son Charlie's

Pippi Longstocking: Adventures on the South Seas
$9.98
Don't confuse this new animated version with the late-'60s, early-'70s Pippi-fests starring the ultimate Pip-ster, Inger Nilsson (who starred in three Swedish Pippi films as well as a Pippi TV series). Nilsson's version of Pippi in the South Seas was highlighted by all the trademarks of Pippi, those stand-up braids, those striped tops, but mostly the very bad and obvious dubbing into English. One-film actress Tami Erin took over for the 1988 American version, generally panned for being even worse (if that's possible) than the Swedish versions. But this new Pippi, an animated sequel to Pippi Longstocking and from HBO, fares much better than her predecessors. Pippi's quirky life and lifestyle lend themselves well to animation. Rather than being truly odd (in Nilsson's versions) or downright bratty (as Erin portrayed her), Pippi is a lively, thoughtful imp who sets sail to the South Seas with a ship's captain, who's revealed to be her father. She finds herself up against pirates and poachers, but her pluck, vigor, and loyalty prevail. (Ages 3 and up) --N.F. Mendoza

Billy Elliot
$14.98
Foursquare in the gritty-but-heartwarming tradition of Brassed Off and The Full Monty comes Billy Elliot, the first film from noted British theatrical director Stephen Daldry. The setting is County Durham in 1984, and things "up north" are even grimmer than usual: the miners' strike is in full rancorous swing, and 11-year-old Billy's dad and older brother, miners both, are on the picket lines. Billy's got problems of his own. His dad has scraped together the fees to send him to boxing lessons, but Billy has discovered a different aptitude: a genius for ballet dancing. Since admitting to such an activity is tantamount, in this fiercely macho culture, to holding up a sign reading "I Am Gay," Billy keeps it quiet. But his teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters, wearily undaunted), thinks he should audition for ballet school in London. Family ructions are inevitable. Daldry's film sidesteps some of the politics, both sexual and otherwise, but scores with its laconic dialogue (credit to screenwriter Lee Hall) and a cracking performance from newcomer Jamie Bell as Billy. His powerhouse dance routines, more Gene Kelly than Nureyev, carry an irresistible sense of exhilaration and self-discovery. Among a flawless supporting cast, Stuart Wells stands out as Billy's sweet gay friend Michael. And if the miners' strike serves largely as background color, the brief episode when visored and truncheon-wielding cops rampage through neat little terraced houses captures one of the most spiteful episodes in recent British history. --Philip Kemp

Notre Dame Fighting Irish "Play Like A Champion Today" Wool 12"x18" Mini Banner - College Athletics Sports Merchandise
$50.00
Honor the team... honor the tradition with these high quality wool mini banners! The banner is made of genuine wool, and features high quality embroidery and appliqu���. The wool banner has a compelling combination of craftsmanship and quality. They are 12"x18" in size. Comes with a wood hanging rod and black cord for easy display. Made by Winning Streak Sports.

Sublime Ilusion
$16.98
Long known in Cuba as leader of the legendary group the Cuarteto Patria, guitarist Eliades Ochoa steps into the worldwide spotlight primed for him by his appearance on Buena Vista Social Club. He's joined here by guitarist Ry Cooder, Los Lobos' David Hidalgo, and blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite for an exercise in Cuban son, guaracha, and bolero classics. "Teje Que Teje" ("Weaving and Weaving"), on which both Hidalgo and Musselwhite play, brings a bit of attitude to the uplifting, traditional Cuban music dominating the album, and Cooder's appearance on "La Comparsa" brings a downright Hawaiian slack-key feel to the album's close. Still, Ochoa's tres dances lightly throughout the album in melodious songs that feature his wonderfully ripe voice while capturing the airy, relaxed spirit of eastern Cuban music. --Karen Karleski