Douglas Howe: August 2007 Archives

The speed at which a goofed statement can become national news reached new heights this weekend, as Miss South Carolina, Caitlin Upton, flubbed a question so badly at Friday's Miss Teen USA pageant that it was a YouTube phenomenon over the weekend, part of Jay Leno’s monologue Monday night, and she appeared live on NBC's "Today" show this morning.

As blunders go, this went beyond funny all the way to painful. Watch it here.

Ms. Upton, an 18-year old blonde girl with the look of a model and the new nickname "Beauty Teen," was asked the following question: "Recent polls have showed one-fifth of Americans cannot locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is?" Her answer was as un-comprehendible as it was unbelievable:

Here's some amazing news from Hollywood: A young actress is emerging as a star, and she hasn't--repeat has not--been arrested, or given a ticket, or sentenced to a correctional facility of any kind. In fact, she doesn't even seem to be a wild partier!

More amazing, in fact, was the fact that this rising star warranted some media coverage, even though she had nothing sordid or shady going on.

In a recent CNN interview by phone from Barcelona, 22 year-old Scarlett Johansson was talking about her new role in "The Nanny Diaries" and her work with superstar directors as Robert Redford, Brian DePalma, and Woody Allen. During the interview, she was asked about the social scene that hasn't seem to have entangled her as it has others:

And the newest televangelist is … Prince!

Okay, not really. In fact, he’s really just a pop culture icon and singer who talks about his faith. And, okay, there's probably quite a few religious leaders who would question his theology. And his music. And his parties!

But after a recent House Of Blues concert, and before one of his "fabled after-parties," he did an interview that showed a kind of ease and confidence in talking about his faith that many evangelists and Christian celebrities could learn from.

Don't get me wrong: I love it every single time when a celebrity--be it a musician, actor, athlete or politician--acknowledges their faith in speeches or interviews. It’s the kind of example we should set for our kids and practice with each other. But let's face it--these faith conversations are often so dang awkward for so many of them. But for Prince, talking about his faith seemed natural and unforced, with biblical accuracy and strength of conviction that sounded about as un-platitudinal as could be.

Their last two studio albums were platinum sellers and the Christian world--as well as many in the pop culture world--have been anxiously awaiting the newest Casting Crowns release, "The Altar and the Door." An opportunity to win a pre-release copy is generating a lot of interest on Beliefnet. (Enter the contest before August 29th!) Sales are expected to be brisk. But is it any good?

Well, whether you like it or not depends on a few things.

I like Casting Crowns' music because it seems a bit more down to earth and real than many Christian bands. My cheese-o-meeter isn't needed with this group, and this album is no exception. These guys are all about the journey, the real life challenges, the hopes and the dreams that most of us carry. Their message gains trust because it is practical, not preachy.

"What This World Needs" is a grinding tune that would easily be a top 40 hit if it weren't for the bias against Christian music in the secular world. "A … politican peddlin' lies … a three-ring circus society … a prophet in an Armani suit" are all among the things we do not "need." It's honest, and it's right on! How many of us wish we could cut through the clutter of both politics and religion?

When did the Little League World Series become such a pop culture phenomenon? And more importantly, why?

There was a time when--once a year--the Little League World Series final was broadcast nationwide (and then worldwide) from Williamsport, PA. Now, it’s a much, much bigger deal. ESPN has been broadcasting all of the "pool play" games on ESPN and ESPN 2 for about a week now. The semifinals have started, and the primetime broadcasters have moved into town. Even "Sports Center" and "Baseball Tonight" have an anchor desk at Little League World Headquarters. Million-dollar sports icon Brent Musberger (he of the World Series, the Olympics, the NBA Finals, the NCAA Championships) is calling play-by-play! So what's the attraction? Consider the following negatives:

TNT's "The Company" finally got interesting and spiritually provocative in its last show, after three weeks of hype and (in my opinion) underperformance. Really interesting. Really provocative. The three-week CIA show had a great cast, including Chris O'Donnell ("Grey's Anatomy,"...

Watch a clip from "The Ultimate Gift": Movie Review: If you enjoyed the idea behind "Brewster's Millions," and can put up with the kind of preachiness that Steven Seagal ("One Deadly Ground") and Michael Moore ("Farenheit 911"), then "The Ultimate...

In this season of unending presidential coverage, debates, campaigning, newsmagazine teases, ad infinitum and ad nauseam, I figured it'd be a good time to reflect on some of the most inspiring presidents of our generation--on the big screen and the...

"The Bourne Ultimatum" is a compelling movie that all general movie fans should see, that all action fans will love, and that lovers of the timeless story of good vs. evil should appreciate. It's that good on so many levels....

If you're a person of faith looking for a great sound that you can share with your friends and kids--or if you’re a Christian who struggles to be bold and stand up for your faith--then BarlowGirl’s "How Can We Be...

Are there any Stryper fans out there? Or ex-Stryper fans? I’ll bet there are very few new Stryper fans, but I think I'm one of 'em, and you will be too if you pick up their new release, "Stryper—The Roxx...