Tag Archives: Gossip

Dating: Give the Benefit of the Doubt

This article is based on advice I recently gave my teenage daughter, but I think it applies equally well to adults. In fact, I try to give my girls mature advice or suggestions. There are many different situations in which this recommendation applies. In my opinion, it is generally a good idea to give people the benefit of the doubt. This is true to the degree that the person has not given you reason for distrust. In other words, if you’ve had no reason to be suspicious previously, don’t automatically start now. For example, if you hear a rumor, check … Continue reading →

Grease (1978)

“Grease,” first a Broadway hit and then a movie in 1978 starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, has recently been resurrected and is enjoying even more popularity than before. DVDs of the film are being sold wearing little leather jackets, a great marketing ploy, for sure. Danny Zucko (Travolta) and Sandy Olssen (Newton-John) met over the summer at the beach, and fell in love. When they separated, Sandy believed she was moving back to her home in Australia and would never see Danny again. But then her family’s plans change, and she enrolls in high school in the states. As … Continue reading →

Christians and Gossip Part 2

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In part 1 of this series I discussed Proverbs 11:13 which says that faithful people will conceal gossip, while liars will spread it. We all know in our hearts that gossip is bad and that we shouldn’t have any part of it, but how can we resist? James 3:2-8 gives us a very potent view of how God views gossip: “…If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole … Continue reading →

Christians and Gossip Part 1

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We’ve all had it happen: A friend walks up to you or calls you and tells you a juicy piece of information that sends your head spinning. You immediately think of a person you would like to share the information with and then, your friend’s final words come to you, “Oh, and please don’t say anything to anybody. I don’t know if I was supposed to tell anyone or not.” Ah yes, we’ve all found ourselves in the gossip-mill before. It’s funny, or maybe it’s not so funny, that when we hear a piece of gossip we have a tremendous … Continue reading →

Oklahoma! (1955)

It’s a beautiful morning in Oklahoma. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the corn is as high as an elephant’s eye. At least, that’s what Curly says through song as he’s riding through the fields during the opening credits of this Hammerstein classic. Aunt Eller is a widow woman who lives on a small farm in Oklahoma. Her niece, Laurey, lives with her and helps her out, and they have a hired hand, Jud Fry. They are making due, but it’s hard running a farm with such a small crew. Curly (Gordon MacRae) is a cowboy, and … Continue reading →

Anything Goes (1956)

In an unlikely pairing of actors, “Anything Goes” stars the sophisticated Bing Crosby and the comedic Donald O’Connor. Bing is Bill Benson, a Broadway sensation who has been around the block a couple of times. Donald is Ted Adams, a television star with scads of adoring teenage fans. When Bill needs a co-star for a new show, it seems that Ted is a good candidate for the role. But there’s a problem. They both think they’re the star, and they both think that they are in charge of finding an actress to play the leading lady. While seeing a show … Continue reading →

You’ll Never Get Rich (1941)

“You’ll Never Get Rich” is a lesser known Fred Astaire movie, this time pairing him with the lovely Rita Hayworth. Fred plays Robert Curtis, choreographer and performer in a theater run by Martin Cortland, who is a womanizer to the max. When caught by his wife, Julia, Martin uses Robert as an alibi, and Robert takes the brunt of many a tall tale. When Sheila Winslow (Rita Hayworth) joins the act, Martin goes after her, as is his tradition, and she turns him down flat, but Julia doesn’t buy it. Once again Robert comes to the rescue, pretending that the … Continue reading →

Night and Day (1946)

Cary Grant stars in this recap of the life of one of our most prolific music composers to date, Cole Porter. He wrote more standards than anyone else I can think of; if you’re singing a Golden Oldie, chances are you’re singing a Cole Porter. The movie title, “Night and Day,” is also the title of one of his hits. The movie takes us on a journey to Yale, where we see young Cole Porter as a student. His family wants him to go into law, but his heart is in his music. Going home for Christmas vacation, he tells … Continue reading →

Annie Get Your Gun (1950)

Annie Oakley is a historical figure from the Old West, famous for her shooting abilities which she exhibited while working for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. The movie “Annie Get Your Gun” is loosely based on Annie’s life, her upbringing (or lack of it) and the experiences she had as one of the most well-known females of that era. Betty Hutton stars as Annie, a girl from the backwoods who has been given the charge to raise her younger siblings. She feeds them by shooting wild game and selling the extras to a nearby hotel. Her aim is so good … Continue reading →

Show Boat (1951)

I’ve been on a bit of a Howard Keel kick lately, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, and no Howard Keel kick would be complete without “Show Boat.” Nollie Hawkes (Kathryn Grayson) lives on a riverboat with her mother and father. They travel up and down the Mississipi River with a full complement of actors and actresses on board. Whenever they come to a town, they put on a show and invite everyone in the town to come. Each season brings a new show, and the townsfolk look forward to the arrival of the showboat. Julie and Bill are the stars … Continue reading →