by LeBron Hill | Feb 22, 2019 | News Slider, Opinion
Donald Trump has been on a mission to “build that wall” since his 2016 presidential campaign. Flash forward to 2019 and Trump is continuing to make good on his word to create a wall spanning the entire length of the southern border of the United States. Trump’s mission has become yet another wedge into the already divided society in America. The issue is not whether or not we need better defense surrounding the border, but how we go about it. When someone speaks of keeping their family safe, they do not speak of one race or people being the main threat. Their goal is to make sure they’ve taken any measure to keep their family safe from anyone or anything. Everyone can agree on that. A more divisive way to say that would be, “I want to keep every black and brown person away from my home because they’re all criminals.” No one person, race or sexual orientation can be accountable for the actions of a few. However, it’s become a common concern for Trump supporters to believe that immigrants pose a threat. It’s hard to imagine how immigrants and refugees (yes, there is a difference) who are leaving everything behind — friends, family, work, comfort — can be considered more of a threat than the 42 percent of Americans who have access to a gun. There’s no wrong answer when talking about border security. Yes, we need to protect our borders from any threat to our country. Other presidents have tried to do this before him, including President Obama. However, condemning someone for wanting a better life is...
by Konnor Gottfred | Feb 10, 2019 | News Slider, Opinion
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a paradigm for the effective and positive use of the First Amendment. While he may be gone, his legacy has endured and, in his time, Dr. King made great strides in bringing awareness to and speaking out against the racial injustice that plagued 20th century America. Growing up and continuing to live in highly segregated areas of the South, Dr. King was certainly no stranger to discrimination. At that time, the idea of separate but equal was largely ingrained and accepted within American culture until the overturning of the Supreme Court’s Plessy v. Ferguson case and by the landmark decision made in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. After that, attitudes throughout the nation began to shift, but the roots that had been implanted within society would be slow to recede, leading to conflicts and protests in the years to come. In fact, about a year later, Dr. King found himself in the middle of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He acted as the protest’s primary spokesperson, and by utilizing his rhetorical ability earned through his years of getting a doctorate in divinity, he declared a vocal and public opposition to the continuing problem of segregation. After Montgomery, Dr. King went for the heart of racial tensions in America: Birmingham, Alabama. In Birmingham, it was his act of civil disobedience towards an ordinance issued to delay protesters from gathering that led to his arrest. This arrest, however, would spark his classic penning of “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” In it, he criticized passivity and the notion that the solution to segregation was time...
by Martin Baker | Feb 9, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
The classic characters of Oz come to life in the latest incredible performance of the Broadway musical adaptation of the hit film The Wizard of Oz. There really is no place like home to see this show, or at least no place like the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The production value is through the roof for this performance. Elaborate sets, extravagant costumes and some incredible special effects really let you know this was a serious production. You get the sense of being right inside the twister with Dorothy. Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow are all portrayed magnificently. The actors really capture the essence of each character and you feel a sense of real hatred towards the Wicked Witch of the West right from the start. The horrendous witche’s laugh is still frightening just to think about. However, the show is stolen by none other than Toto. From his first appearance, the adoration of the crowd is palpable. The use of a real dog in an on-stage performance is always a risk, but the crew pulls it off thanks to the well-behaved Murphy, the dog who plays Toto. The other highlights of the performance are the musical numbers. With such classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead,” it isn’t tough for the whole crowd to get on board and sing along. The show has something for the whole family. For the parents, there is the nostalgia of watching the story you know and love come to life on stage right in front of you. For the kids, it has all...
by George Wong | Feb 5, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
LU’s GQ is a new biweekly series from Lipscomb senior George Wong, who looks at stylish clothing options for men. Wong’s column alternates weeks with Rachel Pavelich’s blog, The Northern Southern Belle. With January’s freezing-cold weather coming to an end, we transition to an unpredictable February. Every male college student has to decide whether to put on everything they have in their closet in to stay warm and disregard style, or risk getting hypothermia but still look fashionable. Stress no longer! The great aspect of clothing is that is completely personal, there are so many clothes to choose from, outfits to curate and people to impress. Fashion will always be timeless, but style is unique to every individual. Guys have it slightly easier than females in the sense we have a lot less to choose from. Here is a list of Lipscomb students who have displayed great style while still staying warm: Jordan Brumbelow: white sweater, Nike track pants, Vans A sweater is not only great for keeping you warm and cozy, but is also stylish and elegant. It’s definitely a timeless piece in every young man’s closet. I would recommend simple colors such as white and black. However, this is something you can make pop with trending colors such as earthy tones, or if you are wanting to be bold, with red, yellow or orange. Dane Mortensen: denim shirt, band tee, black jeans, high-tops If it is a slightly warmer day that requires no knitwear, then Mortenson is the man to follow. No one can go wrong with a band tee accompanied with...
by Rachel Pavelich | Jan 29, 2019 | Fashion, News Slider, Opinion
Featured image by Anna Rogers I know I’ve already done a column about winter in the South, but since there is a possibility for some snow this week, I thought it might be good to circle back to this topic. While my fellow Clevelanders and Midwesterners are preparing for negative double digit temperatures this week (shoutout to you winter warriors, and prayers that you stay safe and warm!), Nashville’s supposed to experience some snow and cooler-than-normal temperatures that might be causing some wardrobe worry. Therefore, I figured I would give some advice from a lifelong-Northern girl on how to conquer the snow and cold in style. Long sleeves are probably the best idea for when the temps plummet and the snow starts to fall. Even with my heavy red peacoat that I love, I still get cold outside. Wearing a long sleeved top or a sweater helps with that, allowing me to stay warmer as I walk to class or spend time outside. If you do not like long sleeves or are worried you might get too hot, try some layers. I love cardigans and kimonos to wear over short sleeved tops, and they’re great for if you get hot because you have the ability to take the long sleeves off. Not only do layers keep you warm and give versatility to an outfit, but they also allow a few pieces to create multiple looks! I got a new floral cardigan over break that I just absolutely love. It has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe because I can wear so much with it. It’s floral, so it...
by Quinn Gorte | Jan 25, 2019 | News Slider, Opinion
When a restaurant has a 25-person line during prime dining hours and a taco-centric menu that contains reasonably limited choices, you know there’s something magical going on in the kitchen. How fitting that today’s Gluten-Free Friday features Mojo’s Tacos, a “fresh and innovative taco shop” that wows me with its “magic charm” meals. Mojo’s Tacos is located in the historic Factory at Franklin, which is prime real estate for a Franklin dining spot. Any restaurant that can afford to open shop in the Factory and actually fill the place, day-in and day-out, has my attention. After you eat at Mojo’s, I think you will understand why it is thriving in the Factory. Shockingly (please note my sarcasm), I have a regular at Mojo’s. I always get the Brisket Taco unless, on tragic days, it’s not available (the wizard must have captured it on those days), in which case I get The Old School without cheese. But the Brisket Taco is a lovely choice: The taco drips with an otherworldly, flavorful juice, the brisket is perfectly moist and rich, and the toppings add a Tinkerbell-style fairy dust on top. Regardless of what you order, if you are sensitive to gluten, make sure you ask for a corn tortilla. The corn tortillas there are soft and flexible, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the traditional flour tortilla. Before you jump up to fly after your pixie-dust meal, hold those happy thoughts and remember Mojo’s generous portions: One corn taco stretches about six or so inches in diameter, and Mojo’s does not skimp on the fillings. If you are...
