiritual search. What Susan found was both interesting and challenging, as these excerpts from her insightful review attest: Behind the distorted image of a hard-living rock and roll sex symbol and super star is revealed a vulnerable man with a thirst for understanding and enlightenment. Elvis believed that there is one God who is within us all..........At the same time, Elvis never rejected his religion, only its rigid adherents and their intolerance of any deviation from the accepted word, remaining a Christian his whole life, but not a Christian to the exclusion of anything else. In closing her review Susan observes: "Leaves of Elvis' garden" provides a whole different side to the public image of a celebrity. Geller was never the Memphis Mafia's favourite person, but they can't deny his existence and his access to Elvis. I wonder what certain members of the MM will make of this book? I challenge them to read it. Read full review (Book Review, Source: EIN)

eBay watch: A cross-section of some of the more interesting Elvis items for sale on eBay:

Seller: prisoner777 - FTD titles; Elvis signed book; rare books and CDs including "24 Carat Gold" (2CD from the famous 2001 label) and "Elvis Live" (very rare Australian unofficial 1969 Las Vegas "live" album)
Seller: Zappaatino - rare "Easy Come, Easy Go" EP from Portugal
Seller: easebrisbane - Elvis lava lamp
Seller: hibernaculum - Elvis 8 track "Elvis In The 70s"

"The Greatest Elvis Collection" DVD: A new DVD entitled "The Greatest Elvis Collection" is due for release on October 23, 2007 from Emm/Chordant. Besides the label, the NTSC format and the release date, no other information is available yet. (News, Source: Amazon.com /Elvis News)

That Elvis edge: We're suddenly seeing a lot of things about Fred Thompson in an entirely new light -- the basso growl, that wicked, heavy-lidded smile, the bombshell wife, the indefinable charisma. . . . Oh, and the bad movies. Because it turns out the GOP presidential contender is kin to Elvis Presley.

Specifically, they are eighth cousins once removed, according to research by Washington genealogist William Addams Reitwiesner. The former Tennessee senator's late father, Fletcher Thompson, and The King shared a set of great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents, Jasper Hood and Tryntje Andries.

What kind of impact this revelation could have on the Thompson campaign was unclear yesterday, though most observers agreed it would most likely be positive, so long as jumpsuits aren't involved. " (News, Source: EP Gold)

Resort taps into Elvis factor: The Gulf Hills Golf Club and Resort in Mississippi had more than a brush with The King, back when it was in its heyday, and he was in his. Elvis Presley would rent out the entire resort, all the villas and several nearby houses in the Gulf Hills subdivision when he came to town, which he did for entire summers in the mid-1950s. Now, after wrestling with the notion, the resort has decided to embrace the Elvis factor. It took years of preparation, remodeling and redecorating, but it has opened for reservations the "Love Me Tender Love Me Suite," a three-bedroom wing on the second floor that has a mezzanine, a parlor with upholstered bar and a hall of fame that runs the length of the suite.

"The Hard Rock Café doesn't have anything on us," said General Manager Donna Brown, who gives the glory to part-owner Karen Mavar and interior designer Ray Ebberman for creating the authentic look and feel of the 1950s. The "Love Me Suite" rents for $1,000 a night. No children please because it is furnished with antiques and irreplaceable memorabilia, like an ashtray from the Pink Pony Lounge where he performed on the grounds.

Elvis was only part of a vast and myriad history for the hotel, built in 1927 with Chicago mob money. So when a massive, painstaking renovation began to bring it back from condemnation at the end of the 1990s, Elvis was the last thing on Brown's mind.

"We heard all the stories about Elvis, and my first reaction was, 'Why don't we just let that go away", Brown said in an interview before she unveiled the new suite. "But not a day goes by that someone doesn't stop in or call or write or e-mail to inquire about Elvis. Was he here? What room did he stay in?" "After months of hearing that, I was eating my words," Brown said. "I realized we're missing out on something."

She said that literally, Elvis would not leave the building. So rather than fight it, the owners decided to embrace it.

In 2001, Mavar began collecting 1950s furniture and décor. They brought in a bar that Elvis was photographed using in one of the villas. Ebberman, who owns Ray's Interiors and Ray's Collection in Gulfport, entered the picture in 2004 and began putting together the look and the finishing touches. He called the project a study in 1950s design and Elvis style. It feels like a step back in time for anyone 50 or older - the patterned gold carpet, the art deco glass vases, the leather framed mirrors and the 6-foot upholstered headboards.

And throughout, there is Elvis - framed records, photo books, decanter busts. The resort has held cocktail parties in the suite, which met with rave reviews, Brown said. But it rented for the first time on Thursday to the family of a groom to be married on the grounds. The mezzanine that overlooks the hotel lobby is a living room out of time with the large, white leather and wood couch; the round footstool with a white upholstered top but a clear plastic middle stuffed with artificial roses. The look borrows from Graceland, Brown said, but you won't find shag carpet on the ceiling.

Elvis learned to water-ski in Old Fort Bayou behind the Gulf Hills resort and in the Biloxi Bay. He rode horses at the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch. A 1977 article in the North Biloxian Press framed in the suite reprinted pictures of him signing autographs in downtown Biloxi in 1956. The time Elvis spent on the Coast was well-documented, Brown said, naming the History Channel and A&E that regularly use footage of him during the time he stayed at Gulf Hills.

But the hotel was put on legal notice not to use his name to market the new suite, she said. Elvis Presley Enterprises controls that as a trademark, she said. "That's why we don't call it the Elvis Suite," she said. And that's OK because the staff gets a little funny about the Elvis issue anyway. They kid about Elvis still hanging around - when there's an odd creak in the wall or someone accidentally leaves the Elvis music on in the suite.

But there's also the odd calls that come into the switchboard from the old pool phone that doesn't exist anymore, extension 601. The small hotel - 52 rooms and two suites with conference and dining rooms - has the feel of a family resort, and that may have been some of the attraction for Elvis.

So when people stop and ask "Where did Elvis sleep?" Brown said, they tell them "Anywhere he wanted to." (News, Source: Karen Nelson, Sun Herald/Charmaine Voisine)

Firefighter hurt as Elvis collection burns: A lifetime of possessions, including a $5,000 Elvis Presley memorabilia collection, was lost to a house fire Friday. Faulty electrical wiring at 2301 Charles St., was the culprit that displaced George Bascue, 68, and wife Beverly, 67.

The couple, married for nearly 50 years, escaped with their pets Friday at about 8:30 a.m. as fire crept from the basement of their two-story home to the roof. A fire inspector said the house is a total loss.

Mr. Bascue, a retired surveyor for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, returned home from a doctor's appointment Friday morning and discovered smoke wafting from his basement door. He called the St. Joseph Fire Department, cut power to his home and woke his wife who was sleeping on the second floor.

Mrs. Bascue, who has health problems, evacuated the house with the couples' Pomeranian, Butters, while Mr. Bascue began fighting the flames in the basement. Mr. Bascue said by the time he began his fight with two fire extinguishers, the flames were "hugging" the ceiling of the basement.

 His fire extinguisher empty, Mr. Bascue gathered Freddy, the couples' cockatiel, who was lifeless at the bottom of his cage, and exited the house. Freddy, revived by fresh air, was chirping in his cage as firefighters on two ladders doused the flames.

It appeared that firefighters had the flames under control when suddenly flames shot from windows on the second floor. They fought the fire for more than an hour before getting it under control. Mrs. Bascue, who is on oxygen, was taken to Heartland Regional Medical Center for smoke inhalation. She was treated and released from the hospital.

A firefighter, whose name wasn't released, received minor injuries when a "ball of fire" swept over a crew as they were coming down a flight of stairs. The fireman's feet got tangled and he fell, said fire inspector Floyd Ferguson. He was taken to Heartland and released a short time later.

Fire Prevention Chief Les Beattie said the "balloon frame" construction of the home made fighting the fire difficult. Due to the type of construction of the walls, when a fire ignites in the basement, it sneaks its way up to the attic.

"We end up chasing it up the side of the building tearing out walls and ceilings as we go," he said. "Then it will burn the roof off the place half the time ... It seemed to be out and then it blossomed somewhere else. That's what balloon frame construction will do for you." (News, Source: Tribune Business News/www.itselvistime.nl)

hingtonpost.com   /  www.epgold.com

'The American Way Vol.5 - Goin' Home To Memphis': CD SNEAK PREVIEW : Last week EIN received a test pressing of 'The American Way Vol.5: Goin' Home To Memphis' the final instalment in this great series from the Southern Comfort label. Elvis' 1969 ‘American Studio’ sessions are featured in the first half of the CD and include some fabulous and unknown "Rough Mixes". We also get to hear Elvis Live in 1970, while the amazingly rare outakes of the 1968 'Goin Home' sessions fill the CD up to the brim. To be honest my house has been rockin' with the funk all week - and I have also been laughin' my *** off. Does an Elvis reviewer's life get any more fun than this! Although this is not the absolute final product, please enjoy our special Sneak Preview. Make sure you don't miss out. (CD Review, Source: EIN, September 2007)

"God Is My Shepherd" CD": Due for release from the Wolf Call label is the CD "God Is My Shepherd". This compilation contains alternate takes of 18 of Elvis' gospel recordings. Track listing: A Thing Called Live (Spliced Take) An Evening Prayer (Unknown Take) By And By (Takes 3 and 4) Father Along (Takes 1 and 2) He Knows What I need (Take 9) He Touched Me (Take2) I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 1) I John (Spliced Take) If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side Take 4) If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side Take 6) Reach Out To Jesus (Alternate Take) Seeing Is Believing (Take 4) Stand By Me (Takes 3, 4 and 2) Stand By Me (Takes 9 and 10) Where Did They Go, Lord (Take 8) Without Him (Take 1) Working On The Building (Take 1) You'll Never Walk Alone (Spliced Take) (News, Source: Elvis News)

New Elvis novel: Michael Hodjera has released his third Elvis novel, The Fear Merchant. It is published by iUniverse and has 392 pages. Available from Amazon

Elvis sign damaged: The Elvis Presley Blvd signage at the corner of Brooks and EP Blvd. was damaged by a car smashing on top of it. (News, Source: Elvis Presley Scrapbook/Elvis News)

Chart update: The reissue of "Don't" is a new entry at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart this week. This is the fourth single to enter the chart at #14. Last week's single "Party" drops from #14 to #93. On the U.K. Album chart "The King" drops from #23 to #40.

In Australia, "The King" falls 8 places to #28 on the ARIA Album chart while the "Aloha" special goes from #14 to #20 and the "Comeback" special from #17 to #21 on the ARIA Music DVD chart. (News, Source: Elvis News/ARIA)

Tupelo Auto Museum buys Elvis car: The Tupelo Auto Museum has a car that Elvis purchased for Denver police officer Jerry Kennedy on display. (News, Source: Elvis Presley Scrapbook /Elvis News)

The EIN 'Viva Las Vegas' DVD competition - Our FIVE lucky winners: We only wish we had enough copies for everyone who entered our special competition to win a promotional DVD copy of the recent ABC TV special that is still not scheduled to air in Australia. The five winners who get to see the programme before any other Australian are; Ken Ashby, Claudio Travaglini, Bob Poole, Angela Binos and John Iannazzoare. You will have your promotional 'Viva Las Vegas' DVD in the next few days.

The answer to the question 'What date was Elvis' 1969 Opening Show in Vegas?' is July 31st 1969. 

A surprising number of entrants did not get the date correct. EIN thanks everyone who entered the competition, we are sorry if you missed out. 

"October Encore in Lake Tahoe" CD: The forthcoming "MEMORY Records" label CD release is entitled "October Encore In Lake Tahoe " (CD MR 2055-2). As most die-hard fans know, in Elvis did a short eight-show stint in Tahoe, more or less as an encore, to fulfill his contract after the cancellation of the May 1973 engagement.   There are only two recordings available from this engagement, and the only other known tape is that of the mediocre October 13th midnight show. The tape with the Dinner show, presented on this CD, is of very good sound quality.   Elvis performed in high gear, thrilling the crowd with a funny version of Fever, a poignant "It's Midnight " and the absolute showstopper, a great reading of "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Three songs got the last verse reprised, too.

This is a rare, previously unavailable recording. We were able to obtain the 1st generation copy of the original master tape, as recorded by a member of the audience. The sound was transferred in its original mono format, and all tracks were digitally restored for best possible sound reproduction.   The CD contains 8-page booklet (not so common for MEMORY Records) with many photographs taken during the Lake Tahoe October 12th dinner & midnight shows and the October 14th dinner show.   We hope you will enjoy this CD as a presentation of an unique October 1974 performance of The Elvis Presley Show which, until this historic release, has not been previously represented in good sound quality!

Tracks: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. All Shook Up - 06. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 07. Heartbreak Hotel - 08. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 09. Fever - 10. Big Boss Man - 11. It's Midnight - 12. Hound Dog - 13. Band Introductions - 14. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 15. Celebrity Introductions - 16. Bridge Over Troubled Water (with reprise) - 17. Johnny B. Goode - 18. Hawaiian Wedding Song (with reprise) - 19. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 20. Can't Help Falling In Love- 21. Closing Vamp.

Bonus (Recorded in Lake Tahoe , October 13, Midnight show): 22. Why Me Lord - 23. I'm Leavin'. (News, Source: Memory Records)

One time Elvis attorney sentenced in child porn case: A one-time attorney for Elvis Presley was sentenced Friday to five years in prison on child pornography charges. Drayton Beecher Smith had pleaded guilty in June to possessing child pornography he viewed on the Internet. The youngsters were under the age of 12. He also was sentenced to 10 years supervised release, the minimum mandatory sentence under federal guidelines. Smith has said he was lured to pornographic websites while researching a criminal case involving a relative. (News, Source: AP)

Rex Humbard dies: One of the premier televangelists in the US, Rex Humbard, died on Friday aged 88, a family spokesman has said. Mr Humbard died of natural causes at a Florida hospital, close to his home. A former travelling preacher, he began using television to reach his audience in the 1950s and by the 1970s was known across the globe for his services. Among the admirers of his Cathedral of Tomorrow broadcasts was Elvis Presley and Mr Humbard spoke at the American superstar's funeral in 1977.

"He was the ultimate role model in showing love and caring about other people over and above himself," grandson Rex Humbard III said in tribute.

Vast audience The son of preachers, Mr Humbard saw the potential of television from early, making his first broadcast in 1949. "The vast majority of people do not go to church and the only way we can reach them is through TV," he explained in his book Miracles in My Life. "We must go into their homes - into their hearts - to bring them the gospel of Jesus Christ." He eventually built his 5,000-seat non-denominational Cathedral of Tomorrow, where he was joined in a programme of preaching and music by his gospel singer wife Maude Aimee.

Regular performers on his shows included Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Johnny and June Cash. By the end of the 1970s his programmes were not only broadcast to millions of viewers across the US, but all around the world too. Hundreds of thousands of people also filled stadiums to hear his message first hand. In 1979 1.2 million people turned out to see him on a tour of Brazil. (News, Source: BBC News)

New German CD: Here is a German compilation which is available through the PLUS supermarket chain. It is entitled "Die Original Songs Von 1954 Bis 1956". (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin Forum/Elvis News)

Baby Elvis costumes rate near Halloween: With Halloween fast approaching Yahoo Buzz has produced a survey of the most popular costumes parents buy for their kids. Baby Elvis comes in at #3 behind Baby Fairy (#2) and Baby Frog (#1). We wonder if you kiss this frog wil it turn into a King? (News, Source: Yahoo)

Australian health fund using Elvis themed online ad: MBF, one of Australia's largest private health insurers, is currently using an Elvis themed ad as part of its online campaign around waiving of its waiting periods. The ad shows two Elvis figures pointing as text flashes "C'mon, C'mon". (News, Source: Yahoo)

Elvis Rocks And The Legend Lives On: Due for release are two new budget CDs. Available for under three Euro is the budget compilation "Elvis Rocks - Heartbreak Hotel". The tracklisting is not yet available, this disc will be released September 25, 2007.

Due for release from the Golden Stars label on October 3, 2007 is the 3 CD box set "Legend Lives On".

Track listing - CD 1:That's Alright/Blue Moon Of Kentucky/I Love You Because/Blue Moon/Good Rockin' Tonight
I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine/I'll Never Let You Go/Just Because/Milkcow Blues Boogie/You're A Heartbreaker/Baby Let's Play House/I'm Left You're Right She's Gone/I Forgot To Remember To Forget/Mystery Train/Trying To Get To You/I Got A Woman

CD 2: Heartbreak Hotel/Money Honey/I'm Counting On You/I Was The One/Blue Suede Shoes/My Baby Left Me/One-Sided Love Affair/So Glad You're Mine/I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Cry/Tutti Frutti/Shake Rattle & Roll/Lawdy Miss Clawdy/I Want You I Need You I Love You/Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog/Anyway You Want Me

CD 3: Love Me Tender/We're Gonna Move/Let Me/Poor Boy/Love Me/Paralyzed/How Do You Think I Feel/How's The World Treating You/When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold.../Long Tall Sally/Old Shep/Anyplace Is Paradise/Ready Teddy/Rip It Up/First In Line (News, Source: Amazon.de /Elvis News)

"Contract with the King" (Book Review): Contract with the King is the debut novel for Paul Pullen. It is a superb piece of storytelling with finely drawn characters and a strong moral center. As you read Contract with the King you find emotional challenges and emotional highs and lows which have personal resonance. At times humorous, at times symbolic, from the opening few pages you know you are in for an entertaining ride. The key narrative premise, the kidnapping of Elvis Presley, is so well realised that the reader....Read full review (Book Review, Source: EIN)

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"Elvis #1 Hit Performances" DVD: Here are cover arts for the "Elvis #1 Hit Performances" compilation DVD. In North America it will be Elvis #1 Hit Performances - a 15-song collection of videos of Elvis peforming some of his #1 US and UK hits. Internationally it will be Elvis #1 Hit Performances and More - the same content as the North American release plus 15 additional performances of songs that were either #1 in the US or UK, or are simply Elvis classics. (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis World Japan/ Amazon)

Track listing U.S. Release: Heartbreak Hotel (Stage Show) Don't Be Cruel (Ed Sullivan Show) Hound Dog (Milton Berle Show) Love Me Tender (Ed Sullivan Show) All Shook Up (68 Comeback Special) Teddy Bear (Loving You) Jailhouse Rock (Jailhouse Rock) Stuck On You (Frank Sinatra Show) Are You Lonesome Tonight? (68 Comeback Special) Can't Help Falling In Love (Blue Hawaii) Return To Sender (Girls! Girls! Girls!) In The Ghetto (That's The Way It Is) Suspicious Minds (That's The Way It Is) The Wonder Of You (That's The Way It Is) Burning Love (Aloha From Hawaii)

Additional 15 songs - International Release: That's All Right (68 Comeback Special) Blue Suede Shoes (Paramount Screen Test) I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Steve Allen Show) Love Me (Ed Sullivan Show) Too Much (Ed Sullivan Show) Treat Me Nice (Jailhouse Rock) Trouble (King Creole) One Night (68 Comeback Special) A Big Hunk 'O Love (Aloha From Hawaii) Wooden Heart (G.I. Blues) Rock-A-Hula Baby (Blue Hawaii) Bossa Nova Baby (Fun in Acapulco) If I Can Dream (68 Comeback Special) Don't Cry Daddy (That's The Way It Is) An American Trilogy (Aloha From Hawaii)

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Elvis Murder Mystery: Here is something different for fans living in Onrario, Canada - an Elvis Murder Mystery night on Saturday October 20, 2007, Rock Chapel Banquet Centre [formerly The Plainsman Restaurant], 261 Hwy # 5 W., Dundas, Ontario CANADA.......Buffet Dinner and Show $ 45.00 p.p. Doors open 6:00 p.m......An evening of fun, music, mayhem and mystery......Reserved seating........Louise ---905 627-3218 or email address lcowitz@cogeco.ca Sounds like a lot of fun! (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

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Chart update #1: On this week's United World Chart "Elvis The King" dropped 6 places to #37 (5 weeks on chart). In Canada, the album "Introducing Elvis" rises 10 spots to #44. In New Zealand "The King" (certified Gold) falls 4 places to #12. On this weeks Cashbox Magazine Elvis has two entries in the Top Inspirational Albums Chart: (#39) "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" ........(#45) "He Touched Me". In Poland "The King" debuted at #100 (chart ending Aug 2007). The Polish chart is quite incredible, 8 of the top 10 albums are by Rozni Wykonawcy. Apart from owning the Top 7 spots, Wykonawcy has 15 albums in the Top 25 and more than 30 albums in the Top 100. Amazing stuff! Is she Poland's Elvis? (News, Source: Lanet)

Chart update #2: Courtesy of Elvis International this week's Billboard chart details are:

Chart update #3: Elvis is awarded another Gold Belgian record, for "The Essential Elvis". The plaque will soon be presented to Graceland, where it may get a spot on the 'Wall Of Fame'. Here's the detailed list of sales and hit parade charts:

Wallonia:

"The Essential - Elvis Presley" dropped to #5 from last week's #2 in its fifth week of release and is awarded Gold.

In the DVD music chart "Aloha" is up to #1 from last week's #3 (55 weeks in the chart)

"Elvis 68 special" dropped to #6 from last week's #4.

"Elvis lives" dropped to #8 from last week's #5 (25 weeks in the charts)

In the TOP 20 mid price catalogue "Elvis Presley" is still at #1 (17 weeks in the charts)

"Elvis at the Madison Square Garden" dropped to "13 from last week's "3 (6 weeks in the charts)

"Elvis Presley - Pink Cadillac" is new entry at #20

Flanders:

"The Essential - Elvis Presley" dropped to #8 from last week's #3 in its fifth week of release and is awarded Gold.

On the DVD music chart "Elvis lives" dropped to #7 from last week's "5 (27 weeks in the charts) while "Aloha" dropped to #10 from last weeks #6 (34 weeks in the charts)

In The Netherlands, "The Essential - Elvis Presley" is down to #15 from last week's #7 in its fifth week of release. In the singles TOP 100 "Party" is new entry at #46 while "Teddy bear" dropped to #96 from last week's #83. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Oprah, Elvis & Donald Trump top celebrity neighbors list: Oprah Winfrey, Elvis Presley and Donald Trump are the top three celebrities people in the United States would like to have as neighbors, according to a new poll found. Homes & Land, a real estate media company based in Florida, announced the results Wednesday of its Celebrity Neighbor Survey. The poll asked thousands of U.S. residents to name what famous person they would like to live next door to.

Tiger Woods was the only athlete to make an appearance on the top 20 list. Five singers made the chart -- including Presley, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Frank Sinatra and Jennifer Lopez. The top 20 list also included high-powered businessmen Bill Gates and Warren Buffett and media moguls Martha Stewart and Hugh Hefner.

The women surveyed chose -- in descending order -- Winfrey, Paris Hilton, Parton, John Travolta and George Clooney as their top five. Men picked Presley, John Wayne, Trump, Woods and Gates.

Certain personalities received all-male or all-female votes. (News, Source: UPI)

Pokeweed: Elvis's Poke Was Jefferson's Ink Berry: In 1969, Elvis Presley heard a song called Poke Salad Annie. Elvis recorded the song and made it part of his live act. The King, who was born in a shotgun house in Tupelo, Miss., likely identified with the poor Southern girl portrayed in the song. He liked it so much that he recorded it three times, making it famous. The writer was Tony Joe White.

Poke Salad Annie would go out every evening about suppertime, to pick a mess of pokeweed. She seemed to be all alone; "everybody said it was a shame that her Poppa was workin' on a chain gang, or was it her Momma?

But she got by. She was "TCB." That's Elvis lingo for "taking care of business". But don't follow Annie's lead and eat raw pokeweed, because it will put a hurtin' on your belly.

Phytolacea americana is a lush, fast-growing plant that favors areas of mixed sun and shade with rich, moist soils. This striking plant grows into one of our tallest, non-wetland, native plants. It can reach up to 10 feet on crimson stalks. The leaves are generally green but sometimes turn red. Their shape is simple and typically tropical in design: un-lobed and with a drip-point. Purple berries hang down in a spike. The juice of the pokeberry is blood red and toxic.

Pokeweed has many other names, such as Ink Berry. The Declaration of Independence was written with ink made from fermented poke berry juice. Think about that the next time you bring out the Round Up spray.

Various Native American tribes used pokeweed for a variety of medicinal purposes, according to Dr. Jim Duke in the Handbook of Northeastern Indian Medicinal Plants. Poke was applied to cuts or consumed for cramps, worms, cancer, fever and many more ailments.

Poke is edible, but if not prepared properly it can be toxic. Avoid mature plants; young leaves make the best eating. Opinions differ on how to prepare it. I have eaten early spring poke leaves that were twice boiled, with the water changed for the second boil. For a gourmet twist, serve with clarified butter on whole-wheat toast points.

Our pokeweed has a South American cousin that grows as a small tree. Called the ombu tree, it provides shade to the gauchos of the Argentinean pampas. In some parts of the world, our little poke is grown as an ornamental. Give it a little space and leave it alone; it will add a wild note in the garden. Elvis and Thomas Jefferson would both approve.

Phytolacea americana - What to look for: Plants up to 10 feet tall with red stalks and prominent purple berries. Where to look: Roadsides; forest edges; overgrown, weedy areas. (News, Source: Gary Pendleton, Bay Weekly / Earth Journal / Presleys In The Press)

Win a DVD - EIN 'Viva Las Vegas' competition for Australian fans: The 'Viva Las Vegas' TV special will not be shown in Australia until later this year.  But EIN gives you a very special chance to see the program before any other Australian. We have FIVE promotional DVD copies of this 30th Anniversary special 'Viva Las Vegas' ABC program to give away to keen Australian fans.

Just click here and send us the answer to the easy question below and you can be in with a chance to win one copy of this special give-way.    

Quiz question - 'What date was Elvis' 1969 Opening Show in Vegas? Email your answer to EIN

More on Viva Las Vegas poor TV rating: Hour two of "The Biggest Loser," 5.7 rating /9 share, moved NBC into the lead at 9 p.m. The finale of "Big Brother 8" scored a 5.5/9 for CBS. ABC remained in third with the special "Elvis: Viva Las Vegas," 4.4/7. A repeat of Monday's "K-Ville" premiere was fourth for FOX, while The CW improved to 2.5/4 with more "Beauty and the Geek."

At 10 p.m., an "NCIS" repeat posted a 5.5/10 for CBS. NBC got a 4.3/8 from a "Law & Order: SVU" rerun, and ABC's Elvis special dipped a little to 4.1/7.

Note: 1 rating point = 91, 000 households; Share represents the % of households with their TV on watching the program. Viva Las Vegas did a 7 share (7x92,000) meaning 6.4 million households watched the program. (News, Source: FECC/Museum for Broadcast Communications)

Target Australia heavily discounts "Elvis A King In The Making": The best Elvis book release of 2007 has been heavily discounted by Target Australia. Until Wed 26 September you can buy "Elvis A King In The Making" for only A$34.95! The RRP is A$59.95. The book (released in the US as "Elvis At 21: From New York To Memphis") is simply stunning. A large sized coffee table release which includes several fold-out images of Elvis. This is the best book to date showcasing the famous Alfred Werheimer Elvis photo archives. (News, Source: Target Australia)

Elvis lives in new photos

Jazz artist plays Elvis: Elvis and jazz aren't usually associated with each other...until 2007 that is:

Cyrus Chestnut is an artist - one of the foremost in his chosen field of jazz. So when the urge hit to record a set of songs made famous by Elvis Presley, he opened that door, looked down the road that opened behind it, and followed that road all the way to the recording studio. He emerged with Cyrus Plays Elvis, the most conceptually daring release of his career. In October, Cyrus Chestnut will be in New York City for the following events: an in-store performance on Tuesday, October 9 at noon (the release date for Cyrus Plays Elvis) at J&R Music, Park Row; and a trio concert for Cyrus Plays Elvis on Saturday, October 13, 8pm at Columbia University's Miller Theatre. About Cyrus Plays Elvis, Chestnut states: "First, I had to connect with the music, which I was able to do. Then, once connected to it, I could move forward and come up with an intelligent line I could follow to tell the story of this music. That led me to realize that Elvis was unique. As a person, he created his own phenomenon. And as a singer, he told his story using music he felt good about."

Chestnut and his trio - bassist Dezron L. Douglas and drummer Neal Smith, with guest appearances on several tracks by saxophonist Mark Gross - take these basics through different landscapes of imagination and toward vistas where communion rather than imitation can take place.

The exceptional pianist and composer was trained through childhood performances at the Mount Calvary Star Baptist Church in his home town of Baltimore, schooled at the prestigious Peabody Institute and Berklee School, and seasoned through work with Betty Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Hendricks, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, operatic superstar Kathleen Battle, and dozens of other luminaries. His catalog of albums is asterisked with awards from the world's leading jazz publications. (News, Source: Jazz News/Amazon)

Pre-order "Cyrus Plays Elvis"

'Viva Las Vegas' ABC TV special review: This was the mainstream TV focus of this year's 30th Anniversary. The promos for the program raised Elvis' fans expectations since it promised "never before seen footage", as well as the idea of a re-evaluation of Elvis' triumphs in Vegas between 1969 to 1976 - as the program noted "in 1969 Vegas was a haven for has-beens." In the end however it comes across as more of a pretty good overall view of Elvis for the general public rather than any revelation for the hard-core Elvis fan.

The program starts with a historical update on Elvis' past. His creation of 'Rock'n'Roll' in SUN through to the terrible mid-sixties movies. The commentators are the usual EPE suspects, (Priscilla, Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito) but it was good to see enthusiastic fans such as Chris Isaak, Faith Hill, 50 Cent and Beyonce involved. Fans will also spot erroneous dismissive statements like "In 1968 Elvis hadn't had a hit record in seven years." Read EIN's full review and your feedback about the program

"Viva Las Vegas" does poorly in ratings: Patrick 68 posted this message on the FECC board:

'Variety has reported that the ABC special "Viva Las Vegas" did poorly with only 6.4 Million viewers, a very small number of people watching the show, despite good promo from ABC, looks like the show will be in the top 20 only because the regular programming resumes next week.' (News, Source: FECC)

Jailhouse Rock on Blu-ray - huge improvement in image quality: Here are 2 images from "Jailhouse Rock" from the FECC Forum. The first is from the new Blu-ray version, the second from the UK PAL standard DVD. These were taken very quickly using a Pioneer plasma, but give an idea of the huge improvement in the image of the new HD version. The colour temp have not been altered. (News, Source: davide on  FECC/Elvis News) 

"Rare Broadcasts DVD/CD: Due for release on October 22 is the CD and DVD package "Rare Broadcasts". No other information available yet. (News, Source: Amazon.co.uk /Elvis News)

Christmas CD releases in EC: Released September 13, 2007 is the eco-slipcase edition of "Christmas Peace". One day later the "Blue Christmas" compilation was released.

Track listing "Blue Christmas":
1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. First Noel
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Silver Bells
5. Blue Christmas
6. Silent Night
7. White Christmas
8. I'll Be Home for Christmas (News, Source: Amazon.de /Elvis News)

JAT sells out of Hot Shots and Cool Clips Vol. 3: Joe Tunzi has informed FECC that he has sold out of this item. Interested fans should check with their regular dealers to obtain a copy. (News, Source: FECC)

Library tour for Elvis book: Author Marc Hendrickx is ready to launch his first library Tour' vith his 600+ pages book "Elvis A. Presley - Muziek, Mens, Mythe". Marc tells Elvis's story and offers the visitors of his tour a chance to see rare footage, and hear stories about the book, and the greatest entertainer ever. There's no ticket charge. You can find a list of ths tour dates on the Dutch section of Elvis Matters. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

ABC Elvis TV Special reception underwhelming: If postings on the various Elvis messageboards are anything to go by then the Elvis ''Viva Las Vegas TV special has failed. The many postings paint a picture of a musically 50's, EPE influenced special lacking both heart and any real reflection of Elvis' impact on Las Vegas.

ABC website ELVIS special - interviews and videos: Complementing their 'Viva Las Vegas' TV program last night, ABC News have their own webpage dedicated to Elvis. The following stories and interviews are featured, so it is well-worth checking out.

- Elvis: The Original American Idol; Priscilla talks about Elvis' universal appeal.
- Something Incredible on the Scene; Priscilla remembers the first time she met Elvis.
- The Allure of Sin City; Jerry Schilling about why Elvis loved Vegas.
- Elvis: The Babe Ruth of Rock and Roll; Chris Isaak explains why Elvis is his idol.
- Faith Hill recalls her first Elvis concert at the age of eight.
- Beyonce Knowles says Elvis' effortless soul is timeless.
- Elvis Rocked the Garden; The Rock says Elvis set a benchmark for success in show biz.
- Elvis Is Everywhere; Chris Daughtry knows Elvis well, though he never met him.

GO TO. http://abcnews.go.com/entertainment/vivalasvegas  (News, Source; ABC)