By: Paula Green

You’ve gotta love our Battling Buccos!  Sometimes the Pirates’ season can play out like the Hollywood movie – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.  Over the years, we’ve had many good players, managers and exciting games.  On the flip side, we’ve also had some bad players, managers and heart-breaking losses.  [Read more…]

By: Paula Green

Ben Franklin was known as a great inventor, a brilliant politician and even a leading author, but did you know that he was also the colonies’ Postmaster General?  On July 26, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed him the first Postmaster General of the organization now known as the United States Postal Service (USPS).  He was responsible for all Post Offices — from Massachusetts to Georgia — and had authority to hire as many postmasters as he saw fit.  Franklin served until November 7, 1776.  [Read more…]

By: Paula Green

The fourth of May is an ordinary day to most folks, but for Star Wars fans it is a time celebrate.  That’s because it is “Star Wars” day, and there’s a logical explanation for this choice – “May the fourth be with you!”

The film’s creator, George Lucas was so sure the film would flop that instead of attending the premiere, he went on holiday to Hawaii with his good friend Steven Spielberg, where they came up with the idea for Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). [Read more…]

By: Paula Green

It’s that time of the year again for haunted legends and bewitching folklore.  The spookiness and intrigue becomes more spine-tingling when the tales are found within our own region.  This month, we’ll explore some supernatural Pittsburgh tales and look at scary movies that were filmed in our area. [Read more…]

By: Paula Green

          He shook the hearts of many and was “the King of Rock and Roll.”   Elvis Aron Presley was a music legend.  He was born on Jan. 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Miss., to Gladys and Vernon Presley.  His twin brother Jessie Garon was stillborn, which left him to grow up as an only child.      
 The Presley’s had little money and in 1948 they moved to Memphis, Tenn., when Elvis was 13 years old.   He was raised with a deep faith in God.  He attended the Assembly of God Church with his parents and gospel music became a strong influence on him.
          According to his family, Elvis was disappointed when he received a guitar for his 11th birthday and would have preferred a bicycle or a rifle.  He managed to win a musical talent contest at Humes High School.  After graduation in 1953, he work various jobs, all the while he was pursuing his musical dream.
          His break came in 1954 when he cut his first demo That’s All Right with Sun Studios.   In late 1955, Presley had developed a following.  His gyrating hips, good looks and musicality earned him a record contract with RCA Records. 
          On Jan. 27, 1956, Presley released Heartbreak Hotel which was his first No. 1 single, as well as his first No. 1 album Elvis Presley.  His success continued that same year when he signed a movie contract with Paramount Pictures.
          Presley starred in 31 films, and two documentaries.   He made history with his television appearances, specials, and often record-breaking concert performances.  Even a stint in the Army didn’t squelch his soaring success.
          Presley was drafted in 1957 and served in Germany for a year in a half.    While he was deployed, he met a beautiful teenager named Priscilla Beaulieu.
        After leaving the Army in 1960, Presley resumed his career and was on top of the record charts with the soundtrack for his film GI Blues.  He continued recording music, films and soundtracks.
        In 1967, he and Priscilla wed and had a daughter, Lisa Marie, the following year.  Their wedded bliss only last for six years.  The two divorced in 1973 and Priscilla received custody of Lisa Marie.
       Presley began to wrestle with weight problems and drug addiction.  On the morning of Aug. 16, 1977, he died of heart failure at the age of 42, at his Graceland home in Memphis.  It was later ruled his death was related to prescription drug use.
        Every year, thousands of fans continue to visit his 13.8 acre Graceland estate.  His good looks, sensuality, and charisma endeared him to millions.  Globally, he sold over one billion records, more than any other artists.        
        Since we have told you about Elvis’ Burning Love for music, we must now be “fools and rush in” to our Presley probe.   Get set to shimmer and shake, because it’s time to get a little trivial…. 

1. What year was Elvis inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland?
2. Every time she opened a Vegas show, this female entertainer received floral arrangements from Elvis until his died.
3. What was the name of Presley’s pet chimpanzee?
4. Elvis is a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln’s great, great grandfather Isaiah Harrison.  What other U.S. president was his distant cousin?
5. What Elvis event occurred on Jan. 8, 1993 to commemorate what would have been his 58^th birthday?
6. What was Presley’s first film?
7. 7.      Name the actress who starred in three Elvis films – Girl Happy, Clambake and Spinout.
8. What was the name of Elvis’ manager?
9. Elvis made his first television appearance on Jan. 28, 1956 on what show?
10. In 1967, Presley received his first Grammy Award for what song?
11. Which movie was Elvis filming when he received his draft notice?
12. What was the name Elvis’ first gold record?
13. Name the Elvis movie that featured Mary Tyler Moore and Ed Asner.
14. What present did Elvis buy for his mother in 1957?
15. Elvis bought Graceland for $100,000, who was he bidding against to purchase this property? 

Answers:  1. 1986  2. Ann-Margret  3. Scatter  4. Jimmy Carter  5.  Elvis postage stamp was released  6.  Love Me Tender  7. Shelley Fabares  8. Colonel Tom Parker  9 . Stage Show  10.  How Great Thou Art  11. King Creole  12. Heartbreak Hotel  13. Change of Habit  14. pink Cadillac  15. Y.M.C.A.
Sources:  http://www.biography.com/print/profile/elvis-presley, http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx, http://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/elvis_presley/trivia.html