Life Perspective: Reviews & More

What is Civitan International? Civitan International was founded 95 years ago by a group of business and professional leaders in Birmingham, Alabama. Already part of a national civic club, these men felt like another organization needed to be established that focused more on the needs of their community and less on personal gain. Find out more at: What is Civitan International? - Nashville Civitan Clubs Examiner

Nashville City Civitan Club meets Aug. 1 at Swett's Restaurant  The Nashville City Civitan Club will hold its first August meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012 at Swett's Restaurant in West Nashville at 11:30 AM. The Nashville City club is part of the Civitan International service organization. Get the meeting details at: Nashville City Civitan Club meets Aug. 1 at Swett's Restaurant - Nashville Civitan Clubs Examiner

While walking the dogs a couple of nights ago, we came upon a row of 5 giant mushrooms. This mushroom is almost as big as Jack!

Arabic Speaking World Being Impacted by TBN's Healing Channel As chaos and conflict increase in Egypt, Syria, and other regions of the Middle East, one clear voice continues to ring out the good news of the gospel to followers of Islam and others in the Arabic speaking world. Since 2005 the Healing Channel, Trinity Broadcasting Network's exclusive Arabic language television network, has been beaming life-changing Christian programming to the over 280 million Muslims and Arabic speaking people in the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere throughout the world. Article at: Arabic Speaking World Being Impacted by TBN's Healing Channel | Christian Activities

Switchfoot to tour this fall with Paper Route Christian rock fans will be excited to know Switchfoot is launching an extensive fall tour with special guests Paper Route following an active summer festival season. Read all about it at: Switchfoot to tour this fall with Paper Route - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner Related: Switchfoot Announces Major Fall Headline Tour with Paper Route

Advances in skin care: fractal laser resurfacing and derma roller For the past 30 years, while there have been some advances and refinements in skin care, many lotions and treatments have only been somewhat improved. The introduction of products containing tretinoin /retinol has helped skin produce new cells for the past 30 years. Read more: Advances in skin care: fractal laser resurfacing and derma rollers - National Skin Care Examiner

Human Rights Activist Majed El Shafie Awarded Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Human rights activist Majed El Shafie, President and Founder of One Free World International, has been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his ongoing work fighting for freedom of religion and the rights of minorities around the world. El Shafie was surprised with the award at a One Free World International event in Toronto on July 22nd More at: Human Rights Activist Majed El Shafie Awarded Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal | Christian Activities

Brandon Heath to release 'Blue Mountain' Oct. 9 Nashville native Brandon Heath is releasing his fourth full-length album project, "Blue Mountain," on Oct. 9, 2012. Based on characters created a fictional Appalachian setting called "Blue Mountain," the project combines modern music with ancient tones. The Blue Mountain project merges the driving acoustic music of the project’s imagined locale, with Heath’s signature sound. Article at: Brandon Heath to release 'Blue Mountain' Oct. 9 - Examiner  Also see: Brandon Heath & Britt Nicole to tour together this fall on ’Leaving Eden’ tour - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment | Examiner.com Brandon Heath's 'Blue Mountain' releases Oct. 9 Amy Grant Joins Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram at "Love Your Neighbor" Concert to Benefit Nashville Flood Victims

GMC World Premiere Original Movie 'Raising Izzie' a Success GMC TV announced today that the GMC World Premiere Movie "Raising Izzie," starring Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar, Kyla Kenedy, and Victoria Staley, set a host of new ratings milestones on its July 21 (7-9 p.m. EST) premiere. The network also announced that Raising Izzie will re-air on Friday, August 3 at 9 and 11 p.m. EST, Sunday, August 5 at 11 a.m. EST and Saturday, August 11 at 5 p.m. EST. Article at: GMC World Premiere Original Movie 'Raising Izzie' a Success | Christian Activities

Here are photos of Jacthe puppy and Annabelle the rescue cat taken between April 23, 2012 and July 23, 2012. Jack wanted to be friends right off the bat but Annabelle was a little skeptical for the first couple of months. See more of Jack and Annabelle at: Also see: Photo Collages of Jack the Puppy

Facebook Shuts Down Huckabee Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Page for 12 Hours Facebook shut down the Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day page launched by former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee for 12 hours on Tuesday, July 24. Huckabee's page was clear in its statements that those who share traditional family and Christian beliefs were not being called upon to do anything but show support for the popular restaurant chain by eating there on Aug. 1. Read the article at: Facebook Shuts Down Huckabee Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Page for 12 Hours | Christian Activities Also see:  Mike Huckabee Launches Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day | Christian Activities

Mike Huckabee photo -  Wikimedia Commons Mike Huckabee Launches Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is fed up with the liberal sword waving and saver rattling at one of America's favorite restaurant chains and he plans to do something about it. Chick-fil-A has come under fire from the homosexual community for comments Chick-fil-A Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy made in a recent radio interview Article at: Mike Huckabee Launches Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day | Christian Activities Related: Mike Huckabee performs with Legacy Five in Nashville

Photo of catfish from Wikimedia Commons Two Pastors from New Jersey Featured on 'Hillbilly Handfishin' This week, Pastors Tim Lucas and Tom Kang from Liquid Church in NJ are taking a leap of faith into Oklahoma backwaters as unlikely stars of the Animal Planet reality TV show "Hillbilly Handfishin.'" The popular show about noodlin' -- the art of catching giant catfish with bare hands and feet -- invited the pastors to participate in the 2012 season premiere. Read the full article at: Two Pastors from New Jersey Featured on 'Hillbilly Handfishin' | Christian Activities

Christian Track and Field Olympians Ready for the London Olympics 4 Winds Christian Athletics, a world-class track and field ministry, just completed a ten day ministry outreach at the USA Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon. USA Track and Field has a goal of winning thirty medals at the London Olympic Games. The track and field portion of the Olympics will begin on August 3rd and end on the 12th. Read more: Christian Track and Field Olympians Ready for the London Olympics | Christian Activities

Summer skin care on the run The lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us, but who has time to be lazy in the summer? Most of us are running from the time we get up in the morning until the time we go to bed. Who has time for good summer skin care? Continue reading at: Summer skin care on the run - National Skin Care Examiner

, 15th anniversary of Pink Anger: Barbie fans vs. Mattel The Barbie doll reached the height of its collectibility in 1997 with even new dolls commanding staggering prices on the secondary market . In 1997, Barbie was responsible for 80% of sales in the doll segment of the billion dollar toy market. Then Mattel's legal department clamped down on Barbie dealers, blogs and websites, and sales of the pink plastic princess have never again climbed like they did in the 1990s. Read about one of the factors that caused a drop in popularity and sales for the Barbie doll. Article at: 15th anniversary of Pink Anger: Barbie fans vs. Mattel - National Barbie Collecting Examiner

Jeff Foxworthy, Jeff Allen and Henry Cho to appear at Rocketown Comedian, Jeff Foxworthy and his wife Pamela Gregg are chairing “Comedy for a Cause,” a night of comedy benefiting local at-risk youth, at Rocketown on Oct. 9 at 7:00 pm. The event will include performances by comics Jeff Allen and Henry Cho Continued at: Jeff Foxworthy, Jeff Allen and Henry Cho to appear at Rocketown - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

October Baby explores abortion from a survivor's perspective - a movie review "October Baby," the film that won the Grand Jury Prize as the Best Fiction Feature at the 2011 Red Rock Film Festival, will be released on DVD on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Movie review at: October Baby explores abortion from a survivor's perspective - a movie review - Nashville Gospel Music Entertainment Examiner

I recently wrote about attending my high school reunion and how much it meant to me. I had so much fun I thought, "Why not do this more often?" So today three friends whom I haven't seen in decades until our recent reunion joined me for lunch at Dalts. The class reunion was exciting, but it was very nice to sit down for a couple of hours over lunch and really catch up with these girls I went to high school with. Who says the reunion has to end when the event is over? If you live in a town with other friends from your high school, why not get together for lunch or dinner? It's a great way to keep the reunion memories alive and flourishing. Related: Hillsboro High School 40th Reunion Memories - Kathryn's Perspective Happy 4th of July!

Terry Kopansky of Murci-Homes speaks at July 11 Civitan meeting Terry Kopansky, Executive Director of Nashville's Murci-Homes, was the speaker at the July 11 meeting of the Nashville City Civitan Club at Swett's Restaurant in West Nashville. More at: Terry Kopansky of Murci-Homes speaks at July 11 Civitan meeting - Nashville Civitan Clubs Examiner

Terry Kopansky to speak at July 11 meeting of Nashville City Civitan Club The Nashville City Civitan Club will meet at Swett's Restaurant in West Nashville on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. The civic organization's President Elect, Terry Kopansky, will be speaking about Murci-Homes where he serves as Executive Director. More at: Terry Kopansky to speak at July 11 meeting of Nashville City Civitan Club - Nashville Civitan Clubs Examiner

Tonight I loaded Jack and Shelby in the car, and we drove out to Percy Warner Park to meet the Nashville Hiking Meetup group at the Mossy Ridge Trailhead. Since Jack is so little, we only walked as far as the small waterfall, but it was nice meeting others in the group and enjoying the trails. Shelby and  went out to the Percy Warner trails almost every day after Miss Katy died. Nashville Hiking Meetup hikes Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner Park   The Nashville Hiking Meetup held a night trek for experienced hikers at Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner Park on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Eight members showed up to hike the 4.5 mile trail that winds through the hollows and ridges of the Harpeth Hills. Article at: Nashville Hiking Meetup hikes Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner Park - Nashville Skin, Health & Beauty Examiner

Movie & TV Star Ernest Borgnine of 'McHale's Navy' Dead at 95 Actor Ernest Borgnine died of renal failure on July 8, 2012, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He was 95. Article at: Movie & TV Star Ernest Borgnine of 'McHale's Navy' Dead at 95 « TopicSpotter :

Deer me! The deer in Nashville have grown plentiful and rather tame. There are quite a few that live in my neighborhood, which has plenty of trees for cover. These are the deer I see frequently at Warner Park, who are so tame you can get pretty close to take their picture. This little guy was walking past my window just now. Too bad I scared him when I moved the curtain to take the photo, because he was so close, it would have been a great back-yard wildlife shot. I know it is good to thin the herds from time to time, and I am glad the Lord has provided venison as a food for us, but I must admit, although I never saw Bambi until 2011, I have always hated the thought of these beautiful creatures getting hunted and killed. Related: Bambi Diamond Edition Releases from Disney Vault on Blu-Ray/DVD March 1, 2011 Heaven & Nature Sing!

Mother of Brad Pitt speaks out in support of Mitt Romney Proving that sometimes the apple does fall far, far away from the tree, actor Brad Pitt's mother Jane Pitt has been in the news for comments she made in a letter she sent to her hometown paper, the Springfield News-Leader (Mo.) in support of presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Read all about it at: Mother of Brad Pitt speaks out in support of Mitt Romney - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

Andy Griffith has been buried now, and so have George Lindsey and Doug Dillard who died in May. It has been a hard year for Mayberry fans to lose so many beloved actors back to back. We included this blurb from the November 1996 issue of Guideposts in a Christian Activities article (which was copied in the Huffington Post today). "I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before." Entertainer Andy Griffith laid to rest on July 3, 2012 Musician, actor, and television personality Andy Griffith , who passed away on July 3, 2012, was laid to rest hours after his death. He was buried by family less than five hours after he died per his own expressed wishes. "It had been planned for some time," said a spokesman for the Griffith family. "This was the wish of his family." Read more at: Enter...

This is how I spent part of my day today, hanging out with some friends, being patriotic. I hope all my readers have a Happy 4th of July! Have a Happy 4th of July! Celebrate America's Birthday -- Independence Day! July 4 is is185th day of the year (186th in leap years), but it is much more than that to Americans. The 4th of July marks the signing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring our country's freedom from Great Britain. Top Ten WWII Movies for 4th of July, Patriotic Celebrations & Military Events My Top Ten list of World War II Movies for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Flag Day and other patriotic holidays Nashville 4th of July Celebrations and Patriotic Events in Middle Tennessee There are many 4th of July celebrations and patriotic events to chose from around Nashville!

Nashville Andy Griffith Fan Club (TAGSRWC) responds to passing of Andy Griffith  The Nashville-based The Andy Griffith Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC) for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" has been celebrating all things Mayberry since it was founded in 1979 by four students at Vanderbilt University. More at: Nashville Andy Griffith Fan Club (TAGSRWC) responds to passing of Andy Griffith - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner  Also see: Actor, singer, storyteller Andy Griffith dead at 86 - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

 We have lost 3 of Mayberry's finest in 2012 with the coup de grace occurring when Andy Griffith died this morning. What a sad year for Mayberry fans, and the end of an era. This photo is of me with Andy Griffith in 2003 when I had the opportunity to present him with a copy of Christian Activities when Andy was on the cover. I had the chance to see Any Griffith perform at the Grand Ole Opry as well as dedicate the Andy Griffith Parkway in Mt. Airy. Photo of Andy Griffith © Kathryn E. Darden. All rights reserved. Actor, singer, storyteller Andy Griffith dead at 86  Beloved actor Andy Griffith has passed away at 86. The baby-boomer generation grew up watching Sheriff Andy Taylor solve small-town crime and family disputes with humor and compassion on "The Andy Griffith Show" in the 1960s.  Read the story at: Actor, singer, storyteller Andy Griffith dead at 86 - Nashville Gospel Music &  Entertainment Examiner Also see:  Celebrating the ...

Celebrating Jack, the Papillon puppy's first 5 months. What a cutey!  

Take a walk down Memory Lane as Christian Activities looks back at what was going on in the Christian music industry in 2005. How many of these gospel projects and music events do you remember? What's Up in Music: July 2005 MUSIC HISTORY 2005: Switchfoot, Gospel Dream 2005, Jars of Clay, SGM FanFair, Disciple, Adventures in Odyssey, Luis Palau, Ron Winans, The Praise Baby Collection. Bart Millard, New Releases, MORE at musichistory | What's Up in Music: July 2005 | Christian Activities

Michael W. Smith Celebrates Final Leg of World Tour; Daughter's Wedding, More GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Michael W. Smith has traversed the globe in 2012, kicking off an international tour last January which visited countries including Brazil, Australia, England, Northern Ireland, Canada, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Switzerland and Latvia. Soon Smith will embark on a final leg, including shows in Canada, South Africa, a USO Tour and his traditional Symphony Christmas tour; but not before stopping off in Nashville for the wedding of his daughter. Read it at: Michael W. Smith Celebrates Final Leg of World Tour; Daughter's Wedding, More | Christian Activities :