by Kathryn Claire Watts | Nov 14, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
Commercials litter football games and Thanksgiving Day programs, and the newspaper is stuffed with ads the day before Black Friday. Some people stay up the night before to make sure they’re at the store on time, others sleep off the turkey and others go all out. Eric Heath, a senior law, justice and society major from Atlanta, Ga., has been planning a Black Friday Bash for the past five years. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving night in the Best Buy parking lot. Extension cords are brought in to generate power to the multiple televisions, heaters and even crock-pots. Lawn chairs are set up in theater style seating in front of one TV playing movies and another with video games. There is no doubt they go all out for this event. “This has been a tradition in my friend group for many years,” Heath said. “We’re being stupid in a safe way. Everyone comes for the experience, but only half of us really stay for the shopping. We’re not there for the consumerism; it’s for the friendship, the community and the experience, not for the sales.” Some have strict traditions. “On Thanksgiving, we lay out all the ads and map out our plan,” said Sydney Hale, a sophomore nursing major from White House, Tenn. “You have to really organize to get the best deals. We usually hit up Target and Toys-R-Us first, and then the mall once we’ve had some sleep.” Others are not so enthused. Many find it annoying and unnecessary. “I don’t go out on Black Friday because of all the crazy people,” said Megan Inman, a...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 8, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
Hello faithful Redbox Report readers! The report has returned after a brief hiatus to fill you in on everything Redbox. As we are full way into the fall season (and Thanksgiving closer than we’d think), here is a film to consider and a film to avoid at all costs. I’m also going to share my thoughts on the recent price raise of DVD rentals. So, without further ado… CARS 2 (G, 120 minutes- featuring the voice talents of Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Emily Mortimer and Michael Caine) *BLU-RAY OPTION RECOMMENDED Admittedly, I was not the biggest fan of Cars 2. So, you’re probably wondering…Why am I recommending that you give this film a go? It’s not all terrible. I went with a group of friends to see the film its opening night, and the unanimous opinion was somewhat positive. I had high hopes for the film -being a gigantic Pixar advocate- but I considered the film a rare misstep that will hopefully fade into time with the studio’s feature releases. In retrospect, I was more disappointed in the film than I am to dismiss it. It’s not a bad film, just a poor example of excellence from the folks at Pixar. Due to my fearful bias, I’m making the rare decision to recommend you make your own mind up on the film solely to not ruin your personal view of Pixar. Rent Cars 2 if you have not already viewed the film, and feel free to share your thoughts/criticisms in the comment section. GREEN LANTERN (PG-13, 116 minutes- featuring Ryan Reynolds) Here’s something green that...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 8, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
For a while there, all signs were pointing for Herman Cain to finally establish himself as the clear front-runner in the GOP primary race. Cain, the dynamic former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and hopeful Republican presidential candidate, came out of nowhere a few months ago and successfully became a contender in the already crowded race for the nomination. Cain’s straight-forward frankness, no-nonsense approach to national issues and lively personality has earned the favor of voters across the nation. I dare you to find someone who hasn’t heard of the “9-9-9” tax plan. Cain even recently topped fellow competitor Mitt Romney in a Rasmussen poll 26% to 23%, finally giving himself the edge in a race that has seen the rise and fall of many candidates. Cain seemed unstoppable, but, out of nowhere, a claim of sexual harassment against the candidate came to surface. A second woman came forward with the same allegations shortly after. Two more women followed suit. If anything can outright kill a run for president, it’s four allegations of sexual harassment. If it were just one, many would be quick to write the claims off as a smear campaign. Four is a different story. Whether this scandal will halt the Cain train in its tracks or present only a minor speed bump is yet to be seen, but if history repeats itself, scandals of a sexual nature and politics usually don’t mix. If this is the end for Herman Cain’s rise to power, I’m afraid that things aren’t looking well for the Republican Party. Cain is not the only person running for the nomination, though. Mitt...
by TJ Ojehomon | Nov 4, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion, Sports
What comes to your mind when you think of Division I Athletics? Upper echelon athletes doing their thing in their respective fields? That buzz that is around campus on gameday? The thrill of cheering with your friends and classmates in your school’s colors? Recently, it’s felt like Lipscomb has had two of three. Sure, there is that buzz on campus when it’s gameday, but do the students and fans really bring it when the whistle blows? Honestly, Lipscomb lacks the school pride. Lipscomb is a small, private, predominantly Caucasian, Church of Christ university. Not surprisingly, the school tends to draw a fairly conservative body of students. They come from private schools, Christian schools, home-schools, smaller schools and the university’s neighboring campus school. These schools pride themselves on developing a student’s character and academics over athletic ability, and Lipscomb follows suit. For better or worse, we just don’t focus on school spirit much around here. And school spirit means being proud of your school – where it’s going and where it’s been. A student with school spirit is a constant reflection and representation of the school. They own half the campus bookstore, they’re always thinking of ways to make the school better, and they take pride in everything that the school stands for. By contrast, Lipscomb students come from conservative backgrounds, which makes them more reserved and less inclined to go crazy over a basketball game. Ironically, I hear students complain all the time about how Lipscomb doesn’t have a football team. Why should we field a mediocre football team? We have two teams that make it to national tournaments...
by Julie Shrewsbury | Oct 27, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
It’s mid October, nearing that crazy time of year when people dress up like their favorite celebrities, sports figures, ghouls, goblins or other unique personality. Yes, Halloween is right around the corner and dressing up and trick-or-treating can be a blast, but if you live in Nashville there are plenty of other Halloween festivities to partake in. Haunted houses run a muck around the Nashville area, however, finding one to fulfill the thrill you’re looking for can be a difficult task. There is a haunted house out there for everyone, but the chore is finding one that’s scary enough for those daring adrenaline junkies, not too scary for those bringing children, and easy on the gore for those with weak stomachs. Here’s some insight on some of the most popular haunted houses in 2011. Nashville Nightmare, a new haunted house established this year, consists of highly detailed scenes, state of the art animations and special effects as well as intense actors. It is located at 1016 Madison Square and general admission is $15. Please upgrade your browser Bikers Who Scare Haunted House is hosted by bikers that are a part of the Bikers Who Care Organization. It is hosted in an old movie theater in Clarksville, Tenn. and is usually open only on weekends. Located at 1955 Madison Street, it is one of the cheaper haunted houses around, costing under $10. Abby Dodson, a nursing major from Franklin, Tenn., attended Haunted Woods Haunted House in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. “I didn’t think it was particularly scary, but it was fun to go to with a group of people,” Dodson says....
