Dena Ross: September 2008 Archives

Who knew everyone's favorite "Office" character was such a spiritual dude? Although Rainn Wilson is open about his Baha'i faith, he's doing much more to spur discussion about religion and God.

Wilson's new venture, Soul Pancake, is a website he's helped create about religion's big questions. In the site's introductory video, Wilson strums a guitar while singing a little ditty and then smashes his instrument before channeling Lewis Black (in attitude, not message) and saying:

"I am sick of spirituality being airy-fairy, hippy-dippy, and precious. I want to have a debate about life's big questions and de-lamify talking about God and religion. Soul Pancake is where spirituality and creativity meet."

Although there's not much more to the site yet, Soul Pancake did send out an email newsletter yesterday promoting their new Spatufist logo contest, in which readers are encouraged to upload photos of themselves holding spatulas above their head.

So what do you think? How do you combine your spirituality and creativity? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

My friend (OK, Myspace friend) Lenny Kravitz sent out this bulletin on Myspace today in recognition of International Peace Day.

Dear Friends,

Did you know that Sunday Sept 21st was international Peace Day? Unfortunately it doesn't get the press it deserves due to the fact that death, fear, and destruction sells and it takes all of our attention. Did you know that the fighting in Afghanistan was halted on peace day for the first time in 30 years to acknowledge this international day of peace? That didn't get the airtime it deserved either. Well there is a peace movement that is real. Dedicated to creating true and lasting peace through education and activism. I believe there will be a time when the weapons will be silenced.

Go to www.peaceoneday.org and see what a man named Jeremy Gilly has done. In honor of the international day of peace I have recorded a new song called "Change." It's available to you as a free download on [my] Myspace page. I hope you feel it. I also hope that all of you are well and doing what you can to feel love and compassion. I look forward to more communication with you. I have enjoyed reading your comments and emails thank you for your love!--Lenny

So what do you all think of the new song? Leave your comments below.

Christian singer Chris Tomlin is known for such popular worship hits such as "How Great Is Our God," "We Fall Down," and "Holy Is the Lord," and this year, for the second year in a row, won the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Artist of the Year.

On September 2nd, his new album, "Hello Love" hit stores. But, if you haven't gotten your copy yet, we have 5 of them to give away.

Want one?

Post a comment below by September 30th answering the question: "What does love mean to you? How do you define it?"

Make sure you include your email address in the designated area (it won't be made public). The 5 best responses--based on the judgment of the Idol Chatter editors--will win a copy of the CD.

Please read the legal stuff before entering.

In an interview with the Associated Press, actor Matt Damon talks about his fear that Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, will eventually become President. Check out a clip from the interview below.