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...
by TJ Ojehomon | Nov 4, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion, Sports
What comes to your mind when you think of Division I Athletics? Upper echelon athletes doing their thing in their respective fields? That buzz that is around campus on gameday? The thrill of cheering with your friends and classmates in your school’s colors? Recently, it’s felt like Lipscomb has had two of three. Sure, there is that buzz on campus when it’s gameday, but do the students and fans really bring it when the whistle blows? Honestly, Lipscomb lacks the school pride. Lipscomb is a small, private, predominantly Caucasian, Church of Christ university. Not surprisingly, the school tends to draw a fairly conservative body of students. They come from private schools, Christian schools, home-schools, smaller schools and the university’s neighboring campus school. These schools pride themselves on developing a student’s character and academics over athletic ability, and Lipscomb follows suit. For better or worse, we just don’t focus on school spirit much around here. And school spirit means being proud of your school – where it’s going and where it’s been. A student with school spirit is a constant reflection and representation of the school. They own half the campus bookstore, they’re always thinking of ways to make the school better, and they take pride in everything that the school stands for. By contrast, Lipscomb students come from conservative backgrounds, which makes them more reserved and less inclined to go crazy over a basketball game. Ironically, I hear students complain all the time about how Lipscomb doesn’t have a football team. Why should we field a mediocre football team? We have two teams that make it to national tournaments...
by Julie Shrewsbury | Oct 27, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
It’s mid October, nearing that crazy time of year when people dress up like their favorite celebrities, sports figures, ghouls, goblins or other unique personality. Yes, Halloween is right around the corner and dressing up and trick-or-treating can be a blast, but if you live in Nashville there are plenty of other Halloween festivities to partake in. Haunted houses run a muck around the Nashville area, however, finding one to fulfill the thrill you’re looking for can be a difficult task. There is a haunted house out there for everyone, but the chore is finding one that’s scary enough for those daring adrenaline junkies, not too scary for those bringing children, and easy on the gore for those with weak stomachs. Here’s some insight on some of the most popular haunted houses in 2011. Nashville Nightmare, a new haunted house established this year, consists of highly detailed scenes, state of the art animations and special effects as well as intense actors. It is located at 1016 Madison Square and general admission is $15. Please upgrade your browser Bikers Who Scare Haunted House is hosted by bikers that are a part of the Bikers Who Care Organization. It is hosted in an old movie theater in Clarksville, Tenn. and is usually open only on weekends. Located at 1955 Madison Street, it is one of the cheaper haunted houses around, costing under $10. Abby Dodson, a nursing major from Franklin, Tenn., attended Haunted Woods Haunted House in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. “I didn’t think it was particularly scary, but it was fun to go to with a group of people,” Dodson says....
by Cory Woodroof | Oct 7, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
If you’ve ever met me, you are likely to pick up within the first fifteen minutes that I kind of like movies. Movies have been an integral part of my life ever since my childhood. I distinctly remember my first movie experience- seeing The Lion King during its initial release in the summer 1994. I would have been around 2 years old. Over the past nineteen plus years of my life, I have seen countless films, written countless reviews, and have spent countless hours increasing my knowledge on the subject I love. Everyone has to have a point where they form their passion- a sort of love at first sight. I remember when I first truly fell in love with film. I was 3, the time was around Thanksgiving 1995, and Toy Story had just been released. I remember seeing Toy Story. It was the first time I really loved a film. For about a year or so, I was obsessed with everything Toy Story. I had a cowboy poster print around my walls. I had Toy Story bed sheets (with matching comforter and pillow covers), countless Toy Story toys and memorabilia (including the lunch box with thermos included), a Woody outfit for Halloween the following yea, and my own Woody doll with my name written on the bottom of Woody’s boot. After seeing Toy Story, I decided that movies were really my “thing.” I started to see everything I could under the sun. That personality trait has helped develop me as a writer and as a person. I always look back to Toy Story as the match that...
by Lacy Pack | Oct 2, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
Fall is here and now it’s time to bust out the Halloween decorations! But don’t go buy them, make them yourself at Brushfire! Brushfire, a pottery studio located just a mile from Lipscomb’s campus, offers a wide selection of unfinished pottery, colors and loads of decorating options. Brushfire’s shelves are now stocked with jack-o’-lanterns, spiders, skull mugs and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. You can even get your name carved in a pumpkin before you paint it! All of these options would make fun and festive dorm decor! Pottery pieces range from $3 – $60; however, most pieces average $8 – $15. For college students looking for an inexpensive outing, Brushfire has weekly specials—Monday Madness, 2 Punch Tuesdays, Wednesday College Night, Thursday Ladies Night and Sunday Family Day. Check their calendar for seasonal specials. The atmosphere is laid back with soothing music and friendly, helpful workers eager to assist if you have questions. Bring friends (even food, if you like) and have fun catching up and creating your own masterpiece. Brushfire is open late, so you can take your time, relax and enjoy a break from school stresses. Brushfire’s studio hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Mondays, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. Get in the Halloween spirit. As the sign in Brushfire reads, “Fall is on the way—paint a pumpkin...
by Whitney Jarreld | Sep 21, 2011 | Opinion
Fox, home of “Glee,” “House” and other popular–and sometimes offbeat–series, has a new offering this year: “New Girl.” Even before the on-air debut, the early free iTunes download and Hulu offering has made the show a pre-season favorite, of sort. The “New Girl” is Jess, played by Zooey Deschanel, is a quirky young woman who sings to herself based on her feelings. As a positive and trusting young woman, Jess faces a bad break-up and decides to improve her situation by finding new roommates… on craigslist. While her oddities seem strange to her new roommates, over time they grow to understand her. At the same time, she grows to understand the inner workings of men. Deschanel, whose work includes “500 Days of Summer,” “Yes Man” and one half of the talented She and Him, makes Jess a lovable, charming, natural and quirky character who is not afraid to express herself. Her roommates are Nick, Schmidt and Coach, who is later replaced by Winston. Nick, who is played by Jake M. Johnson, is a bartender who has also been recently dumped and is the most reasonable of the group. Johnson’s work includes “No Strings Attached” and “Get Him to the Greek.” Damon Wayans Jr., who originally plays Coach in the pilot has been replaced by Lamormne Morris as Winston, because of prior commitments to another show. Coach was a fitness trainer who didn’t know how to talk to women. Max Greenfield, who portrays Schmidt, has been in a variety of television shows including “Ugly Betty” and “Veronica Mars.” Schmidt fancies himself a ladies man but can make the right decision when it...