Over the weekend, Oprah Tweeted: "To me Whitney was THE VOICE. We got to hear a part of God every time she sang." Sadly, that voice became muddled in the last years of Whitney Houston's life, but let's take a look back to her earlier years. All of the below videos are 100% guaranteed to give you goose bumps, from a 1976 recording of her singing at her Newark church, to the best "Star Spangled Banner" the country will ever hear: more ›

Zooey Deschanel sang the "Star-Spangled Banner" at last night's game and it was just adorable, you guys. more ›

Everyone is talking about Christina Aguilera messing up the lyrics to the national anthem at the Super Bowl last night. The video is below, where she belts out: "Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, what so proudly we watched at the twilight's last gleaming." The correct lyrics are: "Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming." more ›

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra’s historic concert in North Korea concluded hours ago, marking the first performance by an American orchestra in the impoverished, totalitarian nation. The event also marked a first for much of the press, who are routinely denied access to North Korea and, once inside, usually find their movements tightly controlled. The Times has a stunning slideshow of photos snapped en route from the airport to the center of Pyongyang, something the photographer says is never permitted. more ›

Last night we sent photographer Raymond Haddad to the I'm Not There concert at Beacon Theater. Calexico, The Roots, My Morning Jacket, J Mascis, Yo La Tengo, Mason Jennings, Joe Henry, Mark Lanegan, Lee Ranaldo & the Million Dollar Bashers and many more were on hand to celebrate the soundtrack, the film and of course Bob Dylan himself (who, in fact, was not there). The soundtrack is a double-discer that's been getting praise from... more ›

The Red Sox has permeated nearly every facet of Bostonist's lives. When they're not live-blogging the games, waxing poetic about the games, thanking Curt Schilling for his splendid work, or telling Dane Cook to watch his hair, they're watching certain presidential candidates hop on the Red Sox bandwagon (sorry, Gothamist). The Sox are so branded on the local brain that people are using the Series to spice up their sex lives. Speaking of spice, Bostonist is really sick of that taco promo. And, while they're proud of John Williams, Bostonist is still trying to figure out Williams' "Very Special Arrangement" of the "Star Spangled Banner." more ›

Inside Schools describes PS 236 thusly:

PS 236 is a well-run, well-equipped school in a neighborhood with lots of stay-at-home mothers and one- and two-family homes with manicured lawns. Fifth graders lead The Pledge of Allegiance and sing The Star Spangled Banner over the public address system each morning. Classes are tracked, with children placed in groups according to their abilities. Homework is heavy. "They start homework at 4 in the afternoon and don't finish until after dinner," one parent said. "This breeds discipline and will pay off down the road." Even kindergarteners have homework assignments, such as filling out a phonics worksheet from a workbook. The school has an inviting library with classical music playing, plants, dioramas made by the kids, and big windows that overlook a playground. Students in all grades perform and stage musical plays.

Today Martha Wainwright and Belle & Sebastian played at the River to River Festival in Battery Park. Rain and an electrical storm threatened the show... more ›

As New Yorkers we're used to a bevy of ethnic edibles - Jackson Heights alone offers Columbian, Indian and Italian dining options in mere steps of each other. But now, Brooklyn restauranteurs are taking the concept one step further - or to be more exact, one step less - bringing a mini-Epcot of sorts to the corner of Pacific and Smith Streets. more ›

Playing Brazil, by all accounts a younger and faster team, the Americans pulled out a victory in overtime, winning 2-1. The youth movement was evident in the players that scored for the American team. The United States struck first, with a goal in the 39th minute. Late in regulation, Brazil scored an equalizer when Pretinha scored in the 83rd minute. While in overtime, Abby Wambach scored in the 22nd minute after a corner kick by Kristine Lilly. more ›