Singer, songwriter Daniel Johnston performs on campus

Daniel Johnston – you may not recognize his name, but you’ve probably heard his music. You may have even seen his “Hi How are you” frog, an iconic image of Austin, Texas.   Please upgrade your browser Daniel Johnston started his artistic and musical career in his basement, but he’s influenced and been covered by acts such as Beck, Death Cab for Cutie, and Pearl Jam. So what brought this world-renowned songwriter to play a free concert in Alumni on Feb. 10? As it so happens, one of our own musical faculty, Dr. Sally Reed, is the sister of Daniel Johnston. Thanks to this connection, Lipscomb’s music department was able to put on one of its most unique and highly attended performances of the year, with a crowd of over 700. Johnston was glad to be able to perform in a venue where people of all ages were able to attend. In addition to his free concert, Johnston’s art will be featured in an exhibit in the Hughes Center through March 15. Johnston has suffered from schizophrenia and manic depression since his 20s, which has had a large effect on his music and art. His art is full of the angst that goes hand in hand with his ongoing mental battle. From vibrant cartoon images to the struggle between good and evil, it leaves the viewer yearning to learn more of the mystery. Some would call his pieces a trendy interpretation; others say it is a trip through his thought process, or a man searching for sanity. Even after a lifetime of albums and artwork, Johnston says he is...

The Beat of a Campus: The Lipscomb Poetry Group

The crowd is silent and still, patiently waiting for me to give them my soul that I have written on the sheet of paper in front of me. I am shaky; my voice trembles. I begin. If you follow me on any given Tuesday night, you’ll find me in Swang 118. Look around and you’ll see eager faces of people armed with journals, sheets of notebook paper, computers and various other forms of press. Everything yields poetry. In this room,  an unspoken freedom looms, nonjudgmental and loving, a circle of support.  A room of an open environment, where you can come read your poetry, hear your neighbors or just sit back and take it all in. In the crowd you see a variety of faces from all different backgrounds with a common center: expressionism. Beatniks, beats, sonnets and slammers gather here in community. There is an atmosphere of an open mic. Nervousness and intensity fills the air as people boldly step forward to share the inner workings of their hearts. This is irrevocably personal. If you have the courage to approach the front you’re already halfway there. I come to the Lipscomb Poetry Group for the sweet release of yesterday’s problems. I feel alive when I get my feelings out in the open air. This is therapy for many people here, a way to cope with the madness we call life, hoping someone can relate and a connection will blossom. I send my words out of my mouth like ships, hoping they can harbor with someone and rest. Come to Lipscomb Poetry Group if you want to feel the heartbeat of...

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: The Good, The Bad, and The Dogs

Last night, yet another football team who beat my precious Atlanta Falcons went on to win the Super Bowl, yet another half time show kept me trying to improve my score at Temple Run, and yet another bunch of commercials aired that require my cold, critical opinion. So, join me in breaking down this year’s best and worst Super Bowl commercials! THE BEST: DORITOS, VW, SKETCHERS, SUZUKI, and CHRYSLER This year, the dogs led the pack of commercials in quality, ranging from a dog with a secret, a dog with a goal, a group of dogs with a new ride and a dog with a nice pair of Sketchers. Doritos has provided viewers with solid commercials over the past few years, and thankfully, they decided to provide yet another gem. The ad, simply entitled “Man’s Best Friend”, featured a sneaky canine who through a package of Doritos, gets away with a crime that would send shivers down any cat lover’s spine. The carmakers VW, whose 2011 ad featured the beloved Vader Kid, gave us the heartwarming plight of a large dog with the goal of slimming down to fit through the doggie-door (to chase a VW, mind you). Through his training, he managed to win the hearts of every viewer in the process. After the ad, viewers re-enter the Star Wars universe to see the loungers at the Mos Eisley cantina debating on whether this year’s lovable commercial matched up with the heartwarming tale of Vader Kid. I loved it. Suzuki offered us an Eskimo who decides to trade in his sled for, you guessed it, a new Suzuki....

Question of the Week: Who will win the Super Bowl?

This year’s Super Bowl is a rematch of the 2008 NFL competition between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. For our Question of the Week video, Lipscomb students weighed in on who they think will win the big game on Sunday, Feb. 5. Tune in to NBC at 5:30 p.m. (CST) for televised coverage of the event. Please upgrade your browser  ...

Local Eats: Provence Breads and Café

   Ooh La La! French cuisine in Nashville? I must be dreaming! But my eyes are open! Provence Cafe and Bakery has captured the essence of a typical French cafe.  Provence Breads and Cafe is nestled in the heart of Hillsboro Village. Tucked between whimsical fascinations such as BookManBookWoman and Pangea, you will find an intimate cafe that will transport you to a place where brie and baguettes are king. Provence is the perfect place for a quick snack, yummy lunch date or even some dessert. I popped in a week ago and helped myself to Provence’s exquisite sampling of the french classic Eggs Benedict. I give it rave reviews. It was an excellent presentation of eggs cooked to perfection, topped with a succulent Hollandaise sauce to finish. The meal ended on a note much like it would in Paris with a sweet and crisp macaroon. (A light baked confection much like a margarine type cookie). It was, as the French say, “un manger parfait!” Next time you are craving a taste of authentic French fare, check out Provence and have a bit of Paris right here in the heart of Nashville. Bon appétit! Provence Breads & Cafe in Historic Hillsboro Village 1705 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN  37212 Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free parking & second entrance located behind the building. 615-386-0363     Fax:...