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Top Picks: Chick Corea and Béla Fleck's 'Two,' Lonnie Wheeler's book 'Intangiball: The Subtle Things That Win Baseball Games,' and more

Queen Elizabeth II speaks to fellow British children during World War II, a Massachusetts town tries to address drug use in their town in a new way, and more top picks.

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  • By Staff

Children’s hour

To honor Queen Elizabeth II as Britain’s longest-reigning ruler, the British Monarchy’s YouTube channel revisits an earlier time. In 1940, then-Princess Elizabeth recorded a message on BBC’s Children’s Hour to encourage British children, especially those far from home and displaced by World War II. The recording seems apropos for today’s children affected by the migrant crisis in Europe. Hear her message at http://bit.ly/MessageforChildren.

Inspired policing

MSNBC and Upworthy teamed up to create a video about a unique anti-drug program in Gloucester, Mass. Police Chief Leonard Campanello announced on social media last spring that opiate users who turn themselves in to the police station would be ensured a road to recovery, not arrest. “There’s no way we are going to arrest our way out of the addiction crisis in this country,” says Campanello. We believe him. Check it out at http://bit.ly/HelpForAddicts.

Spontaneous staccato

CONCORD JAZZ

Jazz pianist Chick Corea and banjo master Béla Fleck first paired up in 2007 to release the acclaimed album “The Enchantment.” Then they hit the road. For Two the musicians selected the best of their live shows for a two-disc set. Their spirited exploration of bluegrass and jazz as the duo “converse” on stage pops with joy, and the listening is made richer with appreciative responses from audiences worldwide. 

Home-run read

As baseball season heads into the homestretch, along comes Intangiball: The Subtle Things That Win Baseball Games, an absolute must read for any fan of the beautiful game. Veteran baseball writer Lonnie Wheeler explains how the perennially top organizations such as the Yankees, Cardinals, and Braves create and cultivate “teamship” by choosing character over raw talent, mentoring over muscle. Wheeler’s knowledge of and great affection for the storied denizens of the dugout make this book a grand slam. 

Big shoes to fill

COMEDY CENTRAL

Comedian Trevor Noah soon takes his place as the new host of “The Daily Show.” Under former host Jon Stewart’s stewardship, the program became a cultural institution. South African native Noah has proved his mettle in stand-up, and a mostly well-received tour has further piqued viewers’ interest. His first episode airs on Comedy Central Sept. 28 at 11 p.m.

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