by Cory Woodroof | Jan 24, 2012 | News Slider, Opinion
This past weekend, Republican presidential nominee Newt Gingrich surprised the nation with a staggering win in the South Carolina primary. Gaining about 40% of the overall vote, the conservative former Speaker of the House managed to pull ahead of frontrunner Mitt Romney to win the state’s election. If anything, Gingrich needed the win. With Romney claiming New Hampshire and barely losing out on Iowa –Rick Santorum recently had the race called in his favor- , Gingrich needed a strong showing in SC to reassert himself in the race. Who knew that a major controversy would help lead to Gingrich’s eventual win. Shortly before the first southern primary, Newt Gingrich’s second ex-wife, Marianne Gingrich, came forward during an interview with ABC News, revealing startling claims about the former Speaker’s past. Ms. Gingrich accused Newt of desiring an “open marriage” during their time together in the midst of an affair. We have already seen scandal destroy the campaign of one presidential hopeful. If history was to repeat itself, a storm was brewing for the Gingrich campaign. This time, history decided to be original. Just before the polls opened in South Carolina, the Republican nominee hopefuls held a final debate. The opening question came from the hot topic of the night – the “open marriage” interview. The moderator asked Gingrich if he wished to comment on the issue. Newt gave a stern reply. “No, but I will.” The crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Gingrich continued. “I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 23, 2012 | News Slider, Opinion
At the age of six, I was a Star Wars kid. During the dog days of my early youth, the epic story of Luke Skywalker’s quest to defeat the Empire captivated me more than any other silly children’s entertainment. I proudly owned the original films on VHS. I collected a large group of action figures from the Star Wars universe – even those random aliens that only appeared in a frame or two during the cantina scene of A New Hope. I even saw The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi during their theatrical re-releases. So, obviously, May 19th, 1999 meant more to me than my birthday, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or any other organized holiday that warrants a sort of reward or present. On this fateful day, writer/director George Lucas unveiled the first new Star Wars film in sixteen years. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace changed my six year old world like nothing ever had. The spectacle, the action, the peril – everything collided to create a gigantic supernova of wonder and amazement. All those years of persistent enjoyment had paid off immensely. A few years passed, two more prequels made their way to the screen, and I couldn’t have been happier. Shift to this past week. George Lucas announced his retirement from the big budget film industry on the heels of his newest production, Red Tails. Lucas says he wishes to switch his focus onto smaller, more personal projects. “I’m moving away from the business, from the company, from all this kind of stuff.” Lucas said in the statement. No one can argue that Lucas,...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 17, 2012 | News Slider
Lipscomb freshmen can begin attending Freshmen Interest Groups to help them get connected on campus, starting Wednesday, Jan. 18. A Freshmen Interest Group (FIG) allows those newer to Lipscomb to connect with other students who share in the same interests. All freshmen are welcome to attend any meetings available. Six different interest groups will be featured. Those with a knack for service can meet with Christin Shatzer on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Johnson conference room to join the community service/service learning FIG. This group also offers opportunities with the SALT program. Students looking for recreational activities can meet with Matthew Abplanalp in the Student Activity Center lobby at 4 p.m. Wednesday to join the Campus Rec FIG, aimed at promoting healthy living. Also on Wednesday at 4 p.m., those with a love for travel can meet Melissa Swan in Arlo’s to discuss world-wide exploration with the travel FIG. On Thursday at 3 p.m., Campus Minister Jake Burton will lead the spiritual FIG in the Campus Ministry office. This group will take a closer look at God’s work on campus and address spiritual questions. Any film buffs can join Dr. Matt Hearn in Swang 102 on Thursday at 5 p.m. to discuss the art of cinema with the movies/film FIG. Those with a love of the culinary arts can meet with Dr. Autumn Marshall at 3 p.m. Friday in Ezell 107 to delve into the world of good food with the culinary/food FIG. If you are unable to attend any of the Freshmen Interest Groups but still desire to know more information, please contact any of the group facilitators below. Other...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 11, 2012 | News Slider, Opinion
Whatever you may believe about former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, he’s not one to call it a day when the going gets tough. Ever since Romney lost the 2008 presidential nomination to Senator John McCain, one could only speculate he would be back for round two. As we all know, McCain lost, Democratic nominee Barack Obama became the President of the United States, and those apart of the GOP have been longing for the day when a challenger would arise to take on the incumbent Obama for the 2012 elections. Time passed, former hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin decided against a presidential run, McCain went back to Capitol Hill, and a certain Mitt Romney went to wait in the wings. On April 29th, 2011, Romney finally announced the almost-obvious. He would once again wage a campaign to become the Republican nominee. “It is time that we put America back on a course of greatness, with a growing economy, good jobs and fiscal discipline in Washington.” Romney said during his announcement speech. Ever since the announcement, Romney has faced opposition on many platforms. Dating back to the 2008 election, Romney has always been accused of being a political “flip-flop”. Opponents usually accuse the former governor of never adhering to a specific belief, saying what was beneficial at the moment – the marks of a true politician. Romney also lacked major support from the ultra-conservatives, most notably those apart of the Tea Party movement. But throughout the thick and the thin, the criticisms and the accusations, like the cat on the poster, Romney hung in there. This nomination process has...
by Cory Woodroof | Dec 12, 2011 | News Slider
Hello, Lumination readers! As finals week dwindles down into the semester break, we’ve got you covered on all the must-see movies, television specials, and sports events for this holiday season! THE 5 MUST-SEE MOVIES THE MUPPETS (PG, featuring Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy) Currently in theaters Haven’t gone out to see one of the best films of the year? Want to relive the magic? Go for it! The Muppets will be in contention for my best film of the year, so I fully recommend you give this film a viewing if you already have not. The movie is pure cinema gold featuring some of the most beloved characters of all time. Plus, there’s a great short before the film featuring the characters from the Toy Story series. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL (PG-13- featuring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames) December 16th– IMAX, December 21st– Regular theaters I can just hear theme-music now. Director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille) takes on the world of live-action cinema with the fourth installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, once again starring Tom Cruise’s IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames also return for yet another go-around. This time, expect plenty of espionage, fights, explosions and a death-defying stunt on the world’s tallest building. The film’s reviews are already shining a positive light on the film, so this new mission should be on the top of your holiday viewing list. Be sure to check the film out at the newly re-opened Opry Mills IMAX, as some of the film was shot...
