Andy Warhol: An Artist for the Generations

A copycat, a fraud and a fake. These are the words I used to describe Andy Warhol if he was bought up in conversation, that is until my eyes were opened–opened to the world of a man in search of beauty. Warhol found it at every turn. I went with a group of friends to the “Warhol Live” exhibit at the Frist. Though my expectations were mediocre, I was hoping to be shocked by controversy, and it found me. “Warhol Live” gave me a fly on the wall perspective to Warhol’s perceptions.  Andy found beauty in the inconspicuous realities of life: the science of sleep, the passion of a kiss,  even the mystery of the empire state building.  Reality was Warhol’s canvas, and he loved to throw it back into the face of the beholder. In this exhibit, enchantment and boldness was discovered at every turn. As I made my way through a maze of film clips, vibrant paintings,and avant-garde installations, I realized the visual imprint that Warhol had on generations. My stark change of opinion on Warhol came just in time, I would say. He has made a huge imprint on the face of society. The argument has always been there–valid, solid. I had just not taken the time to regard it.  I asked some Lipscomb students who came with me to the museum what impact he had on the art world. The following is their audio commentary on Andy Warhol and his impacts. Enjoy, take it in and open your mind. The Frist is consistently opening eyes with new exhibits. Showing right now is “A Divine Light,” a classical...
Lipscomb students to compete in Warrior Dash

Lipscomb students to compete in Warrior Dash

Are you a Warrior? Several Lipscomb students have decided to rise to the challenge to see if they are in fact like the Romans and can hang with the best of them.For the first time, the Warrior Dash, a race held on the most challenging and rugged terrain across the US, is coming to Manchester, Tenn. This race will take place on Saturday, but beware – the Warrior Dash is not a typical 5K. This 3.15 mile course is littered with insane obstacles from leaping over fire to crawling through mud and underneath barbed wire. Sound difficult yet? Add 19 different waves with up to 700 participants each and you have something called “controlled chaos.” Runners will not only be pushing themselves, they could be competing against over 13,000 runners. Laura Stewart, a recent  LU graduate from Mount Juliet, Tenn. plans on running with her sisters this weekend and says she’s pumped and ready to go. “I’ve always wanted to try a run with obstacles, but I’m nervous about the barbed wire,” Stewart said. “This is hardcore!” Jonathan Williams, a senior kinesiology major from Knoxville, Tenn. has been a runner all his life and ended up at Lipscomb thanks to a running scholarship for cross country and track. Williams says he has no worries whatsoever about the Warrior Dash. “When I heard the Warrior Dash was coming to Tennessee for the first time in its history, I jumped at the challenge,” Williams said. “I have been running about 40 miles a week to stay in shape, but I haven’t trained specifically for it. I’m just ready to get out...

Redbox Report (Sept. 13-19)

REDBOX REPORT (September 13th-19th) As September gives us new weather and an onslaught of sinus infections (seriously…is everyone sick?), here are a few recommendations to consider before you make your trip to the Redbox. THOR (PG-13, 114 minutes-featuring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, and Anthony Hopkins) *BLU-RAY OPTION (If you own a Blu-Ray player/PS3, I’d totally suggest going for the extra fifty cents on this title.) If you are one of the few people who have not yet paid a visit to Asgard, then I’d suggest you go ahead and do so. Thor was one of the summer’s best blockbusters, mixing in a smart script, some great acting, a few moments of humor, and some great action sequences. Hemsworth owned the role of Thor, and Hiddleston made for a wonderful Loki. If you have any desire to be ready for when The Avengers make their mark next summer, then I’d wholeheartedly recommend Thor. It’s a fun ride, and for a dollar, it’s worth every penny. SOURCE CODE (PG-13, 93 minutes-featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright) *BLU-RAY OPTION RECOMMENDED This film has been out for a while now, but if you haven’t yet picked it up, it’s a must. The film could almost be considered a distant cousin of Inception. I won’t spoil anything here, but if you enjoyed Inception (which is nearly everyone who saw it), then you would enjoy Source Code-hands down. The cast is great, the plot is quite ingenious, and the runtime is nothing too overbearing. This is a neat science-fiction film that went under many people’s radars during its initial...

Redbox Report (Sept. 6th-13th)

I think it’s safe to say the day of the video store has sadly come to an end. While I always enjoyed looking around a Blockbuster from time to time, I must admit the convenience of a Redbox is a nice luxury to have, especially as a college student. The one-dollar a night rental service hosts many new releases every week, and on occasion, will bring back an older movie for good measure. Redbox machines are located all over the Middle Tennessee area. As long as you don’t forget to turn your movie back the next day, Redbox is a wonderful, inexpensive way to find enjoyment during the down-time of college. But don’t you just hate it when you Redbox  a movie that really isn’t to your liking? It may be just a dollar wasted, but these days, a dollar wasted is exactly that. I’ve decided to contribute a weekly REDBOX REPORT that highlights one or two new releases that gain the full approval of my cinematic taste. And trust me, I have good taste. So before you make a trip to the Redbox this week, check out these recommendations. RIO (G, 96 minutes-featuring the voice cast of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, and George Lopez­) I don’t know about you, but I love a good animated movie now and then. I immediately found Rio to be extremely worthy of my time back when I saw it in late April. The film has a light, breezy feel that flows throughout the runtime. The animation is beautiful, especially in Rio de Janeiro, the voice cast is great, and the...
Elliott’s Eye (On Fashion) – Talkin’ New York

Elliott’s Eye (On Fashion) – Talkin’ New York

I step off the subway at 79th street. I take in the smell of fresh coffee and another New York morning. The streets are overrun with color , sounds and rhythmic patterns. New York is , undoubtedly, a fashion Mecca. I’ve seen enough style since I arrived to last me two lifetimes.I’ve seen fashion trends splashed across the sidewalks of New York like a Jackson Pollock painting – fresh and active. Who am I and what am I doing in New York City? I am a Lipscomb student doing an internship. In this column I’ll be sharing a glimpse into the fashion world. Today I’m in New York. I’m visually  digesting the “Big Apple”. The following are trends I notice. Spectacles Sometimes it’s fun to be a nerd. It can be a very rogue option – like you’re in disguise. Fakes or just real life necessity spectacles are coming back. Large lenses with statement frames are the best bet. Try rocking a pair and you will be looking like a born and bred New Yorker in no time. Long Skirts Skirts have grown significantly. It is now fashion rather then foe to have a skirt that grazes the ground. Fashion is taking a turn back to the ethereal Victorian era by pursuing a modest option. Pull out that boho skirt from five seasons ago. The circle of fashion has resurrected it. Go forth and be modest, just don’t trip over your fashion statement. Grungy Cutoffs Here’s where fashion takes a crafty turn. This next fashion statement has a bit of a D.I.Y (do it yourself) spirit . Take those...

Warrior emerges as one of the best films of year

Who would have guessed that a movie centered in the world of Mixed Martial Arts would be one of the most profound releases of the year? I sure didn’t. When I first saw the trailer for Warrior, I thought the film looked like a clichéd drama with the backdrop of a sport I’ve never been too big on. I liked the cast and the director, but sadly, I wrote the movie off as a typical low-brow September release (a film that is stuck in the doldrums of September released by a studio for a quick buck). Sometimes, I love it when I’m wrong. Warrior is a knockout. The cast, the score, the direction, the screenplay, and even the cinematography- everything packs its own unique punch that will have a lasting effect long after the theater lights have gone up. The film follows two brothers, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton). Tommy is a beast of a human being. A veteran from the War on Terror and a former wrestling champion in his youth, Tommy has no emotion. He is a somber, relentless man – which shows evidently through his fighting – of few words. On the other side of the spectrum, Brendan is a beloved physics teacher with a wife and two kids. A former fighter himself, he gave up his days in the UFC for the life of a typical husband/ father. The two, who have not been on speaking terms for years after a rift in the family was created by their alcoholic father (Nick Nolte), collide when a new MMA tournament with a large prize...