Happy Easter to All; We’re going to skip the talk of bunnies and chicks and go straight to the groundhog talk.
It’s Spring Time finally, a bit later even than Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog that mistakenly predicted an early spring on Feb. 2. The ground varmint may get his due, after charges were filed against him last week in jest. The Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, a borough about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, attracts worldwide attention each year. Little does, but, a few folk know that Ground Hog’s Day was filmed in the small town of Woodstock, a suburb outside the Chicago area and the house that Bill Murray awoke in every morning was the same house that my Goddaughter, Paris’ dad grew up in. Yes, Tom R. and his seven brothers and sisters grew up in that house. Tom’s father was a captain for United Airlines and purchased the house many years ago to raise his large brood. More interesting is that the story of how I became Paris’ Godfather nearly twenty years ago is shared in my latest biography / memoir – “In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter.”
“In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter” is two stories in one that intertwine to become one incredible adventure and book. This is the true story of the legitimate, illegitimate Son of the KING of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Mr. ELVIS Presley, strewn together with the adventures and perils encountered while telling of John Dennis Smith’s birthright. His secret has been closeted in the attics of the forbidden for over five decades. Now join me as I take you up the narrow stairway, through the cobwebbed doorway and together we will slowly open the creaking door, creep delicately to the darkened corner, open the dusty, wooden box, pick up the book carefully (we don’t want to awaken a sleeping scorpion), open the first page and begin to read the mystery that lies within Cave Creek, Arizona.
The biography tells of when Dennis John Smith found out who his birth dad and mother were on his 27th Birthday and how he has waited five decades before sharing with the world of his adoption and birthright. The story is intermingled with the trials and tribulations of getting this book to print and published. It is one incredible journey and adventure. A must read if You enjoyed, “My Bad Tequila” or if You’re an ELVIS fan, there are 500,000,000 of us! Hey, who isn’t an ELVIS fan? There’s even mention of Winston Churchill, Jerry Lewis, George Strait, Cyndi Lauper, Muhammad Ali, Glen Campbell, Wild Bill Wichrowski, Jack Nicholson, Zona Marie, Lawrence Welk, Lou Holtz, Annette Snyder, Garth Brooks, Steve Boyce, Mike Tyson, Bret Michaels, Priscilla Presley, Ernest Hemingway and Coach Chris Peterson for all You Football fans with a dedication note to my past friend and hero – Mr. Pat Tillman.
Speaking of the former Arizona SunDevil, Cardinal football player and Army Ranger – Mr. Pat Tillman, his fund run is coming up. Pat’s Run is the signature fundraising event for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Held annually in April at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium, the event attracts more than 35,000 participants, volunteers and spectators from across the country. Together they Run, Walk and Honor Pat’s legacy while raising important funds to support the programs created to pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service.
Pat’s Run features a 4.2 mile run/walk, a .42 mile Kids Run for children 12 and under and a Finish Line Expo. The 4.2 mile course winds through the streets of Tempe, AZ and both events are staged so that all participants finish on the 42-yard line on Frank Kush Field inside Sun Devil Stadium, symbolic of the #42 jersey that Pat wore while he was a Sun Devil. Proceeds from Pat’s Run directly support the Tillman Military Scholars program. This year the run will be held on April 20th. Can’t make it to Arizona, no worries, there are other runs across the country allowing for Team Tillman participation, for more information, go to: http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/pats-run/
As Pat Tillman would say, “Be Inspired. Give Back. Run / Walk / Honor”
Also, to welcome all Bikers to the gorgeous spring time, here in lovely Arizona is “Bike Week” which is held from April 5th – 14th and broken down into 2 stages: Pre-Rally Days –April 5th thru 9th and Cyclefest at WestWorld of Scottsdale from April 10th – 14th. For the real Bikers & Harley Davidson lovers, the place to be seen and heard is at the world famous “Hideaway Gill” somewhere in Cave Creek, Arizona – it won’t be hard to find, just follow the rumble of the engines and the hot chicas with big boobs, some tattoos and leather shoes. C’mon down and say hello to Rico on April 4th, 5th & 6th as I’ll have a table set up for sales of the epic, award winning, bestselling novel, “My Bad Tequila,” my new Children’s book, “ARIZONA Is Where I Live” and I’ll be taking pre-orders for the soon-to-be ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter” which most of the story takes place right here in lil’ ol’ Cave Creek, AZ. When YOU get here, find my favorite bartender Dawn, or Rick the manager or Mark Bradshaw the owner and tell him Rico sent you and that you want a shot of Azunia Tequila followed by a Corona. They’ll know then that you do belong to the greatest fraternity of Arizona Brothers and Arizona Sisters. Give em’ a “Like” on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hideaway-Grill/227878947315122
http://www.hideaway-usa.com/
As Mark Bradshaw would say, “Keep The Shiny Side Up, & The Rubber Side Down”
Now, to let you in on a few fun bands that I’ve listened to this past month: While visiting Palm Springs, California, I went into one of my favorite watering holes, THE PUB, where I rocked out to “Nite Fixx,” with Brian Nussle – bass, Chad Cancino – drums, Chris Hoschin – Guitar and they all share in vocals, singing great tunes such as “I Can’t Drive 55” – Sammy Hagar with Van Halen; “Rebel Yell” - Billy Idol; “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses; “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” – by Twisted Sister.
As Austin Powers would say, “YEAH, BABY!!!”
This time I didn’t have to visit a neighboring state to get some great Country / Rock with Hollywood Yates and the Wolf Pack at Harold’s Corral, again in lil’ ol’ Cave Creek, Arizona. Hollywood aka Don Yates is an Amigo of mine that I met a couple of years ago at the LZ Bar and Grill aka The Landing Zone at 2175 South Harley Drive in Yuma, Arizona for their anniversary party. Hollywood was the main act on stage and I was the only Author invited for a book signing right between the outside Tequila bar and the tattoo artist. Hollywood gave me an autographed copy of his CD, “Like We Used To” in exchange for an autographed copy of “My Bad Tequila.” A little history about Hollywood, he started out as a Rodeo Clown, then was the character “Wolf” on American Gladiators, has done some acting in movies including “The Crypt,” has done various commercials and now is concentrating on songwriting and performing. Don “Hollywood” Yates may be one of the hardest working performers in the industry. It was great to hear Mr. Yates with his band members of Jimmy, Rob, Rocky and Dave singing my favorite tune of Hollywood’s own song, “Like father, Like son, Like Hell.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbX_KWu2OS0
As Hollywood Yates would say, “Like father, Like son, Like Hell”
Well, there is “One Father” who is Great – Our Father who art in Heaven – GOD! Today, we celebrate GOD’s only Son who gave his life so that we might have a chance to live again. Happy EASTER – JESUS!
In closing, I’ll leave you with two other tunes, that of the legitimate, illegitimate Son of the KING of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Elvis Presley. Please listen to these two songs and you’ll know why I had to write John Dennis Smith’s story, “In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter.” When John sings “American Trilogy” you would swear that Elvis is in the House and has not left the Building.
John Dennis Smith aka John Starr singing, “World, We Will Be Late Today” – my personal favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WOq2_IEgF4
John Dennis Smith singing his Daddy Elvis’ song, “American Trilogy.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjHIzOJVkTs
And, too, I am, one of the Blue Elvi or Blue Elvis’ as seen again on Bleacher Report: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1584172-5-ways-you-know-youre-a-boise-state-fan?
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22article_headline%22%7D As Rico Austin would say, “Have a Double Shot of Reality”
Lots of fun things on the horizon, Uncle Rico was invited by Blue Ridge School District in Lakeside, AZ to discuss the profession of Author, Writer &/or Blogger to the High School students on Career Day. The last time Uncle Rico spoke to High School Students was at Borah High in 1985 when running for Mayor of Boise, Idaho when he was a walk-on football player at Boise State University. My, how times have changed. On May 11th, Uncle Rico will be a featured Author on, “It’s Story Time with JD Holiday” on Blog Talk Radio at 10:00 am EST, so that means the Uncle Rico won’t be drinking much tequila the night before “Kiddy Talk.” http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2013/05/11/its-story-time-with-jd-holiday-5-11-13
It will be a fantastic time as fellow Author JD Holiday is always sure to make each reading, a fun and an enjoyable experience for Listeners, Readers and Authors. I will also be attending the Southwest Book Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM, where I will have an Author’s table #8 on May 10th, 11th & 12th sharing with AZ Author, Leslie Kohler. Rico will be one of the featured authors at the Arizona Authors Association’s booth #525 on Friday, May 10th from 9 – 1 pm and again on Saturday, May 11th from 1-5 pm. I will also be presenting on Saturday morning at 10:00 – 10:55 am on, "Success as a Writer: A discussion of Social Media - Why it is important to use; Especially if you are a Beginning Writer and/or Blogger." We will discuss and have readings from my novels. So please pack up your bags and come to the Land of Enchantment – New Mexico. http://www.swbookfiesta.com/authors/RicoAustin.html
And then on May 19th, Rico has been chosen as the Author / Writer to represent ARIZONA in Annette Snyder’s, “Fifty Authors from Fifty States” Blog. Each week of the year, Annette features and spotlights a different writing professional across the Fifty United States. And ARIZONA is ready to be showcased on May 19th, 2013 – Arizona celebrated its 101st Birthday on February 14th, 2013!!! http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/As Ernest Hemingway would say, “In order to write about life, first you must live it.”
Last but not least, please “LIKE” my new page on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?...
As Elvis Presley would say, “Thank You, Thank You very much”
Saludos y Vayan con Dios,
Uncle Rico Rico Austin Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA
"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM
www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com
http://site.mybadtequila.com/Guestbook.php
Arizona Days - March 2013
My Bad Tequila - it's everywhere You want to be!