by Jade Spilka | Dec 22, 2017 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
The Barden Bellas have officially graduated college and are off working various jobs apart from each other. However, an opportunity soon arises for them to sing on a tour back together again and compete for a spot to open for DJ Khaled. Like the other Pitch Perfect films, there are many twists and turns on the Bellas’ road to stardom. They are met with fierce competition and the unexpected arrival of Fat Amy’s criminal father. Fat Amy’s father knows of a bank account set aside for her and tries to gain her trust in order to gain access to that account. When Fat Amy realizes his intentions, she cuts off all communication with him, but he then captures the Bellas as hostages on his yacht. Fat Amy and Beca are the only two Bellas not captured, so it is then up to them to save their friends and get back to the tour. As expected for a Pitch Perfect film, the story featured a lot of great vocals and songs. Unexpectedly, however, the storyline was much darker than audiences might anticipate with its unique storyline. The film was enjoyable but did not live up to the last two Pitch Perfect films. None of the Treble Makers were featured, which is a disappointment, and the new cast of male characters was not as entertaining or charming as in the previous two movies. Nevertheless, the film is worthwhile to see in theaters over the holidays. It is fun and has some hilarious quotes, but viewers shouldn’t go in expecting the same level of entertainment that they received from watching the original Pitch Perfect. This film definitely did not follow a typical Pitch Perfect storyline and certainly...
by Erin Franklin | Dec 18, 2017 | News Slider
More than 400 students were awarded diplomas from Lipscomb University this fall, including eight women from the Tennessee Prison for Women. The traditional students’ graduation ceremony took place in Allen Arena on December 16, while the graduating inmates’ ceremony was the day before at the Tennessee Prison for Women. Traditional 2017 fall commencement ceremony features record number of doctoral education degrees Dr. Jim Thomas, Executive Assistant to the President, opened the ceremony, addressing what it took for the students to reach this point, and how the university sought to mold both the students’ brains and hearts. “As soon as they walk across this stage, their obligation begins to be to give back,” Thomas said. “To help those who need their help. And we try to instruct them in that. We try to educate not only their brains but also their heart. To look for those individuals who need their help. “We celebrate today that they are well prepared, and that they are ready.” At the ceremony, 39 students received Doctorate of Education degrees, the highest number since the program awarded its first doctoral degrees in 2012. Nearly 260 students earned graduate degrees and more than 150 students earned bachelor’s degrees. In addition, two students received associate degrees. Among these graduates were the first recipients of the Master of Professional Studies degree, housed in the College of Professional Studies. President Randy Lowry gave the charge to the students. “You can’t be who you need to be if you remain where you are,” Lowry said. “We love you. We appreciate you. We cherish you. We always will cherish the relationship we have with you and the impact you had on this...
by Jade Spilka | Dec 9, 2017 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
“A McCrary Kind of Christmas” returns to Lipscomb tonight at 7 p.m. and will feature musical performances by the McCrary Sisters and some of their musical friends. The four gospel singers — Alfreda, Ann, Deborah, and Regina — make up the famous sister quartet. Their father, Reverand Samuel H. “Sam” McCrary, was one of the founding members of the Fairfield Four. The annual benefit concert will take place in Shamblin Theatre and will have a $10 suggested donation for entry. The McCrary Sisters arranged the event as a means to raise funds for needy Nashville families. These funds will be used to buy gifts and other items for the selected families. Audience members are also encouraged to bring canned goods and unwrapped gifts that can be used as donations. “We just wanted to give back,” Ann McCary told the Tennessean. She and her sisters are all Nashville natives and have a heart for the Nashville community. The National Museum of African-American Music will sponsor the event. The museum is set to open in 2019 in Nashville but is already working to make a change. This concert is one of their many endeavors to support the Nashville...
by Russell Vannozzi | Dec 5, 2017 | News Slider, Sports
If traffic gets stopped on Belmont Boulevard on Wednesday, there’s no need to be alarmed – it’s just the Lipscomb faithful staking claim to the street. For the second straight week, Lipscomb topped archival Belmont – this one a 69-54 victory at Allen Arena. The Bisons also defeated the Bruins by a score of 74-66 in the season’s first addition of the Battle of the Boulevard on Nov. 27. “Not many teams do that to them,” Lipscomb coach Casey Alexander said of beating the Bruins twice. “They’re a great team, and that’s why it means so much for us to win it.” Junior guard Garrison Mathews powered the Bisons with 26 points, despite suffering an apparent injury in an overtime victory over Tennessee State on Saturday. Mathews wore a sleeve on his right knee and appeared to be operating close to full strength. “We thought he was out for the season 48 hours ago, so I’m glad he’s not,” Alexander said. “It seemed like every time we needed something good to happen, [Garrison] was in the right place.” 20 of Mathews’ points came in the second half, including a stretch of six straight points after Belmont went on an 8-0 run midway through the second half. Lipscomb led 28-20 at halftime and pulled away from the Bruins when its offense came alive late in the game. Sophomore guard Kenny Cooper also proved to be a key cog in the win, and he set a new career high in points with 18. “He’s gaining more and more control of the offense, and that’s what we need out of him,” Alexander said of...
by Jade Spilka | Dec 1, 2017 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Jacob Tremblay stuns audiences with his amazing portrayal of August “Auggie” Pullman in Wonder, the heart-wrenching fictional story of a young boy who was born with Treacher Collins syndrome. The popular film has already grossed over 70 million dollars worldwide and has garnered media attention due to its universal themes of kindness and acceptance. The audience is first introduced to Auggie when his parents decide he should attend a private school near their home in Manhattan. He had previously been homeschooled since kindergarten, but his mother (Julia Roberts) decided the first year of junior high school would be the perfect time to begin his education at a regular school. The principal enlists three students to give Auggie a tour of the school so that he feels at home. The students are nervous to meet him at first, but Jack Will (Noah Jupe), one of the children asked to help, soon begins to build a friendship with Auggie. The film focuses on Auggie’s struggles and his triumphs. It shows how Auggie affects those around him, both the stresses he puts on them due to his condition and the positive impact he has on their lives as well. The film explores not only Auggie’s life but also the lives of his mother, father (Owen Wilson), sister (Izabela Vidovic) and friends he makes at his new school. Wonder is a beautiful story that highlights the beauty that is on the inside. It is an excellent example to adults and children alike to never judge a book by its cover, to always give someone a chance and to accept people as they are. This story is...
by LeBron Hill | Nov 30, 2017 | News Slider, Opinion
The much-anticipated Justice League captures the essence of what it means to be a hero. The world is in disarray after the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) and is in need of heroes. With an alien invasion imminent, headed by the conquerer Steppenwolf, the Caped Crusader (Ben Affleck) with help from Wonder Woman, (Gal Gadot) set out to recruit others to defend earth. After Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) join the fight, they are immediately tasked with protecting the last Mother Box. There are three Mother Boxes and when combined, they become the Unity and changes the world into Steppenwolf’s home world of Apokolips. Realizing what they are up against, the team must come together to stop this threat. The significance of Superman is shown throughout the movie. His absence helps with the development of other characters. While Superman was alive, he was the shining light that others could look to. Wonder Woman let that light shine so she didn’t have to shine hers, still dealing with the loss of her love, Steve Trevor. Batman feels that Superman’s death was his fault and bringing him back to life will undo his wrong. Newcomers, Cyborg and The Flash, both deal with what a hero means to them. The Flash is trying to get his father out of prison. His focus is proving his dad’s innocence rather than becoming a hero. Cyborg, not wanting his newly attained powers, feels that he is losing what is making him human. His struggles come from his relationship with his father and deciding if he is man or machine. Aquaman...
