National Gospel Music Heritage Month returns this September; GMC honors Third Day, Michael W. Smith

I posted about this last year when it was the first year for National Gospel Music Heritage Month.

National Gospel Music Heritage Month returns this September; GMC honors Third Day, Michael W. Smith

Monday, August 31st, 2009

National Gospel Music Heritage Month in September

The United States Senate and the House of Representatives has named September "National Gospel Music Heritage Month" for the second year in a row. The dual legislation passed by the House and the Senate designates September 2009 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month," recognizing gospel music for its long-standing value to American culture.
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Kirk Cameron turns up the heat on 'Fireproof' DVD; new Fireproof soundtrack features gospel artists

Kirk Cameron turns up the heat on 'Fireproof' DVD; new Fireproof soundtrack features gospel artists

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

In 2008, Kirk Cameron elevated his status as a serious actor when he starred in the action movie Fireproof. The Fireproof Original Movie Soundtrack released on July 14, 2009, with sixteen songs recorded by gospel artists.

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Is the new film 'The Board' the next 'Chariots of Fire' or 'Fireproof?'

After reading press releases that compared "The Board" to "Chariots of Fire" and "Fireproof," I was very eager to review it. Does it sound unspiritual of me to say I was slightly disappointed?

Is new film 'The Board' the next 'Chariots of Fire' or 'Fireproof?'

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

What is The Board?

The Board is an interesting short film produced by Bethesda Baptist Church and released nationwide on DVD August 4, 2009. Although in media hype The Board has been compared to movie classics like Chariots of Fire and Fireproof, that is misleading.
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BarlowGirl and Superchick announce co-headlining fall tour with special guests VOTA (with slideshow)

I thought this was very exciting news since Superchick helped introduce BarlowGirl to the world with the song "Barlow Girls."

BarlowGirl and Superchick announce co-headlining fall tour with special guests VOTA (with slideshow)

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

BarlowGirl and Superchick Co-Headlining Tour with VOTA

BarlowGirl and Superchick, two of Christian music’s most respected rock bands are finally joining forces for an exciting fall tour after years of planning and strong fan demand. Joining the BarlowGirl-Superchick tour will be special guests, VOTA. (See slideshow)...
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Doll Collecting 101: Who is Tyler? Tyler Wentworth, fashion doll, by Tonner Doll Company (slideshow)

More on the heyday of fashion doll collecting...

Doll Collecting 101: Who is Tyler? Tyler Wentworth, fashion doll, by Tonner Doll Company (with slideshow)

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Who is Tyler? The Tyler Wentworth Doll by Robert Tonner for the Tonner Doll Company

The Tonner Doll Company presented the first Tyler Wentworth® Doll and Collection for adult collectors at Toy Fair from 1999 (see Tyler's first appearance as Tonner Doll Company issued Signature Style Tyler in 1999 - a look back). Tyler Wentworth is a 16-inch, vinyl/hard plastic doll with rooted saran hair (and sometimes wigs), hand-detailed painted eyes and an extensive wardrobe...
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What Did Selena Gomez Really Reveal on "Jimmy Kimmel Live?"

I have to admit, I wasn't too excited to see "Princess Protection Program," but when I saw it, I was quite impressed by Selena Gomez.

What did Selena Gomez reveal on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live?' (includes Selena Gomez 'Falling Down' video)

Friday, August 28th, 2009

What did Selena Gomez reveal to Jimmy Kimmel?

Christian actress Selena Gomez, best known for her portrayal of Alex Russo on the Disney Channel series, "Wizards of Waverly Place," made an appearance on "The Jimmy Kimmel Show" this week along with NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal. The popular actress, who recently joined the Jonas Brothers in making a public stand to wear a purity ring and abstain from sex until she’s married, was interviewed by Kimmel about her life, her upcoming Disney movie, her TV roles, her CD, and her fans. So what did Selena Gomez really reveal to Jimmy Kimmel?
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Tyler's first appearance as Tonner Doll Company issued Signature Style Tyler in 1999 - a look back

Another fashion doll retrospective as I look back at the heyday of doll collecting!

Tyler's first appearance as Tonner Doll Company issued Signature Style Tyler in 1999 - a look back

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Tyler Arrives on the Fashion Scene

Towards the end of December 1999, reports began to circulate on the internet. "Tyler is here!" The...
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Gospel judges announced for International Songwriting Competition: Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, Wynonna and more!

Gospel judges announced for International Songwriting Competition: Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, Wynonna and more!

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Gospel artists including Michael W. Smith, Matt Thiessen (Relient K), Jeremy Camp, and Wynonna have been named as part of the judging panel of 55 high-profile judges at the 2009 International Songwriting Competition (SC).

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Andy Serkis (AKA Gollum) to star in 'The Screwtape Letters' Radio Theater

As a huge fan of both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as "The Screwtape Letters" and "The Lord of the Rings," I found this news very interesting:

Andy Serkis (AKA Gollum) to star in 'The Screwtape Letters' Radio Theater

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Andy Serkis in The Screwtape Letters

Andy Serkis, the talented voice and CGI-assisted actor who played Gollum in the movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is taking on another evil persona by providing the vocal lead in the C.S. Lewis classic, The Screwtape Letters.
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TobyMac's 'City On Our Knees' now available at digital outlets: 1st single from new TobyMac project

Continuing my recent TobyMac coverage, here is the latest news about Toby!

TobyMac's 'City On Our Knees' now available at digital outlets: 1st single from new TobyMac project

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

TobyMac New Tour, New Record
As announced in TobyMac announces 2009 Winter Wonder Slam Tour with Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith, TobyMac has been busy making plans for his fifth annual Winter Wonder Slam Tour for 2009. He has also been offering a summer exclusive deal to his fans this summer on his last album Portable Sounds. Now TobyMac announces that "City On Our Knees," his first single off his upcoming release scheduled for early 2010 is available wherever you buy digital music...
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Also see:

TobyMac announces 2009 Winter Wonder Slam Tour with Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith

Thursday, August 20th, 2009 · 2 comments

Features TobyMac, Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith Where can you find gospel music artists like Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith...
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TobyMac offers summer special on 'Portable Sounds'

TobyMac Offers Special Summer Deal on Latest Gospel Project, Portable Sounds Here's some news for you TobyMac/DC Talk fans! Five-time GRAMMY-award...
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Gene’s fifth anniversary was a banner year for Ashton-Drake's Gene doll in 2000 - a look back

I decided to take a look back at the heyday of the Gene doll in this retrospective of an event I attended in 2000:

Gene’s fifth anniversary was a banner year for Ashton-Drake's Gene doll in 2000 - a look back

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Gene's 5th Anniversary Celebration in 2000

New dolls! New characters! New body styles! New costumes! New accessory packs! Retirements! These were the buzz words that combined to mark a memorable 5th anniversary celebration for Ashton-Drake’s Gene during the cornucopia of events that marked the millennium Toy Fair in New York City. Keep Reading »

Jonas Brothers add Everlife to Nashville concert on August 25

If you have been reading my blog, you know the Jonas Brothers are coming to Nashville! Here's the latest scoop on the Nashville concert:

Jonas Brothers add Everlife to Nashville concert on August 25

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Three Sisters/Three Brothers: Everlife Joins Jonas Brothers in Nashville

As reported in Jonas Brothers in Nashville August 25 - JoBros play Sommet Center (with Nashville video), the Jonas Brothers are coming to Nashville's Sommet Center on Tuesday, August 25th as one of the final stops of the Jonas Brothers World Tour, and the JoBros have just added Nashville-based sister rock-trio Everlife to the Nashville roster. Everlife will kick off the Jonas Brothers show with an acoustic set...
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Gene Fall 2009 Releases: "Heat Wave" Violet Waters (with slideshow)

More doll news - this blog is definitely developing a split personality! If you are only interested in doll news, you might want to check out my doll blog at: Fashion Dolls 101

Gene Fall 2009 Releases: "Heat Wave" Violet Waters (with slideshow)

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

"Heat Wave" Violet Waters Part 2 in the Gene Fall 2009 Release Series Gene's friend Violet Waters is ready for an island getaway as she...
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Stryper and Manic Drive on tour: yellow and black...and blue attack

And now back to our regularly scheduled gospel music news! Anyone remember spandex and the "Yellow and Black Attack?"

Stryper and Manic Drive on tour: yellow and black...and blue attack

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

Stryper 25th Anniversary Tour

As announced in Stryper announces 25th anniversary tour, Stryper announced plans for a 25th Anniversary Tour, scheduled to visit 50 cities in North America beginning in September before starting the international leg of the tour in January 2010. Now Stryper announces that joining them for this historic tour will be Canadian gospel music rockers Manic Drive.
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Gene Fall 2009 Release: 'Pearls and Pink' Ivy Jordan by Integrity Toys (with slideshow)

Yes, I am not too proud to admit that in a former life, I was a doll collector. Although I have stopped spending money on them, I still enjoy keeping up with the latest doll collecting news and have started writing a doll column for the Nashville Examiner. So don't be surprised if you find doll news mixed in with music new and other information in my blog from now on!


Gene Fall 2009 Release: 'Pearls and Pink' Ivy Jordan by Integrity Toys (with slideshow)

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

"Pearls and Pink" Ivy Jordan

From the Return to Hollywood Collection comes the "Pearls and Pink" Ivy Jordan in the Gene line of dolls from Integrity Toys...

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More Gene doll news:

Doll Collecting 101: Who is Gene? Gene Marshall: fashion doll (with slideshow)

Gene Hollywood Royalty dolls announced - new 12 inch size for Gene Marshall dolls (with slideshow)

Twilight's Kristen Stewart Still Bella in Adventureland

Twilight's Kristen Stewart Still Bella in Adventureland

Adventureland with Kristen Stewart (Twilight), billed as a comedy-drama, combines some funny moments with some very dark and dreary moments. Personally, I have seen very few comedy-dramas that are very funny, and Adventureland is no exception.

Also see:

A Christian Take on Twilight - Book and Movie Review
Twilight at Midnight - a Movie Review

Gene Hollywood Royalty dolls announced - new 12 inch size for Gene Marshall dolls

Gene Hollywood Royalty dolls announced - new 12 inch size for Gene Marshall dolls

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Stop the presses! Did I just say in my Doll Collecting 101: Who is Gene? article that Gene is a 16 1/2 inch doll? Well, history is being made as a new 12 inch Hollywood Royalty Gene is expected to arrive mid-to-late November! Keep Reading »

Building 429 and Todd Agnew on 'Promise Remains Tour' this fall

Building 429 and Todd Agnew on 'Promise Remains Tour' this fall

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Building 429 and Todd Agnew on "Promise Remains Tour"

Two gospel music veterans are going to be touring together this fall as Building 429 and singer/songwriter Todd Agnew announce the “Promise Remains Tour” sponsored by World Vision. New female trio Kimber Rising is scheduled to open the tour as the “Promise Remains Tour” visits over 40 dates across the U.S. starting on September 17, 2009...
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TobyMac announces 2009 Winter Wonder Slam Tour with Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith

TobyMac announces 2009 Winter Wonder Slam Tour with Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Features TobyMac, Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith

Where can you find gospel music artists like Relient K, B.Reith and Stephanie Smith performing alongside TobyMac? At the 2009 Winter Wonder Slam Tour!
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Doll Collecting 101: Who is Gene? Gene Marshall: fashion doll (with slideshow)

Doll Collecting 101: Who is Gene? Gene Marshall: fashion doll (with slideshow)

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Who is Gene Marshall?

In 1995, a new doll was unveiled at Toy Fair for adult collectors. Designed to appeal to lovers of old-time Hollywood glamor, Gene Marshall was introduced by Ashton-Drake, an affiliate of the Bradford Exchange, and designer Mel Odum (see slideshow below) with three dressed dolls and nine costumes. Keep Reading »

2009 marks Barbie Doll's 50th anniversary - local doll club celebrates Barbie's 50th birthday

2009 marks Barbie Doll's 50th anniversary - local doll club celebrates Barbie's 50th birthday

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Barbie Doll Turns 50 Barbie doll turned 50 this year. The much maligned vinyl doll has been one of the most popular toys since she appeared in March 9, 1959

Barbie Through the Decades

"Barbie Doll Through the Decades" will take place on Thursday night, September 3, 2009 at Shoneys Bellevue/Nashville (in the party room). Tables will be set up with displays of Barbie dolls representing each of Barbie's 5 decades courtesy of the Belle Meade Plantation Belles Doll Club. Details at Barbie doll through the decades - celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary in Nashville.

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Professional Bull Riders Stampede in Nashville: Cody Ford Wins Nashville PBR Event

Professional Bull Riders Stampede in Nashville: Cody Ford Wins Nashville PBR Event

A PBR Newbie Takes a Look at One of the World's Most Dangerous Sports, Professional Bull Riding

The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) put on quite a show in Nashville at the Jack Daniel's Invitational on August 14 and 15 at the Sommet Center.

Jonas Brothers in Nashville August 25 - JoBros play Sommet Center (with Nashville video)

Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner My Bio · Articles

Jonas Brothers in Nashville August 25 - JoBros play Sommet Center (with Nashville video)

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Jonas Brothers at Sommet Center in Nashville As reported in Nashville gospel music events in August: Jason Crabb, pureNRG, Jonas Brothers, and more, Christian singers and entertainers the Jonas Brothers are returning to Nashville to play the Sommet Center (formerly Gaylord Entertainment Center) located at 501 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 7:00 pm...
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Jim Caviezel from 'Passion of the Christ' stars in The Word of Promise releasing in September

Jim Caviezel from 'Passion of the Christ' stars in The Word of Promise

Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner My Bio · Articles

Passion of the Christ' Actor Jim Caviezel Stars in The Word of Promise Audio Bible

Actor Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ," will be making a special guest appearance at Trinity Broadcasting Network's Holy Land Experience on August 29, 2009 in conjunction with the release of The Word of Promise. Caviezel provides the voice of Jesus on the New Testament portion of the dramatic audio Bible...

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GOSPEL GRAPEVINE: MercyMe, Jonas Brothers, Mark Schultz, Brandon Heath, Paramore, Stryper and more

GOSPEL GRAPEVINE: MercyMe, Jonas Brothers, Mark Schultz, Brandon Heath, Paramore, Stryper and more

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

I heard it through the grapevine...

Featuring gospel music and entertainment news about: MercyMe, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Skillet, Mark Schultz, Sidewalk Prophets, Brandon Heath, Leeland, Francesca Battistelli, Acappella, BarlowGirl, Diamond Rio, Paramore, Dreampilots, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Stryper, Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, Bebo Norman, and Carrie Prejean

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Steven Curtis Chapman to release Beauty Will Rise November 3 (with SCC slideshow)

Steven Curtis Chapman to release Beauty Will Rise November 3 (with SCC slideshow)

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

Steven Curtis Chapman

Gospel artist Steven Curtis Chapman will release his new project Beauty Will Rise on November 3 on Sparrow Records, Chapman's 18th project on Sparrow. The GRAMMY® Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist wrote the 12 new songs for Beauty Will Rise while traveling all over the country on tour last fall and spring. Keep Reading »

Steven Curtis Chapman to release Beauty Will Rise November 3 (with SCC slideshow)

More on Steven Curtis Chapman at:

Gospel Music 101: Who is Steven Curtis Chapman?

Who is Steven Curtis Chapman? Singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman is originally from Paducah Kentucky, but he moved to Nashville to attend...
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Elvis Presley: the 'King of Rock 'n Roll' and a real doll (with slideshow of Elvis dolls)

Elvis Presley: the 'King of Rock 'n Roll' and a real doll (with slideshow of Elvis dolls)

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

For Elvis Presley Week - A Look at Elvis Presley Dolls

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n Roll and a global music icon, died on August 16, 1977. In honor of Elvis Presley Week, we take a look back at some of the Elvis Presley dolls which have been made through the years.

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Top ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson

Top ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Comparing Elvis Presley & Michael Jackson

Part 3 in a series for Elvis Presley Week

Although the differences between the careers and lives of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are distinct and varied, since August marks the anniversary month of the death of Elvis Presley as well as the presumed secret burial month of Michael Jackson, this article will examine ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson...
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More on Elvis at:

Elvis Presley's Gospel Music Connection - Gospel Roots of the King of Rock 'n Roll

Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock n Roll," grew up singing in church and was fascinated with gospel music and choirs.

More on Michael Jackson at:

Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50

Superstar and king of pop Michael Jackson, known around the world for his music and his scandals, died today at age 50.

The Gospel According to Elvis Presley: Elvis' gospel recordings

The Gospel According to Elvis Presley: Elvis' gospel recordings

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

The Gospel According to Elvis Presley
Part 2 in a Series

As reported in Who Was Elvis Presley? Elvis had a fascination with gospel music from his childhood and he named gospel pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe as an early influence. Born and raised in the Bible belt and baptized at First Assembly of God Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis...
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Gospel Music 101: Who was Elvis Presley?

Gospel Music 101: Who was Elvis Presley?

ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK

Who Was Elvis Presley?

Photo of Elvis Presley from Wikipedia

Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935, into abject poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi. Although his family did not have material wealth, they were a close family (especially Elvis and his mother) and a musical family, so Elvis was exposed to music from childhood.

Young Elvis began singing at an early age and received his first guitar when he was 11...

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Jonas Brothers Win Six 2009 Teen Choice Awards at 11th Annual Teen Choice Awards

Jonas Brothers Win Six 2009 Teen Choice Awards at 11th Annual Teen Choice Awards (with Joe Jonas haircut video)

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Picked to host the 11th Annual Teen Choice Awards, the Jonas Brothers' appearance on this year's awards show comes in the middle of the JoBros's world tour, following the release of their Lines, Vines and Trying Times album and the Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience movie. This talented band of brothers – Kevin, Joseph and Nicholas Jonas -- didn't just host the show, but along with little brother Frankie, they also walked away with six of the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.

Miley Cyrus and 'Hannah Montana' Lasso 8 Teen Choice Awards; Awards dominated by faith-based movies, shows, music and personalities

2009 Teen Choice Awards dominated by faith-based movies, shows, music and personalities

Monday, August 10th, 2009

11th Annual Teen Choice Awards

The 11th Annual Teen Choice Awards, hosted by the Jonas Brothers, were taped last night and will air tonight on FOX at 8 pm/7 pm central. If you can't wait to watch the show tonight to discover who the Teen Choice winners for 2009 are, read on!
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Miley Cyrus and 'Hannah Montana' Lasso Eight Teen Choice Awards

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Miley Cyrus Takes Home Six Teen Choice Awards

Nashville's Miley Cyrus captured six awards Teen Choice Awards at the 11th Annual Teen Choice Awards where she also performed her latest single 'Party in the USA.' on top of a mobile ice cream cart.

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Miley Cyrus in 'Hannah Montana: The Movie' on DVD August 18 (includes 'The Climb' video)

Miley Cyrus in 'Hannah Montana: The Movie' on DVD August 18 (includes 'The Climb' video)

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Hannah Montana Television Program

When "Hannah Montana" debuted on the Disney Channel on March 24, 2006, little did an unsuspecting world realize that it was witnessing the birth of a billion-dollar empire. The TV show, which has been renewed for its fourth and final season, has spawned Hannah Montana dolls, clothes, accessories, stationary, CDs, diaries, schoolbags, pencil-cases, stickers, posters, singing pens, and now a movie.

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The Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' Barbie doll

The Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' Barbie doll

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's

In honor of her 80th birthday (Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929), Paramount Home Entertainment's Centennial Collection released the classic Audrey Hepburn movies Breakfast at Tiffany's on January 13, 2009. In 1998, Mattel paid tribute to Audrey Hepburn's grace and beauty by releasing the Breakfast at Tiffany's Barbie doll.
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Mercy Me accident claims third victim (includes "I Can Only Imagine" video)

Mercy Me accident claims third victim

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

Mercy Me Tour Bus Crash Claims a Third Life

The MercyMe automobile accident in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has claimed its third victim as the unborn baby of the car's driver was discovered to be dead soon after the crash.
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Gospel group MercyMe involved in fatal car crash today

Gospel group MercyMe involved in fatal car crash today

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Mercy Me in Fatal Auto Accident

In the wee hours of the morning I received the following tweet from Bart Millard via my Twitter account:

Car just hit our tour bus. We are ok, but 2 of the 3 in the car did not make it. The one that did is pregnant. Please start praying.

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Gospel Music 101: Who is Luke Benward? Movies, music and more

Gospel Music 101: Who is Luke Benward? Movies, music and more

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Who is Luke Benward? A Look at Teen Actor and Singer, Luke Benward

Born May 12, 1995, Christian actor and singer Lucas Aaron "Luke" Benward is well on his way to becoming a teen star at 14. With movie and TV roles and a record already to his credit, he is fast becoming a household name, at least among teens and tweens...

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Examining and Restoring Vintage Dolls

Doll Collecting 101: Do repaints and re-roots affect a doll's value? Examining repainting/re-rooting

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

As reported in Doll Collecting 101: How do you examine a vintage doll? Problems to look out for in vintage dolls, some dolls have flaws that reduce...
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Doll Collecting 101: How do you examine a vintage doll? Problems to look out for in vintage dolls

Friday, August 7th, 2009

Caveat Emptor: What to Look Out for When Buying Vintage Dolls At one a doll show I attended a few years ago, I heard announcements made about...
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