Year In Review: New Year’s, Lord of the Rings, Twilight, Movies, Music, Mayberry, Christmas, & More!!!

I've been busy!


New Year's Content:

2009 New Year's Resolutions of Gospel Artists
Featuring: DecembeRadio, Bob Halligan, Stephen Hinkle, Joanne Cash, Lyrycyst, Carried Away, Beloved, Kevin Levar, Mission Six, After Edmund, and Eliot Sloan (Blessid Union of Souls)
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/28/2008 |

Top Ten Songs for New Year's
Songs from Robert Burns, U2, Barry Manilo, Relient K, Dan Fogelburg, Stacy Orrico, Ella Fitzgerald, Sir Cliff Richards and more
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/6/2008 |

Lord of the Rings Content:

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Complete Recordings
Almost four hours of music on four CDs, containing the full score of the 2003 film, the final edition of the three complete recording releases of the film trilogy whose score earned with three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, etc
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/30/2008 |

Nashville Symphony Scores with Lord of the Rings
Led by guest conductor Markus Huber, more than 200 members of the Nashville Symphony and Chorus performed in the Lord of the Rings Symphony at Belmont University's Curb Event Center on November 5, 2005.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/30/2008 |

Finding God in The Lord of the Rings: A Book Review
A review of the book "Finding God in the Lord of the Rings" by Kurt Bruner & Jim Ware.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/20/2008 |

A Man Like You
A poem about temptation and the corrupting influence of power inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's Witchking in "The Lord of the Rings"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/9/2008 |


Music Reviews:

Brendan Soul - a Celtic Companion
A review of Carol Arblaster's Celtic CD, Brendan Soul
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/30/2008 |

The Christmas Collection - Amy Grant
A music review of Any Grant's Christmas project for 2008, "The Christmas Collection" which contains 18 Christmas songs
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/28/2008 |


Movie Reviews:

Ghost Town - Movie Review
Ghost Town, a romantic comedy starring Tea Leoni, Greg Kinnear, and Ricky Gervais just released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 28.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/31/2008 |

"Eagle Eye" Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray - a Review
The action/thriller "Eagle Eye" releases on DVD and Blu-ray on December 28, 2008, starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, and Billy Bob Thornton
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/27/2008 |

Kyle XY, Season II Review
Kyle discovers how he was scientifically created by Adam Bailin and he starts to train his extraordinary abilities. Kyle's link to Jessi XX are also developed and new relationships begin between Kyle and Amanda, Jessi and Declan, and Josh and Andy.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/26/2008 |

"The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea" Special Edition Review
A review of the sequel to The Little Mermaid as the adventures of Ariel, Eric and their aquatic friends continue in this new Special Edition
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/23/2008 |

The Duchess - a Royal Disappointment
The Duchess, the story of a young noblewoman who marries Britain's most powerful peer and becomes the toast of London, arrives on DVD and Blu-ray December 28th from Paramount Home Entertainment.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/21/2008 |

Horton Hears a Who Releases on DVD - a Movie Review
A review of the movie "Horton Hears a Who" which just released on DVD and Blu-Ray on December 9
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/21/2008 |

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Collector's Edition DVD - Review
Viewers are invited to return to the magical world of Narnia in the second installment of C.S. Lewis' timeless epic, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/15/2008 |

Twilight at Midnight - a Movie Review
I sink my teeth into the movie "Twilight" and discuss the highs and lows!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/27/2008 |

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" Special Edition Releases
The Day the Earth Stood Still will be released as a Special Edition Blu-ray Disc (BD) and a two-disc DVD on December 2, 2008
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/25/2008 |


Christmas Content:

Christmas Slideshow - 2008
Sights and scenes from my 2008 Christmas memories
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/30/2008 |

Christmas - What's in a Name?
What does Christmas mean and how does it relate to other festivals and celebrations during December?
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/14/2008 |

Favorite Christmas Traditions of Gospel Artists
A look at some of the favorite Christmas traditions of popular gospel artists and entertainers
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/18/2008 |

Cookies for Kids Hosts Holiday Book Signings to Aid Children with Serious Illness
Cookies for Kids will be hosting two holiday book signings in Nashville during the Christmas season to benefit children with life threatening illnesses
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/15/2008 |

Favorite Christmas Albums of the Gospel Artists
Kevin Max, Lyracist, Tammy Trent, Bonnie Keen, Bob Halligan and 25 other gospel artists share their Christmas project recommendations.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/7/2008 |

Favorite Holiday Movies of Gospel Artists & Entertainers
A list of the movies recommended by gospel recording artists and other Christian entertainers including Kevin Max of DC Talk, Dan Meyer (sword swallower), Bob Halligan of Ceili Rain, and 30 more gospel artists.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/7/2008 |

Christmas Eve Church Services in Nashville, Tennessee
Churches, candlelight, communion, chorals, choirs, carols, Christmas eve services and Nashville, Tennessee. What's not to love?
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/3/2008 |

Favorite Holiday Songs of Gospel Artists and Entertainers
A guide to the favorite Christmas songs from the musicians who perform them
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/2/2008 |

Christmas Memories - What Christmas Means to Me
Looking back on my favorite Christmas memories
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/3/2008 |

Five Christmas Projects to Consider in 2008
A look at Sara Groves' "O Holy Night;" Michael & Carrie Hodge's "The Heart of Christmas;" David Phelps' "O Holy Night: A Live Christmas Celebration;" Mandisa's "It's Christmas;" and Faith Hill's "Joy To The World"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/24/2008 |

A Tender Nashville Tennessee Christmas
Christmas Music, Christmas plays, performances, parades, lights and more!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/19/2008 |

Christmas in Iraq - a Christmas Poem for Our Soldiers
A poem of encouragement for our military troops in Iraq and all over the world
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/13/2008 |


Mayberry Content

Mayberry Days 2008 - Photos
Photos from 2008 Mayberry Days in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Be sure to read the article Mayberry Days' Spirits Not Dampened by Drizzles.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/13/2008 |

Mayberry Sparkles - a Christmas Poem
A poem about the lights in Mayberry during the Christmas season
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/12/2008 |

My Mayberry Gift List
Just for fun, a list of gifts for the characters on "The Andy Griffith Show"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/11/2008 |

Admiring Andy's Authority on "The Andy Griffith Show"
Examining why Sheriff Andy Taylor had authority and Deputy Barney Fife did not
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/30/2008 |

Remembering Don Knotts
My personal memories of meeting Don Knotts on two different occasions
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/29/2008 |

Act Like Somebody - a Mayberry Devotional
So many times we get such tunnel vision about the problems in our lives that we lose sight of the fact that each of us is special - we are all Somebody.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/27/2008 |

The Mayberry Poem - a Tribute to Mayberry Book Review
A Tribute to Mayberry is a collection of photos and poems about Mayberry and "The Andy Griffith Show"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/25/2008 |

Thanksgiving in Mayberry
A short acrostic poem about what a Mayberry Thanksgiving might be like!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/23/2008

The Badge - a Poem
A poem about a small-town lawman based on "The Andy Griffith Show"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/20/2008 |

Christmas in Mayberry
Imagine what Christmas would be like in Mayberry, North Carolina
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/17/2008

Mayberry USA - a Great Place to Vist on the Web!
Mayberry USA is a discussion board with forums about the cast and crew of "The Andy Griffith Show"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/10/2008 |

Mayberry Days' Spirit Not Dampened by Drizzles
Review of this year's Mayberry Days festival in Mount Airy, North Carolina
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 10/24/2008 |

Misc. Content

International Medal of Peace Presented to President George W. Bush
President George W. Bush received the "International Medal of PEACE" at the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2008
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/2/2008 |

How to Promote Your Book on a Shoestring Budget - Book Review
A look at a book that teaches authors how to do the nitty-gritty of publicizing, promoting and selling their books
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 12/13/2008 |

The Gift of the Magi - Donating Hair for Children in Need
A look at the whys and hows of donating hair to Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/27/2008 |

Christian Poet's Pen
Christian Poet's Pen is a blog where Christian Poets can publish their poems and exchange constructive criticism with other inspirational poets
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/26/2008 |

New Wristband Proclaims "Thank You God, I Am Grateful."
Journalist creates "Thank You" bracelets to promote gratitude, hope and thanksgiving
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/24/2008 | Read more »

Lucknow Railway Station Hires a Monkey-Man to Control Local Monkeys: Sometimes Truth Really is Stranger Than Fiction
The Lucknow railway station in India took drastic measures to protect their passengers and their property from monkeys.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/24/2008 |

A Christian Take on "Twilight"
Examining the themes of temptation and abstinence in the book "Twilight"
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/19/2008 |

The Leaves of October - Photos
Fall colors and fall scenes. Read the accompanying "Leaves of October" poem!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/16/2008 |

The Leaves of October - Poem
Poem about the joy found in fall foliage - look for the accompanying slideshow!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/5/2008 |

November Nostalgia
Remembering an unusually beautiful November in Tennessee. View the accompanying Slideshow.
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/10/2008 |

This Sword Swallower's Got Talent!
Sword Swallower Dan Meyer made it to the Quarter Finals on this 2008's "America's Got Talent," but that is only a small part of his interesting career
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/6/2008 |

Ren Fest Photos
Photos from the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. For more info, read the article This Sword Swallower's Got Talent!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/7/2008

Thanksgiving Acrostic
A poem of thanks at Thanksgiving
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/3/2008 |

Obama Limerick
A humorous look at Obama
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 10/14/2008 |

Halloween Content

Halloween in the Woods
Last year I hosted a Halloween party in my local state park, and the results were better than I imagined!
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 10/28/2008 |

Halloween Slideshow
Grown ups having fun dressing up on Halloween in Ren Fest, Lord of the Rings, and Narnia-type costumes. Read the accompanying article Halloween in the Woods
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 11/6/2008 |

Halloween Acrostic - A Halloween Poem
A look at Halloween and the ghosts that haunt us from a different perspective
By Kathryn E. Darden | Published 10/9/2008 |