RETRO KIMMER IS 7 YEARS OLD TODAY!!

**NEW RELEASE RUE LA MER: STEVE AND KAREN HUNTER

 Post today from Karen Hunter:

I think most Steve Hunter fans know how wide his taste in music is; his solo albums are usually a mix of Rock, Blues and atmospheric melodic pieces.

In the past he has worked on records for Tracy Chapman and Julian Lennon who are both a long way from the rock charged music of Alice Cooper or Lou Reed. Plus of course the acoustic guitar on Peter Gabriel's 'Solsbury Hill' is in itself a testament to Steve's versatility.

That's why it will be no surprise that he has produced this wonderfully gentle, reflective chillout music on our new collaboration under the name 'Rue La Mer'.

We started this project back in 2010 then a world tour with Alice Cooper cropped up and off we went for a year. But we always knew we would eventually get back to it.

This music allows Steve to experiment with the countless pedals he has in the studio, work with different tunings and instruments and most importantly to make peaceful music, which has become a passion for both of us. It also keeps me singing and writing.

We are both big fans of the European Chillout label 'Cafe Del Mar'. Not widely known in the US, this genre of music emerged after the creation of the 'Balearic Beat' and became the sound of Ibiza for clubs and coffee houses on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Our first release under the name 'Rue La Mer' (Street Of The Sea) is a five track download only EP called 'Demure'. It has three vocal tracks and two instrumental tracks.

I think this project allows Steve to shine on his production skills, a lot of which he credits to legendary record producer Bob Ezrin, after spending so much time in studios with him over the last 40 years or so.

The music is relaxing but not sugary and of course it has Steve's talent on guitar all over it, although there is actually no guitar on the title track. 'Demure'.

We are currently working on the next five tracks, which should be available before the end of this year.

We will have two tracks from this first EP on the playlist for the 'Women Of Substance' radio station, the first 'Shades Of Blue' will air on Show #254 November 10, 2015  . The second will be 'Don't Ever Lie' about three weeks later.

Listen and buy on ITunes

Website http://www.ruelamer.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/Ruelamer

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RuelaMer

TOM JONES' NEW RELEASE: LONG LOST SUITCASE

On December 4, the legendary performer Tom Jones will release a new album Long Lost Suitcase on S-Curve Records. The thirteen-song collection produced by multi-instrumentalist Ethan Johns keys into Jones’ long and eventful life, and draws performances of consummate maturity and pulsating vitality.

Ethan, son of Rolling Stones producer Glyn Johns, is uniquely talented in his own right, as his work with Paul McCartney, Laura Marling, Kings of Leon and indeed Jones, has shown. “Right from the start, Ethan and I were on the same page,” says Jones. “We think the same. I can trust him. Before the first album, he said, ‘I hear something in you that I don’t think has been tapped before. How about we go into a studio, take some musicians, work through some songs, and just do it live, on the fly? I think some great things will happen."

Long Lost Suitcase was mostly recorded at The Distillery, a little known studio facility in Wiltshire built by Sam Dyson, son of inventor James Dyson. Some of the players are familiar from Jones' previous albums, including drummer Jeremy Stacey (who also plays in Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds), bassist Dave Bronze, and of course Ethan, who plays guitar or keyboards on most tracks.

New to the team was Andy Fairweather Low, a fellow Welshman and peer of Tom’s from the early ’60s R&B scene, who started out in The Amen Corner, and later proved his guitar mastery on tours with Roger Waters and Eric Clapton.

The result is a powerful collection of thirteen newly-recorded songs that include the Celtic hoedown "Honey, Honey" by The Milk Carton Kids, the rollicking R&B tune "I Wish You Would" originally by Billy Boy Arnold and made famous the Yardbirds, a stripped-down version of Willie Nelson's "Opportunity To Cry" and many more.

As the album went along, Tom would remark that each song felt as if it was written about his own experiences, at a given point in his life. Jones recalls “Ethan said, ‘It’s like a bloody autobiography,' and I said, ‘Well, funny you should say that, because I’m actually working on one at the moment”.

Jones had signed up for his first-ever autobiography with Michael Joseph/Penguin, and from that conversation onwards, the two projects became inextricably entwined. As he spent hours recounting his life story – his upbringing in post-War Pontypridd, his dose of TB aged 12, his first gigs in working men’s clubs, his five decades as an international star – it inevitably called to mind songs which evoked key events and emotional upheavals described therein. Soon, all concerned began to regard the album as a kind of soundtrack to the book – and to Tom’s life. “We tried to make every song important,” says Tom.

Released as a companion soundtrack to coincide with the publication of "Over The Top And Back: The Autobiography," Long Lost Suitcase finds Tom letting rip on the kind of R&B and early rock & roll classics which originally fired his passion to sing some sixty years ago. If anyone has the right, the authority and indeed the equipment to tackle such material in 2015, it is surely the irrepressible Sir Tom Jones.

Track List:

1) Opportunity To Cry (Willie Nelson)
2) Honey, Honey (The Milk Carton Kids)
3) Take My Love (I Want To Give It All To You) (Little Willie John)
4) Bring It On Home (Willie Dixon)
5) Everybody Loves A Train (Los Lobos)
6) Elvis Presley Blues (Gillian Welch)
7) He Was A Friend Of Mine (Dave Van Ronk)
8) Factory Girl (Rolling Stones)
9) I Wish You Would (Billy Boy Arnold)
10) 'Til My Back Ain't Got No Bone (William Bell)
11) Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do? (Hank Williams)
12) Tomorrow Night (Original Song)
13) Raise A Ruckus (Original Song)

THE JAMES COUZENS HOME: BOSTON EDISON AREA OF DETROIT

The Boston-Edison District in Detroit, MI is a forty-five block area of large homes and mansions, the majority of which were built from 1905-25. A number of famous and influential Detroiters resided in this area, including Henry Ford. The neighborhood consists of hundreds of homes in an impressive array of styles including Tudor, Greek Revival, Georgian, Dutch Colonial, Arts and Crafts, Italian Renaissance and Prairie-Style.

This mansion (610 Longfellow St) is known as the James Couzens home, for whom the place was designed. Couzens was at the time a major shareholder in the Ford Motor Company who became mayor of Detroit and later a U. S. Senator. The 9,800 square foot home  was designed by Albert Kahn.

On December 5, 1922, James Couzens resigned as Mayor of Detroit to accept his appointment to the U.S. Senate. Couzens was appointed by Governor Alexander Groesbeck to fill the Michigan senate seat that was vacated by the resignation of Truman H. Newberry in the wake of election campaign irregularities. Couzens went on to be elected in his own right for two additional terms before his death in 1936.

TOUR INFORMATION FOR BOSTON EDISON IS HERE

HORROR CLASSIC: BRIDE OF FRANKSTEIN

Bride of Frankenstein (advertised as The Bride of Frankenstein) is a 1935 American horror film, the first sequel to Universal Pictures' 1931 hit Frankenstein. As with the first film, Bride of Frankenstein was directed by James Whale and stars Boris Karloff as The Monster.

The sequel features Elsa Lanchester in the dual role of his mate and Mary Shelley, Colin Clive reprising his role as Henry Frankenstein, and Ernest Thesiger as Doctor Septimus Pretorius.

The film follows on immediately from the events of the earlier film, and is rooted in a subplot of the original Mary Shelley novel, Frankenstein (1818). In the film, a chastened Henry Frankenstein abandons his plans to create life, only to be tempted and finally coerced by the Monster, encouraged by Henry's old mentor Dr. Pretorius, into constructing a mate for him.

Preparation to film the sequel began shortly after the premiere of the first film, but script problems delayed the project. Principal photography began in January 1935, with creative personnel from the original returning in front of and behind the camera.

Bride of Frankenstein was released to critical and popular acclaim, although it encountered difficulties with some state and national censorship boards. Since its release the film's reputation has grown, and it has been hailed as Whale's masterpiece.

On a stormy night, Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Walton) and Lord Byron (Gavin Gordon) praise Mary Shelley (Elsa Lanchester) for her story of Frankenstein and his Monster. Reminding them that her intention was to impart a moral lesson, Mary says she has more of the story to tell. The scene shifts to the end of the 1931 Frankenstein.

Villagers gathered around the burning windmill cheer the apparent death of the Monster (Boris Karloff, credited as "Karloff"). Their joy is tempered by the realization that Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) is also apparently dead.

Hans (Reginald Barlow), father of the girl the creature drowned in the previous film, wants to see the Monster's bones. He falls into a flooded pit underneath the mill, where the Monster – having survived the fire – strangles him.

Hauling himself from the pit, the Monster casts Hans' wife (Mary Gordon) into it to her death. He next encounters Minnie (Una O'Connor), who flees in terror.

Henry's body is returned to his fiancée Elizabeth (Valerie Hobson) at his ancestral castle home. Minnie arrives to sound the alarm about the Monster, but her warning goes unheeded. Elizabeth, seeing Henry move, realizes he is still alive. Nursed back to health by Elizabeth, Henry has renounced his creation, but still believes he may be destined to unlock the secret of life and immortality.

A hysterical Elizabeth cries that she sees death coming, foreshadowing the arrival of Henry's former mentor, Doctor Septimus Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger). In his rooms, Pretorius shows Henry several homunculi he has created, including a miniature queen, king, archbishop, devil, ballerina, and mermaid.

Pretorius wishes to work with Henry to create a mate for the Monster and offers a toast to their venture: "To a new world of gods and monsters!" Upon forcing Henry to help him, Pretorius will grow an artificial brain while Henry gathers the parts for the mate.

The Monster saves a young shepherdess (Anne Darling) from drowning. Her screams upon seeing him alert two hunters, who shoot and injure the creature. The hunters raise a mob that sets out in pursuit. Captured and trussed to a pole, the Monster is hauled to a dungeon and chained. Left alone, he breaks his chains and escapes.

That night, the Monster encounters a gypsy family and burns his hand in their campfire. Following the sound of a violin playing "Ave Maria", the Monster encounters an old blind hermit (O. P. Heggie) who thanks God for sending him a friend. He teaches the monster words like "friend" and "good" and shares a meal with him. Two lost hunters stumble upon the cottage and recognize the Monster. He attacks them and accidentally burns down the cottage as the hunters lead the hermit away.

Taking refuge from another angry mob in a crypt, the Monster spies Pretorius and his cronies Karl (Dwight Frye) and Ludwig (Ted Billings) breaking open a grave. The henchmen depart as Pretorius stays to enjoy a light supper. The Monster approaches Pretorius, and learns that Pretorius plans to create a mate for him.

Henry and Elizabeth, now married, are visited by Pretorius. He is ready for Henry to do his part in their "grand collaboration". Henry refuses and Pretorius calls in the Monster who demands Henry's help. Henry again refuses and Pretorius orders the Monster out, secretly signaling him to kidnap Elizabeth. Pretorius guarantees her safe return upon Henry's participation. Henry returns to his tower laboratory where in spite of himself he grows excited over his work. After being assured of Elizabeth's safety, Henry completes the Bride's body.

A storm rages as final preparations are made to bring the Bride to life. Her bandage-wrapped body is raised through the roof. Lightning strikes a kite, sending electricity through the Bride. Henry and Pretorius lower her and realize their success. "She's alive! Alive!" Henry cries. They remove her bandages and help her to stand. "The bride of Frankenstein!" Doctor Pretorius declares.

The excited Monster sees his mate (Elsa Lanchester) and reaches out to her, asking, "Friend?" The Bride, screaming, rejects him. "She hate me! Like others" the Monster dejectedly says. As Elizabeth races to Henry's side, the Monster rampages through the laboratory.

The Monster tells Henry and Elizabeth "Yes! Go! You live!" To Pretorius and the Bride, he says "You stay. We belong dead." While Henry and Elizabeth flee, the Monster sheds a tear and pulls a lever to trigger the destruction of the laboratory and tower.

SCREEN LEGEND MAUREEN O'HARA DIED AT 95

Maureen O'Hara was an Irish-American film actress and singer. The famously red-headed O'Hara was known for playing fiercely passionate but sensible heroines, and often worked with director John Ford and longtime friend John Wayne

Maureen O'Hara (born Maureen FitzSimons; 17 August 1920 – 24 October 2015) was an Irish-American film actress and singer.

O'Hara was first educated at the John Street West Girls' School near Thomas Street in Dublin's Liberties Area. From the ages of 6 to 17 she trained in drama, music and dance, and at the age of 10 joined the Rathmines Theatre Company and worked in amateur theatre in the evenings after her lessons.

Although O'Hara was never nominated for a competitive Academy Award, in November 2014 she was presented with an Honorary Academy Award with the inscription "To Maureen O'Hara, one of Hollywood's brightest stars, whose inspiring performances glowed with passion, warmth and strength".

After Myrna Loy, O'Hara was only the second actress to receive an Academy Award for acting without having been nominated previously. Her autobiography, 'Tis Herself, was published in 2004 and was a New York Times Bestseller

O'Hara received the Heritage Award by the Ireland-American Fund in 1991.[28] For her contributions to the motion picture industry, O'Hara has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7004 Hollywood Blvd. In 1993, she was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was also awarded the Golden Boot Award

Obituary

Actress Maureen O'Hara, star of classic movies of the golden age of Hollywood including "Miracle on 34th Street" and "The Quiet Man," died in her sleep October 24, 2015. She was 95.

The Irish-born redhead starred in dozens of films, but she may be remembered best for "Miracle on 34th Street" as well as her work opposite John Wayne in a number of Westerns. Born Aug. 17, 1920, in Dublin, she began her career in London but quickly came to the U.S., with her first major film role in Alfred Hitchcock's "Jamaica Inn." That movie was what prompted her name change, from her maiden FitzSimons to O'Hara – which fit better on theater marquees. - See more 

NEW REMOTE CONTROL TOYS: AIR SWIMMING SHARKS AND FISH!

Just when you thought it was safe to get out of the water ...these are super cool new toys!!! I just gotta have that shark!

Incredible remote controlled flying fish emerge from the world of awesome!
Click http://AirSwimmers.com to see more! Age 8 and up. (invented and designed by Blake English and Mark Forti)

The Air Swimmer Shark is an incredible fish like toy. Ever since it was introduced to the market, it has continued to gain enormous popularity.

However, for you to understand why the hype behind this toy, it is wise to go through an Air Swimmer Shark Review. The toy is chiefly designed to offer lots of fun indoors. It is smooth, operated with a remote and uses four AAA batteries. 

The shark can turn in different directions and it allows you to have lots of fun since, you can control the direction that the shark takes. 

The toy responds to any input that you make on the remote hence, moving up, down, right and left.

Most importantly, it is smooth and makes swift movements just like a real fish makes in water.