Air Jordans

Liking Jordin Sparks, American Idol's season six winner, comes instinctively. How many 17-year-olds are as self-possessed, as big-smiling, as committed to having a good time and keeping it real? Probably none. Liking Sparks' music has been a different story for fans anticipating her debut CD, though. Her gut-busting Idol performance of "I (Who Have Nothing)" was possibly her only prime-time goosebump generator, yet she's seen an instant progression to diva-dom, as chronicled in reports that found her heading into the studio alongside pop/R&B heavy-hitters Bloodshy, Avant, the Underdogs, and others. Was it a little soon for the relatively green Sparks to be throwing off such big-league, beat-heavy sparks? Well, not hardly, it turns out. The ballads here--songs like "Next To You" and "Just For the Record"--reach out at times with overeager sincerity (forgivable!), but the funkier numbers--"Young and In Love" and the Prince-flecked "Shy Boy," especially--slam home her positives. Jordin may still be a juvie, but she's a bona fide pop star. She earns her props as convincingly here as she did on TV. --Tammy La Gorce

Outline Liking Jordin Sparks, American Idol's season six winner, comes instinctively. How many 17-year-olds are as self-possessed, as big-smiling, as committed to having a good time and keeping it re

2009 sophomore album from the American Idol winner. Battlefield takes her to another level and introduces us to a more mature voice surrounded by pure pop perfection. She has collaborated with an impressive list of producers on this album including Dr. Luke & T-Pain on 'Watch You Go' and Harvey Mason Jr. of the Underdogs on 'Don't Let It Go To Your Head'. Jordin also co-wrote several of the tracks on the album, including 'Was I The Only One' and 'Faith'.

The pristine tones and lilting melodies of the Celtic harp are immediately inviting. Celtic Harpestry, a companion to a PBS performance special, explores a sound both traditional and modern in a tasteful and evocative collection. This isn't a purist's album--half of the harpists aren't even from the Celtic isles, and among the album's old Irish chestnuts is "My Heart Will Go On," the love theme from Titanic. The otherwise-joyful Belfast Harp Orchestra tromp through the James Horner tune, almost pulling some subtlety out of its overwrought themes. Turlough O'Carolan, the blind patron saint of the Celtic harp, might wish he were deaf as well, if he could hear it. But the bard would be thrilled to hear the 12-piece BHO playing the traditional "Brian Boru's Set" or one of founder Janet Harbison's zephyrlike originals. Her "Earth, Water, Wind and Fire" elicits shifting textures and colors that belie their traditional roots. The song also exemplifies the ethereal side of the Celtic harp explored on Celtic Harpestry with artists like Rüdiger Oppermann. Playing a wire-strung harp accompanied by bass and keyboards, the German harpist soars through crystalline melodies whether he's playing traditional tunes or originals. The most traditional sound actually comes from the American players. Cheryl Ann Fulton gives a straight-up rendition of "Breton Medley," and jazz harpist Deborah Henson-Conant is refreshingly restrained, faithfully rendering "Londonderry Aire (Danny Boy)" and "The Minstrel Boy." Although Celtic Harpestry focuses on slow airs, there are robust performances here, including those by Máire Ni Chathasaigh's group and the harp and vocal duo of Sileas. Outside of the Titanic love theme, Celtic Harpestry is an elegantly wrought collection. --John Diliberto

It's showtime! Come Fly with Me packs in 50 minutes of breathtaking basketball highlights of the man considered the greatest basketball player of all time: Michael Jordan. Produced in 1989, before Jordan's first championship with the Chicago Bulls, Come Fly covers Michael's middle-class childhood in North Carolina, his rise in the NCAA ranks with the University of North Carolina, and the first few professional seasons with the Bulls. But if it's athletic wonders you seek as opposed to lots of factual details, you'll be well satisfied. This video clearly was designed to celebrate, not necessarily sketch out, the man and his history. Early footage of Michael will delight longtime Bulls fans. Included are interviews with family members, school mentors (we meet the coach who made the now-famous cut of Michael from his high-school junior varsity team), and 1980s Bulls coach Doug Collins (complete with frizzy 'fro), and plenty of slam dunks, athletic ballet, and "Wanna Be Like Mike" charisma. Missing is mention of fellow University of North Carolina teammates James Worthy and Sam Perkins, as well as a decent hip-hop soundtrack (the music is early sports documentary cheezola), but these are small flaws compared to the man's jaw-dropping aerobics. Footage of the slam-dunk contest alone--where Jordan captured his own goal of taking off at the free-throw line and dunking at the hoop (complete with legs bent back in Air flight)--will leave viewers grinning and shaking their heads. His energy is endless, his creativity self-renewing, and his athleticism graceful and magical. This video is a fun peek into the youthful Michael now so far behind us. --Karen Karleski

It's showtime! Come Fly with Me packs in 50 minutes of breathtaking basketball highlights of the man considered the greatest basketball player of all time: Michael Jordan. Produced in 1989, before Jordan's first championship with the Chicago Bulls, Come Fly covers Michael's middle-class childhood in North Carolina, his rise in the NCAA ranks with the University of North Carolina, and the first few professional seasons with the Bulls. But if it's athletic wonders you seek as opposed to lots of factual details, you'll be well satisfied. This video clearly was designed to celebrate, not necessarily sketch out, the man and his history. Early footage of Michael will delight longtime Bulls fans. Included are interviews with family members, school mentors (we meet the coach who made the now-famous cut of Michael from his high-school junior varsity team), and 1980s Bulls coach Doug Collins (complete with frizzy 'fro), and plenty of slam dunks, athletic ballet, and "Wanna Be Like Mike" charisma. Missing is mention of fellow University of North Carolina teammates James Worthy and Sam Perkins, as well as a decent hip-hop soundtrack (the music is early sports documentary cheezola), but these are small flaws compared to the man's jaw-dropping aerobics. Footage of the slam-dunk contest alone--where Jordan captured his own goal of taking off at the free-throw line and dunking at the hoop (complete with legs bent back in Air flight)--will leave viewers grinning and shaking their heads. His energy is endless, his creativity self-renewing, and his athleticism graceful and magical. This video is a fun peek into the youthful Michael now so far behind us. --Karen Karleski

Repositionable, reusable, self-adhesive and easy to apply. These are the super-cool qualities that Upper Deck's new Wall Stars decals will bring to your home decor. Each pack of Michael Jordan NBA Wall Stars includes one 13'' x 37'' sheet with 10 self-adhesive, precut wall decals ??? including one jumbo-sized wall decal ??? of the six-time NBA champion and sure-fire, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. Start decorating your playroom, bedroom or garage with Wall Stars today!

****Size: 23"x7''***Color: matte black*** Wall sayings and designs are the latest trend in interior decorating and home decor. It is an easy and creative way to add personality and charm to Any Room! Vinyl Lettering is a creative way to transform any room into a stylish, unique space. By applying your favorite sayings directly to your walls you will create daily inspiration with a beautiful hand-painted look. Installation instructions are included for a simple, professional install in minutes. ****Please be sure you are purchasing from Epic Designs to ensure the highest quality and satisfaction. All others are copies and may sacrifice quality*****

Ultimate Jordan: Deluxe Limited Edition Blu-ray is the ultimate tribute to the greatest basketball player of all time. Newly remastered, packed with exclusive bonus features, and available for the first time on Blu-ray, this collection is a slam dunk for Michael Jordan fans.