Life Perspective: Reviews & More

As I reported in my previous post ( Dancing with the Stars: Kathy Ireland leaves and Tom DeLay stays), Kathy Ireland left DWTS last night. Then she appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." So, what did she really reveal??? What did Kathy Ireland reveal on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live?' The 'Dancing with the Stars' interview Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 Kathy Ireland on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Statuesque Kathy Ireland graced the stage of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on September 29 with her dancing partner Tony Dovilani for the mandatory Kimmel interview and subsequent burning of the dance shoes. So what did Jimmy Kimmel's interview with Kathy Ireland really reveal? Keep Reading »

I'm still tracking Tom DeLay and Kathy Ireland on "Dancing with the Stars." It looks like my job just got easier: Dancing with the Stars: Kathy Ireland leaves and Tom DeLay stays Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 Dancing with the Stars Results Show When the Dancing with the Stars Results Show started, my favorite dancing Christian underdogs, Kathy Ireland and Tom DeLay shared the bottom spot on the judges leader board, scoring 18 points each, only one point behind the four couples who had 19 points each. Keep Reading »

Fireproof with Kirk Cameron has had a phenomenal impact on our culture, now with two Love Dar books and an iPhone app! Fireproof movie with Kirk Cameron spawns two books and an iPhone app Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 Fireproof Still Turning Up the Heat When it released, The Love Dare entered The New York Times bestsellers list at no. 2. After 52 weeks, The Love Dare continues to remain in the top five on the bestsellers list. Now a follow-up book, The Love Dare Day by Day , is being released which will extend the 40-day Love Dare to 365 days... Keep Reading »

This movie news was interesting to me on several levels! I love movies, pop culture and BArbie. Now they are being combined into a live-action film! Universal Studios signs new celebrity star - Barbie; Barbie to star in live-action movie Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 Universal Pictures Signs Barbie! In breaking celebrity news, Universal Pictures has added a new mega-star to its stable of celebrities -- Barbie ! Why Barbie has star power... Keep Reading »

I find myself rooting for the underdogs on this season of "Dancing with the Stars" Kathy Ireland and Tom DeLay tie for lowest score 6-6-6 on Dancing with the Stars Monday, September 28th, 2009 Kathy Ireland Dances the Quickstep Kathy Ireland had another week to try to loosen up on the dance floor after being told she was safe last week. However, by the end of the show Tom DeLay joined Ireland with the low scores of the evening, both with 6-6-6, on "Dancing with the Stars." Keep Reading »

I thought I was through previewing IBMA events, but I got another press release today and... World of Bluegrass brings Steve Martin, Kathy Mattea, Hot Rize, Dillards, Grascals to Nashville Monday, September 28th, 2009 Where can you find Steve Martin , Kathy Mattea, Hot Rize, The Dillards , The Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, and more than 60 other bluegrass and gospel artists this week? At the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass which starts today in Nashville, of course!... Keep Reading »

More info on the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame - featuring the Dillards! Mayberry Darlings The Dillards to be inducted into Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Oct. 1 (slideshow) Sunday, September 27th, 2009 Original Dillards Inducted into International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame In case you are wondering why all the recent coverage of the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards and IBMA Fan Fest , I have a confession to make. My sudden interest in the Bluegrass Music Awards is due to the fact that Mayberry's Darling boys, the original Dillards -- Doug Dillard, Rodney Dillard, Mitch Jayne and Dean Webb -- will be inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame on October 1... Keep Reading »

As I reported in IBMA Fan Fest October 2-4 at Nashville Convention Center features gospel artists , the International Bluegrass Week and Fan Fest are coming to Nashville, and I will be on hand to cover it! International Bluegrass Music Association's 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Oct. 1 Sunday, September 27th, 2009 · 1 comment The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Hosts 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Country artist Kathy Mattea and bluegrass band, Hot Rize will host the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards on Thursday night, October 1, 2009, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Keep Reading »

Although I am not a big bluegrass fan, I am covering the World Bluegrass Week events because the Dillards will be inducted into the BLuegrass Hall of Fame. More on that in a coming article. IBMA Fan Fest October 2-4 at Nashville Convention Center features gospel artists Saturday, September 26th, 2009 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Fan Fest The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Fan Fest is taking place October 2-4 at the Nashville Convention Center.... Keep Reading »

This is pretty exciting news for Nashville. I wish I could go, but at $1,000 a pop, it's way too rich for my blood! I do hope they are able to get the Gospel Music Association back on track, however. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe concert to save Gospel Music Assoc. Oct. 12 Friday, September 25th, 2009 · 1 comment Gospel Music Association Plans Fund-Raising Dinner Five-time Dove Award Producer of the Year Brown Bannister will produce the evening of entertainment, which will include performances from Amy Grant , Michael W. Smith , Casting Crowns, MercyMe , Natalie Grant , Kirk Franklin , Point of Grace , Fisk Jubilee Singers and The Booth Brothers ... Keep Reading »

This is an update on a story I did a few days ago: TV co-hosts Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort double planned Darwin's Origin of Species give-away Thursday, September 24th, 2009 · 1 comment Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort Refute Origin of Species As reported in Kirk Cameron vs. Charles Darwin; Christian actor Kirk Cameron tackles evolution , ctor Kirk Cameron and best-selling author Ray Comfort, TV co-hosts of "Way of the Master," have been planning to give away 50,000 copies of Charles Darwin's book "Origin of Species." Yesterday it was announced that Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort have doubled the amount of books they plan to give away, from 50,000 to 100,000. The college campus outreach is being co- sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, Alliance Defense Fund, and Answers in Genesis. Keep Reading »

Still covering Kathy Ireland and Tom DeLay on "Dancing with the Stars:" Dancing with the Stars: Kathy Ireland and Tom DeLay safe for another week Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 Dancing with the Stars Tribute to Patrick Swayze Tonight's very short "Dancing with the Stars" started with a tribute to Patrick Swayze - a little dance, a little music. It was a nice tribute to an actor who started his career dancing. What audiences wanted to know was who was staying and who would be leaving? Keep Reading »

This is not one of my favorite Barbie dolls and I am not tempted to buy one, but it is cute! Goldie Hawn Barbie® doll joins Heidi Klum and Marilyn Monroe in Blonde Ambition series Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 The Goldie Hawn Barbie® Collector's Doll Ask anyone who grew up in the 1970s: Goldie Hawn was always a doll, and now Mattel has turned her into one! Barbie ® doll as Goldie Hawn from Mattel's Blonde Ambition collection is a cute celebrity doll based on Goldie Hawn's character on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" ... Keep Reading »

Continuing my coverage of professed Christians who are appearing on this season's Dancing with the Stars... Kathy Ireland adds Dancing with the Stars to resumé; from supermodel to dancing queen (slideshow) Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 Who Is Kathy Ireland? This season's "Dancing with the Stars" brings a familiar face back to television screens. One of the hardest-working moms in show business, Ireland is partnered with two-time champ Tony Dovolani on this season's "Dancing With the Stars." Keep Reading »

I continue to be impressed with Kirk Cameron's boldness. He takes a great deal of abuse from the liberal media, but he sure stands up for his convictions. Kirk Cameron vs. Charles Darwin; Christian actor Kirk Cameron takes on evolution (with video) Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 Kirk Cameron and the 150th anniversary of Origin of Species November 24, 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Origin of Species, and Christian actor Kirk Cameron is making plans to use the occasion to present the other side of the Creation/Evolution debate. Keep Reading »

This was such an interesting story I had to write it up! Tom Delay a 'Wild Thing' on 'Dancing with the Stars;' DeLay trades hammer for dance shoes Monday, September 21st, 2009 DeLay Trades In His Hammer for Dance Shoes on Dancing with the Stars Tom DeLay, former Republican House Majority Leader, has laid down his hammer and picked up his dancing shoes for his appearance on the ninth season of "Dancing with the Stars." Last week several news outlets reported DeLay was the first Season 9 contender to be injured in rehearsals, but there was no evidence of injury on tonight's show. Keep Reading » Also see: Steve-O No Jackass on Dancing with the Stars

I had this Barbie cookbook as a child - in fact, the book pictured below is mine! (So is the reproduction doll - one of the last Barbie's I purchased while I was in the process of ending my collecting days.) Barbie Learns to Cook! Barbie Learns to Cook doll, outfit, and Easy As Pie cookbook Friday, September 18th, 2009 Barbie's Easy-as-Pie Cookbook In 1964, Mattel branched out from Barbie dolls and outfits, by publishing Barbie's Easy-as-Pie Cookbook through Random... Keep Reading »

Here is some very interesting movie news! Family-friendly films top 2009 box office; R-rated movies in decline; top ten list of 2009 movies Thursday, September 17th, 2009 · 2 comments Family Friendly Films Trounce R-Rated Movies at Box Office Regardless of what the recent MTV Video Music Awards were trying to sell, according to the OregonFaithReport , family friendly films are doing much better than R-rated movies in box office earnings. The summer blockbuster season is over and the box office results are in, showing only one R-rated movie, The Hangover, making it into the top 10 box office list. Keep Reading »

While singer Jonny Lang may be best known as a blues musician, he is also a gospel artist. Jonny will be at Nashville's Ryman auditorium tomorrow night. Gospel Music 101: Who is Jonny Lang? Jonny Lang at the Ryman Sept. 18 Thursday, September 17th, 2009 Who Is Jonny Lang? Gospel, blues and R&B/rock singer Jonny Lang was born in 1981 in Fargo, North Dakota. Lang became a professional musician at the ripe old age of 12 when he started taking guitar lessons from Ted Larsen, the guitar player for Bad Medicine Blues Band and then quickly became the lead of the band which renamed itself Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang... Keep Reading »

I wrote about the Attention! Doll a few days ago. I continue that two-part series with No Exaggeration. No Exaggeration doll by Integrity Toys brings back Hammertime (with slideshow) Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 AvantGuards DayGlo Collection As reported in Integrity Toys announces Attention! Australian exclusive doll from AvantGuards collection , Integrity Toys... Keep Reading »

Here is another story in the news which I find hard to believe. Have we really allowed our television shows and culture to fall so far? A Look Back at the MTV MVAs MTV Video Music Awards sells sex, shock, rudeness to teens: Kanye West, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Brand Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 Kanye West, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Russell Brand, Katy Perry, Jack Black Take MTV MVAs to New Lows Unless you live in a complete vacuum, you have undoubtedly heard about the latest Kanye West debacle, which he later blamed on his mother's recent death. Kanye grabbed the microphone out of young Taylor Swift's hands who was accepting her award, and told the audience that Beyonce was the person who had the best video in that category. Taylor Swift, 19, watched in horror as Kanye ruined her moment. But if you think Kanye West scored the lowest or most disgusting moment on the MTV MVAs, you would be sadly mistaken.... Keep Reading » vma

I have to admit I have not yet seen this movie, but I read some articles about it today that have certainly piqued my interest: The gospel according to Tyler Perry: I Can Do Bad All by Myself (with slideshow) Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 I Can Do Bad All by Myself Tyler Perry is quickly becoming a household name. With his latest movie I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Perry continues his Madea franchise in a movie with several Biblical themes. Although the movie has some adult situations and violence, the story line of I Can Do Bad All by Myself is about hope and redemption and features gospel artist Marvin Winans . Keep Reading »

This story is a study in irony. Heidi Klum is releaseing a book of nude pictures, but she insisted her Barbie doll have underwear on! I was so amazed by this I wrote two articles about it: Heidi Klum Poses Nude but Wants Barbie in Underwear Heidi Klum, who is releasing a coffee table book full of nude photos of herself, insisted that the new Heidi Klum Barbie doll come with underwear. Heidi Klum a real Barbie girl and now a Heidi Klum Barbie doll (with Heidi Klum video and slideshow) Monday, September 14th, 2009 Heidi Klum Barbie Doll Heidi Klum grew up playing with Barbie dolls, and now she is one! The 36-year-old model was offered the chance to be immortali...

More coverage on Twilight. This time I take a look at the New Moon trailer... and am not sure I like what I see... Twilight cast presents New Moon trailer at MTV Video Music Awards: Pattinson, Stewart, Lautner Monday, September 14th, 2009 Twilight Cast Presents New Moon Trailer at MTV VMA Awards As reported in A Christian look at Twilight books and movies , the brand-new trailer for New Moon was presented at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City by Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner Sunday night. Keep Reading »

I have touched on this topic before - the Christian themes in Twilight and New Moon. It seems like a timely topic, so I thought I would revisit the themes of temptation and abstinence in the Twilight series. This is the first of two articles: A Christian look at Twilight books and movies: Part 1 of a 2-part series (New Moon trailer) Sunday, September 13th, 2009 A Christian Look at Twilight With the MTV New Moon trailer leak today (see video below for the"official" New Moon preview), I thought it was time to take a look at the Twilight books and movies from a Christian perspective. The Twilight series books (and movies) by Mormon mother Stephanie Meyer, have been the focus of much controversy in Christian circles. Are the books demonic and evil or are they a contemporary form of morality play? Keep Reading » A Christian look at Twilight books and movies: Part 2 of a 2-part series (with cast slideshow) Sunday, September 13th, 2009 A Christian Look at Twilight ...

More music news: I'm not a big fan of rap and hip-hop, but he sounds pretty cool. B. Reith's Now Is Not Forever online listening party in Nashville with TobyMac and Dave Barnes Saturday, September 12th, 2009 Who Is B. Reith? Gospel hip hop and pop musician Brian Reith is better known by his stage name B.Reith . B.Reith’s debut Now Is Not Forever will be unveiled live via an online listening party from Nashville at www.breith.com on September 21st at 8pm CST with TobyMac and Dave Barnes making special guest appearances. Keep Reading »

I still vividly remember getting my first Barbie doll when I was in 1st grade, a blond ponytail doll which was by far my most cherished toy of childhood... Doll Collecting 101: Who is Barbie? Barbie Millicent Roberts - teenage fashion model by Mattel Saturday, September 12th, 2009 Barbie doll, the "Teen-age Fashion Model," made her first appearance at Toy Fair in 1959. As reported in 2009 marks Barbie Doll's 50th anniversary: collectors celebrate Barbie's 50th birthday , the first Barbie dolls, issued as both blond and brunette ponytails, were a little odd looking... Keep Reading »

This BREAKING NEWS just in: Gospel artist Kirk Franklin and U.S. ministry team involved in Uganda riots (with video) Friday, September 11th, 2009 Kirk Franklin Involved in Deadly Riots in Uganda Kirk Franklin has announced on his Twitter page that he and his ministry team were involved in a "situation" in Uganda a few hours ago by posting, "soldiers...we're in a lil' situation over here in Uganda. please pray for me and my team. I'll post a video blog about it later.." According to his video blog, the situation turned into a full-blown, deadly riots. Keep Reading »

This is one of my favorite memories, going to New York City on a total splurge to pick up a couple of exclusive dolls, and taking pictures of one of them in front of the Twin Towers. Tea Time at the Plaza Gene; 1999 FAO Schwarz Exclusive Gene premiered in New York City (slideshow) Friday, September 11th, 2009 In 1999, a new Gene doll was unveiled at a special event at FAO Schwarz. Dressed in a wonderfully tailored 'A' line navy blue georgette dress featuring white soutache braid trim, Tea Time at the Plaza Gene looked stylish and smart... Keep Reading »

A former Barbie girl and actress to star in Steel Magnolias! September 10, 4:24 PM Nashville Doll Collecting Examiner Kathryn Darden Former Barbie fan Marin Miller to appear in Tennessee Rep's 'Steel Magnolias' in October Thursday, September 10th, 2009 Marin Miller - Actress & Former Barbie Girl Nashville actress Marin Miller loved to play with her Barbie dolls as a child, although as a youngster... Keep Reading »

Here's a great concert coming to Nashville this Sunday! Mark Schultz, Point of Grace in Nashville Sept. 13; Come Alive Tour w/ Mark Schultz & Point of Grace (with slideshow) Thursday, September 10th, 2009 Mark Schultz & Point of Grace in Nashville September 13 The Point of Grace and Mark Schulz Come Alive Tour is coming to Nashville, this Sunday, September 13! Mark Schultz and the Point of Grace girls will appear in concert this Sunday at Two Rivers Baptist Church Sunday at 6pm... Keep Reading »

I had never heard of this doll before writing it up tonight. Integrity Toys announces Attention! Australian exclusive doll from AvantGuard collection Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 Integrity Toys AvantGuard Dolls Integrity Toys recently recently released two new 16 inch dolls from their AvantGuard line from the DayGlo collection.... Keep Reading »

Now back to our regularly-scheduled gospel music updates for 9/9/9! David Crowder Band to release Church Music September 22; David Crowder book, David Crowder Band tour Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 · 1 comment David Crowder Band Church Music The David Crowder Band is getting ready to release Church Music on September 22. The follow-up to the 2007 release of Remedy, Church Music will be the David Crowder Band’s fifth album. The 17 songs on the unique album play continuously from beginning to end with one song blending seamlessly into the next... Keep Reading »

More doll news. The short-lived Julia doll is one of my favorites. Doll Collecting 101: Who Is Julia? Julia Kingston forerunner of Tyler Wentworth Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 In 1998, Julia Kingston by Robert Tonner, a doll straight out of a Harlequin Romance, premiered at Toy Fair. Julia was not made by the Tonner Doll Company, but was created by Robert Tonner for Pendant Historical Romance, a Division of Georgetown Collection. Keep Reading »

Some more gospel music news! Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane to release November 10, tour dates with Dave Matthews Band Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane On November 10, multi-platinum selling alternative rock band Switchfoot will release Hello Hurricane, the gospel group’s first album on Atlantic Records and its first studio album since 2006’s Oh! Gravity. Switchfoot recorded Hello Hurricane with producer/bassist Mike Elizondo... Keep Reading »

I watched this wonderful movie over the holiday weekend and found it to be a very appropriate Labor Day movie. Amazing Grace stars Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce who ended the slave trade in Britain Monday, September 7th, 2009 Amazing Grace is an appropriate movie to see on Labor Day as it is a movie about the fight in Great Britain to end the slave trade and slave labor. Amazing Grace Also a Christian Movie Amazing Grace is a beautiful, riveting, and powerful movie about William Wilberforce and his many years battling to end the slave trade in 18th Century Great Britain... Keep Reading »

Part of my "The Gospel According to" series, following Paramore, Michael Jackson, and Elvis: The gospel according to Whitney Houston: Whitney's gospel roots (gospel videos included) Sunday, September 6th, 2009 Who Is Whitney Houston? Whitney Houston, who released her new album, I Look To You , on August 31, 2009, has led a tumultuous life since reaching stardom with her self-titled debut album in 1985. However, before her rise to fame, her doomed marriage to Bobby Brown and subsequent drug use, Whitney Houston lived an almost charmed life. Keep Reading »