Fred Rogers

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers at RKO
$14.99
This double CD is transcendent in it's splendor! I recently watched the entire Astaire/Rogers film series and just HAD to find the music performed in those movies-wala, after some research I found this set of magical cd's. To those who take issue with the sound of these recordings as taken directly from the movies, I say that is precisely their charm. The songs are paired with others from each of the movies in a chronological fashion, perfect for visualing the order of progression. Not much I can say about the music except that it is simply some of the purest, classiest, funnest, wittiest set of "standards" ever recorded. The orchestration of the era is stupendous, and Astaire/Rogers sing for the ages. I'm from a much later generation, so glad I caught the Astaire/Rogers "fever"! I'll be listening to this throughout the ages-it's joyful, sentimental, and reminiscent of bygone eras at their best. Go get this one!

Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way
$16.95
For some reason, I wasn't all that big a fan of Fred Rogers
when I was younger . . . it's not that I disliked the guy;
I just never watched him (nor did my daughter).

However, it seems that since he died in 2003, I have taken
more of an interest in his work . . . I've read one
book about him and when I came across the CD
version of LIFE'S JOURNEYS ACCORDING TO MR.
ROGERS, I jumped at the opportunity to listen to it.

It is a compilation of views held by Rogers on a wide
variety of topics, including graduation, job changes, marriage
and career choices . . . some stories are presented,
and you even hear some singing from him.

Yet one thought, in particular, stood out for me:

* Here's a gift for yourself. Sometime in your day, try
to turn off the noises around you. Try to think about nothing.

Some of the many other tidbits that I picked up from
this program included the following:

* What matters most is not winning, but helping others win.

* There is no cure for loneliness. What really matters is our
relationship with others.

* Try your best to make goodness attractive. This is one
of the toughest assignments you'll ever be given.

Lastly, this concept also grabbled me:

* Take a minute to think about one person who helped
make you the person you are. (The person doesn't have
to be alive.) Imagine how happy that person would be
to know that you were thinking about them.

Blair Brown, B.D. Wong and Richard Kind handled
the narration . . . their performances added to my enjoyment
of the program.

You Are Special: Words of Wisdom for All Ages from a Beloved Neighbor
$12.00
The world needs more of Mr. Rogers and his philosphy. He was an excellent of gentle, unconditional love. Love his books and love to share them with others in need of a hug.

Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: When Parents Are Away [VHS]
$14.98