Entertainment

Some last thoughts on Super Bowl XLIV: Saints 31 Colts 17. The Saints were the better team. They tackled better. They were better in the kicking game. They played with great intensity and emotion. They were more fun to watch and they are a great story. Congratulations. I’m sure Mr. Manning will chastise himself for the errant pass that sealed the deal for New Orleans. I can hear his thought process: “I can’t believe I’ve been doing this my entire life, and I still make mistakes like that.” Been there, done that (in my own way), Peyton. Hope you get another chance. ...

Just so there isn’t a question about where I stand - whether you’re a regular reader of my little dissertations here at New Christian Voices, or on my website, or at one of my personal appearances – I’ve offered up some defenses and some definitions of exactly what I believe. (See Here’s a Thought: I Am not a Christian Comedian.) I follow Jesus Christ. I have for most of my life, in one form or another, regardless of my actions (often questionable and stupid) and the perception of what I’ve done. I don’t claim to be “born again.” I was born once (no need to repeat...

I can no longer differentiate the celebrity from his/her transgressions. The reason I bring this up is because now every movie, athletic contest, TV program and media event is colored by the nefarious actions of the stars. I’ll start with politics, where things like virtue, honesty, integrity and altruism are little more than political footballs getting tossed around for personal gain. I could choose from hundreds (literally) of corrupt, selfish and dishonest men and women from both parties, but I’ll go with Teddy Kennedy.  I know he passed away last summer. I know he was...

Yes, the crack staff here at NCV has your best interests in mind when it comes to gift-giving 2009. Check out Time Out columnist Patty Elder's Top 10 Novelty Gifts for Christmas. That’s a solid list. (And virtually all of our 2008 Gift Ideas are still available from our NCV Christmas Store!) For those of you with more time and more questions about what to give, allow us to relieve you of the pain and angst that go hand-in-hand with Christmas shopping in our oh-so-crazy world. Well-researched and personally-tested ideas for this year! HANDERPANTS Yes, you read it correctly. �...

With an all-woman show men and women alike will love! Featuring T. Marni Vos, Leslie Norris Townsend, and NCV's own Raving Redhead, Teresa Roberts Logan!! All are featured comics on the newly released DVD "Comedy Angels," available at the New Christian Voices Clean Comedy Store (and Walmart, Blockbuster, and Lifeway, if you must shop old school!) Saturday, November 14, at 7:30 P.M. at the Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg, VA. Call 1-800-HISTORY for tickets or visit the Colonial Williamsburg website for more information.   T....

Impressionist and entertainer Fred Travalena passed away this week. I remember watching him on TV when I was a kid and being completely blown away by his impressions. He made me laugh and laugh. The news reported this week that he was such a good impressionist that filmmakers used him when they needed to rerecord dialogue in films, rather than calling the actors back in. That's a good impressionist. Funeral arrangements have been announced for Travalena, and I asked a couple of NCV columnists to share their thoughts about Travalena, who was a Christian. Bananas' host Thor Ramsey also c...

So, if you haven’t heard about the Letterman/Palin squabble, you are well blessed. Here’s how it goes: Letterman makes some untoward remarks about the oldest Palin girl. Tasteless, yes. (See video below.) That’s his business. If you are seeing red on behalf of the Palins, let me ask you this: Do you have a clue about his demographic? Do you really want to censor comics? Then move to another country. In this one, we get to make jokes about what we want. First of all, the Palins are overreacting. Because in this climate, reacting at all was overreacting. Take a hint from the Carte...

Last night the worship leader from Conway, Arkansas, Kris Allen, pulled off what might be the biggest upset in American Idol history when he beat out the glam rocker from San Diego, Adam Lambert for the title of American Idol. Allen spent much of the season in the shadow of fellow worship leader Danny Gokey, who was favored to go to the finals with Lambert. Gokey's poignant personal story - his wife passed away just four months before he auditioned for the show - helped propel him to the finals. Lambert was favored to win the competition, even getting the judges' endorsement when Simo...

It's hard to believe, but last night was the final night of performances on season 8 of American Idol. It came down to the aw, shucks worship leader from Conway, Arkansas, Kris Allen, and the glam rocker from Los Angeles, Adam Lambert. Or as Ryan Seacrest said, the guy next door vs. guyliner. The guys each sang three songs last night: their favorite song from the season, a song chosen by Idol producer Simon Fuller, and the Idol single co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi. Round one went to Kris Allen, who reprised his paino version of "Ain't No Sunshine." It was even better...

No, I'm not psychic, but I called tonight's American Idol results show - well, part of it, anyway. I knew Kris was going through to the finale, but whether he was going to be joined by Adam or Danny? I wavered, up until this afternoon. And in the end? It's Adam and Kris in the finale, next week on American Idol! And I'm predicting Kris to win. For Danny Gokey fans, don't worry. Getting voted off can actually be good for a contestant; he can do his own music without the Idol ball and chain dictating his every move. I'm sure there are several labels waiting to scoop him up. So...