Famous Mormons

Famous Mormon entertainer Donny Osmond recently addressed a question on his website Donny.com.  He was asked how he reacts to friends in same sex relationships who consider themselves married.

Despite the controversy, boycotts, threats, vandalism of LDS buildings, and even an Anthrax scare at two of our temples due to the church’s position on the issue and most recently, the vote on Proposition 8 in California, Donny stood by his beliefs as he explained how he can love his friends but disagree with the choices they make.

He explained that whether you consider yourself straight or gay, we all face temptations and are expected to live up to the same standards.  He referred to a statement released by The First Presidency of the Church in 1995 called “The Family  -  A Proclamation to the World“.  In it contains our beliefs that marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman, the family is ordained by God, and that children are entitled to have a mother and a father who are bound together by marriage, who love each other and will raise their children in righteousness.  It warns:  The disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

Donny states his belief that this statement was issued by true prophets of God.  His courage in standing by his convictions is an inspiration to Mormons everywhere who have faced a variety of trials due to their position on gay marriage.

In other Osmond news, he recently released a Christmas Single titled “Little Drummer Boy” just in time for the holidays.  More information on the album can be obtained by contacting terri@jayosmond.com.

Stephenie Meyer’s book “Twilight” turned movie is setting records at the box office.  Since it’s release date on November 21st, it has made $151,533,441 as of December 16, 2008 – not bad for a movie with a production budget of $37 million.   So far it is the highest grossing vampire and teen romance film, also the highest grossing film directed by a woman.

Crazed and not so crazed fans all over the world flocked to theaters to see their beloved Edward in person.  Despite it being “not as good as the book”, it hasn’t stopped many from seeing it multiple times and is the current girls’ night flick of choice.  Tell a friend you haven’t seen it and most likely their reply will be, “I saw it, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it again!”

The sequel release date has already been set for next year, November 20, 2009.  Hopes are high that “New Moon” will live up to the book better than its predecessor with a higher budget and the talented directing of Chris Weitz (director of The Golden Compass).  The consensus is that “Twilight” didn’t have the greatest special effects or make-up, that some parts were dragged out, and others not long enough.  It will be interesting to see the difference between the two directors’ styles and changes that will be made from Edward’s supernatural movements to his skin that sparkles in the sunlight.

Perhaps Meyer’s screaming fans will be even more excited for the sequel next year (if it’s humanly possible to be more excited than they already are).

It was a busy month for American Idol star David Archuleta with the release of his self-titled album “David Archuleta” on November 11th, his opportunity to present at the American Music Awards, his performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and more.

He was interviewed briefly by Jimmy Kimmel’s correspondent “Guillermo” at the AMA, who had just finished telling David Cook (the most recent American Idol winner who Archuleta came in second to) that he voted for him 100 times and didn’t like David Archuleta because he found him “too sexy”.  This was also the reason he told Archuleta he voted for him 100 times (following which he attempted to pinch his cheeks).

There are three riveting back to back “interviews” months before that on the night of the unveiling of the American Idol winner, also with Guillermo, which David grinned through good naturedly.

Interview #1

Guillermo:  Hi I’m here with David Archuleta.  Hi David.

David:  Hi.

Guillermo:  Do you like to be the American Idol?

David:  Um, it’d be nice to, yeah.

Interview #2

Guillermo:  Hi I’m here with David Archuleta.  Hi David.

David:  Hey Guillermo.

Guillermo:  Do you like music?

David:  I love music, yeah.  Do you?

Guillermo:  Me too.  Thank you, David Archuleta.

Interview #3

Guillermo:  Hi I’m here with David Archuleta.  How you doing, David?

David:  I’m doing well.  Thanks for stopping by.

Guillermo:  Did Paula Abdul smell good?

David:  Um, I don’t know.  I didn’t really smell her or sniff her or anything.  I’m sure she does.  I’m sure she has nice expensive perfume.  But …..  Mmm hmm …

Guillermo:  Thank you, David.

David:  Oh, you’re welcome.

December already promises to be another busy month for David having already attended a radio station meet and greet at a Del Taco in California and performed at a benefit called “Road to the Cure” for the Heart Stem Cell Center at Cedars-Sinai.  No doubt he’ll be spreading cheer all month with his winning smile and voice.