Congratulations to Lisa Marie Presley, and to her husband Michael Lockwood, for the birth of their TWINS!

Kudos also to Priscilla Presley and to all of Lisa Maries' children.

May God grant Lisa a full recovery. May God bless this family, those new arrivals and the entire "extended family", with health - compassion - love - peace - grace - respect and honor.

May you achieve all of your endeavors, personally and professionally, by assisting others (along the way) who are in (real)...need.

May you share your success, and material items, with others so that they can have food - shelter - clothing - warmth. May God enhance the knowledge, within our souls, the awareness of our task to reach out - help others - and do it each day of our lives. Whether it is someone next door, someone around the world, or someone in jail...give and give with love and grace.

To Mothers, and newborn children everywhere, may God bless you with health, happiness, and peace. May you learn that here in America we yearn for your health and we want you to know sadneess of your suffering. We do a lot...but we can do more. Show us what you need for our souls are listening.

Thank you God for blessing the families with the gift of love in the form of a baby...of self. May all babies, born in the World now and forever, be provided for with love, food, good health, all the days of their lives.

Nuff said.

Jeffrey Schrembs

Today we listened to (2) two (unfinished for complete disclosure) tracks from the "Elvis Duets Christmas" cd/album/etc. Needless to say, we have "mixed emotions".

The first fact is that Elvis, other than with Ann Margaret in Viva Las Vegas (wasn't she looking good in that movie?) when they "co-sang" My Baby Loves Me (but she doesn't know it yet), was not "into" duets. Contrary to "public belief" this was NOT solely because of Colonel Parkers "mentallity" of "the people buy an Elvis record to hear Elvis sing...and not just part of a song" but because Elvis had his own way to singing/arranging and it did not "work well" with (other) Artists. Also Elvis was a perfectionist, when it came to his music/arrangement, and he did not have "time" for other singers...who weren't.

Anyway, this Christmas Duet (we are sure) has/had good...intentions (by the actual Artists, their labels, etc.) and it will get people's attention. No one can dismiss the heartfelt emotions watching Lisa Marie' video of "Don't Cry Daddy". However, if you just listened to the song - without having viewed the video - the song seemed...(sorry because we admire Lisa Marie as an artist)...forced.

However, even though we are BIASED (and will always believe that Elvis was the greatest Entertainer, and Singer, who ever lived), hearing other Artists on the same songs with Elvis leaves us...wanting to hear more Elvis...and less "other Artists".

Most of Elvis' recordings, excluding those fun-filled 60's movies, are so powerful that they deserve to be listened to (a) as they were originally recorded (b) as Elvis intended (knowing that Elvis had many reservations after hearing the recordings when they were released) and (c) in the context of they should "stand alone" and not be "altered/changed"...just to sell a few more "units" (in the short term) but dilute (in our opinion) the overall future sales (in the long term).

Simply put an example would be if you took Elvis' favorite drink, which was Pepsi by the way (alert - alert - we are going to share with you some knowledge that you might otherwise NOT know: Elvis loved Pepsi because why? Ok, Elvis loved Pepsi because it was the (when finances allowed) drink that his grandparents provided and was cheaper than Coke (and on a hot summer day in the South an ice cold Pepsi had a certain "fizz/punch"), and then added 1/2 water (water is great by itself by the way) somehow the "combined drink" lacks it's "kick/taste". But, by itself, each drink is...good/great but combined...not so much. Get the picture?

We will have more to say as this "project" progresses. During the interim keep your ears "open" for more. Take care "friends in Elvis".

Sincerely, we are

ElvisCollectorWorldwide

Today we visited my Father, in the Hospital, and while in the waiting room we watched the "graphics" of the storms approaching the United States.

Having sent supplies, donations, etc. a few weeks ago (to the Relief Funds/Charities) here we are again with this...monster storm approaching.

Our thoughts, prayers, and attention is focused on those facing these storms. Hopefully, this storm will "pass" and there will not be any...loss of life.

After reading all of the "magazines", drinking 50 cups of coffee, and watching patients leave/arrive all hours of the night/day I kept recalling things that my Father taught me/us and how he instilled in me/us the fact that it is NOT enough that we just "think/pray" (for others less fortunate) but that we give our most precious asset (along with money)...our time.

Sadly my Father was unable to speak much but as he struggled to turn towards me, with the "beeps" and the cords and the devices, I picked up the note pad of his "things to do" and at the top was a request for all of us to do what we can to help those adversely affected by the storm. I left the room in tears. With all he has going on, and sadly has gone through, he still finds the time to put others needs...first.

On EBay, as in life, we are all so very busy. There are a million things to look at, sell, buy, and save up for. I/we are thankful that EBay allows so many different charaties/non-profits to benefit from EBay transactions as well.

To those currently facing these storms, to those still dealing with the consequences of the previous storms, to those who will face future storms please know that you are - and will forever be - in our thoughts/prayers.

I encourage all of the EBay COMMUNITY to continue to give to the various charities/non-profits. I also encourage you to give up, as much as possible, some of your most precious asset (excluding your health and that of your family)...your time. If we all do just a "little more" we can make a positive difference in the lives of those...facing the storm.

Take care and God bless.

Labor Day - Monday, September 1 2008 the calendar reflects. Our kids ask "what is Labor Day"? "Why do we have Labor Day"? "What type of Labor do we have to do to get out of school today"?

Well, when I think of Labor Day I think about all of the men and women, now and throughout the years, that got up each day - went to work - worked hard - came home - took care of their family - and started again the next day. I also think about our brave Military (men and women) who are (truly) "laboring" in a foreign Country.

I also think back to EVERY wonderful "labor" (and delivery) whereby my children came into this world. Truly a blessing then, now, and forever. Oh yeah, I can't just type the word "labor", and then go on, as I need to say THANK YOU (to all the Ladies/Mothers/Women,etc.) for carrying that child inside of you (and in your heart). Those pains, sleepless nights, questions, guilt, joy, planning, thinking, conversations, weight gain, hopes, dreams, aspirations, medical appointments, family planning for the arrival, hospital personnell, etc. So, I must give out a SINCERE HEARTFELT THANK YOU to all of the Ladies/Mothers/Women of this World for sacrificing their health to bring life into he World. My heart/prayers go out to those, as well, who had complications and/or made hard decisions as well.

Anyway, I thought you may want to know the REAL HISTORY OF LABOR DAY...so here it is (you can thank me anytime with cash/gold/precious jewels/laughter, etc. ha ha):

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The History of Labor Day

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

WOW. That is all that we can say...WOW.

EBay Feedback is a wonderful, powerful, unique tool that should (always) be used to ascertain how the Seller/Buyer handles the transaction/listing. However, there can be (which we sadly had to endure over the past few weeks) ABUSE whereby the Feedback left is (wholly) unwarranted and does not accurately represent what occured (and is/was designed to "tarnish/adversely affect" us).

Fortunately, should you be faced with the reality that the "negative Feedback" left for you is NOT accurate and/or is designed (for whatever reason(s)) to adversely affect your business, EBay has "checks and balances" in place whereby you can either (a) respond to the Feedback -by leaving your feedback about them and/or leaving a "response" feedback to the feedback that they left for you (b) report the Feedback (if it meets the criteria for abuse/profanity/etc.) to EBay and/or (c) do both # A and # B (highly recommended).

First though my advice is to immediately contact the person and see if it can get worked out. Then simply follow ALL of  EBay's policies and procedures and respond...quickly. Also make sure that you keep copies of ALL emails/listings/communications pertaining to the transaction "in question" and have any/all documentation "readily available" in reference to the shipping/receiving/item/etc. The more information/documentation that you have the easier/quicker it will be to resolve the concern(s).

However, believe it or not, there are SOME individuals who can never be satisified which is a sad fact indeed. This is just a "fact of business" whether it is on EBay, or elsewhere, some individuals opt to manipulate the "system" at the expense of your time/efforts/good name/etc. regardless of how accurately your item was listed - how quickly you shipped the item - and/or anything else.

We have GREAT respect/appreciation for everyone that offers products, and buys products for that manner, on EBay. When, and "if", the time comes where you are "faced" with the prospect/reality of a "negative Feedback" simply (a) get your documents/information together and (b) pursue your options as referenced herein AND make sure that you are "fully up to date" of all of EBay's policies and procedures as well.

Continue to strive for 100% positive Feedback, learn from any/all mistakes, act quickly, puruse your options aggressively, and make decisions based upon the "facts" and not the comments left should they be "negative Feedback".

Life is (sadly) TOO short so you have to "balance" your efforts while considering your (hard earned - hard worked for) "reputation/feedback". Working everyday to EARN "positive Feedback" is a worth-while endeavor deserving of respect/admiration/applause (here - here)!

Take it from someone who has "been there done that" the beauty is that (the vast majority) of EBay Buyers are GREAT/WONDERFUL so don't let the "actions/attacks/adverse intent" of one (or a few) sidetrack you from improving your busines and successfully listing and pleasing your customers.

Lastly, the "silver lining" is that you may learn a few things that could actually IMPROVE your "business model/systems". If not, then you adhered to EBay's policies and procedures (which are mandatory by the way) and did your best. I have faith that REAL EBay Buyers/Sellers can see when a "negative feedback" is real/justified OR just "personal attacks" and that they take it into "consideration" versus all of the other "positive Feedback".

Take Care!