March 6, 2007
The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about Elvis!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 6:59 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
We’re Shaking it Up, Talking About Elvis!
We might also talk about
- his movies
- his songs
- is he alive?
- has he left the building?
- were we born before he died?
- Graceland
- who is the new Elvis?
- other rock stars
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey.
Oh, and bring a link to share, if you have one.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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260 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about Elvis!”
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Joe said
What??? #1 again???
Char said
Hey Joe, you beat me to it by a refresh!
Delaney Kirk said
I killed Elvis.
ME Strauss said
YEA!!
Hiya! Joe!
Joe said
HELLO, Hello, hello… Is there anybody in there???…
ME Strauss said
Sorry, Delaney, No confessions in my comment box.
Marti said
Love me tender, love me true
Char said
My favorite song by Elvis is definitely “A Little Less Conversation”
http://www.last.fm/music/Elvis+Presley/_/A+Little+Less+Conversation
However, when it comes to blogging, business and life, the more conversation the better
Robert Hruzek said
Good evening, y’all! I do like the guy’s music, but I wish he’d stay dead!
Joe said
I just put on my Blue Suede Shoes to join the dance.
Is anybody dancing to the Jail House Rock?
Monique Attinger said
I made it! NO one in my family is sick (including me) and I made it! Hi, everyone!
Hey, I’m old enough to remember Elvis… Can’t say anyone quite compares…
Monique Attinger said
I just tried to submit a comment and it was lost in the ether…
Anyhow, I made it! NO one in my family is sick (including me) and I made it! Hi, everyone!
Hey, I’m old enough to remember Elvis… Can’t say anyone quite compares…
Marti said
Heresy, Robert!
LOL
(I love the Big E)
Robert Hruzek said
A few years ago I had a three-month consulting gig in Las Vegas. (Rather ironic since I’m not a gambler.) One thing they DO have is plenty Elvis impersonators!
Delaney Kirk said
No, I’m serious. I was never really a fan but had a friend that lived and breathed Elvis. So I camped out all night to get concert tickets for my friend’s birthday (only time in my life I did this) and Elvis died the next day….
Monique Attinger said
Hmmm… Sorry about that folks. Somehow my computer browser wasn’t refreshing properly and I’ve had to switch to another browser. I promise not to repeat myself again!
In my home town, I lived down the street from an Elvis impersonator. It’s strange to see a “normal” person have such an abnormal fascination / adoration for another human!
ME Strauss said
Hey Monique,
There’s an echo in here!
Marti said
Hello to Liz, Joe, Char, Robert-the-heretic,(snicker) Monique and Delaney.
ME Strauss said
Hello everyone!
Mike DeWitt has to teach but he left a message.
I’m teaching tonight so I’ll miss the fun. Throw in the trivia question “what is playing on the 3 tv’s in Elvis’ media room” and see if anyone can answer.
Marti said
Heartbreak Hotel has lousy room service…
Monique Attinger said
Sorry about the echo, Liz… Guess we need a few more people, and that will help the acoustics in the room…
ME Strauss said
No worries, Monique.
The Akisment monster gets hungry for beautiful women and JOE.
Monique Attinger said
I’ve got something really strange going on here… So I shut down and I’m back. We’ll see if I still have this weird thing going on.
Hey, Robert! Nice to see ya…
Robert Hruzek said
Marti, I wear the label proudly! Monique - how about “Elvis and insurance”?
ME Strauss said
Love me tender,
Love me sweet,
Never let me go
Marti said
Elvis is big with the bingo crowd - LOL
Joe said
Liz, the Aksimet Monster can get anyone, even the one and only ME (you) or Elvis.
Where did he ever get a name like that anyway? What’s an Elvis?
Marti said
Presley’s twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn, thus leaving him to grow up as an only child.
(thank you Wikipedia)
That’s gotta mess with your head growing up.
Marti said
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley
Douglas - Service Untitled said
Hey there everyone,
Haven’t been able to make it lately! Right now I’m slaving away on my newest project http://customercentricjobs.com/ (a job site for customer-centric companies), but I will be in and out!
Robert Hruzek said
I won’t be able to stay long tonight - got too many irons in the fire. However, I will share a bit of history.
Long before we met, my wife got dragged to an Elvis concert in Vegas when he was in his “white sequin suit phase”. During the concert he took off his scarf and threw it into the audience - right into her hand! Her response: “EEEEWWWW-yuck!” and she tossed it away!
Ironic, huh?
Liz, I’m just glad the Askimet monster is being given a sacrifice or two. I just installed it on my new blog, and hope I can keep the beast tamed. WP rocks (compared to Blogger)!
Joe said
Marti said the Wiki word… Marti said the Wiki word…
Na-na-na-na-naaa
Rick Cockrum said
So Joe’s stuck in Aksimet with a bunch of beautiful woman. What rotten luck.
My two favorite Elvis movies are ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Man in the Moon’, but when I was a kid I couldn’t wait for Friday night to see either an Elvis movie or Frankie and Annette.
Robert Hruzek said
Oops, just noticed the link was wrong. NOW it’s right!
ME Strauss said
Hi Doug!
Hi Rick!
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy, Rick! I never liked ANY Elvis movies. Does that mean I have to go home now?
He sure could pick a guitar, though.
Marti said
Think what that scarf would bring on eBay…
LOL
Monique Attinger said
Hey, Robert — you just keep coming up with topics for me, don’t you?!
I don’t know what’s going on, but I keep not being able to see my posts or get an updated page here, Liz… I’m closing the page, and then starting up a new browser session and that gets me the whole list of comments… But may pack it in early tonight if I have to keep doing this!
Marti said
RIck, I am a bit thick tonite…Forrest Gump and man in the Moon = Elvis movies?
Marti said
Oh Joe! I just spewed tea on the keyboard from your comment - LOL!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Liz, Doug, Robert, Char, Joe, Marti, Monique, Delaney (Hope I didn’t miss anyone.).
Robert Hruzek said
Oh, one last thing. Although I’m not a fan of Elvis the person, we DID find a small plastic wall clock that has his legs swaying back and forth for the pendulum! I have it in my office. Here’s a picture of an identical one - it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.
Marti said
Oh lordie…that clock…my keyboard may not survive the night…
lol
cat said
Elvis … hmmm … well, my dads best friends wife dated Elvis when he was still considered a nerd.
He went on to be famous and she .. well, she’s still a nerd.
Douglas - Service Untitled said
Hi Liz!
Marti said
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Monique Attinger said
Can we share cool blogs that we’ve found? I found one done by a guy in his 90’s… It’s a really nice read.
here’s the link: http://dontoearth.blogspot.com/
Rick Cockrum said
Marti - In Forrest Gump Elvis stays at Forrest’s mom’s rooming house. He learns to move his hips from Forrest. In ‘Man in the Moon’ Jim Carrey plays Andy Kaufman doing an Elvis impersonation.
My mind goes off on strange associations. Maybe I should sit in the corner and wait for Chris to bring Klondike’s.
Marti said
hi cat!
Tariq Khan said
Hi, everyone. First open mic night and I already broke the rules! Sorry, Liz, I read the previous discussion — good stuff.
What’s the Askimet monster?
I liked the fact that Elvis could really sing and play almost any type of music and do it well.
Marti said
hi douglas!
ME Strauss said
Hi Doug!
Hi Cat!
Char said
Yeah, where is Chris - I need a Klondike bar!
Robert Hruzek said
Hello Tariq! Liz, everyone, meet a good friend of mine - Tariq!
Marti said
hi tariq!
Joe said
Hey Rick,
Send me an Email, (I lost your address) I have a question to ask about May…
Marti said
I was a bellhop at Hearbreak Hotel
lol
ME Strauss said
hi Tariq,
The Akismet monster is the spam catcher Akismet that WordPress uses. It’s been catching Monique tonight. I think it’s that lovely outfit that she’s wearing.
Rick Cockrum said
Hello cat! Hello tariq! Good to meet you.
Robert Hruzek said
Hey, a while back Reuter’s had a story that Cobain knocked Elvis off the #1 dead guy’s chart.
Brooke said
Hello all! I hope that you are having fantastic evenings!
Tariq Khan said
Hi, Marti!
Robert, thanks for the intro.
ME Strauss said
Hi Brooke!
cat said
Hi Marti, Liz, Rick and all!
Monique Attinger said
Okay… I am NOT spam! Quit biting me, Akismet!
I may have to leave early tonight… This in and out of the room, and being chased by Akismet, is just plain annoying…
Can I suggest a cool blog I found? Here’s the link: http://dontoearth.blogspot.com/
It’s done by a 93 year old man. Very lovely read.
Brooke said
Ok - so I saw what open mic nite was about a few hours ago so I did a search about Elvis. I found this: http://dvd.elvis.com/magic_elvis/index.php.
It’s fun!
Tariq Khan said
Liz, Thanks for the information.
Hi, Rick. Nice to meet you, too.
Robert Hruzek said
No problemo, senor! I also forgot to mention to everyone that Tariq has been blogging for, what? a week? Welcome to the next energy level!
Marti said
At Open Mic Night, you’ll never talk alone
(groan - bad pun - lol)
hi brooke!
Rick Cockrum said
Sure thing, Joe.
No conversation about Elvis would be complete without the obligatory black velvet painting.
I saw one of his Vegas shows (white sequin suit era) on TV once. He was good. The worst thing that happened to him was never being told no.
Monique Attinger said
Down, Akismet! Down!
This is plain annoying. I may have to bow out early… Akismet keeps chasing me out of the room!
Can I suggest a cool blog? It’s done by a 93 year old man… Check out: http://www.dontoearth.blogspot.com
Marti said
wow tariq! welcome to the blogosphere - you just jumped in the deep end - lol (just kidding, this is the nicest room in the house)
ME Strauss said
Won’t you let me be
Your teddy bear?
Robert Hruzek said
Y’all have fun tonight strolling down Elvis lane. I’m off to hang more stuff on the walls…
Yee-haw! (Oops, sorry - the rodeo is still in town)
Chris Cree said
Hey Everyone!
I have it on good authority that Elvis was a huge fan of Klondike Bars. He had a truck make a regular run with 3 cases of the treats every other week. Brought ‘em down from Philly.
Gotta love Elvis!
In his honor tonight’s flavor is…
Original!
Who’s in?
Marti said
I will have quite a story to tell soon.
The boy bought himself an automobile, went to the DMV to license it and PASSED OUT - LOL (I can laugh since he is OK)
Douglas - Service Untitled said
Hours later: http://customercentricjobs.com/. Thoughts? Feedback?
Monique Attinger said
Down, “Akismet”! Down!
I think I’m going to have to leave the room… Akismet keeps biting me!
Sigh. Perhaps next week…
Marti said
bye robert. I fogive your heresy - lol
Marti said
bye monique
Rick Cockrum said
I’ll take one, Chris.
Er.. Marti? Why did he pass out at the DMV?
Good evening, Brooke.
Monique Attinger said
Hey! I could see my last post! Maybe “Akismet” is going to let me stay…
Marti said
I hope I am still blogging when I am 93….
Brooke said
LOL Chris! I’ll join in on the Klondike’s!
Tariq Khan said
Chris, please throw me one of those!
All — apparently elvis dyed his hair black. Here is a short story about Elvis that contains a part about the writer’s aunt dying Elvis’ hair:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewShortStory.asp?AuthorID=1519&id=17553
Chris Cree said
I see some new faces here tonight. Hey Tariq! Thought you’d brave the madness and check it out, eh?
Monique, You might hang out a bit longer. The very act of being let out of Akismet multiple times here will help your cause.
Monique Attinger said
Wouldn’t you just love to be blogging and doing something meaningful at 93? Me too, Marti! This guy is my inspiration… After all, I have young kids (6 and 1) and I’m 46… so gotta stay young to keep up with them!
Brooke said
Yeah - Why did Marti pass out at the DMV?
Chris Cree said
OOh! I gotta leave the K-B’s unprotected. to Check out American Idol. Be right back. Help Yourselves
Marti said
hi chris! drool…klondike…lol
Son passed out at DMV because it was very hot in the building, and he had just been to the plasma center, selling his bodily fluids to pay for the license - lol
Tariq Khan said
Chris & Marti, this is a great room! I’ve heard good things from Robert, who just left, and the reality is as good as the description — a very rare thing!
Brooke said
Too funny Marti!
Monique Attinger said
Darn it… I’m still having to get out and come back in… “Akismet” clearly doesn’t like me much!
Well, folks — I think I will pack it in. But lovely to see all of you. Be sure to check out the goodies at the side tables before you go. Some tasty things there…
(Monique saunters out to watch her favourite tv show… “House”!)
Tariq Khan said
Hey all, listen to Liz sing …
ME Strauss said
Tariq,
Have some wine perhaps? 
I would love to hear that description . . .
Brooke said
I agree Tariq. I have only been here a few times and I love it! The people are so nice.
Marti said
a joy to have you with us, tariq
yeah, son called me and said, “You aren’t going to believe what happened” This is the last thing you want to greet your mother with - lol
He said it was terribly hot and he started to feel faint, but he didn’t want to lose his place in line - LOL!
I wrote a chapter in the book about this same DMV building and how horrid it was. I remember a man from India asking me if it was always so hot and crowded. Now you KNOW things ae bad when a Calcutta native is asking you that - LOL!
Marti said
bye monique, sorry you had trouble
ME Strauss said
Don’t be cruel to a love that’s true.
Tariq Khan said
Tariq, now full of wine says, “Hark, how doth the songbird sing, whose dulcid tones…urk” — the last part of the description was cut off by Chris’ well thrown Klondike bar.
ME Strauss said
Oh Monique,
I’m so sorry, I’ll that checked out for you.
Marti said
Liz has a beautiful voice…..
ME Strauss said
Oh Tariq, “Watch Out” Chris does that!!
Joe said
Monique,
Looks like you beat off the Akismet monster (at least for the night). I had a lot of problems a while ago where I coultn’t even comment on my own Blog for days.
I was not a happy camper then, but once you beat it off, it seems to remember you’re one of the good ones.
Tariq Khan said
Liz, I did ask Chris to throw me a Klondike bar.
Thanks, Marti, the pleasure is mine.
Rick Cockrum said
Chris has a good aim, Tariq.
Do you only get caught in Aksimet hell if you use Aksimet yourself?
Chris Cree said
Sorry Tariq! I was a little distracted. By something I’d never seen before. (American Idol). But I just had to watch this time…
ME Strauss said
I know Tariq. That’s why you need to keep watch.
Wait until he bringss out the crayons. . . . or the superheroes.
Marti said
I am going to chill out with a new episode of House…pleasure chatting with all of you.
Best wishes for a delightful evening!
Peace and joy….
Chris Cree said
Or superheroes with crayons…
Brooke said
Never seen Idol before…riiight!
Renée said
Hello everyone,
Oh boy! I love Elvis! I like him most during his 50s and early 60’s movies.
Favorite song - Love me tender! Everytime I listen it, it melts my heart! Just like eating a bar of chocolate.
I went to Graceland twice when I was living in Knoxville, TN. Fell in love just looking at those stuff.
ME Strauss said
Don’t be cru-u-u-el.
superheroes with crayons. Oh no!
Francie said
Has Elvis left the Blog? AT least he left some Klondike bars!
Chris Cree said
Serious as a heart attack, Brook. Never have. Not much of a TV guy anyway.
(Not that I don’t like some good Sci-Fi or make sure my NCIS is TIVO’ed, mind you.)
Tariq Khan said
Liz, do tell about Chris and superheroes.
Brooke said
Not a TV guy? I LOVE tv! Thank goodness for my DVR!
Chris Cree said
Renée, my wife used to work with a woman who grew up right down the road from Graceland. Said she and her friends used to hid in some trees in the woods and throw rocks at Elvis when he went by on his motorcycle. I can’t believe she used to throw rocks at the king, but apparently they didn’t like him very much. Claimed he wasn’t nice to kids.
ME Strauss said
Tariq,just ask Chris to show you who he really is.
Brooke said
What does everyone like better…young, army Elvis or older, druggie Elvis? Why?
Tariq Khan said
Chris, would you mind revealing your true identity?
Chris Cree said
Dang! Y’all hit the Klondikes hard tonight! (Original’s always the most popular.)
Renée said
Hey Chris, fortunately I didn’t live during those time so can’t tell much about KING’s behavior towards kids.
But I do know that Graceland was really beautiful place. I’m not sure it still hold true for now. I visited during the mid 80’s.
Francie said
Loved “The Wonder of You” - one of Elvis’ later songs.
I’m too young to have been into Elvis as a teenager, but I remember where I was when I heard he died in August 197?
Terry Starbucker said
Hi, I only have time for one comment, but here’s my Elvis thing - I proposed to my wife while singing an Elvis song at a karaoke bar. Which song did I sing? One that I could fit a spoken proposal into. Guessed it yet? “Now the stage is bare, and I’m standing here, with emptiness all around”. But I changed those words to “and now I’m standing here, and I want to declare my love”. Yep, it was “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, and so Elvis will forever be a happy memory. You all have a GREAT evening and see you at SOBCon!
HART (1-800-HART) said
~waves to everybody
FYI .. in case anybody is interested ..
A few years back .. Scientists had just announced that they had some new multi million dollar computer software that can re-produce perfect images of what deceased people would look like today.
To prove a point they had released pictures of Elvis 25 years after his death (4 years ago in 2003)
You can SEE THAT COMPUTER GENERATED PICTURE …
Of course, I’m sure that you all remember when they “found” Elvis last year and THIS IS WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE TODAY ..
Yup.
Brooke said
I’ll be back later…
ME Strauss said
Chris look behind you. There are boxes and boxes of Klondikes there.
Chris Cree said
Tariq. Before you look, remember. You asked for this. It’s not pretty.
Chris Cree said
Oh! In the cooler. What was I thinking? Sheesh!
Chris Cree said
Terry! You gushy guy, you!
Francie said
“Are You Lonesome Tonight’ - another beautiful song!
Wonder if Elvis would have been into computers and blogging?
Tariq Khan said
Chris, make that Spidey, it’s an honor to finally meet you.
Rick Cockrum said
That was sweet, Starbucker (seriously).
I’m off, too. I told my daughter I would watch a movie with her. Y’all have a good night.
darrenh said
Elvis might have been into computers and blogging if he could have had one installed in a Cadillac.
Renée said
I wonder how old will Elvis be right now? Any ideal, anyone?
Char said
Chris - thanks for the Klondike - I need that chocolate tonight.
Chris Cree said
The pleasure is all mine, Tariq. I have a darker side too. But we don’t talk about that so much.
Rick Cockrum said
72, Renee. Still young.
Chris Cree said
Char, when it comes to the vital food groups of coffee and chocolate I am a true child of the MTV generation.
Too much is never enough! Glad you like ‘em too.
darrenh said
72
Marti said
I was so rude, I forgot to say goodbye
Night everyone!
Chris Cree said
‘Night Marti!
Tariq Khan said
Chris, that’s … crunch … crunch …cool. Sorry, just finishing up that Klondike bar.
Char said
Chris - like ‘em, I could survive on them. My biggest challenge right now is keeping out of all the Girl Scout cookies in the house right now. It’s my daughter’s first year of Brownies - how could we not buy a BUNCH?
Tariq Khan said
Goodnight, Marti. Nice meeting you!
ME Strauss said
good Night Marti!!
Chris Cree said
I know what you mean, Char. My wife actually bribed me tonight to eat a big salad with some chocolate covered Oreos. I’m a mess.
Francie said
Chris, can’t believe I’m going to pass on the Klondike bars tonight. Going for some hot chocolate instead.
Brrr… It is way freezing here like 10 degrees and howling wind.
What about Blue Hawaii? Have a blurry image in my mind of Elvis in that movie.
Chris Cree said
Francie, just so long as you’ve got the chocolate group covered I’m ok with it.
ME Strauss said
Hey Francie, I was craving hot chocolate today too. Which reminds me you never answered my email question. . . . I’m dying here.
Renée said
72, huh? Indeed young.
If he’s alive, I hope he didn’t go for plastic surgery like Priscilla.
Tariq Khan said
Brooke, I liked army Elvis better — more clean cut.
darrenh said
now i’m craving chocolate
Francie said
Char - Girl Scout cookies?!?! Yum! I restrained myself and only ordered 1 box this year. Haven’t arrived yet. Would go well with my Hot Chocolate.
Bet Elvis used to order them by the case!
Char said
Francie - it is terrible - Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, they are all good with coffee or hot chocolate. Did I mention that Thin Mints are wonderful for breakfast? Just don’t tell my kids.
Chris - Salads are good too. They are in my top 5.
darrenh said
bet he pout them on those fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches
HART (1-800-HART) said
Elvis was born 18 days before my father was born (on Jan 26/35). My father’s name is Aaron. He used to tell us that he sang better than “Aaron Presley” in his middle years and “Aaron Presley” was jealous because my dad not only looked like him, except more handsome .. but actually sang 10 times better than “Aaron Presley”. Apparently, it was well-known at the time that Young Mr. Presley decided to change his name to “Elvis Aaron Presley” not to confuse himself with my dad.
That is the part of the Party conversation that my mom would always interject and say something like … Oh Aaron .. You’ve been drinking too much! Nobody wants to listen to you sing!
Here’s a picture of my dad at my wedding back in 2002 .. I guess this is really how Elvis might have turned out to look like .. There are some resemblances on the younger pictures of my dad..
darrenh said
i was not trying to do dialect there. I meant put
ME Strauss said
The thin mints should be kept in the freezer.
darrenh said
our family is strictly tagalongs.
darrenh said
in fact. I’m going to get one
Chris Cree said
Hey! Maybe there’d be a market for a chocolate salad. Hmm? Hmm?
Francie said
Liz - oh, I’ll have to go check email. Guessing it wasn’t about Elvis.
I’ll say “goodnight all” with a parting mention of one of Elvis’ contemporaries - Ricky Nelson.
I don’t have any Elvis music, but I have Ricky Nelson “Went to a Garden Party”
Love that song!
ME Strauss said
Frozen thin mints and cold, cold, cold milk.
Tariq Khan said
Liz, thanks for the opportunity to visit and meet such wonderful people.
All — I enjoyed meeting you. Good night!
Renée said
Nite nite, Tariq!
Chris Cree said
‘Night Tariq! Keep a close eye on your crayons!
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Tariq
Thank you for coming!
Rodney Rumford said
actually elvis was amazing because he had “IT”. he had charisma,looks and talent galore. Make no mistake the guy could really sing and was truly a performer in the truest sense of the word. He could the simplest ballad and turn it on it’s head with his vocal talents.
And he was one of the true musical talents that really needed very nominal mixing down to sound amazing.
You won’t find that with too many of todays musicians. elvis was more of a performer han a musician, but he had a stly that was unique to him.
There shall never be another elvis!
ME Strauss said
Hi Rodney!
Sounds like you have Elvis covered.
Char said
Had to step away and make some hot chocolate and grab a Samoa cookie. I realized while I was in the kitchen that we may have a crisis in the morning - I’m out of coffee.
Chris Cree said
Char, Char, Char. Tsk. Tsk. You can’t have one food group covered and not the other!
[Shakes his head in sadness at the "challenges" to be faced in the Char household in the morning.]
HART (1-800-HART) said
~waves again to everybody ..
I have been listening to my .mp3’s of the Aloha From Hawaii concert (and then I’ll listen to the complete 50s Masters CD Set) .. but I feel that Akismet is killing this conversation for me.
Sorry Liz! Thanks for rescuing both my comments out of moderation
I’ll stop by later // HART
Char said
I may just have to drive the kids to school in the morning instead of sending them on the bus - then I can get a good strong coffee from a favorite coffee spot. But 6 am is going to be tough.
Brooke said
mmm…G.S. cookies.
Had to workout and play darts.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi everyone,
I made it here before the party was over this time. Yeah! I just realized I don’t have any Elvis CDs, only cassettes. How old does that make me? His “Songs of Inspiration” is my favourite Elvis album, but, boy, it has been a long time since I’ve listened to him. But my fav is Rod Stewart! I’ll see him in concert on Saturday, for the fifth or sixth time. His “Never Give Up On a Dream” has kept me going.
Liz, you mentioned you didn’t have any connections to Oprah. What about to Rod???
Rodney Rumford said
sorry i was late liz… you know… my weekly http://www.mojopages.com meeting just got over.
p.s. i recently purchased elvis’s greatest hits on itunes and it is a great trip back in time for me… listening to it as i write.
ME Strauss said
No, don’t either, Glenda, but I check to see who might . . . at least I know a few folks in the music industry.
darrenh said
I have purchased one (1) elvis song on itunes: That’s Alright Mamma.”
Chris Cree said
Brooke, those three things just don’t seem like they should go together…
Brooke said
well…not the g.s. cookies. But you lift weights, take a rest and throw a round of darts. Then lift, take a rest and throw a round of darts…on and on.
Brooke said
Darts helps with my motivation…
ME Strauss said
I call “Sentence out of context” — gosh we haven’t used that one for a very long time — I call it anyway!!!
Darts helps with my motivation…
That’s just too good to leave with out taking notice.
darrenh said
brooke, do they help get to the point?
Char said
Brooke - admirable - the most exercise I got today was doing my grocery shopping. Too cold outside for a good walk.
Rodney Rumford said
Sice we are supposed to bring a link to share I am bringing this one… This is a great blog by a vc in boulder that works with cool new emerging technology companies. Brad alwas has good insights.
http://www.feld.com/blog/index.php
ME Strauss said
That looks good Rodney. Thanks.
seanrox said
Hello everyone. Yes I am late to the party… stuck working again… yay…
I did want to mention that I share a birthday with the King of Rock Elvis Presley… see he was the King of Rock and I’m SeanRox… fitting don’t you think?
Brooke said
I said mmmm…g.s.cookies.
Then I said - I had to workout and play darts.
Chrid said - those 3 don’t go together.
The rest is just above!!
Funny darrenh!
seanrox said
Oh and did you know there is a way for us to actually walk on water?
I want to try it.
Char said
Sean - that is cool - when is Elvis’ birthday?
Sheila at Family Travel said
Am I too late? I brought a link! And some Jack Daniels!
And I love peanut butter and banana just like Elvis!
Brooke said
Very cool Sean!
Thanks Char!
Rodney Rumford said
Thanks to the group for helping me name a new business last week. The input from the group narrowed the the choices down to 2 and i made the final name choice.
That was actually pretty fun. The site was up in under ready for ecommerce in under 48 hours from the time the idea popped into my head. Now it only needs some visual tuning and the adcopy to be rewritten and i just got the first drafy from my copyrighter tonite… fun fun fun.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Hey, did the spam catcher get me? Where’s my post? I did mention J@@k Dan$$ls, but I’m not selling any, really.
Can’t I play? It was around #185.
Tony Hung said
Hey folks … glad to see the party is still going!
Char said
That’s exciting Rodney - it’s always fun to get a new idea off the ground - and so quickly, too.
Rodney Rumford said
oh my god i really need spell check on comments i am so darn fat fingered on the computer… lol
ME Strauss said
Hey Rodney,
You can feel free to leave a link if you think it’s ready to share.
Delaney Kirk said
Hi all. Got a phone call I had to take. Has Elvis left the building? BTW, his bday was January 8.
Brooke said
Let’s talk about bdays - mine is Sunday! Yeah me!
darrenh said
my b-day is a day that will live infamy (sp?)
Rodney Rumford said
ummmm ok Liz. under pressure i release this info… lol
i will leave a link. The final design changes are not implemented so Char is going to critique it.
And the ad copy will be totally changed before i sleep tonite, as well as some images…. feedback appreciated. Actually it will be cool for the people here tonite to see a before and after on a website makeover in near real time.
But feel free to blog about it and get the love going.
thanks!
http://www.myexcellentdomain.com/
Chris Cree said
Brooke, My biggest exercise these days is waits. Not much lifting involved. But I get to exercise lots of patience!
darrenh said
Delaney: Were you able to work something out with Scott Rains?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Cool Rodney! And awesome that you saw your idea through to action. How many great ideas are wasted because they aren’t put into action?
Wishing you success! I would love to hear more about it and the steps you took to make it happen so fast.
Char said
Rodney - It looks great - especially since I know you are still tweaking it. Nothing like just working on a site in a live environment - test sites are over rated
I have been modifying my personal blog all day - it has been through at least 8 iterations.
Rodney - definitely let us know when it’s ready to go - I’ll blog about it.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Let me out of Akismet! This is post #3!
Brooke said
Weights are good. I get a little stronger every day - that way I can knock out my husband! Ha - kidding!
ME Strauss said
Rodney,
No pressure and Char will be gentle!
Char said
Chris - my patience was definitely exercised today - by two cranky little girls.
Chris Cree said
SO TOTALLY COOL Rodney! I’m fired up about that whole deal!
By the way, who does your logos? They are beyond wonderful!
Joe said
Sorry I missed most of the convo
working hard to keep the condo
(Ok, it’s a house, but it doesn’t rhyme)
Elvis is King, but so is Content
without work they would surley descent
Into the depths they would fall
no money for any much less all.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Rodney Rumford said
Chris,
My go to design guy is amazing. I have worked with him for years and he does most of my logos and recently did the entire redesign of http://www.podblaze.com for us. He has a who’s who list of clients and he is affordable… all things considered. If anyone need some work done drop me a message and i will connect you to him. he is in high demand
http://www.thebenspot.com/portfolio/index.html
ME Strauss said
Good Night Joe,
Sleepy swell.
Char said
Goodnite Joe - I’m going to call it a night too.
David Armano said
Darn, late to the party.
Only thing I have to had is that rumor has it Elvis will be showing up at SOBCon ‘07.
Rodney Rumford said
Char,
Thanks for the nice comments. The copy is ready to be changed. i just got that back from the copywriter tonite. It will be totally ready to go in about 2 days. i need to get 2 images photoshopped and my designer is backlogged.
Brooke said
Goodnite Joe, Char, Liz and all! Thanks for this weeka open mic!
darrenh said
… ’til next time g’night
Chris Cree said
Rodney, he does great stuff. I think you’ve got a winner there. Good domain names are only going to get harder to find. Theoretically it your market should grow as the available domain pool shrinks.
I like it!
Sheila at Family Travel said
Well, this is so strange, I’ve never been silenced like this (!!) so I’m going to leave my link about visiting Memphis and go pout.
Memphis on a road trip: http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/moreuslinks/a/southroadtrip_3.htm
It’s a wonderful, musical city, I think Elvis is great, sorry I missed the party. I’ll keep refreshing till I feel the love.
ME Strauss said
Good night Brooke!
Delaney Kirk said
Hi Darren,
Yes, my students made a list of questions they wanted to ask and Scott Rains emailed the answers to me today. It will make a great in-class discussion. Thanks for introducing us.
GP said
GP checking in
albeit late… what i would do for a klondike bar ! 
Happy b’day
I got today that everyday can be a birthday… a rewnewed spirit, renewed heart, renewed motivation
Feeling better today, because I did get to exercise my thoroughbred mare.!
Night all
GP (grasshopper pro tem!)
Delaney Kirk said
Goodnight Liz and everyone,
I’m off to bed as have to teach in the morning. Sorry didn’t get to comment much but the phone kept ringing
ME Strauss said
Good Night Delaney
Hi bye GP! Keep an eye on those limos!
Rodney Rumford said
Glenda,
Here are the abbreviated steps I used to go from concept to final product in under 10 days. (I actually had a site that would collect money in under 48 hours)
1. bright idea at 2am
2. searched for competition and competitive landscape.
3. analyzed market and potential (10 minutes)
4. detailed pain points and potential market and value proposition
5. Registered 5 domain names and slept on the decision for the final name.
6. Picked a template, purchased
7. Tweaked template design
8. Hired designer for the logo (very basic design logo)
9. Uploaded everthing to a dedicated server
10. Started a blog (wordpress)
11. Designed and implemented a google adwords campaign for traffic for testing of ad copy
12. Hired a professional copywriter to get it all to make sense for my target market (my first pass copy is what you currently see.
13. Set up buynow button with paypal
14. Created a submission form to automate the data collection process.
15. Created bonus materials from mass amout of original content that resides in my library of “stuff” that i have written.
16. Assembled team of experts to deliver services
17. Already had access to high end selection software that leverages teams collective brain power.
18. A/B split testing of copy and price points will follow as the site matures.
So basically I created a revenue stream for our company in under 20 steps and a put he processes and procedure in place to allow the business to scale if required. People need to take action and see their ideas to fruition. It is very empowering. Truth be told about 5 out of 10 of my ideas take off… which is pretty good. If i were a baseball player i might go to the hall of fame. But lot’s of people say… but you fail half the time and i say “failure is only when you don’t learn from the experience and apply that to future ideas”.
I encourage every one to take their idea to fruition… sorry for the long post here. I am just very passionate about the topic of success and entrepreneurship.
ME Strauss said
Rodney,
That’s your blgo post for the Virtual Conference — Just the 18 steps.
ME Strauss said
I have just deactivated Akismet
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
I’m so sorry to you, and Monique and HART, and me for having to watch Akismet like hawk tonight.
Rodney Rumford said
Sorry for the long 18 steps. Hey i want my virtual conference to be about video and where it is taking us and how we can all connect through video!
Sheila at Family Travel said
OMG! You like me, you really like me.
So anyway, Graceland is SO over-the-top, but frankly, in the days of Britney Spears shaving her head, it almost seems normal.
There’s nothing like standing at Sun Studio, at the same microphone where the King supposedly sang.
Yes, I got the dorky tourist photo of me next to it.
Rodney Rumford said
Sheila,
Your disney series is great. Very cool! you should write reviews at mojopages.com
hey i wish i had a pic of me at sun studios. i am envious.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Aww, thanks very much. Did not know about mojopages and just went to check it out.
You ALWAYS learn something at Liz’s place….
I do regret not making it to Stax Records in Memphis; there was so much to see musically. Beale St. is great and not nearly so full of drunks and goofballs as Bourbon St.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Very impressive, Rodney! I love how you had an idea and went for it without second guessing yourself. I did the same thing with my virtual book tour and it has been quite a ride. Let’s connect via email.
ME Strauss said
Sheila is a world traveling wonder!
ME Strauss said
Glenda, I’m so glad you came and got to experience this. It’s just too hard to describe to someone who hasn’t been.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Hate to bow out but have a busy day tomorrow. Loved Rodney’s soup-to-nuts Idea Implementation Machine — very cool.
Rodney Rumford said
yea. This has been a lot of fun but i am signing off to spend some time with my wife and then come back to work until the wee hours of the morning… glenda, you can reach me via rssmarketing at gmail dot com …
nite all
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Liz, it’s interesting the conversation wanders like a real conversation. And it has been a great diversion from answering tomorrow’s interview questions. Oh well, that is what the midnight hour [and beyond] is for, right?
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Sheila,
Good night, Rodney,
Thanks both of you for coming!
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Glenda,
A perfect description of this time of night!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
nice meeting you, Rodney. I’ll catch you later via email.
Chris Cree said
Just read comment #229 and that clenches it. I want to hang out with Rodney! (Think I can bribe him with a couple Klondike Bars?)
ME Strauss said
I think you might be better off going the “smart and useful” route.
Trevor said
Hi there Liz - haven’t visited for a few days. Elvis - now I’m not a great fan but I did enjoy listening to him sing and seeing him in movies. But my mother was something else. She never liked music much, never bought records BUT she did buy his album featuring Christmas carols. She loved it. It was the only record she ever bought.
ME Strauss said
Hi Trevor,
When we buy an only it’s really something isn’t it. My dad had the only movie he to the theater to see. I have the only movie I’ve ever bought on DVD(or tape). Elvis must have had something she personally identified with.
Wow, Trevor, I bet it had more to with who he was as a guy before he got famous than how well he sang.
Marti said
Thanks to you Liz, and to all of the participants for a delightful conversation. Always fun, alwys a pleasure to be a part of.
Peace and joy to all!
ME Strauss said
Marti,
You are always a gracious guest and I so enjoy having you here.
Mike said
No takers on my question, eh? Oh, well. Gotta give props to Rodney. That was an education!
Cheers,
Mike
ME Strauss said
Wait a minute! Mike, Mike, Mike . . ..
What’s the answer to your question?
Mike said
My memory suddenly got a little fuzzy. I could have sworn it was Hawaii Five-O, Carson as Carnak, and Huntley & Brinkly, but I’m not so sure as I look at this. The only one I can make out for certain is Carson.
Maybe someone will correct me now!
ME Strauss said
Hi Mike,
You have me convinced. . . .
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Liz! just stopping back. I was browsing all of the posts to see what I missed from last night (that akismet was killing us!) But, it now looks obvious it wasn’t akismet’s fault .. all the ones complaining (including me) were posting links. In your dashboard under OPTIONS/DISCUSSIONS there is a field for comment moderation. I know in my blogs, I set that to 5 links because usually people posting this many links have naughty words in the URL anyway and my Akismet/Spam Karma2 catches it. And, I get so little comments that usually the ones posting the links tend to post a lot of links.
~ later!
Mike said
Well, the first one is always the most important! Thanks, Liz.
ME Strauss said
Hi HART!
Thanks for letting me know. I haven’t had time to go back to look yet. I’ll go check it out. I think I have it set to three links, but it could have gotten reset in the new design.
Thanks again!
ME Strauss said
Hi Mike!
Aw shucks.
What Did We Talk About? Elvis, of course! - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said
[...] It was a busy night. The conversations included Elvis, Blue Suede Shoes, Jail House Rock, Las Vegas, … Elvis impersonators, Heartbreak Hotel, bingo, Elvis wall clocks, the Askimet monster, American Idol and House, … crayons and superheroes, Girl Scout cookies, Ricky Nelson, Cadillacs, Graceland, and … a marriage proposal while singing an Elvis song. Wow! You can read all about it in the comments section. [...]