by Hunter Patterson | Jan 14, 2012 | News Slider, Opinion, Sports
The first in a series, Lumination asks Lipscomb students what their thoughts are about the mascot change. This will be an ongoing series until the decision is made final. The following is written by senior American Studies major Grant Winter. We are Lipscomb. This has been our university’s mantra ever since L. Randolph Lowry became president. It is a phrase that could be heard every time he spoke, coupled with the latest statistics or rankings for a little school bragging rights. While I soon grew tired of the continual usage, one thing about the phrase provided solace. It did not include the name of our mascot, Bisons. Don’t get me wrong. I have as much school spirit as the next. There is nothing I enjoy more than heckling an opposing player to the point of frustration. Yet, every time I hear “Bisons” in a cheer, I cringe. There is a reason that every time I type the word “Bisons,” a little red squiggly line appears underneath. Our beloved mascot is a falsehood. A fantasy. It doesn’t exist. It belongs only in an imaginary land with deers, gooses and mouses. I know there are many who are holding on for dear life to the consonant in question. There have been arguments of tradition. I call it more of a bad habit. Some think that it will cost too much money to rebrand everything on campus. Look around. “Bisons” is not displayed many places. It would seem the athletic department has long been ashamed of the name. Others say “Bison” sounds weird or that keeping the current spelling sets us apart. ...
by Whitney Jarreld | Jan 13, 2012 | News Slider
Met by a cheering crowd, Taylor Swift joined The Civil Wars Jan. 12, at the Ryman Auditorium for a surprise appearance, debuting their new song “Safe and Sound.” The Staves opened for The Civil Wars. The sold-out show’s audience was enthralled with The Civil Wars, giving them a standing ovation after the song ‘Barton Hollow.’ Before the event, Nashville was buzzing with rumors about a possible Swift appearance during the concert. After performing several of their songs, the duo began joking that they like helping other artists and asked the audience to be nice to their guest because she was new and wasn’t well known. As soon as she stepped onto stage, the audience welcomed Swift with a long and loud cheer. The song “Safe and Sound” was written by all three artists for the “Hunger Games” soundtrack. It mashes together their talents for a folky, harmonious and mellow ballad. The Civil Wars are on the rise in the indie music scene, and Swift by all nature is a hit country music star. The musical duo has a natural talent for this type of song, but Swift was surprising in her mature lyrics and soothing voice. After another standing ovation at the end, The Civil Wars performed two encores, the latter one being all...
by Hunter Patterson | Jan 6, 2012 | News Slider, Sports
On Friday night, Lipscomb and Belmont met for the 129th time. This time at the Curb Event Center, Rick Byrd’s team had an uncharacteristic collapse, losing the game 85-74 improving the Bison’s record in the series to 73-56. While Lipscomb had won four of the last five meetings, the odds were against Scott Sanderson and his young team. With just three returning players from last year’s team – and Belmont returning all their starters – few believed that the Bisons had any chance. However, the men actually playing the game thought otherwise. Belmont had a three point lead at half, and with 9:18 left in the half, the Bruins had stretched their lead to 18. That is when the Bisons took control of the game. Going on a 28-6 run in the last 8:58 – and holding the Bruins scoreless for over six minutes – Lipscomb was able to take the lead at the 3:53 mark on a Deonte Alexander jump shot. From that point on, the closest that Belmont would get would be four points. Lipscomb held on to win with the final of 85-74. Ian Clark lead all scorers with 28 points. Jacob Arnett had a great shooting night that gave him 17 points on the evening. Other Bisons in double figures were Damarius smith (11), Deonte Alexander (11), Malcolm Smith (12), Justin Glenn (14) and Jordan Burgason (16). Burgason also got his 1000th point tonight, making him the sixth Lipscomb player to do so in the school’s NCAA era. The win snapped Belmont’s 22-game home win streak snapped, and it was their worst home conference loss since...
by Jessica Burke | Dec 19, 2011 | News Slider
It’s so close to campus, you could walk there; it’s the Bluebird Cafe. A restaurant that personifies Nashville through music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but knowing the reputation of the Bluebird, we arrived early. It was only 5:30, but the line was already snaking into the parking lot. Waiting patiently, making small talk with other music lovers, we eventually got to the front and just in time too! My two friends and I were among the last few people to squeeze through the door, into this tiny cafe, leaving many disappointed people still standing outside. Stepping in was a surprise. Pictures of famous artists littered the walls, all who had–at some point before their fame–played in this cafe. Tables and chairs were squeezed into the room almost beyond capacity. People nearly sat on top of each other. We were seated at a table with travelers from Oklahoma, ordered some delicious but expensive appetizers, and soaked up the atmosphere and the music. The night I went was song writers’ night. The show kicked off with a feature band, then had a list of musicians who performed three songs for the eager audience. The rule is “no covers,” meaning the artists only present their own music, which allows for some real gems in the mix. If you are looking for something to do in Nashville that’s different and an incredible amount of fun, this little cafe is a real treat. The only negative note I have is that, though there is no cover charge, there is a minimum $7 food or drink purchase. But in my opinion, it was completely...
by Jessica Burke | Dec 13, 2011 | News Slider
ROTC cadet Barry Bleuer not only wants to serve in the Army, he hopes to go to the world’s war zones and protect his country while spreading joy and peace. He plans to use his spiritual foundation not to evangelize but to exemplify and lift spirits. “There is a lot of darkness over there,” said the junior engineering major from Texas. “People see a lot of darkness, and I want to be some sort of light Some students may attend universities on ROTC scholarships as a way to afford going to college and will do their military stints and go off into civilian life. Bleuer, though, said he has high military aspirations, hoping to serve the Army in the most troubled regions and to help boost the lives and spirits of his comrades. Of course, that would mean Afghanistan and Iraq now, but he said he would be more than willing if called in the event of war in Iran. “That is exactly where I want to be. I did not join the Army to stay in safety. I need to be where the worst of it all...