2.26.2017

THE STAR: ALL GOOD THINGS


The Star! Absorb energies of inspiration, healing, and positivity now – think happy thoughts and set your intentions on achieving something wonderful.


The Star Tarot card brings renewed hope and faith and a sense that you are truly blessed by the Universe at this time. Courage, fulfilment, and inspiration are in your life. You are entering a loving phase in your life, filled with calm energy, mental stability and deeper understanding of both yourself and others around you. This card is saying to you that, over the long-term, you should have faith and trust in the Universe. A better future is waiting for you but in order to reach it you must trust that it is indeed possible.

ACADEMY AWARDS 2017 MY TOP 4 PICKS


The 89th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will honor the best films of 2016 and will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 26, 2017 830pm Eastern Time on ABC. To Stream use the ABC Go App.

The Academy Awards of 2017 are in my opinion really dull this year. Sorry but this year were really depressing to me.. Hidden Figures and Lion were the most uplifting in a LONG year of ugly politics. Hollywood really pushed their agenda on us. Tiresome to say the least. Here is to hoping that 2018 will be better. I have only 4 award picks that I would like to see:

BEST ACTRESS THIS YEAR SHOULD HAVE GONE TO TARAJI P. HENSON!


Click the links below to view the Trailers

BEST PICTURE: HIDDEN FIGURES




HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNNY CASH! NEW SPOTIFY PLAYLIST


Honoring the legendary Johnny Cash today on his birthday, Sun Records has a new Spotify playlist THIS IS JOHNNY CASH featuring 72 of his best songs. Click HERE or click the photo below to listen for free!


ACTOR BILL PAXTON DIED SUDDENLY FROM HEART SURGERY


Bill Paxton (May 17, 1955 - February 25, 2017) died yesterday of complications from heart surgery. R.I.P.

Sad news indeed! Bill played so many iconic parts in film and television. I loved him in Titanic and Tombstone. Some of my Facebook friends enjoyed him in Weird Science and The Terminator. Whatever role he played he was a scene stealer all the way... Read Bill's complete Filmography HERE

Bill was a terrific actor, I loved all his movies and roles. Such tragedy he left us much too young. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP

THE DEVIL'S ARCHITECT: VINCENT BLAKE IS BACK - OUT NOW!


Four Brutal Murders, Four Mysterious Churches, One Terrifying Purpose.

Driven by unearthly visions, a convicted killer escapes from a maximum-security psychiatric hospital. Days later a woman is ritualistically murdered in the grounds of a mysterious London church. When a Roman coin is discovered under the victim’s skin, Vincent Blake - London’s leading stolen-art investigator - is called in to assist the police with their investigations.

A series of copycat murders, all carried out within the vicinity of connected London churches rocks the heart of the city. As the body count rises, Blake is thrust into a race against time to solve a centuries-old mystery that sets him on a collision course with a terrifying secret.

Nothing can prepare him for what he has to face, because the churches are not what they seem … they have been designed by the Devil’s Architect.

You can get your ebook in my Amazon Store click the link or icon below!




2.25.2017

TOP 45 SWEET SOUL RECORDS: KIMMER'S PICKS


I ran into a story today online about the top 45 soul music 45's.  Though it was a valiant effort..I knew the writer was not from Detroit. Here are my top 45 Soul Tunes. What do you think? Add your favorites in the comments ok?

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE A VIDEO AND LISTEN TO THE SONG

Aaron Neville - Tell it Like It Is
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Aretha Franklin - Chain of Fools
Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music
Barrett Strong: Money (That’s What I Want)
Ben E King - Stand By Me
Billy Ward and the Dominoes - 60 Minute Man
Chubby Checker - The Twist
Chuck Berry - You Never Can Tell
Delfonics - La La Mean I Love You
Dells - Stay in my Corner
Eddie Floyd- Knock on Wood
Eddie Holman - Hey There Lonely Girl
Edwin Starr - Stop Her on Sight (SOS)
Frankie Lymon - Little Bitty Pretty One
Jackie Wilson - Baby Work Out
James Brown - I Feel Good
Ike Turner - Rocket 88
Isley Brothers - This Ol Heart of Mine
Little Anthony and the Imperials - Hurts so Bad
Martha Reeves The Vandellas Nowhere To Run
Marvin Gaye - Aint That Peculiar
Mary Wells - Bye Bye Baby
One Hundred Proof Aged in Soul - Somebody's Been Sleepin
Otis Redding - Love Man
Patty and the Emblems - Mixed up Shook up Girl
Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves a Woman
Ray Charles - Mess Around
Royalettes - It's Gonna Take a Miracle
Rufus & Chuka Khan - Ain't Nobody
Sam & Dave - I Thank You
Sam Cooke - Bring it on Home
Sly And The Family Stone – I Want to Take You Higher
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - You Really Got a Hold on Me
Solomon Burke - Cry to Me
Stevie Wonder - I was Made to Love Her
The Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Lovin
The Impressions - We're a Winner
The Impressions - It's Alright
The Main Ingredient - Just Don't Want to be Lonely
The Staple Singers - Respect Yourself
The Temptations - Aint too Proud to Beg
Tyrone Davis - "Turn Back The Hands Of Time"
Wilson Pickett - 6345789

2.24.2017

THE QUEEN OF CUPS: COMPASSION AND INTUITION


The Queen of Cups is nurturing, caring, compassionate and sensitive. She is a good wife and a loving mother as she is emotionally secure and can connect on an emotional level with others. She is admired for her fairness and honesty, and is warm-hearted.


The personality of the Queen of Cups combines the positive water energy of the Cups suit with the inward focus of a Queen. Because she has a sweet, loving and sensitive nature, the Queen of Cups has a kind word for everyone and never reacts with anger or impatience. There is a gentleness about her that soothes and calms.

Compassion is her watchword. Her reactions to the world are guided by her feelings. In all matters, she lets her heart lead the way. She senses emotional currents and knows what others are experiencing without having to ask.

She is never moody, but understands moods and their influence. She trusts her intuition and so is more open to knowledge that comes from within herself and beyond. She is often moved by the beauty and tragedy of life. The Queen of Cups feels deeply and has a reverence for all aspects of God's creation. Her love includes and embraces everyone and everything.

In readings, the Queen of Cups asks you to think and feel as she does. For example: Are you aware of the emotional climate? Are you feeling loving? Do you trust your heart? Have you received an intuitive message? Have you been moved by another's pain?

This Queen can also represent a man or woman who is like her, or an atmosphere of gentle love, acceptance and respect for feelings. In a reading, she tells you that her special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this Queen in whatever form she appears in your life.

KEEP YOUR EVENT RUNNING SMOOTHLY: HIRE A COMPERE


Nothing keeps an event on track like employing a professional compere from a talent agency - whether it’s an annual awards evening, a charity auction or a personal development seminar. By taking on the presenting role, a compere will not only ensure that the job is done well, but they’ll also take a job off the plate of someone else.

If your CEO or head of HR usually acts as compere for your organisation’s awards evening, they will be freed up to mingle, potentially allowing them to make important connections and schmooze with all the right people.

Equally, if you’re running a seminar with talks by a variety of people, employing someone to fill the time between speakers will help to break up the day for your audience. It’s been proven that a change is as good as a rest when it comes to keeping concentration levels high, and some light-hearted entertainment will help keep your colleagues or employees engaged.

A talent agency will often recommend that you book someone with presenting experience on TV or radio to act as host for an event. As well as being comfortable in front of an audience, someone with broadcast experience will often have the kind of gift of the gab that means they’re good at improvising and filling time when they need to.

The Blofelds

Any celebrity with a background in broadcasting, from a sporting commentator like Henry Blofeld or Sir Trevor Brooking to a star of the airwaves such as Clara Amfo or Noreen Khan, will bring a bit of star quality to your event as well as their professional presenting skills.

Of course, there are some downsides to booking an outsider; you’ll need to give them a script and fill them in on the ins and outs of the event in a way that you wouldn’t need to familiarise someone chosen from inside your business. This small downside pales into insignificance, however, next to the benefits of booking a celebrity compere.

Not only will you have a professional on the job, but the celebrity appeal of your compere is sure to prove a draw for attendees and ensure your event is a hot topic long after it’s over.

If you’re interested in booking a celebrity to compere the next event that you are hosting, get in touch with MN2S talent agents to find out more.

2.23.2017

SUN RECORDS NEW SERIES BEGINS TONIGHT ON CMT!



Sun Records premieres Thursday, Feb. 23, at 10 p.m on CMT. Set in Memphis during the tumultuous early days of the civil rights movement, Sun Records tells the untold story of nothing less than the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.


Guided by Sam Phillips, young musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis combined the styles of hillbilly country with the 1950s R&B sound created by artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino and Ike Turner and changed the course of music forever. The series chronicles these young artists’ often jarring and sudden meteoric rise to fame in the face of sweeping political change and social unrest.


The all-star cast includes Billy Gardell (Presley and Eddy Arnold’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker), Jonah Lees (Jimmy Swaggart), Trevor Donovan (Eddy Arnold), Keir O’Donnell (Dewey Phillips), Jennifer Holland (Sam’s wife Becky Phillips), Margaret Anne Florence (Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker) and Kerry Holliday (Ike Turner).

COUNTRY ★PORTRAITS OF AN AMERICAN SOUND★ NEW DOCUMENTARY!

Merle Haggard Photo:Les Leverett

I had the distinct pleasure of screening Country Portraits of an American Sound last night. This new documentary by Steven Kochones explores the history and culture of country music through the lens of photography, which has portrayed the ideals, lifestyle and personalities of country music artists for over 80 years.

This film has the most amazing interviews!! Country stars both past and present, Manuel, and Nudie talk about their fashions, and the fantastic photographers who helped create this music genre.

It also features imagery and commentary from Grand Ole Opry photographer Les Leverett, the late celebrity photographer Leigh Wiener, documentary photographer Henry Horenstein, iconic music photographers Henry Diltz and Raeanne Rubenstein, and contemporary photographers David McClister and Michael Wilson.

Featured artists include: Rosanne Cash, Roy Clark, Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, Charley Pride, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Rogers, The Band Perry, Tanya Tucker, and Keith Urban

Dolly Parton Photo:Henry Horenstein

COUNTRY: PORTRAITS OF AN AMERICAN SOUND takes audiences on a visual odyssey through the history of country music as captured by renowned photographers who have portrayed the ideals, lifestyle and personalities of country music artists for 90 years.

Lyle Lovett Photo: Michael Wilson

This film not only focuses on the history of Country Music but the fashion and the often unsung photographers! What an unexpected joy to see the behind the scenes "stars" of Country Music over the years! I loved this movie... If you are a fan of American music, history, fashion, and/or photography, you will enjoy this beautiful tribute.  Five stars!

The film is available for sale in my Amazon Store, click the links below.




Here is the trailer which gives you a taste of this thoroughly enjoyable film.


GEORGE HARRISON I•ME•MINE POP UP EXHIBITION FEB 26TH


LOS ANGELES: In celebration of George Harrison’s birthday, the launch of George Harrison: The Vinyl Collection and the publication of I ME MINE – The Extended Edition, Genesis Publications in conjunction with the George Harrison Estate will be holding a pop-up exhibition and store at Shepard Fairey's Subliminal Projects on Sunday 26th February.


The exhibition will include facsimiles of George Harrison’s handwritten lyrics and personal commentary on his songs, pictures from the family albums, and original portraits of Harrison by Shepard Fairey. Rare limited editions on display will include: I Me Mine, Songs by George Harrison 1 and 2, Concert for George, Fifty Years Adrift and Live in Japan.

Genesis’ pop-up store will include framed prints and books by artists including: Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Ronnie Wood, and Sir Peter Blake. A special I ME MINE package has been created for the exhibition, consisting of the new book, a poster and book bag; the first 100 customers will receive copies signed by Shepard Fairey.

February 26th - 12pm-6pm
Subliminal Projects
1331 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

2.22.2017

ELVIS PRESLEY'S ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX GRAND OPENING MAR 2-5 2017

https://www.graceland.com/news/details/elvis-presleys-memphis-opens-march-2017-with-grand-opening-celebration-events/8190/
  
Elvis Presley’s Graceland announced the official opening date for its new, $45 million, 200,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment complex, now named “Elvis Presley’s Memphis," which is currently under construction across the street from Graceland Mansion.


March 2-5, 2017 will be the Grand Opening Celebration weekend, as Graceland welcomes visitors from around the world to its largest and most significant expansion since first opening to the public in 1982. The opening four days of Elvis Presley’s Memphis will feature major celebration events each day, including live concerts that will celebrate Elvis’ incredible life and career, and honor Memphis’ rich musical legacy across genres, including Blues, Rockabilly, R&B, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll.


★FARGO★ SEASON 3 PREMIERES APRIL 19 2017!!

FARGO SEASON 3 NEW CAST

As a giant fan of all that is FARGO...I am happy to share the new premiere date, Wednesday April 19, 2017at 10pm ET, with my readers! The new story begins in 2010 which is 4 years after the first season of Fargo. From what I have been reading the story has a lot tekkie/cell phone culture in the plot.

Fargo 3 Cast


One of my favorite pages is Den of Geeks. They have a synopsis of Season 3. 
Set in 2010, the third season centers on “Emmit” and his slightly younger brother “Ray Stussy” (both played by Ewan McGregor). Emmit, the Parking Lot King of Minnesota, sees himself as an American success story, whereas Ray is more of a cautionary tale. 

Forever living in his more successful brother’s shadow, Ray is a balding and pot-bellied parole officer with a huge chip on his shoulder about the hand he’s been dealt – and he blames his brother. 

Their sibling rivalry follows a twisted path that begins with petty theft but soon leads to murder, mobsters and cut-throat competitive bridge. Read the Full News Hub for FARGO 


2.16.2017

TOP 5 HOTELS IN DETROIT!


1. The MGM Grand- The MGM Grand Detroit is not only a luxury hotel, but it's also a huge casino, which gives it a little bit of a Vegas vibe. The casino is home to over 90 table games and thousands of slots and video poker machines. Feel free to skip the games and check out the other amenities the hotel has to offer.

You can dine at one of the many restaurants or dance in some of the best nightclubs in Detroit. There is even a spa and an indoor spa. Afterwards, you can head back to your room. You will love staying here and you'll love the friendly staff and the spacious bathrooms and showers.


2. The Townsend - This hotel can be found Birmingham, which is a suburb of Detroit. It’s a great option as a Five Star Hotel in Michigan, has a great atmosphere, offers afternoon tea and has a great staff that pays close attention to their guests. Many guests have raved about the rooms, which have been renovated and feature Egyptian cotton sheets, large televisions and large marble bathrooms that feature soaking tubs.

Not only that, but there are numerous dining options offered by the hotel. There is one downside and that is you'll have to pay a fee for premium WiFi. If you want in-room WiFi, then be prepared to pay for it.


3.Henry, Autograph Collection- This hotel is located in Dearborn and guests seem to love its setting. Many guests have mentioned how it is located in a safe area and it is close to downtown. Not only is the hotel's location praised, but so is its comfortable rooms, which have comfortable linens and marble bathrooms. There's also free WiFi, so feel free to use your favorite mobile device while there.

You can venture to the nearby area to find something to eat, but feel free to go to the hotel's on-site restaurant called TRIA. It serves organic and seasonal food, and the dishes are priced fairly. If you want to workout, then you can do it at the fitness center or you can go for a swim in the indoor swimming pool. The staff is attentive and friendly, so you can rest assure you will be treated with respect.


4. The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport- This hotel is adjacent to the airport, and there's a 24-hour shuttle service that can take you to the North Terminal, which makes it easy for guests to catch flights. A lot of people like staying here when they have to catch early morning flights. Valet parking is available, which is convenient for those who don't want to park their cars.

If that wasn't impressive enough, you'll be pleased to know there's a fitness center on-site and very comfortable beds in the rooms. Guests who have stayed there recently have mentioned how the on-site restaurant serves amazing food, but is a bit on the expensive side. If you have points from the Starwood Preferred program, then redeem them if you stay at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport.


5. The MotorCity Casino Hotel- This hotel offers the best of both worlds, as it doubles as a hotel and a casino, so feel free to gamble at one of the tables or play a few slots and video poker games. There's a fitness center, spa and numerous dining options you can choose from. Once in your room, you will enjoy sleeping on comfortable linens and free WiFi access.

If you're after extensive luxury, then you should look for another place. This is because the hotel does look its age, but nonetheless it is a good place to stay at. If you want to stay at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, then you'll find it northeast of the center of Detroit.

2.14.2017

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2017


“Valentine's Day is a great day to let those you love know how special they are. I want to let my readers know that you are very special to me.” xoxoK

THE ST VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE OF 1929!



Gang warfare ruled the streets of Chicago during the late 1920s, as chief gangster Al Capone sought to consolidate control by eliminating his rivals in the illegal trades of bootlegging, gambling and prostitution.

This rash of gang violence reached its bloody climax in a garage on the city’s North Side on February 14, 1929, when seven men associated with the Irish gangster George “Bugs” Moran, one of Capone’s longtime enemies, were shot to death by several men dressed as policemen.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, as it was known, was never officially linked to Capone, but he was generally considered to have been responsible for the murders.

1929 St. Valentine day massacre facts:
The only survivor was German Shepherd called Highball.
150 shots were fired at the North Side gangsters.
Al Capone was in Miami at the time of the killings.
Gangster Frank Gusenberg was still barely alive when police turned up. They asked him who shot him, he answered: "Nobody." He died few hours later.


The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre is the name given to the February 14, 1929 murder of seven men of the North Side Irish gang during the Prohibition Era.[1] It resulted from the struggle – between the Irish American gang and the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone – to take control of organized crime in Chicago.

2.13.2017

GONG EXPRESSO NEW LP RELEASE: DECADENCE


Gong Expresso Feat. Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe To Release New Album “Decadence”

Montreal - Hansford Rowe's HRIII merges with Gong Expresso! Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe join HRIII guitarist Julien Sandiford for the recording of the new album by Gong Expresso titled “Decadence.”

Says Hansford, “ 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass



PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members.

Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as “Ommadawn”, “Incantations”, “Exposed” and “Platinum.” Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with finishing their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hr3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GongExpresso/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDb7pRK9A-fBjZTbp3vbd_w

SIMON'S CAT: MY NEW FAVORITE CARTOONS!


One of my very favorite animators is Simon Tofield of Simon's Cat fame. Simon's simple but endearing cartoon style is burning up the internet! Here is more about Simon.

Simon's Cat is an animated cartoon and book series by the British animator Simon Tofield featuring a hungry house cat who uses increasingly heavy-handed tactics to get his owner to feed him.

Creator Simon Tofield revealed that his four cats, called Teddy, Hugh, Jess and Maisie, provide inspiration for the series, with Hugh being the primary inspiration.



Watch Simon Tofield sketch and then digitally color a cute and romantic Valentine's image for 2017. Featuring Chloe being less than impressed by the cat's odd but loving gift!

Below is Cat Man Do, my favorite (so far) of the Simon's Cat series



Simon's Characters

Simon's Cat: The title character. His antics, often in the quest for food, vex his owner, Simon. He loves cat food, but also enjoys birds, mice, and fish out of Simon's koi pond. A significant amount of the humour in the book comes from his efforts to capture birds, mice, and fish. Simon's cat has not been officially named, though writer Simon Tofield says that Simon's cat is based on his own cat, Hugh.

Simon: The long-suffering owner of the cat, a graphic artist.

Simon's sister's dog: A dog that first appears in the video "Fed Up," in which he is fed underneath the table by a family. The dog also appears in the book and loves to play fetch.

The Bird: A bird who Simon's cat chases, and who generally outsmarts him.

The Hedgehog: A hedgehog that lives in Simon's back garden. Simon's cat loves to annoy the hedgehog by impaling objects such as apples, leaves, and tennis balls onto its prickles. The hedgehog also has children.

The Garden Gnome: A garden gnome similar to the one broken by Simon's cat in "Let Me In." The gnome is seen holding either a fishing rod or a net. Simon's cat often tries to get the gnome to help in his schemes to catch food. The cat considers the gnome a friend, apparently unaware that it is an inanimate object.

The Bunny: A rabbit that lives in Simon's garden who can literally run circles around the cat.

The Kitten: In October 2011, Simon brings home a new member of the family who, in spite of his tender age, appears to be considerably smarter than his adult counterpart.

The Toad: The toad also lives in the garden.

The Frog: The frog appears in some shorts as well, and is differentiated from the toad in a "How to Draw...Frogs and Toads" short as well as in the "Simon Draws" section of the Kitten Chaos book.

The Squirrel: The squirrel lives in a tree in Simon's back yard. He loves to pelt Simon's Cat with acorns when the cat chases him.

The Mouse: Another creature that is often chased by Simon's Cat. Despite their adversarial relationship, the mouse aided Simon's Cat in an elaborate plot intended to impress a female cat in "Smitten."

Chloe: A female cat who is the object of Simon's cats affections for a time. Demure and somewhat snobbish, she exhibits a finicky appetite, munching on a trail of cat treats but angrily refusing a mouse offered by Simon's Cat in the first film.

CHINA GLAZE X TOMMY HILFIGER FASHION WEEK NYC


China Glaze in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger x Gigi was nothing short of Fashion Week fabulous. Nail artist Mar y Soul perfectly captured the cool Cali girl vibe of the collection with a scattering of tiny silver and gold stars across the nails for a negative space meets western chic design.

Follow behind-the-scenes for an all access pass to the magic.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND "NO MAN'S LAND" IN THEATERS MARCH 10!


King Kong has been an icon of motion pictures since 1933. 
He's back. March 10, 2017!!



A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are crossing into the domain of monsters, including the mythic Kong.

Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Writers: Dan Gilroy (screenplay), Max Borenstein (screenplay) | 4 more credits »
Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman, Corey Hawkins, Brie Larson

DOLLY PARTON WIN 8TH GRAMMY AWARD!


Dolly Parton and Pentatonix win GRAMMY for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with a cappella recording of “Jolene”

Dolly Parton teamed up with the award-winning vocal group Pentatonix to record her 1973 hit, “Jolene. ” The new rendition debuted at No. 18 on the Hot Country Songs chart and now has earned both artists GRAMMY gold. CONGRATULATIONS!!

“Oh my Lord I am so excited to have won the Grammy with Pentatonix on my old song Jolene,” says Dolly Parton. “I am so happy and am so very proud of Pentatonix. The song is one of my favorites. Thanks to the Grammys, but most importantly thanks to all the fans. I love you all.”

NEW BOOK EXPLORES THE HUMAN SIDE OF CAPITOL HILL


Felling Big Trees is the story of disgraced Congressman Fran Stewart as he turns to the American heartland to find redemption in the eyes of his daughter and the woman he loves. He has been adrift after losing his wife in a horrific car accident.

Trying to free himself from a politically powerful mother-in-law who blames him for his daughter's death, Fran searches for a way to prepare a better future for himself and his teenage daughter, Becky. An innocent misstep one evening leads to political disaster for Fran. Fran travels through heartland towns where no one knows he's a former congressman.



Stripped of the detachment that characterized his early years as a congressman, Fran is drawn to an everyman perspective that poses universal questions. What breeds inaction and apathy? How do we jumpstart a deeper connection to the injustices we see every day? What does it take to engender empathy in a meaningful and focused way?

How far will we humble ourselves to help those with few resources? Fran has to stand up to prejudices and uncaring established ways. His story and how he relates to those he meets fits well with a time when compassion and tolerance are often overwhelmed by strident tones and lack of basic civility.

SOCK MONKEY: THE TRUE STORY!


I am still obsessed with Sock Monkeys! Have loved them my entire lifetime! Today we are featuring the history of this very cool doll which has never lost it's "coolness".

The iconic sock monkeys made from red-heeled socks, known today as the Rockford Red Heel, emerged at the earliest in 1932, the year the Nelson Knitting Company added the trademarked red heel to its product.


These socks were originally made by the Nelson Knitting Mills in Rockford, Illinois (hence the name) since 1890, and patented in 1915. When the company decided to include sock monkey instructions with every pair of the Red Heel® socks in the 1950's, the true marketing magic began.

 Vintage Sock Monkeys

John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant to the United States, patented the sock-knitting machine in 1868, and began knitting socks on an automatic machine in Rockford, Illinois as early as 1870. On September 15, 1880, the Nelson Knitting Company formed, producing "Celebrated Rockford Seamless Hosiery," and selling them under the name of the "Nelson Sock."


Nelson Knitting added the red heel "De-Tec-Tip" to assure it's customers that they were buying "original Rockford's" as opposed to the generic "Rockford's". This red heel gave the monkeys their distinctive mouth and during the Great Depression, American crafters first made sock monkeys out of worn-out Rockford Red Heel Socks.


In 1953, a woman named Helen Cooke received the patent for sock monkeys. She sued a man named Stanley Levy because he sold sock monkeys but they were not the same design as hers. Levy contacted the Nelson Knitting Company hoping that they would declare the patent invalid.



The company knew that people had been making dolls for the last two years, so they gathered up all the dolls that had been made the past two years so that they could have evidence proving that Helen Cooke should not have the patent.


Helen Cooke settled the case against Stanley Levy when she was shown all the evidence that had been collected against her. She decided to sell the patent to the Nelson Knitting Company for $750. The company also paid other women for the rights to the doll including a woman in Tennessee who was paid $1000. Rockford, Illinois became the "home of the sock monkey.


Homemade red-heel sock monkey dolls usually have unique faces and body characteristics and are considered one-of-a-kind. Sock monkey dolls are also mass-manufactured in the marketplace. Sock monkey dolls mass-manufactured by a company normally all have the same face and body characteristics.


Not all sock monkey dolls are created from red-heel socks. A 2015 trend started to create sock monkey dolls from colorful striped or polka dot socks—even mismatched socks.

The Schylling Sock Monkey Company makes them today and they are very nice. But the homemade ones will always be my favorites. The Schylling Co. makes all kinds of merchandise relating to the Sock Monkey.  Here is a very cute Sock Monkey Umbrella


Sock monkeys remain a popular icon and are popular with all ages. They now come in different styles, such as "birthday-themed", different colors, and even electronic ones that sing up-to-date pop songs. Most vintage red-heel sock monkeys found today are no older than the late 1950s, and many date from the 1970s. Read More on Wiki
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