Elvis*

Okay. To say we post infrequently is an understatement. But please try to understand. We continue to set out and try to have the Best Summer Ever in the Nation's capital, but every now and again, we are required to attempt to have one in another location. And for a little while, that has been the case for me.

Where is this mysterious exotic locale I speak of?

Why, it's Memphis, Tennessee. And from the looks of it, I can report that they love three things: (1) barbecue, (2) the heat, and above all, (3) the King.

Memphis barbecue. Depending on where you go, you will find the quintessential Memphis barbecue ranging anywhere from wet ribs, made with a mild, sweet barbecue sauce that's basted on the ribs before and after smoking to dry-rub ribs, made with a spice rub applied during or right after they've been cooked to simply a pulled or chopped pork sandwich topped with sweet, finely chopped coleslaw, served on the most inexpensive hamburger bun to be found. Whatever the case, they LOVE barbecue. Even the airport limits its vendors to serving barbecue (the exception being Starbucks, of course). Did I mention that I do not eat four-legged animals? Yeah. I am one of the few people in my entire company that would not absolutely love to eat Memphis barbecue for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner, and I am selected to spend the next several months taking in all things pulled, basted, and smoked to perfection.

The heat. What can I say? It has been a true joy experiencing the type of weather meteorologists dream of reporting. For the past couple weeks, I have had the thrilling opportunity of stepping outside into yet another record breaking 105-110 degrees. I believe I have actually reached the point where I welcome the cool (?) DC summer.

Elvis, Mr. Presley, The King. What does Memphis like more than barbecue? Elvis. When I was told I would be travelling to Memphis, there was really one thing, or should I say man, I was excited to see. That man is the King. And this is not because I am a crazed fan, but I do realize the influence this man had on music, dancing, society, and above all, sideburns.

In case you hadn't heard, August 16, 2007 marked the 30-year anniversary of the King's death. And where was I on this monumental day? Memphis. Well, me along with countless Elvi. It was nearly impossible to get a hotel room as all rooms were booked for Elvis Week. And the moment I stepped off the plane, the fun began.

I saw "young-pre-uppers-and-downers Elvis" in a leather jacket at the baggage claim. Then, the next day at lunch, I saw "later-years-and-touring-in-Hawaii Elvis" clad in a Hawaiian shirt. Then, the following night after dinner, I was out on Beale Street, and I saw "if-he-is-indeed-alive-he-probably-looks-like-this Elvis." Only this time, not only did I see Elvis, but I was committed to taking a photo to prove to all the doubters that The King LIVES! So, he got down on one knee, I took a seat, and in all his white jumpsuit glory, I had my picture taken with him. Oh, Elvis, you're such a devil in disguise…