From: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com (aml-list-digest) To: aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: aml-list-digest V1 #554 Reply-To: aml-list Sender: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk aml-list-digest Wednesday, December 26 2001 Volume 01 : Number 554 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 02:55:11 -0500 From: "Debra Brown" Subject: [AML] Fw: MN Tabernacle Choir Receives National Media Attention: LDS Church News Release 14Dec01 US UT SLC A1 Tabernacle Choir Receives National Media Attention CBS' Touched by an Angel, 60 Minutes II and PBS Showcase Choir SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- The Tabernacle Choir will appear on several national television programs this Christmas season including CBS' "Touched by an Angel," CBS' "60 Minutes II" and a PBS Christmas Eve special. Performing one of its most popular songs, "Battle Hymn of the Republic," the Choir makes an appearance on CBS' "Touched by an Angel" during a special Sunday evening episode. The Christmas special, "A Winter Carol," depicts a family dealing with the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attack. The episode airs 16 December at 7 p.m. MST and features music from the Choir's new album, "The Sound of Glory." A few days later, "60 Minutes II" will air a segment featuring interviews with members of the Choir at home and in their workplaces. The segment focuses on the volunteer nature of service in the Choir and includes a brief history of the Choir and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Produced by Alan Weisman, a 60 Minutes veteran, the piece also includes an interview with Angela Lansbury, guest artist for the Choir's recent annual Christmas concert. CBS' "60 Minutes II" will air Wednesday, 19 December, at 7 p.m. MST. On Christmas Eve, the Utah Symphony and Mormon Tabernacle Choir join together for a new PBS holiday special, "The Gift of Music," a 90-minute concert taped during a live performance under the direction of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Utah Symphony. The concert features three soloists: Henriette Schellenberg (soprano), Robert Breault (tenor) and Robert Honeysucker (baritone). Salt Lake City's International Children's Choir also participates. In Utah, "The Gift of Music" will air at 8 p.m. MST on KUED, Channel 7. Check local listings in other areas. For those who missed the Choir's Christmas concert with the Orchestra at Temple Square and famed film, stage and TV star Angela Lansbury, KBYU, Channel 11, will rebroadcast the concert twice. "The Joy of Christmas" will air 22 December at 9 p.m. MST and again on 24 December at 8:30 p.m. MST. The Choir received national attention early this year performing at the inauguration of President George W. Bush. The Choir has sung at the inaugurations of U.S. Presidents George Bush (1989), Ronald Reagan (1981), Richard Nixon (1969) and Lyndon Johnson (1965). The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has received various recognitions, including a Grammy Award for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," an Emmy Award for the television program "Christmas Sampler," the Peabody Award for its CBS production "Let Freedom Ring," and the Freedom Foundation Award for its Fourth of July broadcast in 1980. In February 2002, the Choir will be featured in the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games, at four Cultural Olympiad concerts, and in the Church's own cultural offering, "Light of the World." ### Source: Tabernacle Choir Receives National Media Attention LDS Church News Release 14Dec01 A1 http://www.lds.org/news/article/0,5422,116-7538,00.html >From Mormon-News: Mormon News and Events Forwarding is permitted as long as this footer is included Mormon News items may not be posted to the World Wide Web sites without permission. Please link to our pages instead. For more information see http://www.MormonsToday.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 03:00:38 -0500 From: "Debra Brown" Subject: [AML] Fw: MN BYU professors teach morals of "Lord of the Rings": BYU Press Release 8Dec01 US UT SLC A2 BYU professors teach morals of "Lord of the Rings" PROVO, Utah -- Two Brigham Young University English professors are studying up on hobbits and ringwraiths - and not just because a movie based on J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy opens next week. They are busy preparing lectures on the morals of fantasy literature and how its roots stem from Christian beliefs for an honors class on Tolkien's works they begin teaching next month. The class will feature discussions on all the elements found in "Lord of the Rings" - wizards, elves, fairies, heroes, supernatural creatures - and remain true to the good versus evil theme, said Don Chapman, assistant professor of English. "Fantasy literature is undergirded by an understanding of medieval literature informed by a Christian belief, or a notion of providence - this is why people can relate so well to it." Professor Steven Walker, who wrote his doctoral dissertation at Harvard on Tolkien, will also teach the class. "I want to look at the ways fantasy intersects reality and impinges on actual life, then we can begin to figure out how Tolkien's fantasy manages to be so realistic," he said. "Overall, I really want to see if we can get at the morals of the story and wind up with a discussion of how fantasy might affect us in our later lives." Though he has taught Tolkien before, Walker is excited about the new element that the film adds. "I'm hyped about the possibilities for the Tolkien class," said Walker, who has been awarded teacher of the year in the English department 12 times. "We'll definitely incorporate discussion of the new film into the course, and I'm hoping we can have a fantasy film forum and extend beyond the 'Lord of the Rings' into 'Harry Potter' and other film fantasies." Chapman is also anticipating the course since this is his first time teaching strictly Tolkien. "As I read his work, I'm taken by how he creates a fantasy world so matter-of-factly," he said. "He creates an alternate world, and he does it in such a natural way that it makes complete sense to the reader. I hope the movie is able to show that, too." The students registered for the class represent a number of different majors. Rushton Jones, a senior majoring in English from Grand Rapids, Mich., is among those who have filled the 20 available spots. "I'm definitely looking forward to taking this class, especially from such great professors," said Jones. "I have had Dr. Walker before and he does such a good job of bringing out my best writing - he sees a student's potential and finds a way of bringing it out in them." "Tolkien laid the foundation for all fantasy writers and has a very interesting history," said Robert Malmstrom, a senior from Austin, Texas, majoring in biochemistry, another student who is registered for the class. "Many would be surprised to learn of his key role in C. S. Lewis' conversion to Christianity - and that had no small effect." -###- Source: BYU professors teach morals of "Lord of the Rings": BYU Press Release 8Dec01 US UT SLC A2 http://www.byu.edu/news/releases/Dec/tolkien.htm >From Mormon-News: Mormon News and Events Forwarding is permitted as long as this footer is included Mormon News items may not be posted to the World Wide Web sites without permission. Please link to our pages instead. For more information see http://www.MormonsToday.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 13:51:48 -0700 From: "R.W. Rasband" Subject: [AML] Magic and Christianity in Rowling and Tolkien "National Review Online" has published an excellent review by Peter Wood on the relationship between magic and Christianity in the works of J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien. His review is basically a defense of the use of magic as metaphor in their books against "some literal-minded Christians" who find such depictions offensively pagan. LDS readers, of course, should be especially interested in such discussions because of controversies about "magic" in their own culture; and the question of who decides what really is "Christian." It can be found at: http://www.nationalreview.com/weekend/culture/culture-wood122201.shtml R.W. Rasband Heber City, UT rrasband@hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 02:56:49 -0500 From: "Debra Brown" Subject: [AML] Fw: MN Powerful Impressions From The Life of Jesus: Deseret Book Press Release 8Dec01 US UT SLC A2 Powerful Impressions From The Life of Jesus SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- It is a powerful medium that allows the Spirit to "enter ev'ry timid heart." Just as a hymn can pierce the soul with sound convictions, and poetry can awaken the mind and quicken the spirit, so too can artwork invite quiet contemplation, even immersion, into the events depicted. Among the world's most renowned religious artists such as Greg Olsen and Morgan Weistling is Simon Dewey. Now, Deseret Book Company presents Dewey's newet works, "Beloved Savior" (Eagle Gate, $19.95), a sampling of the art that accomplishes all of these feats. In this remarkable keepsake book, you will find twenty breathtaking images that present an unparalleled tapestry of the Savior's life. Dewey mixes touching poems, prose, and scriptural thoughts with each painting and work to describe in words the feelings evoked and stories told by those images. "Beloved Savior" depicts the humble beginnings of Christ's birth, his profound sermon to the woman at the well, his ability to heal the sick, and his triumphant resurrection at the Garden Tomb. Thoughtful essays from the artist accompany each painting and describe the feeling, faith, and testimony that are unmistakably evident in these extraordinary works of art. Dewey offers 20 stunning images gathered together in "Beloved Savior," along side scriptural thoughts and the artist's impressions. Known for his sensitivity to his subjects, Dewey uses his detailed and delicate paintings to portray the love and compassion in the face of Christ, and the devotion in the eyes of his followers. Known world wide for his incredible paintings, Simon Dewey has worked for Scholastic and Pengiun book publishers and has done cover and poster work for RCA Columbia and Warner Home Video. His religious-themed artwork has established him as one of the world's premiere artists in this genre. Simon Dewey pursued his artistic dreams at the age of 17 while in his native London. He studied in England before launching his career. In 1999 he entered the world of published fine art and soon became one of the bestselling artists of LDS religious works. Source: Powerful Impressions From The Life of Jesus Deseret Book Press Release 8Dec01 A2 >From Mormon-News: Mormon News and Events Forwarding is permitted as long as this footer is included Mormon News items may not be posted to the World Wide Web sites without permission. Please link to our pages instead. For more information see http://www.MormonsToday.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 14:24:51 -0700 (MST) From: Ivan Angus Wolfe Subject: Re: [AML] Acceptance of Christian Lit > Harlow's list, I imagine is supposed to make one say, wait there are > tons of religious writers out there. He's mentioned about 50 drawn from > the last 150 years or so. My point is this: march up to WW Norton and > say, I'm a Christian writer and see what happens. > > Many of the writers Harlow mentioned were writers first, and their > Christianity followed them into the room through the back door. > -- > Todd Robert Petersen Also think about this - they are often seen as strong writers *despite* their Christian leanings. For example, a new version of "The Chronilces of Narnia" is going to be released - - edited to remove all that pesky christian symbolism. - --Ivan Wolfe - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 03:47:25 -0500 From: "Debra Brown" Subject: [AML] Fw: MN Film: Mulholland Drive's LDS Connection, The Other Side of Heaven Starts Strong: Mormon News Film Editor 19Dec01 US TX Dal A2 Mulholland Drive's LDS Connection, The Other Side of Heaven Starts Strong DALLAS, TEXAS -- The biggest story in LDS Film this week is the limited premier of Mitch Davis' long-awaited "The Other Side of Heaven." Opening to the public on Friday, December 14th in just two theaters (Jordon Commons in Sandy and Scera in Orem), the Tongan missionary biopic took in $55,765 in just three days. In Orem, "The Other Side of Heaven" began showing at the earliest possible time that was permitted: at one minute past midnight on the morning of December 14th. The theater was sold out with an enthusiastic crowd. The packed theaters in its opening weekend gave "The Other Side of Heaven" the 2nd highest per-screen ticket sales in the entire country, finishing only behind the heavily advertised film "The Royal Tenenbaums," which opened in 5 theaters. "The Royal Tenenbaums" boasts an all-star cast that includes Gene Hackman, Danny Glover, Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Alec Baldwin -- so the people behind "The Other Side of Heaven" should be pleased with a second place showing behind it. Also, part of the gap between the per-screen average for "Tenenbaums" ($50,813) and "Heaven" ($27,882) might be attributable to low Sunday revenues for "Heaven." The Scera Theater is closed on the Sabbath. There were no showings there on the Sunday, December 16th, one of only three days included in the calculation. "The Other Side of Heaven" is writer/director Mitch Davis' first theatrically released film. But the film's producers already have had a few successes at the box office. John Garbett was a producer of "Shrek", which has grossed over $267 million domestically. And Jerry Molen is the producer of films that have grossed over 1.7 BILLION in U.S. ticket sales. (Well, make that 1.7 billion PLUS $55,000 from this weekend's "Other Side of Heaven" showings.) Also: With $22 million in ticket sales, "Ocean's Eleven" dropped from first to second place this week, behind a new Tom Cruise/Russell Crowe picture. The "Mormon twins" in the new "Ocean's Eleven" are a nod to the Mormon character in the original Brat Pack version. "Behind Enemy Lines" continued to do well, in 5th place. "Out Cold" starring LDS actress A. J. Cook was in 11th place after 26 days in release. Also in the news: The influential New York Film Critics Circle Awards were announced this week, and the bizarre David Lynch film "Mulholland Drive" was chosen as the year's Best Film. The NY Film Critics picks are always considered strong indicators of the year's Oscar favorites. Although "Mulholland Drive" is widely considered a pure Lynch-fest, it was actually the result of collaboration between Lynch and Mormon writer/film producer Joyce Eliason. Eliason is credited as the film's producer, but she was also the original co-writer of the TV pilot which was re-worked into this film. If the film receives any Oscar nods, it may help boosts the lackluster box office performance of this strongly R-rated auteur flick. Next week: "The Other Side of Heaven" opens up all in theaters all over Utah. Also coming: The premier of Peter Jackson's monumental "The Lord of the Rings." This is not a film by LDS filmmakers (interestingly enough, author J. R. R Tolkien was a devout and serious Catholic). But... what does the old BYU-produced Church video "The Emmett Smith Story" have to do with Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings"? The whole story, including comments from a rarely-seen Jackson interview -- next week. Weekend Box Office Report (U.S. Domestic Box Office Gross) Weekend of December 14, 2001 [If table below doesn't line up properly, try looking at them with a mono-spaced font, such as courier - Ed.] Natl Film Title Weekend Gross Rank LDS/Mormon Filmmaker or Actor Total Gross Screens Days - ---- ------------------------------ ------- ----- ---- 2 Ocean's Eleven $22,076,664 3,075 10 LDS characters: Malloy twins 72,306,190 5 Behind Enemy Lines 5,414,981 2,792 17 David Veloz (screenwriter) 38,813,329 11 Out Cold 694,866 1,183 26 A. J. Cook (female lead) 13,245,127 33 Mulholland Drive 70,135 83 70 Joyce Eliason (producer/writer) 5,367,713 38 The Other Side of Heaven (NEW) 55,765 2 3 Mitch Davis (screenwriter/director) 55,765 John G. Groberg (author/character) Gerald Molen, John Garbett (producers) 45 Joy Ride 24,114 71 73 Paul Walker (2nd billed star) 21,933,431 60 China: The Panda Adventure 13,975 17 143 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 1,647,645 63 Galapagos 11,385 8 780 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 11,976,880 68 Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man 9,840 7 591 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 12,938,153 73 Island of the Sharks 6,243 5 962 Alan Williams (composer) 10,554,048 75 All Access 5,653 4 255 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 982,070 109 Mark Twain's America 3D 66 1 1263 Alan Williams (composer) 2,136,468 >From Mormon-News: Mormon News and Events Forwarding is permitted as long as this footer is included Mormon News items may not be posted to the World Wide Web sites without permission. Please link to our pages instead. For more information see http://www.MormonsToday.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 03:50:20 -0500 From: "Debra Brown" Subject: [AML] Fw: MN New Products: Missionary Stories, Tools, and Personal Testimonies: Kent Larsen 12Dec01 US NY NYC A4 Missionary Stories, Tools, and Personal Testimonies NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- Among the new titles released by the major LDS publishers this season are a number that look at missionary work, provide tools for missionaries and inspiring materials for missionaries. Most interesting is a book from Cedar Fort by Frank Leach that shows how consistent efforts of many missionaries over years made a difference for his family and for a Wyoming town. Other books provide tools for missionaries, inspiring essays on belief, and the soundtrack for the new movie about Elder Groberg's missionary experiences. What may be the most popular of the books featured this week is "Why I Believe," Deseret Book's collection of essays on belief by prominent LDS Church members. Unlike previous collections, this one features many contributors who are not Utahns, and who have built reputations outside of Utah. Also likely to be popular is the soundtrack for "The Other Side of Heaven," the movie opening this weekend in select Utah theaters, about the missionary experiences of Elder John H. Groberg. The highly-touted film is the biggest LDS film since "God's Army" and the first recent film aimed at an LDS audience that is not by Richard Dutcher. New and recent products: Why I Believe Bookcraft Book; LDS Publisher; Non-fiction; Mormon Authors and Subject $19.95 Dozens of prominent LDS Church members tell why they believe. The contributors write inside, personal accounts of the reasons why they have faith in the LDS Church and how that faith has shaped his or her view of the world. Their stories are as diverse as their careers and life experiences. Contributors include author Stephen R. Covey, football star Steve Young, broadcaster Jane Clayson, performer Gladys Knight, former BYU football coach LaVell Edwards, businessman Bill Marriott, author Richard Paul Evans, businessman Mitt Romney, Senator Orrin Hatch, business guru Clayton Christensen, Philadelphia Eagles football coach Andy Reid, and others. Mission Accomplished by Frank Leach Cedar Fort Book; LDS Publisher; Non-fiction; Mormon Author and Subject $9.95 A convert tells how a succession of missionaries serving in a small Wyoming town slowly changed the lives of a family and of the town through their dedication and perseverance. While no individual missionary saw many baptisms, their consistent effort over many years made a tremendous difference. See: More about "Mission Accomplished" by Frank Leach at CedarFort.com The Missionary's Little Book of Teaching Tools by R. Dale Jeffery and V. Ruth Jeffery Covenant Communications Book; LDS Publisher; Non-fiction; Mormon Authors and Subject $9.95 Ideas missionaries can use to teach the principles and doctrines in the missionary lessons. These tools are also useful for those that have returned from their missions, helping them teach basic principles in family home evenings,firesides, church lessons and ward activities. The Other Side Of Heaven soundtrack by Kevin Kiner Excel Entertainment Music CD; LDS Publisher; Mormon Performer and Subject $15.98 The soundtrack for the new film about the missionary experiences of Elder John H. Groberg. The soundtrack captures the drama and adventure of the motion picture. See: More about "The Other Side Of Heaven soundtrack" by Kevin Kiner at Excel Entertainment >From Mormon-News: Mormon News and Events Forwarding is permitted as long as this footer is included Mormon News items may not be posted to the World Wide Web sites without permission. Please link to our pages instead. For more information see http://www.MormonsToday.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 10:04:42 -0700 From: "Brown" Subject: Re: [AML] Mormon Authors in Nat. Market [MOD: With Marilyn's permission, I've spliced together two messages of hers to create this one.] Terry Jeffress wrote: Brady Udall. W. W. Norton, a national publisher, has published both his short story collection, _Letting Loose the Hounds_, and his novel, _The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint_. To which Marilyn replies. Sorry, I don't buy it. I don't see the Mormons buying it either. Grin. [And in further explanation thereof...] The statement comes after an elaborate case I made for the FACT that there is no MORMON mainstream novel that is accepted in great glee by the Mormons and the nationial market at large. It is just proof that we are two different cultures. I had challenged Terry (or the group) to come up with one novel accepted by Mormons that made it on the national market. WORK AND THE GLORY? CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE? Not national. Maybe the closest is Margaret's ONE MORE RIVER TO CROSS because it has been accepted in some circles nationally by blacks? Even Brady Udall's Mormon RELATIVES are absolutely chagrined at his presentation of life which is so different from what they see and feel. I know this "embarrassment is a fact." He is a FABULOUS writer, but he is not MORMON in the cultural sense. My point was that Mormons must LEAVE the Mormon culture to be successful on the national market. And I'll stand by that supposition till the cows come home. NOT in children's literature or youth literature or sci fi. I'm talking about REAL experience. Anyway, chew on it. If you can come up with one that both the MORMONS and I will buy, I'll be happy to change my stance! Grin and cheers! Marilyn - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ End of aml-list-digest V1 #554 ******************************