Notwithstanding Einstein’s theories about it or Britney Spears’ belief that some of us are already doing it (yikes!), time travel would be an interesting way to spend a vacation. Robert Silverberg played with the idea in his 1960’s science fiction novel, Time Tours, and as Saskia mentioned in an earlier blog (which inspired this one along with Julia’s blog about the popularity of woo-woo, which I love), one of Saskia’s favorite reads was H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. I loved what she said about being a young bookworm when she’d read it and felt horrified at the idea of books crumbling to dust on the shelves as centuries pass. (Note to Pulitzer committee: in the end, we all turn to pulp!)
Of all the things to witness in history (the painting of the Sistine Chapel, the signing of the Declaration of Independence). Of all the famous people to have a drink with (William Shakespeare, Samuel Clemens, Teddy Roosevelt). Share a spot of tea with (Jane Austen, Agatha Christie). Or to spend the night with (Benjamin Franklin—yes, that’s right, I’d choose one of America’s Founding Fathers, who also happened to be a notorious Hellfire Club rake). Of all the astounding things to view (the Age of Dinosaurs, Orville and Wilbur’s 12 seconds above Kitty Hawk, NC, Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon), I’d have to say, my use of a time travel machine would most definitely take me to…
Las Vegas, Nevada, the Sands Hotel, on any night the Rat Pack was performing. Yep. Seeing Frank and Dean and Sammy up there on stage being the coolest cats who ever crooned in a casino would make my time travel getaway worthwhile. I’d put on a long, retro-sparkly gown, white gloves, wrestle my hair into some sort of bouffant, make friends with a dangerous Sean Connery-like tuxedoed high roller at the craps table, then settle into a red banquette. I’d order up a tall pink drink with a cute, little umbrella. He’d get that masculine martini, shaken not stirred. Count Basie would lift his magic wand and Voila! magic.
Then they’d appear on stage, one by one. Dean Martin would joke around, Sammy Davis, Jr, would dazzle with amazing footwork, and finally Frank Sinatra would stroll out, tumbler in one hand, bow tie undone—lounge lizard royalty. No longer bobby-soxer bait, he’d be middle-aged and boiled harder than India rubber, yet still young enough to have a voice smoother and sweeter than melted caramels when he’d begin to sing…
“It’s quarter to three, there’s no one in the place except you and me. So set ’em up, Joe, I’ve got a little story I think you should know. We’re drinkin’ my friend…to the end…of a brief episode. So, make it one for my baby, and one more for the road…”
Right. That would do it for me. Going back, just for one evening, to hear Frank sing. Just one night…when men and women danced cheek to cheek; when the songs had lyrics that were truly beautiful, that made your heart ache; when the sexiest movie star alive, Marilyn Monroe, wore a size 14; the Oscar winning tune of the year didn’t have a title that even remotely sounded like “It’s Hard Out There Bein’ a Pimp”; your Broadway Show date picked you up in a black dinner jacket; and coolness was an idea that had absolutely nothing to do with workout clothes, videogames, or the latest electronics gadget.
Yeah, “Fly Me to the Moon” Mr. Time Machine to hear Frank singing “One for My Baby” “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” at the Sands.
Where would you go in a time machine? Who would you want to have a drink with? Or spend the night with? (And Shhhhh! Don’t tell Britney. She already suspects us!)
P.S. To actually hear Count Basie and Frank LIVE at the Sands (per the remastered recoding on CD, that is), put this in your latest cuckoo-crazy listening device and smoke it, baby! It’s time travel via 21st Century electronics! (Sinatra at the Sands, Live link below)
Cleo Coyle’s Latest Release…Coffeeehouse Mystery #4: Murder Most Frothy
What a great idea. Now, if you’d asked me that when I was younger I’d have had a definitive anwer for you, but now.. I think it would be led by whatever I’m doing at that time. So, I’m currently writing a fantasy set in an ancient world (think Tales of Shaharazade or the legend of Solomon and Sheba) I’d want to go back and experience ancient Sheba, or Egypt, for the true flavour. If only we could!
Comment by Saskia Walker — August 24, 2006 @ 6:50 am
I want to go on the same tour package you’re taking!
Comment by Tori Lennox — August 24, 2006 @ 12:27 pm