Life Perspective: Reviews & More

Christian artist/producer Buddy Miller to replace T-Bone Burnett on "Nashville" - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner Local Americana and gospel music veteran artist/producer Buddy Miller has been named as the replacement for departing ABC's "Nashville" music producer T Bone Burnett, also a legendary Christian music icon. Burnett will not be returning for the second season of the series due to an overwhelming schedule

For those who have somehow missed my numerous references to the show "Nashville" on ABC, I have been privileged to work on several episodes as an extra, starting with the pilot episode. Usually I am "Blur on Bridge" or "Blur in Audience" or more often "Dark Space Where Nothing Can Be Seen in Audience." However, twice I have actually seen myself on camera. The first time I got some screen time was in a restaurant scene in "Chicago" (actually Sambuca in Nashville) where Watty and Rayna are talking about how Rayna should hire Scarlett. As the camera pans to Rayna's table, I can clearly be seen for a couple of seconds at a table near them. The second time was at the "CMA Nominees Party" on board the General Jackson. While my face is not seen, the back of my head and neck and my side braid can be seen pretty clearly. My friend Sheila sent me this screen shot to prove it!   I can be spotted in the lower right...

My father, Col. Wm. A. Darden Happy Father's Day! You dads will never know the impact you have on your children, because they won't tell you while they are young.  However fathers play such an important role in their children's lives, and when we are older, we realize what a friend we have had in our fathers. Here is a selection of Father's Day articles, puotes, poetry and more to help celebrate dads and the men who serve as father figures. Father's Day Articles A Brief History of Father's Day Four United States Presidents had a hand in establishing Father's Day: Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, Lyndon B. Johnson and President Richard M. Nixon. Read more   Have a Happy Father's Day! Our fathers do so much for us besides helping to bring us into the world. Most fathers have a hand in providing for their children, and helping to raise the... More at: Have a Happy Father's Day! ...

  Christian artist Joel Smallbone stars in faith-based 'The Book of Esther' movie  Nashville Christian recording artist Joel Smallbone has been making a name for himself as half of gospel rock group For God and Country (formerly Joel & Luke). Now Smallbone, who is also the brother of popular Christian artist/actress Rebecca St. James, is adding actor to his resume with his performance as King Xerxes in the new inspirational movie "The Book of Esther." Read more: Christian artist Joel Smallbone stars in faith-based 'The Book of Esther' movie - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

  Thousands Join Steven Curtis Chapman in Nashville to Celebrate Show Hope's 10 Year Anniversary  Show Hope recently celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary in Nashville, Tenn. during Memorial Day weekend to commemorate ten years of service and dedication to orphan care. Article at: Thousands Join Steven Curtis Chapman in Nashville to Celebrate Show Hope's 10 Year Anniversary | Christian Activities

Jaci Velasquez, Dottie Peoples and other Christian artists on Father's Day   Father's Day is almost here, the special time we honor our dads. Several Christian and Gospel artists including ,Jaci Velasquez, Dottie Peoples, Percy Bady, David M. Edwards, and Bryan Popin have taken the time to share their thoughts on their fathers with us. Read more: Jaci Velasquez, Dottie Peoples and other Christian artists on Father's Day - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

'Nashville's' Charles Esten stars in Rascal Flatts' 'Changed' video "Nashville's" Charles Esten is the star of the new Rascal Flatts video "Changed" with its overtly Christian message. The the country gospel song is from the album of the same name, the eighth studio album by the country music group.  Article at: 'Nashville's' Charles Esten stars in Rascal Flatts' 'Changed' video - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner  Also see: Will ABC's 'Nashville' Return to Music City for Season Two? - Yahoo!

A random selection of articles about India Vinegar used successfully to screen for cancer in India (Video) A new health screening using vinegar for cervical cancer is saving lives in India according to a report at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago (held May 31-June 4, 2013).  Rebecca St. James narrates MotherIndia documentary about orphans in India (Video) Australian Christian  pop rock singer, songwriter, musician, author, and actor Rebecca St. James provides the narration for a new documentary about 25 of the more than 31 million orphans living in India in the film "Mother India: Life...   The Other End of the Line Another Enjoyable Movie About India - a Review The Other End of the Line is a charming romantic comedy starring Jesse Metcalfe ("Desperate Housewives"), Shriya Saran and Anupam Kher which released in theaters on October 31,...

 Some speculation on the filming future of "Nashville" with Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) and Charles Esten Will ABC's 'Nashville' Return to Music City for Season Two? - Yahoo! The popular night-time soap opera and music series "Nashville" was renewed for a second season by ABC on May 10, 2013. The most successful of ABC's fall lineup for 2012, "Nashville" impressed critics and was one of five honorees in the Most Exciting New Series category at the Critics' Choice Television Awards. More at: Will ABC's 'Nashville' Return to Music City for Season Two? - Yahoo!

  Christian artist Jason Gray lands first #1 single with 'Nothing Is Wasted' Born Jason Jeffrey Gay in 1972 in Missouri, Christian artist Jason Gray added an "r" to his last name in 2006 "to improve his marketing." He has toured with well-known Nashville artists like Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith and others. Now Gray is celebrating his first #1 single this week as "Nothing Is Wasted" has garnered the top spot on the Soft AC Chart. Read the article: Christian artist Jason Gray lands first #1 single with 'Nothing Is Wasted' - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

Anyone who knows me well knows I have loved Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" books for my lifetime. The feeling holds true for Peter Jackson's movies based on the books. The Christian faith of J. R. R. Tolkien shines through the pages of the books, and even Hollywood has not been able to obliterate it. The Hobbit movies -- a look at Tolkien's faith through elves and dwarves  "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is scheduled to release on December 13, 2013 and will pick up where 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' left off with the Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf after their escape from the Misty Mountains. Their journey will take the company through Mirkwood where viewers will see Evangeline Lilly ( Lost ) as the e lf maid Tauriel and Lee Pace ( Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 ) as Thranduil as well as Orlando Bloom (The Lord of the Rings) resume his iconic role as Legolas. Continued at: The Hobbit movies -- a look at Tolkien's fai...