by Russell Vannozzi | Sep 7, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Lipscomb’s Leading Edge will host Robert Hackenson Jr. for “Sober Thoughts,” a program designed to entertain students and also educate about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The show, which involves magic and hypnosis, will be held on Wednesday, September 7th in Shamblin Theatre. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. “The world is constantly delivering a message about alcohol and drug use which conflict with the expectations we have for our students at Lipscomb,” Sam Smith said, the Dean of Student Life and the sponsor of the Leading Edge. “I am thrilled to support the Leading Edge in their effort to address the topic of making smart choices with their peers.” Hackenson and his team have been traveling across the country since 2004 to spread positive messages to schools, colleges and other organizations through the use of entertainment. Hackenson’s website describes his shows as “a highly interactive and engaging way to deliver important messages to audiences in a brilliant and memorable fashion.” “I’m really excited to see how Hackenson links magic and hypnosis to making wise decisions,” Rachel Heronimus, a sophomore member of the Leading Edge, said. “We see this as fun event that can positively impact our peers.” Sophomore Leading Edge member Collin Vasseur echoed Heronimus’ sentiments. “I think it’s important that students reflect on making wise decisions, especially at the beginning of the school year,” Vasseur noted. “It’s also going to be an entertaining evening.” The Leading Edge was established in the fall of 2014 as a student-led group that seeks opportunities to change Lipscomb’s campus. Smith said he saw the need for such...
by Erin Franklin | Aug 30, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Brandon Burlsworth is hailed as the greatest walk-on in college football history. Burlsworth was also drafted by the Colts, has a trophy named after him that’s given to a player who started his football career as a walk-on and is responsible for the Brandon Burlsworth foundation, which helps underprivileged kids, both physically and spiritually. He’s also quite the virtuous, pious guy — not exactly fitting the Division 1 football player stereotype. Greater tells viewers this and more. Burlsworth started out his football career as an overweight middle schooler who was the only kid on the bench for his school team. However, his perseverance and dedication soon landed him a spot on his high school team, then a place as an Arkansas Razorback and eventually a spot in the NFL. Burlsworth’s incredible journey was cut short, however, as he died in a car accident just a few days after he was drafted by the Colts. The film is Christian-based, so it not only covers Burlsworth’s life, but it, of course, also delves into broader themes, namely the question, “Why does tragedy happen to a good person?” If you know Burlsworth’s story, the film carries no surprises; it’s main focus is the messages it shares. Chris Severio stars as Burlsworth; Neal McDonough (Arrow) plays his much older brother Marty and Leslie Easterbrook (Police Academy film series) plays Burlsworth’s mother Barb. It’s Serverio’s first feature film, and, while he is not the strongest actor of the leads and doesn’t necessarily look like a D1 football player, he holds his own and shows promise for the future. McDonough is the best actor of the group, portraying a much softer, vulnerable...
by Erin Franklin | Aug 14, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Kendall Austin is focused on bringing the young perspective to today’s political world. The 18-year-old incoming Lipscomb freshman recently attended the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The experience was a memorable one for Austin; athough he had attended the DNC once before, this year was his first time attending as a delegate — in fact, one of the youngest delegates at the convention. “Hearing the speeches was so surreal,”Austin said, adding that “being able to vote on the nominees, whether it was Bernie or whether it was Hillary” was a favorite responsibility. “Being able to represent my state was such an amazing experience.” While Austin said he didn’t meet any major speakers at the convention like President Obama or Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, he was able to meet many fellow delegates and made some great contacts. “I made a ton of connections,” Austin said. Most people involved with politics are attorneys or people that own law firms, so I met a lot of attorneys and was able to get a bunch of cards from them. I met Congressmen; I met Chelsea Clinton; I met Jimmy Carter and his grandson, Hank Johnson — a bunch of different, great connections.” Austin said he got involved in politics through his grandmother, who is also heavily involved in the Democratic Party in Decatur, Georgia, where Austin is from. When he first ran for delegate, Austin had to give a speech and fill out paperwork to get the position, all tasks he was happy to do to receive the opportunity to be the youngest delegate from his state. “I’m pretty good at public...
by Erin Franklin | Aug 11, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
In a summer filled with movie remakes, sequels and superhero installments, Pete’s Dragon ranks as one of the best remakes in a summer composed of so-so flicks. The film is an adaptation of Disney’s 1977 live-action/animated musical that didn’t go down in the Disney hall of fame with the likes of Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins or 101 Dalmatians. 2016’s Pete’s Dragon thankfully wanders with poetic beauty from the slightly odd and unsteady original. The new Pete’s Dragon begins harmlessly with a much younger Pete going on an “adventure” with his parents. What seems to be a joyful road trip for the young family soon changes to a terrible tale as the car is flipped over, horrifically killing both of Pete’s parents. The frightened new orphan, clutching the book — “Elliot Gets Lost” — with which he was learning how to read, ventures into the woods alone. That’s where he finds Elliot, a giant, furry green dragon. This moment in the woods marks the beginning of a truly remarkable friendship between the two. Six years later, Pete (Oakes Fegley) is a rambunctious boy, bounding though the woods with his best friend Elliot, the dragon, who doesn’t appear terrifying in the least. The story is really a simple boy-and-his-dog tale; however the dog in this tale just happens to be a big, sometimes invisible and very lovable dragon. Pete’s seemingly idyllic life is interrupted when he sees Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) and Natalie (Oona Lawrence) from a distance. Grace, a park ranger, is taken aback by the fact that this young boy has been living in the woods, which she...
by Erin Franklin | Aug 10, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees were announced by artists CeCe Winans and Jason Roy on Wednesday morning in Shamblin Theater, with Jason Ingram leading with seven nominations and Lauren Daigle securing six. At last year’s Dove Awards, Daigle won big, receiving New Artist of the Year. Her “How Can It Be” clinched two awards (including Song of the Year) for writers Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson and Paul Mabury. “While it’s great to see these artists at the top of their game, it’s even greater to see that they have chosen to use their creative gifts to serve mankind and the greatest Creator,” Mike Fernandez, Lipscomb’s Dean of Entertainment and the Arts, stated, as he opened the event with a word of prayer. GMA executive director Jackie Patillo, along with radio personalities Wally from Way-FM, Lady Shaunte’ from 760 the Gospel and Doug from the “Family Friendly Morning Show,” also announced a new social media campaign, which is designed to bring awareness to the individuals who are “amplifying love” in their communities. Love Amplified is the theme for this year’s Dove Awards. The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, returning to Lipscomb’s campus at Allen Arena for the fourth consecutive year. The show will air on Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, October 16. Artist of the Year for King and Country, Word Entertainment Hillsong United, Hillsong Music Australia/Sparrow Records Lauren Daigle, Centricity Music Lecrae, Reach Records Toby Mac, ForeFront records New Artist of the Year Hollyn, Gotee Records Jordan Feliz, Centricity Music Stars Go Dim, Word Entertainment Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration We...
by Patrick Carpenter | Aug 5, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
After a brooding Superman, a brutal Batman and a Woman of wonder, DC’s brand new cinematic universe brings us a a squadron of highly dangerous, misfit criminals, aptly named Suicide Squad and chosen by A.R.G.U.S Director Amanda Waller. After the death of Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the United States government is looking for a contingency plan in case the next Superman is not on their side. With a new threat now facing national security, Waller finally convinces the Secretary of Defense to enlist the Suicide Squad, which is designated as “Task Force X.” With an interchangeable line up of the Suicide Squad in the comic books over the years, the film chooses many of the foes Gotham’s Bat has locked up in Belle Reve prison. Led by Colonel Rick Flagg (Joel Kinnaman), the team is highlighted by Floyd Lawton (Will Smith), a.k.a Deadshot, former Arkham Asylum psychiatrist Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Gotham sewer-dweller, Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) and The Flash’s villain-from-down-under, Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney). Audiences had yet to be introduced to magic in the DC universe, until the Squad found its true enemy, the Enchantress. Suicide Squad is the first film in the DCCU not to be directed by Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice). Instead, heralded director David Ayer (End of Watch, Fury) leads DC’s gang of misfits into the most fun and colorful DC film to date. It hasn’t been a secret that many critics panned DC films for not having humor and being too dark (even for Batman), but Ayer constructs his characters differently then we’ve seen...
