![[Editorial] The fall of Herman Cain](http://luminationnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ap_herman_cain_scandal_kd_110211_wg-300x1681.jpg)
by Cory Woodroof | Dec 3, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
I’m still not sure whether to be relieved or outraged at today’s announcement of Herman Cain’s ended run for the Republican nomination in next year’s Presidential election. At one time, Cain was on top of the world. He literally came out of nowhere during the closing days of summer and began to sweep the hearts of conservative voters. His charisma and bold plans (9-9-9 anyone?) helped boost him above other possible candidates. He was a down-to-earth individual that really struck a chord with Republicans. Cain even just about got to the point of running away with the nomination. But then, out of nowhere, a woman accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment during his days with the National Restaurants Association. If that wasn’t bad enough, three other women came forward, all with the same stories. It’s never a good thing if four women accuse you of sexual harassment. Cain went from being the shining light of the GOP race to being the controversy of the month. Naturally, Cain denied all the allegations. But then, another woman came forward. A woman from Atlanta, Ginger White, came forward, claiming to have had a thirteen year affair with Cain, also alleging the relationship had just ended months ago. Cain claims to have known White, but only on a friendly, charitable basis. White claims otherwise. Cain, already in hot water, couldn’t have had these claims come at a worse time. Cain lost supporters slowly through the month of November, but after this, things were not looking great for the Cain campaign. On Dec. 3, Herman Cain announced the suspension of his GOP campaign, citing...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 14, 2011 | News Slider
You might think that a college campus would be one of the safer places to rest your head. Walking to and from classes in broad daylight might be a simple, safe task, but think about if that one late-night class runs a few minutes over, or if that study session with a friend goes longer than expected. The long, dark walk back to your car in the dead of night can be a stressful experience, especially during the winter months when the moon creeps out quicker each evening. For a certain Vanderbilt student, this late-night stroll turned into something different entirely. In the early hours of Nov. 3, a female senior of the university was held at gunpoint by an unknown criminal. The man demanded her purse and quickly fled the scene once the bag was procured. This scary incident occurred during the student’s walk back to her on-campus apartment. The Lipscomb Security and Safety team works day and night to ensure that events like this don’t happen to Lipscomb students. Brad Wyatt, the director of security on campus, made it clear that the incident on Vanderbilt’s campus was unfortunate, but he said he hopes Lipscomb students understand that events like this have never occurred on Lipscomb’s campus during his four years as director of security. In fact, a mugging of that nature has never occurred on campus. He said he hopes that Lipscomb understand that, while on Lipscomb’s campus, safety is a top priority for his team. During the upcoming holiday season, Wyatt hopes that students will use common sense to stay safe – traveling in groups and...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 9, 2011 | News Slider
Dr. Roderick Hart, dean of the College of Communications at the University of Texas at Austin, stopped by this month’s Pizza and Politics event to discuss one of the nation’s most polarizing, controversial public figures in the past few years. After an introduction by Dr. Norma Burgess, Lipscomb’s Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Craig Carroll, the dean of Communication and Journalism department, Dr. Hart walked on-stage to address the central theme of the evening. “Why are we still talking about Sarah Palin?” he asked. Dr. Hart began by stating that he enjoys being a college professor because he has an abundance of questions. One of these questions involves the desire to understand the national hype that follows Palin wherever she goes. Hart stated that he has no preference for Palin either way, but he has become captivated by her mannerisms and public acclaim/disapproval. Hart believes that Palin truly has become an American icon. “This is a woman who has captured the public imagination of the United States”, Dr. Hart said, even making a humorous comparison to Palin being a mix between Mitt Romney and Johnny Depp in the public eye. Dr. Hart showed a poll taken in late May of this year, revealing that 97% of Americans are at least aware of her existence. Hart zeroes in on the aspect of Palin being a “bi-polar entity”- a sort of love her/hate her personality. Hart believes that there is no middle ground in the debate. Those who love her, Hart explains, will focus on her down-to-earth, “real” sounding message. Those who hate her will likely...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 8, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
Hello faithful Redbox Report readers! The report has returned after a brief hiatus to fill you in on everything Redbox. As we are full way into the fall season (and Thanksgiving closer than we’d think), here is a film to consider and a film to avoid at all costs. I’m also going to share my thoughts on the recent price raise of DVD rentals. So, without further ado… CARS 2 (G, 120 minutes- featuring the voice talents of Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Emily Mortimer and Michael Caine) *BLU-RAY OPTION RECOMMENDED Admittedly, I was not the biggest fan of Cars 2. So, you’re probably wondering…Why am I recommending that you give this film a go? It’s not all terrible. I went with a group of friends to see the film its opening night, and the unanimous opinion was somewhat positive. I had high hopes for the film -being a gigantic Pixar advocate- but I considered the film a rare misstep that will hopefully fade into time with the studio’s feature releases. In retrospect, I was more disappointed in the film than I am to dismiss it. It’s not a bad film, just a poor example of excellence from the folks at Pixar. Due to my fearful bias, I’m making the rare decision to recommend you make your own mind up on the film solely to not ruin your personal view of Pixar. Rent Cars 2 if you have not already viewed the film, and feel free to share your thoughts/criticisms in the comment section. GREEN LANTERN (PG-13, 116 minutes- featuring Ryan Reynolds) Here’s something green that...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 8, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
For a while there, all signs were pointing for Herman Cain to finally establish himself as the clear front-runner in the GOP primary race. Cain, the dynamic former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and hopeful Republican presidential candidate, came out of nowhere a few months ago and successfully became a contender in the already crowded race for the nomination. Cain’s straight-forward frankness, no-nonsense approach to national issues and lively personality has earned the favor of voters across the nation. I dare you to find someone who hasn’t heard of the “9-9-9” tax plan. Cain even recently topped fellow competitor Mitt Romney in a Rasmussen poll 26% to 23%, finally giving himself the edge in a race that has seen the rise and fall of many candidates. Cain seemed unstoppable, but, out of nowhere, a claim of sexual harassment against the candidate came to surface. A second woman came forward with the same allegations shortly after. Two more women followed suit. If anything can outright kill a run for president, it’s four allegations of sexual harassment. If it were just one, many would be quick to write the claims off as a smear campaign. Four is a different story. Whether this scandal will halt the Cain train in its tracks or present only a minor speed bump is yet to be seen, but if history repeats itself, scandals of a sexual nature and politics usually don’t mix. If this is the end for Herman Cain’s rise to power, I’m afraid that things aren’t looking well for the Republican Party. Cain is not the only person running for the nomination, though. Mitt...
