The recent film American Sniper has sparked a national discussion of what it means for war veterans to receive hero worship as opposed to genuine human depiction. But while the debate continues about how we view our soldiers, we might risk overlooking the more personal struggles they face in the darkest parts of service. Angelina Jolie's film … [Read more...]
Review: Von Trier tackles depression
Depression is, as a rule, not something that Hollywood does a terribly accurate job of portraying. We've all seen those short-term, almost manic bursts of weeping as the afflicted character huddles beneath a mountain of blankets. Sometimes, self-inflicted pain and suicide even enter the picture. But depression is more than simply an overpowering … [Read more...]
‘Interstellar’ invokes imagination
"In space, no one can hear you scream." This memorably chilling tagline accompanied 1979's Alien, whose two-minute trailer is hailed as one of the best ever made. Unlike blockbusters today, the movie didn't rely on massive explosions or breathtaking spectacles to get its point across. It was the mystery of the alien monster that drew people … [Read more...]
To bean or not to bean? That is the question
Do students prefer to eat three meals a day in the Bean, prefer to gravitate around to one of the other several eating options on campus or prefer to avoid campus meal plans altogether in favor of self-service options? There are students sitting in all three camps, and there are probably several who don't have strong opinions on the subject. … [Read more...]
Reflections on art and Summit
Art can be a praiseworthy thing. By art, we create experiences and forge common identities with others. We share stories and build visions. People express love through their work. Humans give glory to God when they honor him with the fruits of their labors. There should always be adornments and songs in the House of God, because our offerings … [Read more...]
Internet age leads to birth of electronica
Column by Richard Lyne Rock, country, rap and pop. For most of us, it feels like these genres have been around forever, but they're all actually fairly recent innovations in music. All of them originated with black slaves. Displaced from their tribal homelands, these people kept the spirit of their lifestyle alive with rousing songs that … [Read more...]
Emergent art embraces freedom
The advent of the Internet as a miraculous way of sharing open-source materials and content has paved the way for unprecedented innovation in our society. Now, more than ever, information and ideas are able to travel at the speed of light. This has allowed for everything from piracy to Kickstarter to find a place in the new web of ethics the … [Read more...]
Just your cup of tea: The British musicians we love
Bad teeth, worse food and abysmal weather. Doctor Who, James Bond and Sherlock. These are just a few of the associations casually tossed at the English like so many cups of hot earl grey tea. Studying abroad in Oxford is a useful way to dispel some of the more farfetched ideas that we tend to hold about the United Kingdom, but there are already … [Read more...]
Battle of the Baristas: The search for Abilene’s best brew
When someone mentions coffee, most of us perk up. But everyone has a different opinion on what makes the very best cup; is it a question of interesting flavors, premium beans, or quality craftsmanship? Trying to answer this question means visiting some of the most popular coffee shops in Abilene, as well as campus favorites. Here's a look at … [Read more...]
Going ‘Against the Grain’
For most students, senior year represents the final peak of all their efforts at ACU. For six students, it offers the chance to share the fruits of their labor with the rest of the community. The senior art show, "Against the Grain," opened this Thursday and showcases the works of Aubrey Barnett, Lauren Bennett, Leanne Kawahigashi, Lee Anna McGee, … [Read more...]