Free Republic

Tommy James’ career was a ride. That’s how he describes it now, and that’s how his soon-to-be boss, Morris Levy, described it when James initially signed to Roulette Records. “I hope you’re ready kid,” he said as James put pen to paper on a life-changing contract, “Because you’re about to go on one hell of a ride.” If only he knew just how true that was. In 1964, James recorded ‘Hanky Panky’ for a small Michigan label. It did OK, but nothing earth-shattering and nowhere near enough to have people consider James the next big thing. It wasn’t until 1966,...

  Niles, Mich. You can take a tour through an inflatable colon on Friday. It will be on display at Niles High School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to come check it out. It is an interactive display and students will be on site to educate visitors. The giant colon is being presented by Michiana Hematology Oncology. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. It is estimated that nearly 127,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone.

And the winner of The Greatest Song Of ALl Time as determined by me is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . . Tommy James and the Shondells ' MIRAGE ' ( applause )