by Hunter Patterson | Jul 23, 2011 | News Slider
How about this? Take a World War II movie, crank up the action with effects and CGI and then give the focal point of the movie some steroids. If you do all those things, you’ll end up with Captain America: The First Avenger. While it is a fun movie, it lacks depth and that sense of deep, sophisticated storytelling that most of the Marvel movies have. That is not to say that it is too fast for one to understand what is going on, but in certain scenes that would require some emotion to grasp, the film sidesteps it. However, the movie is still about one of America’s first superheroes. During the World War II era there were less shades of grey. America was at war, and the enemy was truly evil. To battle that, America needed ideals and heroes that were truly good. It is against that backdrop that the film is built around. There are good superheroes, and there are bad villains. And because of that setting, we can put our modern cynicism aside and appreciate goodness and heroism for what it really is. Captain America’s (Steve Rogers) nemesis in the film is a Johann Schmidt, a Nazi better known as Red Skull. Contrasting the very good looking Captain Rogers, the ugly as sin Red Skull is a near perfect villain on the screen. Of course with any other Marvel film there is plenty of humor to go around. The bulk of the jokes come from Tommy Lee Jones. Jones’ character, Colonel Chester Phillips makes most of the jokes in rapid-fire mode while pre-transformation Rogers is still...
by Danielle Boyd | Jul 21, 2011 | News Slider
Lipscomb students, your voice is being heard. Though the addition of Chick-fil-A to campus dining options last year was a step in the right direction, students have been craving more choices. This fall, LU will add Papa John’s pizza and a sushi bar to the menu. Campus dining is largely controlled by Sodexho, and general manager Roy Platt is excited about starting this new chapter for the university. “I know the school is going to experience continuous growth,” Platt said. “And we want to grow with them.” Platt looks forward to partnering with Papa John’s, which he called “the number one chain out there, especially on college campuses.” “Pizza Hut was a good product, but I think it was time for an upgrade,” he said. Latoya Clark, a biochemistry major from Jackson, Tenn. agreed. “I am so glad they are getting rid of Pizza Hut because Papa John’s is so much better,” she said. Unlike last year, students will be able to purchase pizza by the slice. Papa John’s will also offer cheese sticks and their signature wings. The sushi bar was also designed to cater to popular demand. There’s no doubt the success of the sushi bar in the Bison Cafe had something to do with Sodexho’s decision to add a stand-alone bar downstairs. “[Statistics] show that Sushi is a huge thing among the demographics that college students represent,” said Platt, adding that sushi has been on students’ wish lists for quite some time. The new sushi bar will take place of of the always-good-but-never-open “Chilling’s.” It won’t be just sushi, either. The bar will also offer other...
by despotmj | Jul 20, 2011 | News Slider
Lipscomb’s Student Activity Center is about to receive a much anticipated renovation. Over the next two years, several million dollars will be invested into the SAC, offering vastly improved fitness opportunities for students and faculty. This fall, visitors will notice many changes throughout the building, beginning with an improved reception area and lounge that will include not only a smoothie bar, but also well as new furniture. New floors will be installed for the basketball and racquetball courts, with a new branding effort also to be emphasized. Fear no more the Freshman 15, as Lipscomb has purchased all new equipment from Life Fitness for the weight room. For those not looking to bulk-up for spring break, a spinning studio will be built, and the SAC will even offer a larger aerobics room. “Campus Recreation is driven to provide many opportunities for students to become fit and active,” said Emily Harris, director of campus recreation. “We believe that fitness is a matter of stewardship and when we become balanced we can be the best God intended us to be.” As part of an increased focus on student health, Lipscomb will also provide free group fitness classes to students. These will be instructor-led exercise classes offering skill levels for those both beginners and the advanced. Additionally, students will have the option to take nutrition classes on campus and will even be able to hire a personal trainer for the new weight and fitness rooms. Increased operating hours will be another addition to the SAC’s improvement; these extra hours are aimed to help students avoid having to pay pricey gym memberships in...
by Lacy Pack | Jul 20, 2011 | News Slider
With the second session of Advance coming to an end on Tuesday, incoming freshmen are looking toward the upcoming school year with more confidence than ever before. Designed to ease the transition to college life, Advance helps take the awkwardness out of meeting new people and getting used to a new living situation. For Edward Campos, a freshman biology major from Nashville, Tenn., Advance has accomplished just that. “You get a taste of what college is like” said Campos. “I’ve already made a lot of friends and I’ll recognize faces when my classes start.” Campos’ fellow biology major and newfound friend Paige Murphy from Huntsville, Ala., said she also felt more prepared for the upcoming semester. “Academically, Advance helps a lot because I’ve found there are several helpful resources and advisers here to help me,” said Murphy. Freshmen aren’t the only ones getting something out of Advance, either. Quest Team member T.J. Cantrell from McMinnville, Tenn. has enjoyed the two days as much as anyone else. “Last night we had a devotional led by Jason Parker, Nocturnal Madness where we played all kinds of fun games and then all the incoming freshman hung out in Shamblin and played around for awhile,” Cantrell said. “Advance has been a blast.” The Quest Team has been working tirelessly to prepare good food and entertaining activities for the freshmen, and their hard work is paying off – many incoming students said Lipscomb feels like home. “Everyone already seems to know me. I have had so much fun,” said Inett Branch, a freshman business major from Lavergne, Tenn. “The Lord has opened the...
by Tara Knott | Jul 16, 2011 | News Slider
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. Invisibilty cloaks. Butterbeer. These are the images most people conjure up in their minds when they think about Harry Potter. But as Neville Longbottom says in the eighth and final installment of the film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” Hogwarts has changed. Before the title appears on the screen, the camera zooms in on Voldemort thrusting his wand into the air and casting the Warner Brothers logo into the sky, letting the audience know from the beginning that the tone of this movie is much more sinister. Most of the film takes place at night or on overcast, gloomy days, and the darkness hangs like a pall over the theater as Harry, Ron and Hermione hunt down Voldemort. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson turn in their strongest performances of the series in this film. At one point, Ron and Hermione share a passionate, relief-fueled kiss after a brush with death in the Chamber of Secrets. Grint and Watson’s comedic timing is so spot on, the audience can’t help but smile. And when Harry realizes he’s ready to die if that’s what it takes to save his friends, Daniel Radcliffe looks like he’s aged a decade in three minutes. But the trio can’t carry this movie alone, and the supporting cast complements them perfectly. Maggie Smith absolutely kills it as Professor Minerva McGonagall, adding some levity to the heavy film with her subtle, knowing smirk. As she works her magic to bring some stone guards to life and they begin leaping over her head, she says, “I’ve always wanted...
by Danielle Boyd | Jul 15, 2011 | News Slider
Looking for an escape from the summer heat? At Yogi’s, a new frozen yogurt bar in Hillsboro Village, customers can cool off and satisfy their sweet tooths. Whether you’re craving an old-fashioned favorite or ready to step outside your comfort zone, Yogi’s has something for everyone. From cake batter yogurt – the proven favorite – with dark chocolate and blueberries to ginger lemonade yogurt with strawberries and whipped cream, the combinations are endless. Not only that, but it’s a great place for family, friends and students to enjoy a frozen treat. When you walk in the door, you’re greeted by smiling faces and prompt service. If you’re not sure what you want, the employees are there to help, offering their own opinions and full-flavored samples. Despite being one of five frozen yogurt places within Hillsboro Village, its modern decor and fresh flavors stand out. Yogi’s offers an contemporary setting with vibrant pink and green walls, modern seating both inside and out, and games to add to the overall customer experience. With vibrant pink and green walls, contemporary seating inside and out, and games like tic-tac-toe to keep customers occupied, Yogi’s is the best place to go for a cup of FroYo. It’s open every day, so head on over with your student ID to receive 20% off and check it out for yourself. Your taste buds will not be...
