Rich Robinson

HARRISBURG, N.C. -- Two Charlotte men are putting their passion for American-Israeli relations on the hood of a Daytona 500 stock car. The #49 'America Israel Racing' car is owned by Robinson-Blakeney Racing and driven by J.J. Yeley. Friends Rich Shirey and Mark MacCaull said they came up with the idea for America Israel Racing at their daughters' horse show in late 2011. Shirey said they wanted to find a way to educate the public about the relationship between the United States and its Middle Eastern ally.

This is a video of a live performance of Katrina Ballads & of CNN footage of Anderson Cooper & Mary Landrieu reacting to the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. The KATRINA BALLADS is a brand new collection of songs inspired by the tragic events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. This work uses entirely primary-source texts to paint a rich musical portrait of that devastating and telling week in September 2005. Setting the words of flood survivors, relief workers, politicians and celebrities, New York composer Ted Hearne creates a cutting-edge musical experience and a vivid look into America's darkest hours. The music is rhythmic, theatrical, and American to the core, possessing an edgy post-minimalist drive and a deep jazz influence. It is a moving performance, challenging us to remember and reflect upon our own history. Credits Katrina Ballads Performance as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival May 31, 2007 at the Circular Congregational Church in Charleston, SC composed and directed by Ted Hearne performed by New Music Collective and Yes is a World Allison Semmes, soprano (Mary Landrieu) Anthony Turner, baritone (Anderson Cooper) Abby Fischer, mezzo-soprano Isaiah Robinson, tenor Film footage by Anna Shillinglaw Edited by Farrah Hoffmire

Catch a first look at the performances from the HISTORY special, The People Speak. Here, David Strathairn performs Thoreau's Civil Disobedience. The People Speak premieres on HISTORY December 13!

Catch a first look at the HISTORY special, The People Speak. Here, Don Cheadle performs Black Hawk's Surrender Speech . The People Speak premieres on HISTORY December 13!