Memphis is My Home

30
Aug

Hernando-Desoto Bridge

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Or as we like to call it, “The New Bridge.”

Earlier this week, the bridge was closed. At first, I was certain this was because they were attempting to quickly construct a toll booth overnight. Yeah, that’s a joke. Kinda.

Actually, it was because, according to officials, one of the piers that supports the bridge had settled four inches overnight.

Wait, huh? Is that supposed to happen? I have to go over that bridge nearly everyday. Now you’re telling me the thing just moves when it gets the notion?

So, the bridge was closed and we’re supposed to be okay with the fact that there was construction one day and everything’s okay now. After the bridge collapse tragedy, this is not funny, sweets.

25
Aug

Elvis Week Video - Graceland on Parade

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

So for those of you wondering just what it was that people in Memphis were experiencing last week, here is the video in all its glory.

Elvis Week at Graceland Video

20
Aug

Elvis Week Is Over

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Phew.

This week has been a madhouse for those in Memphis. Take a look around and you might just spot a car with “Memphis Bound: We Love Elvis” written on the back windshield.

As promised, I did get some of the madness on film. I have to say though - for the most part - I was exceptionally pleased with those who attended the festivities. Some of the nicest, most talkative, lovely people came here to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of all things Elvis. We (we being Memphis) garnered a ton of national publicity and I’m sure those of you around the world at least heard something about us. For this, I can’t complain. Memphis tends to get a lot of bad publicity and a little good publicity that might generate more business and tourism is always a good thing.

For those of you that are returning home to your home cities, states and countries, I do hope you enjoyed your time here. I met a number of you from all over the world. Italy, England, Scotland, Japan. I was thrilled that so many of you seemed to be enjoying your time spent here despite the oppressive heat. I hope that you’ll return again and enjoy it just as much as you did this time around.

17
Aug

The Biggest Loser Auditions in Memphis

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

NBC’s The Biggest Loser is casting for new participants in Memphis.

Auditions will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 24 Hour Fitness at 1285 Ridgeway. All potential participants must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the United States.

However, if you can’t make it this Saturday, you can still apply by sending a short biography and photograph by email to nbcbl5@yahoo.com.

Good luck to all those attending!

15
Aug

Guy Sebastian’s Memphis Blog: Updated Link!

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

I’m not quite sure what happened, but something went wonky with the link on the previous post about Guy Sebastian’s time in Memphis.

This *should* be the correct link. I’m not quite sure how the link began diverting to Wikipedia. Sometimes, I believe I have a small troll that runs around wordpress and causes havoc. I have yet to disprove that.

I can only hope that Guy is adjusting to this unruly heat. Memphis has experienced a heatwave that has already caused a deathtoll of five. We have been experiencing temperatures of 105 Fahrenheit/40.5 Celsius.

At this rate, we’ll be lucky to see cooler temps by December. Which is okay. Who needs Christmas when you’ve already went broke due to your cooling bill?

06
Aug

An Australian Idol in Memphis: Guy Sebastian

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

We’ve had a lot of our own American Idol contenders hail from Memphis and nearby vicinities, but this time, an Australian Idol will be visiting the land of insane heat waves and the 240 loop.

Guy Sebastian will be in Memphis over the next coming weeks recording, get this, a tribute album highlighting the music and legacy of Stax. I think it’s fantastic that such a young artist (I speak as if I’m ancient - I’m still in my twenties, folks!) appreciates and acknowledges Memphis’ true musical heritage.

Guy’s going to be keeping a diary of his time in Memphis and I, for one, think it will be interesting to see our city and our music through his eyes. You can read his diary here.

And by the way, locals, if you run into Guy, please don’t do any bad “Shrimp on the Barbie!” jokes. In Australia, they’re prawns!

06
Aug

Elvis Week: Let the Madness Begin

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Graceland, Memphis, TN

Originally uploaded by G. J. Charlet III

This photo, found on Flickr, is a shot of one of the best things to be found in Graceland. Blasphemy? Maybe, but that’s one really cool peacock.

Stained glass peacocks aside, I’ve already seen the people pouring in from all over the earth in order to pay homage to Elvis Presley. If you’re one of those people, here are a few pointers from a native.

1. Graceland isn’t necessarily in the most beautiful part of town. This always shocks people. It’s surrounded by old car lots and not-so-pretty strip malls. I’m not old enough to know what Graceland looked like when Elvis was around, but I’m willing to bet that the surrounding area didn’t look like it does now with its garishness. Otherwise, he might have been looking for a realtor.

2. For the most part, the locals try their best to ignore the madness that is Elvis Week. If you’re like me and you’re a writer and videomaker, well, the madness is too good to pass up, but mostly, the only time most of us think about Elvis is when we have to tell someone to “turn on Elvis Presley and then…”

3. While you’re here, there actually are other things to do! If you make your way out of town just a bit to the east, there’s Collierville, a quaint little town with little homey restaurants and boutiques. Midtown Memphis offers a variety of kitschy shops and an independent film theatre.

4. It’s hot. Really hot. Today, we’re under a heat advisory with no relief in sight. Plan your activities so that you’ll spend good bits of your day in air conditioned venues.

5. Memphis does have a very high crime rate (we’re #1 in the nation for violent crime, per capita - lovely bit of trivia there). Be careful and use common sense.

6. If you plan on visiting Beale Street, keep in mind that it’s quite mad during the evening. If you’re not used to Bourbon Street at Midnight, you won’t enjoy Beale Street at night. You can see the shops and sights for free before nightfall as well as enjoy the music and booze.

If this is a lifelong dream of yours and you’ve never been here before, make sure you’ve done your research before you come. There have been many disgruntled visitors who didn’t do their hotel research ahead of time and found their accommodations weren’t the best upon arriving. Don’t hesitate to contact a Memphis community or site and ask for opinions if you’re unsure.

02
Aug

Elvis Week: Welcome to the Jungle (Room)

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Every year in Memphis, there’s this weird tradition. This tradition involves Elvis and various celebrations and even a candlelight processional. You know, the kind that’s normally reserved for religious holidays.

Well, that time is upon us again. Elvis Week, as it’s called, is soon to take over Memphis and soon we won’t be able to turn on our televisions without hearing Elvis’ rendition of “Hound Dog” or “Heartbreak Hotel.” Once again, I’ll be in the midst of the madness, video camera in hand. However, if you’re interested in seeing the madness first hand, you can check out the official (yes, there’s an official one!) Elvis Week page and their complete calendar of events.

Because you seriously don’t want to miss the numerous people who will be dressed in rhinestones and jumpsuits, do you?

Elvis Week Calendar of Events