by Hannah Cron | Oct 28, 2020 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
For my first review, I selected Taylor Swift’s surprise eighth album, folklore. It was announced less than 24 hours before its release on July 24. The album features 16 tracks plus one bonus on the deluxe edition. On folklore, Swift ventures into new genres such as indie, alt-rock and folk and even calls back to her country past. Upon its release, folklore received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, longtime fans and newcomers alike. Stand-Out Tracks “the 1” – This is not your typical breakup song. Rather than looking back with sadness or anger, “the 1” reminisces fondly about how enjoyable it might have been if things had been different and there had never been a breakup. It offers a refreshingly different perspective, one that is mature but still lighthearted and fun. “exile (feat. Bon Iver)” – Swift’s duet with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver is her best duet since Red (by the way, I am referring to “The Last Time” because I have taste). Swift and Vernon trade verses about how they feel betrayed and misunderstood in a failing relationship. The piano on this song is absolutely gorgeous, and Swift’s and Vernon’s voices combine beautifully despite being very different. “invisible string” – One of the brighter songs on a generally dreary album, “invisible string” sees Swift muse about all of the little moments in her life that brought her to where she is today in the context of her relationships. The song is mature and sweet. Thanks to her Nashville namedrop, I will now always remember Centennial Park not as the park with the fake Parthenon, but the park Taylor Swift sang about. J Overall Thoughts I am a...
by Schyler Jones | Oct 28, 2020 | News, News Slider, Politics
Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the United States Supreme Court on Monday, becoming the fifth woman to serve on the Supreme Court. The proceedings were more controversial than usual as this vote now gives the Supreme Court a 6-3 conservative majority. Three of these justices have now been appointed by Trump. A primary source of contention came from the vote taking place so close to Election Day. Although the Constitution allows such a vote, the issue was one of precedent. In 2016, Republican senators refused to consider President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland after Antonin Scalia’s death because the election was nine months out. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, who refused to consider Garland in 2016, has currently been a driving force to get Barrett confirmed only weeks before the election. McConnell claimed this time is different because the Senate and Presidency are currently held by the same party. Barret was confirmed in a 52-48 vote that was almost entirely split down party lines (with the exception of Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine). Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer called it “one of the darkest days in the 231-year history of the United States.” Schumer feels that the Nov. 3 election, in which millions of Americans have already voted, should have been the determining factor in who names a new Supreme Court justice. After her swearing-in ceremony by Justice Clarence Thomas, Barrett stated, “It is the job of a judge to resist her policy preferences…The oath that I have solemnly taken tonight means at its core that I will do my job without any fear or favor and that...
by Grant Bricker | Oct 27, 2020 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Halloween spirits on Lipscomb’s campus have not gone unaffected by the COVID pandemic. Some of the events that have traditionally been held are Haunted Highrise, Dodgeball, Scare in the Square and Dia de los Muertos among others. However, due to COVID-19, there will be some changes, including the cancellation of Haunted Highrise. “The reality of COVID-19 and the safety of our students has been the primary factor in most all of our decisions this year,” said Lipscomb’s Director of Residence Life Jonathan Williams. “The fact that we are located in Nashville and Davidson County further complicates any plans we might have for hosting a larger event,” he said. “At this time, Davidson County is still in phase 3 of reopening which limits gatherings to 25 people or less so an indoor event such as Haunted High Rise, that would normally draw 400-plus students and guests, simply wasn’t going to work this year.” Haunted Highrise, an annual event since 2011, will return — if possible — from this year’s cancellation, according to Williams. Williams said, “We are crossing our fingers and hoping for the best as we look forward to the future and fall 2021.” On the other hand, another prominent event of Hallo-week, Scare in the Square will still go on, but the atmosphere has been changed. Under normal circumstances, Scare in the Square is like a trunk or treat event where different clubs and societies of Lipscomb set up various stations and give out candy to those from throughout the community who come in costume. This is an event that all of Lipscomb is invited to partake in,...
by Taylor McKnight | Oct 25, 2020 | Arts and Entertainment, News, News Slider
In a normal October, the red carpet would be rolling out and leading into Allen Arena for the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards. This is not a normal October. The 51st GMA Dove Awards will not be hosted at Lipscomb; in fact, there will be no venue hosting the Dove Awards, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the awards show to be completely virtual, with planners trying to package it differently than a typical awards show. The gospel awards show has taken place in Lipscomb’s Allen Arena for the past seven years, and the organizers hope to be able to come back to Allen Arena in 2021. Doves producer Justin Fratt said organizers wanted to take a different approach for this year’s awards to stand out from other virtual awards shows and to maintain the relevance and power of this event. “When planning, we were thinking about what would be different, but still very compelling,” said Fratt. “We didn’t want to do it like others — we’ve seen awards shows utilizing Zoom. This will be a musical feature that celebrates the music and the message.” The planning started in the spring, and the show was recorded in mid-September at TBN studios in Hendersonville. It took three weeks to record the show, said Fratt, adding there are performances and interviews with artists, who will share stories of faith and how gospel music has gotten them through these trying times. As far as the Dove Awards’ plans to return to Lipscomb next year: it looks like it’s a go. “As long as we can, we would love to gather again at...
by Nick Ingold | Oct 24, 2020 | Galleries, News Slider, Sports
After nearly a decade of defeat at the hands of the Christ Presbyterian Academy Lions, the Lipscomb Academy Mustangs edged out their rivals to take the regional championship. In response to the win, Mustang Head Coach Trent Dilfer spoke highly of his team following the game but emphasized that the season was far from over. “I’m proud of our guys tonight..it’s obviously a very big win for our school…but in that same breath, this is only 48 minutes of the 672 we want to play this year.” The low scoring affair began just before 9:00 PM due to the intense rain in the Nashville area this Friday. 14 of the Mustang’s 20 points came within the first quarter. Lipscomb Academy star Running Back, Alex Broome, returned the opening kickoff to give the Mustangs an early 7-0 lead. Lightning delays have begun at the LA v. CPA game. Follow along here for live updates on game play. pic.twitter.com/zcGgM8o21U — Lumination Network (@luminationnet) October 23, 2020 Broome would also finish the game with 99 yards on 22 carries. To cap off their strong start, Mustang Quarterback, Luther Richeson, connected with Daniel Green adding another touchdown with less than a minute left in the first quarter. The Lions came charging back in the second quarter with an 11 play drive that ended in a touchdown from Running Back Langston Patterson, creating a 14-7 score. Just before the half, one of the standout performers of the night, Lipscomb Academy Kicker, Ryan Young, hit his first of two field goals on the night. Young nailed the kick from 46 yards out, giving Lipscomb a strong...
by Mckenzi Harris and Kathryn Farris | Oct 23, 2020 | News, News Slider, Politics
Last night, Nashville played a part in history as Belmont University hosted the final 2020 Presidential debate. Streets filled with demonstrations and protests, national media set up camp and two presidential candidates arrived in music city with the hopes of winning America’s vote. After some previously announced changes, Thursday’s debate was a stark contrast to the first meeting of these candidates in late September. Muted mics and stricter segments gave voters a chance to hear each candidates’ policies and plans. “This is a completely different debate than the first debate and I am really happy about that,” said political science professor Susan Haynes to the Q&A audience at SGA’s virtual debate watch party. “I was expecting just the chaos of the first debate where I couldn’t even weigh-in, just because you could hardly tell what was being said.” The 90-minute debate consisted of 15-minute segments on topics such as COVID-19, foreign policy, the economy, race, climate change and more. Key moments of the night included President Trump’s talk of an upcoming Covid-19 vaccine, he said “We have a vaccine that’s coming, it’s ready.” Currently, the FDA has not yet made approval for a Covid-19 vaccine. Four US clinical vaccine trials are in Phase 3 including Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. The FBI’s investigation on foreign election interference was brought up as part of the foreign policy segment of the debate. “They will pay a price if I’m elected,” said Former Vice President Biden, speaking on the interference by China, Russia and Iran. “They’re interfering with American sovereignty. That’s what’s going on.” One of the more “viral” moments of the night went to Joe...
