by Cory Woodroof | Aug 13, 2014 | Opinion
If you’re in the film industry and hoping to make a splash at the box office, it never hurts to bring a popular young adult book to the big screen. With post-apocalyptic YA adaptations The Hunger Games and Divergent cashing in with audiences, an adaptation of the legendary novel The Giver couldn’t have been too far behind. Lois Lowry’s Newbery-winning story, a beloved tale about the importance of a vivid life, has been favorite of many since its 1993 bow. Similar to the two titles above (but written far before those two), The Giver centers on a young protagonist (in this case, Jonas) who, within the perimeters of a limiting society, sets off a chain of events that could disrupt the status quo. Even though Katniss and Tris beat Jonas to the cinemas, The Giver stands apart from the stories that followed it. The film’s contemplative ways only serves to push the original ideas of the novel home in a new setting. After an unknown series of events, society has turned into a vanilla world of predestination, paleness and politeness. Children are told what their futures will be, there is no such thing as color and no one ever speaks out of turn or in anger. Even the simplest offenses receive a prompt apology. When he becomes of age, Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), a bright young man, is given his life’s job by a deciding council (anchored by Meryl Streep’s Chief Elder). Jonas is summoned to receive the memories of the past from a man named the Giver (Jeff Bridges) in order to become an adviser to the higher-ups in making...
by Cory Woodroof | Aug 13, 2014 | News Slider
Attorney Josh Roberts will be joining the Office of Student Life as the new dean of student development, per the university. Roberts will be taking an active role in providing guidance for various student organizations and serving as the student life liaison for Lipscomb’s counseling center. Senior Vice President for Student Life Scott McDowell said he champions Roberts’ addition to the Lipscomb community. “Josh brings a great deal of passion and expertise to this role of developing students in a holistic way,” McDowell said to Lipscomb’s website. “His legal background will also be an invaluable resource as we navigate an increasingly complex higher education landscape where government regulations continually proliferate. “He will dedicate himself to mentoring a new generation of leaders as Lipscomb continues its commitment to equipping students to discover their created purpose and to embrace their place in the kingdom.” Originally from Nashville, Roberts received his undergraduate education at George Washington University and his law degree at the University of Memphis School of Law. Roberts said he plans to use his new role to help Lipscomb’s student leaders grow. “I am overjoyed to be joining the Lipscomb family at this remarkable time,” Roberts told Lipscomb’s website. “There’s not another university in the country that has more fully dedicated itself to developing students into leaders. As the dean of student development, it is my privilege to leverage the full weight of Lipscomb’s vast resources in a manner that carefully stretches, challenges and nurtures our student leaders.” For more on Roberts, visit Lipscomb’s website. Photo courtesy of...
by Cory Woodroof | Aug 13, 2014 | News Slider
A flurry of Christian music’s finest filled the Hall of Fame Room at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena Wednesday morning to share the nominations for this year’s Dove Awards. Artists such as Natalie Grant, TobyMac, KB, Brandon Heath, Tasha Cobb and Karen Peck were all present for the announcements. Lecrae, NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot, Mandisa, Hillsong UNITED and Casting Crowns all made the cut for Artist of the Year. Newcomers Love and the Outcome, Andy Mineo, Ellie Holcomb, 1 Girl Nation, and Hillsong Young and Free all were honored with a New Artist of the Year nomination. Song of the Year titles included “Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED, “Revival” by Karen Peck and New River, “Overcomer” by Mandisa, “Hurricane” by Natalie Grant, “Fix My Eyes” by for KING AND COUNTRY, “Say Amen” by Brian Free and Assurance, “I Can Trust Him” by The Perrys, “Lord I Need You,” by Matt Maher, “That’s Why” by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and “Hello My Name Is” by Matthew West. “Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail)” also racked up nods in the Worship Song of the Year, Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year categories. The Doves ceremony returns to Allen Arena for a second year on Oct. 7 with a showtime of 6:30 p.m. The event will partner with Trinity Broadcasting Network this year to steam the show on all devices. To see all of this year’s nominees, visit the Doves’...
by Cory Woodroof | Aug 1, 2014 | Opinion
If Marvel Studios’ track record tells you anything, it’s that the company isn’t afraid to roll the dice. By now, it’s almost humorous to think that making Robert Downey Jr. into Iron Man, casting two relative unknowns (Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston) into the roles of Thor and Loki and handing Joss Whedon the keys to the Avengers kingdom were incredible risks at the beginning. But, really, that’s been the studio’s mantra ever since Tony Stark took to the skies – “We’re unafraid to take chances because, most of the time, we’re right.” It’s a formula that’s garnered a conglomeration of critical praise, audience adornment and box office records. As rival comics company DC attempts to play a game of Jenga to get their long-gestated Justice League franchise off the ground (fingers crossed), Marvel coasts across their ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ with the self-dubbed ‘Phase 2’ nearly in the rearview mirror (next summer’s Avengers: Age of Ultron will tie the knot on the second part of the overarching Avengers storyline, with vehicles for Ant-Man, Dr. Strange and others on the way). Although, the studio hit a public snag in May when lauded director Edgar Wright bolted his prized Ant-Man adaptation, a project that, according to rumor, went through many failed offers before landing in the hands of comedy vet Peyton Reed. Speculation painted Marvel as a controlling cookie-cutter, afraid to embrace the potentially diverse take Wright had on the character and its universe. “How dare a visionary enter our arena and try to go against the grain that we’ve established?” With a movie like Guardians of the Galaxy now under...
by Cory Woodroof | Jul 28, 2014 | News Slider
Starbucks, Lipscomb’s most popular go-to place for a cup of joe, is in the midst of a decently-sized renovation. As reported by Lumination’s Colleen Casner, “the back wall and counter will be redone with new cubbies and menu boards. The restaurant is also getting new furniture, a new layout and a new color scheme.” The changes began on July 18. As seen in the photos, new chairs and some new wallpaper can be seen in the changed-up location. For those worried that the coffee shop will be closed during the fall semester, don’t fret. Lipscomb’s Starbucks will return on August...
