by Cory Woodroof | Mar 7, 2012 | News Slider
This past Friday, Lipscomb students were given a rare treat. Mat Kearney, best known for hit songs “Nothing Left to Lose”, “Undeniable” and more recently, “Ships in the Night” and “Hey Mama”, headlined the free SGA-sponsored spring concert alongside Kiernan McMullan in Alumni Auditorium. Kearney, a resident of Nashville, offered insight into his past, his music, his faith and his love of everything Lipscomb. A native of Eugene, Ore., Kearney’s found his musical influence from A Tribe Called Quest, Bob Dylan and Weezer. Growing up, any sort of hip-hop music caught Kearney’s attention. In college, Kearney started to write his own music. “I would steal my roommate’s guitar and go sit on the front porch, and I was so bad at covering other people’s music that I would just start writing my own songs.” Everything changed when Kearney helped a friend move to Nashville. As a junior soccer player at the University of California State, Chico, Kearney agreed to help a friend drive to Tennessee. “We drove across country in the summer in our un-air-conditioned Chevy S-10 and got to Nashville. And by the end of the summer, I was hanging out at Fido; that was it,” Kearney said. “I was like ‘I’m not going back. I’m not going home’.” Kearney, who had just started to record music here in town, saw that Nashville was the place to be. “I just called home and said ‘I’m moving to Nashville’.” Kearney, a Christian, wants his faith to play a major part his music. “I think my faith is a huge part of what I do,” Kearney said. “Being a Christian,...
by Cory Woodroof | Feb 20, 2012 | News Slider, Opinion
I, assistant managing/entertainment editor Cory Woodroof, welcome you to the “Top the Critic” challenge! The Academy Awards will hold their ceremony Sunday evening, and in honor of the season, I have offered my “professional” opinion on who will win in the major categories. You will have a chance to offer your own picks in the comments section below this article. If you can manage to prove me wrong and top my predictions, you will have a chance to win two free movie tickets to the Regal Theater! Please remember to include your name and email in your predictions post. See below for contest rules. BEST PICTURE The Artist Moneyball War Horse The Help Midnight in Paris Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close The Descendants The Tree of Life Hugo The Lumination Critic picks The Artist. BEST ACTOR George Clooney–The Descendants Brad Pitt– Moneyball Jean Dujardin– The Artist Demián Bichir– A Better Life Gary Oldman– Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy The Lumination Critic picks Jean Dujardin. BEST ACTRESS Meryl Streep– The Iron Lady Viola Davis– The Help Michelle Williams– My Week with Marilyn Rooney Mara– The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Glenn Close– Albert Nobbs The Lumination Critic picks Viola Davis. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Christopher Plummer– Beginners Jonah Hill– Moneyball Nick Nolte– Warrior Max von Sydow– Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Kenneth Branagh- My Week with Marilyn The Lumination Critic picks Max von Sydow. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Octavia Spencer– The Help Bérénice Bejo– The Artist Melissa McCarthy– Bridesmaids Janet McTeer– Albert Nobbs Jessica Chastain– The Help The Lumination Critic picks Octavia Spencer. BEST DIRECTOR Martin Scorsese– Hugo Michel Hazanavicius– The Artist Alexander...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 30, 2012 | News Slider
If you talk to any longtime Nashvillian, the word “Opryland” holds a feeling of earnest admiration. In May 1972, Opryland USA opened its doors to the public, two years ahead of the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. For about twenty five years, the “Home for American Music” entertained guests with its carnival-like attractions, live music shows, and thrilling roller-coasters until 1997. That year, the park closed a variety of different factors. Now, those who have longed for an amusement park to take the place of the revered Opryland might just get their wish. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Company, in collaboration with Gaylord Entertainment Company, is bringing a water/snow themed park to Nashville. The new theme park will host a variety of water-oriented attractions in the summertime and feature authentic snow for recreational enjoyment in the winter. Parton, via press release, expressed enthusiasm towards the announcement. “I’m so excited about this opportunity,” Dolly Parton said. “I am confident that partnering my Dollywood Company with a great company like Gaylord will create something truly special. We’re all working on new types of entertainment to do in the daytime and nighttime for the whole family so we bring new folks to the area year round.” The 50 million dollar project will break ground sometime between the end of this year and the beginning of 2013 with a planned opening of summer 2014. The new park is expected to employ 450 workers. The first-of-its-kind attraction, soon to be located closely to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, is the first anchor in an overall plan that could involve future development. Tennessee governor Bill Haslam gave insight...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 17, 2012 | News Slider
Lipscomb freshmen can begin attending Freshmen Interest Groups to help them get connected on campus, starting Wednesday, Jan. 18. A Freshmen Interest Group (FIG) allows those newer to Lipscomb to connect with other students who share in the same interests. All freshmen are welcome to attend any meetings available. Six different interest groups will be featured. Those with a knack for service can meet with Christin Shatzer on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Johnson conference room to join the community service/service learning FIG. This group also offers opportunities with the SALT program. Students looking for recreational activities can meet with Matthew Abplanalp in the Student Activity Center lobby at 4 p.m. Wednesday to join the Campus Rec FIG, aimed at promoting healthy living. Also on Wednesday at 4 p.m., those with a love for travel can meet Melissa Swan in Arlo’s to discuss world-wide exploration with the travel FIG. On Thursday at 3 p.m., Campus Minister Jake Burton will lead the spiritual FIG in the Campus Ministry office. This group will take a closer look at God’s work on campus and address spiritual questions. Any film buffs can join Dr. Matt Hearn in Swang 102 on Thursday at 5 p.m. to discuss the art of cinema with the movies/film FIG. Those with a love of the culinary arts can meet with Dr. Autumn Marshall at 3 p.m. Friday in Ezell 107 to delve into the world of good food with the culinary/food FIG. If you are unable to attend any of the Freshmen Interest Groups but still desire to know more information, please contact any of the group facilitators below. Other...
![[Editorial] The fall of Herman Cain](http://luminationnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ap_herman_cain_scandal_kd_110211_wg-300x1681.jpg)
by Cory Woodroof | Dec 3, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
I’m still not sure whether to be relieved or outraged at today’s announcement of Herman Cain’s ended run for the Republican nomination in next year’s Presidential election. At one time, Cain was on top of the world. He literally came out of nowhere during the closing days of summer and began to sweep the hearts of conservative voters. His charisma and bold plans (9-9-9 anyone?) helped boost him above other possible candidates. He was a down-to-earth individual that really struck a chord with Republicans. Cain even just about got to the point of running away with the nomination. But then, out of nowhere, a woman accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment during his days with the National Restaurants Association. If that wasn’t bad enough, three other women came forward, all with the same stories. It’s never a good thing if four women accuse you of sexual harassment. Cain went from being the shining light of the GOP race to being the controversy of the month. Naturally, Cain denied all the allegations. But then, another woman came forward. A woman from Atlanta, Ginger White, came forward, claiming to have had a thirteen year affair with Cain, also alleging the relationship had just ended months ago. Cain claims to have known White, but only on a friendly, charitable basis. White claims otherwise. Cain, already in hot water, couldn’t have had these claims come at a worse time. Cain lost supporters slowly through the month of November, but after this, things were not looking great for the Cain campaign. On Dec. 3, Herman Cain announced the suspension of his GOP campaign, citing...
