January 22, 2012 A Pool for Elvis

[CaliforniaMama]

Spence Manor sits right across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame, in Tennessee. During its heyday, it was a hotel of suites where Elvis Priestly (sic) liked to stay when he was in Tennessee recording music.

In order to attract more visitors, the owner decided to build this guitar-shaped swimming pool.

The hotel is now a complex of condominiums and the residents still enjoy taking a dip in the pool now and again. The pool remains an attraction and from time to time it still gets a part in a movie.

The architecture of the pool is perfect. It has such wonderful detail as the chords and the round opening in the guitar that are painted in black at the bottom of the swimming pool to look just like a guitar when seen from above.

More interesting architecture and home design details at Homedit.

Thanks to Classicman for sharing!

[Sundae]

I'm sure this featured in a Neil Gaiman short story.

[CaliforniaMama]

Originally Posted by Sundae

I'm sure this featured in a Neil Gaiman short story.

The mystical universe is at work today. I haven't had a chance to look at this thread until now. On a quirk, I searched the above author, as he was unknown to me. Up comes his blog.

Today's blog entry is about the three authors that most influenced him. The first is one of my faves, the second one of hubby's faves.

This, of course, has piqued my interest. Can you suggest a good first read?

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaMama

Can you suggest a good first read?

His short stories (Smoke and Mirrors), or one of his novellas (Stardust, Neverwhere). I have all three in a single volume and it makes for a great taster.

He also writes children's books - Coraline and The Graveyard Book are whimsical tales with some meat on the bones.

Full novel American Gods is classic Gaiman.

As you can see, I am too much of a fan to recommend one over another.
There's plenty out there to make your way through if you decide to commit.

[Pete Zicato]

I've read The Graveyard Book. Mrs. Z got it free at some event. It's a good story. Definitely targeted at young readers, but if you take it in that vein...

[HungLikeJesus]

Celebrity Death Pool 1977.

[infinite monkey]

I can't get past this:

Spence Manor sits right across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame, in Tennessee. During its heyday, it was a hotel of suites where Elvis Priestly (sic) liked to stay when he was in Tennessee recording music.

[Happy Monkey]

His masterpiece is Sandman, but I wouldn't reccommend that as a first read unless you're into comic books.

Any of the ones mentioned is a good start.

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaMama

This, of course, has piqued my interest. Can you suggest a good first read?

American Gods. Classic, and accessible to people who aren't (yet) diehard Neil Gaiman fans.

Another fantastic children's book he wrote for even younger ages is The Wolves in the Walls. Minifob's favorite, and he chose that one for me to read when I was "guest reader" in his class. I had to check with the teacher first to make sure she thought it was okay, as it's a little on the scary side... if your kid is a wuss.

Also The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, and Blueberry Girl.

But I digress. Adults should start with American Gods.

[CaliforniaMama]

Wow, lots of good suggestions. I have added American Gods to my reading list. Thanks!

[jimhelm]

+1 for american gods.

what was that one about the underground something or other? EDIT... Neverwhere... I see that Sundae mentioned that already....

[Sundae]

Hai, Neverwhere.
It was a slow burner for me (coming from the Sandman comics)