Entertainment Picks (September 25, 2009)

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September 24, 2009

Anonymous The Suwannee Democrat Thu Sep 24, 2009, 03:51 PM EDT

My Fellow Americans

By Michael Worek

Hardcover, 312 pages ($29.95)

Amazon 1554075491

Since its beginnings, America has looked to its presidents for words of action or assurance. This collection of speeches from 1933 to 2009 features the full text of the most inspirational and inspiring Chief of State addresses from FDR to Barack Obama. With 30 black-and-white photos illustrative of the times, it’s a must for history buffs and a handy reminder for everyone of the power—and beauty—of words in times of crisis, celebration and change.

—Neil Pond, American Profile

The Soloist

DVD ($29.98)

Amazon B002C39SQK

This true tale of a homeless, mentally ill musician (Jamie Foxx) and the newspaper reporter who champions him (Robert Downey Jr.) was a box-office downer that didn’t bring in the crowds when it was released earlier this year. But Foxx and Downey dig in to their roles with a passion that fits the heart-tugging tones of the story, adapted from the book by the same title by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez. And generous DVD extras, including a feature on the two real-life men on which it is based, reinforce the themes of friendship, respect and redemption.

—Neil Pond, American Profile

John Fogerty

The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again

CD ($13.98)

Amazon B002GYHIVM

The former Creedence Clearwater Revival front man brings aboard a core of top-notch studio players for this delightfully rockin’ cover-song romp through a dozen American folk, pop and country classics, including John Prine’s “Paradise,” John Denver’s “Back Home Again” and Buck Owens’ “I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me).” Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles join for Ricky Nelson’s “Garden Party,” and it’s musical magic when Bruce Springsteen hops aboard for Phil Everly’s “When Will I Be Loved.” This rollicking, rolling ride is over far too soon.

—Neil Pond, American Profile

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Entertainment

VIDEO: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse

The solar eclipse that took place Sunday evening was an annular eclipse, one in which the moon blocks almost all of the sun. Some of the best viewing was in Asia, as with this video filmed in Japan.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
Hope Notes reception for donors, volunteers, school personnel and those involved in this project May 15 at 6 p.m. at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
May 13, 2012 1 Photo
Viral video: Zoo lion goes crazy over zebra-striped baby
A baby boy wearing black and white stripes -- like a zebra -- looked awfully tempting to a lioness at the zoo in Portland, Ore. this week. His parents captured video of the big cat pawing at her glass cage, trying to eat him.

May 3, 2012 1 Photo
Viral video: Family sings 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on way to school
One dad starts the weekdays off right by staging a sing-along to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" with his three kids during their morning ride to school.

April 27, 2012 1 Photo
Viral video: Bears interrupt weather report at Pa. TV station
A mama bear and three of her cubs were caught on camera at a northeastern Pennsylvania television station seconds before a live weather report was about to begin.

April 25, 2012 1 Photo
Photo tribute: 100 years of baseball at Fenway Park
This year Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, celebrates its 100th anniversary as America's oldest Major League stadium -- and the setting for some of baseball's greatest players, historic wins and crushing losses. That sacred magic is captured in two exhibits at the 20-year-old Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, a Boston suburb.

April 19, 2012 1 Photo 1 Slideshow
Viral video: High school prom spills into street for 'Footloose' dance
A group of high school students from Oklahoma made their prom memorable by staging a choreographed dance to "Footloose" in the middle of the street. The video of students from Hennessey High School in Hennessey, Okla., was shot Saturday night and is quickly going viral.

April 17, 2012 1 Photo
Viral video: Rain delay antics at college baseball game
Fans aren't the only ones who get bored during rain delays in college baseball -- the players do too. But the teams from the Southern Miss and Ole Miss found some creative ways to pass the time this week during an extended delay at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss.

April 5, 2012
100th anniversary of sinking of titanic special coverage
Online coverage begins today will include fascinating and emotional stories, slideshows and videos. Content updated daily.

April 4, 2012 1 Photo
DJ "Dr. Don," The Big 98 and Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park to revive Bluegrass Radio Show
The first show with The Big 98.1 will be broadcast from The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Radio Studio this Sunday, April 1, from 5 - 7 p.m.

March 31, 2012 1 Photo
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