by Lumination Staff | Dec 24, 2021 | News Slider, Student Spotlight
With Christmas approaching, journalist-in-residence Tim Ghianni asked his writing lab students to reflect on their holidays and family traditions. A Columbian Christmas Christmas time in Colombia is very different from here. From my experience, Christmas in Franklin, Tennessee, is very magical just like in the movies, with the Christmas tree downtown, the lights, the decorations around the town, the weather and, if we are lucky, the snow. Christmas in Colombia is more about celebrating with the family and all the parties and reunions start as soon as December starts. There is a tradition that nine days before Christmas we go to a different house each day where we read Jesus’ story, eat traditional Christmas dishes and sing. Then on the 24th we all dress up, prepare a lot of food and put the presents under the tree; at 12 p.m. the kids from the family become the “elves” and start passing out the presents. But we create a dynamic to make it more fun, the elves give each person a gift and then each person has to describe whoever they are giving their gift to and everyone has to guess who it is for. After opening the presents we sometimes play games, dance and all the kids play with their new presents.They are very different, but I like both a lot. I like it here because it’s very magical and beautiful. And in Colombia, I like it because there’s a lot of celebration, music and food. I get very nostalgic during Christmas because all my family is in Colombia and I miss the traditions but overall Christmas is my favorite...
by Kathryn Farris | Dec 25, 2020 | BREAKING NEWS, News, News Slider
Early Christmas morning, many Nashville residents were awakened by the sound of an “intentional” explosion in the Broadway area. In the moments following, Metro Police and Nashville Fire Department attempted to piece together the source and reason for the explosion, which has since been tied to an RV parked near the AT&T Building. “It is hard to see so much glass, litter, damage and debris,” said Nashville’s Mayor John Cooper in a press conference to reporters. “It looks like a blast site, which is hard to see on one of our historic streets.” Investigations from local law enforcement found a recording, broadcasted from the RV, that warned of a bomb in the vehicle up to 15 minutes prior to the blast. The warning gave time for police to request a bomb squad and evacuate the area, sparing many lives. Three people were eventually hospitalized for non-threatening injuries, and possible human remains have now been discovered at the site, but it remains to be seen if these remains are those of a victim or a suspect. Mayor Cooper declared the city under a state of civil emergency in the areas around James Robertson Parkway, Fourth Avenue North, Broadway and the Cumberland River. This action enacts a curfew in the area that goes into effect 4:30 p.m. Friday and is set to be lifted Sunday, December 27 at 4:30 p.m. I have signed Executive Order 12 to issue a state of civil emergency proclaimed within the area bounded by James Robertson Parkway, 4th Ave north, Broadway and the Cumberland River. A curfew will start at 4:30pm, Friday Dec 25. and be...
by Mckenzi Harris | Dec 21, 2020 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
While Covid is on the rise and traveling is discouraged, the campus is closed and that means most students have to commute home. Whether you are driving to visit family or flying back home, a good holiday commute should be filled with music, podcasts and movies. I grew up in a Christmas fanatic family. We are most easily comparable to the Griswolds and there is no denying it. Our yard stays filled with lights till the end of January and the Christmas season begins before thanksgiving — sometimes even before Halloween. All that said, I would consider myself somewhat of an expert in holiday music and movies. We can start with music. Here are my top favorite songs for the Christmas season this year. Ribbons and Bows — Kacey Musgraves Not Christmas till you come Home — by Norah Jones White Christmas — George Ezra It’s been a year — Stephen Day You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch — Tyler the Creator Merry Christmas Darling — The Carpenters Santa Claus is coming to town — The Jackson 5 Step into Christmas — Elton John Another Wonderful Christmas — Joey and Rory Up on the Housetop — Pentatonix Check back for some of my top favorite Holiday Movies! Have a happy holidays! xoxo,...
by Erika Plunkett | Dec 18, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Based on the novel of the same name, Little Women explores the complexities of life through the four March sisters. Director Greta Gerwig artfully recreates Louisa May Alcott’s classic and weaves together a beautiful and visually powerful film. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen headline as Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March alongside Timothee Chalamet as Laurie, Meryl Streep as Aunt March, and Laura Dern as Mother “Marmie” March. The chemistry between these actresses and their faithful representations of their characters endear viewers to this family with all of its triumphs and struggles. Jo, an aspiring writer, struggles with discovering her voice, debating between the popular sensationalized drama and the real stories that move and drive our lives. Through love, sadness, separation, disagreements, and the trials of growing up, she can find clarity and discover what she truly wants in life. Alcott’s and Gerwig’s intrinsic understanding of human nature is evident in this story and provides the timeless appeal of this piece. The characters are not afraid to expose their weaknesses alongside their accomplishments, and the family dynamics of the March family take viewers back to their childhoods. The relationships forged among characters welcome viewers into the family, evoking laughter, tears, and sympathetic sighs. The powerful seamlessness of the movie is created through the frame in which the story is told. Each scene comes full circle as it is told alongside flashbacks, giving the full story of the Marches. The juxtaposition of these scenes years apart sheds clarity on the growth of the family, collectively and individually. In addition, the very real and very relatable challenges...
by Kathryn Farris | Dec 4, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, Santa and Amy Grant braved the chilly temperatures all in the name of the holiday spirit for Tuesday night’s 15th annual Lighting of the Green. The festive event marked the start of Christmas for the Lipscomb community and gave students the opportunity to celebrate the past semester before the hectic atmosphere of finals week. Per tradition, Lipscomb welcomed back artist Amy Grant to host the musical celebration. During her set, Grant brought out several “friends” and musical guests to perform songs such as “Silver Bells,” “Grown-up Christmas List” and the local staple “Tennessee Christmas.” Speaking on her song “Tennessee Christmas,” Grant told the crowd “nobody really gets it quite like the Nashville crowd.” Choirs from the University as well as the Academy had a special role in the celebration, for they spent the night singing alongside Grant on stage. Other guests of the night included Marc Martel and Anthem Lights, the Christian based artists joined Grant on stage to sing the holiday songs that have shaped their “Like probaly many of you, I grew up with the music of Miss Amy Grant in the house..which is really mind-blowing for me.” Martel told the audience. Throughout the night, attendees from the Lipscomb community and the surrounding neighborhoods gathered while admiring Christmas lights and enjoying activities such as the “Merry Marketplace.” The Marketplace took place in McQuiddy Gym and featured free photos with Santa and several Holiday vendors. A major highlight of the night is the recognition of a College of the Entertainment and the Arts student with the Amy Grant Scholarship. This year’s recipient is Abby...
