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(04/12/07 4:00am)
To many, 11 million might seem an abstraction, simply a number written on a page. But in sub-Saharan Africa, this number – how many children, as of 2001, who had lost one or both of their parents to AIDS – is a harsh reality. And according to a 2006 UNICEF report, by 2010 the number of children in the region orphaned by AIDS is expected to reach 42 million. \nBut turning stark statistics into a unified mission, one group on campus has made it its passion to help these orphaned children and to provide a beam of hope from an ocean away.\nThe Daraja Children’s Project-Kenya was started last year as an organization focused on providing a dependable bridge between donors and programs that support Kenyan children. According to the National AIDS Control Council, Kenya, a country where about 7 percent of adults have HIV, has a growing number of orphans since an estimated 150,000 people there each year die of HIV/AIDS.\n“Daraja,” the Swahili word for bridge, is the focus of the group members, who work to bridge the gap between people who want to help and the children who desperately need assistance. \n“The group was registered in December, but the work started much earlier,” said the group’s founder, Philemon Yebei, a doctoral associate for the Center for the Study of the College Fraternity. “We realize the needs in Kenya are very diverse, but we decided to focus on helping the children because we were providing a means for empowering a future generation of leaders.”\nYebei, a native of Kenya, and his wife, Violet, created the group after a number of students came to them with inquiries on how to get involved. Now, with a membership of about 18 and motivation that defies its small numbers, the DCP is making its presence known through such events as a recent call-out meeting.\nAriane Hollub, a graduate student researching HIV prevention, had the chance to go to Kenya with the project, an experience that she said changed her life.\n“Visiting the orphanage was truly an eye-opening and inspiring experience,” Hollub said. “When you’re there you realize how little it takes to make life almost fulfilled for these children. People don’t know how the smallest amount of money or volunteering time can make such a huge difference.” \nThrough collected donations, the group was able to buy a stove for a Kenyan orphanage and school serving more than 100 children. \nFittingly, it was named the Hoosier Stove. And while many IU students still struggle with the meaning of the word “Hoosier,” at the Solid Rock Children’s School, the word is now on a nameplate commemorating a project’s success. \nAnd on the horizon are more projects and goals for the group.\n“We’re thinking big. One day we hope to act as a service-learning opportunity,” Yebei said, “but for now we’re trying to give as many volunteer outlets in Kenya to the people at IU.”\nFor more information on the Daraja Children’s Project-Kenya or how you can get involved, e-mail daraja@indiana.edu.
(07/13/06 4:00am)
Masters of slobber. Companions without question. Fetchers of all things imaginable. Dogs have been hailed as man's best friend and if the true test of a friend is who loves you when you're broke, tired, and testy, then our furry companions take the cake (and sometimes our favorite shoes). \nAs a special treat for their canine companions, some dog enthusiasts have found a special space for their pooch to run free and socialize with other dogs at the Griffey Lake dog run.\n"Where I am from in Washington D.C, the dog park is the hub of social activity," Allison, the mom of two playful pugs, said. "People stand around and talk about their dogs. It's pretty great."\nAt first glance, the dog run at Griffey Lake is nothing spectacular, but make no bones about it, it's the interaction between the dog owners and the dogs themselves that make it come to life. The park, located on the corner of Old State Road 37 and N. Dunn, is a large fenced-in field ending at a dam at the back of Griffy Lake. The dam provides water-loving dogs a place to splash around, swim, and cool down, but veterans to the park warn of snakes in the water. Snakes aside, the dam makes for a popular spot for throwing the tennis ball, shielding yourself from the shake of a soaked Great Dane, or having a wet adventure.\nTiffany, the owner of a border collie mix named Abby, once learned the hard way that not all dogs are naturals in the water.\n"Abby likes to wade in the dam but once went too far and realized she couldn't swim," Tiffany said. "I had to get in and save her. I guess I could have let her wait it out for a while [she said jokingly] but I got her out."\nWhile you might find adventure at the Griffey Lake dog run, you're probably more likely to find relaxation and good company, both human and the four-legged kind. Many dog park visitors find it a great place to unwind after a long day, hang out with their best paw-printed pal, and take in some fresh air. \n"I like the dog park because the dogs can tire themselves out so you don't have to deal with them later," Jacob, caregiver to an eight month old beagle named MJ, said. "There's a good mix of dogs out there so your dog can usually find the one he likes to play with, and plus I like to meet other fellow dog owners."\nOn one particular late Thursday afternoon, over 15 dogs of all shapes and sizes were playing together at the park, some aggressive, some more timid, all happy to be leash-free. Frequent visitors claim the number of dogs varies according to the time of day. Many say the busiest times will be around five after people get off work, but no matter the time of day, park goers say there will be at least two or three dogs present, which proves to be convenient for those with varying schedules.\n"I am a nurse working 14-hour shifts so it's nice to be able to take the dogs here to tire them out and help socialize them, especially since we don't have a fenced in yard," Angie, owner of a spunky sheltie and blue heeler, said. "It's like the dog park is an underground sub-culture or something." \nAccording to Angie, the park is a great place to meet other dog-lovers, even if she can't exactly remember their names.\n"I can usually remember the dog's names but sometimes not their owners so I find myself asking my husband, was so-and-so's mom there today?" Angie said.\nA self-proclaimed "dog person," Angie, might have a hard time remembering names, but there is one moment at the dog run she will never forget.\n"One early morning when we were here a guy wearing a bike helmet and leather gloves attempted to saddle up and ride his rottweiler," Angie said. "It didn't go very well and needless to say we left shortly after seeing this."\nAside from saddled rottweilers, the Griffey Lake dog run is everything you would expect from a dog park—people interacting with people, dogs interacting with dogs, all in an open, free of charge environment.\nHowever, while the dog run is known for being that open environment, according to Steve Cotter, the Natural Resources Manager for the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, the area is not officially a dog park. Calling it more of an "in-demand experiment," Cotter says the fenced in area is an attempt to keep unleashed dogs off the nature preserve and keep them in a more contained area.\n"There have been several individuals that want the area to be an official dog park, even though it may be known as that now," Cotter said. "We're very open to the idea, it's just very expensive and things like trash removal, benches, and mowing add up."\nAlthough the area might not be "official," dogs and their owners continue to enjoy the wide-open space and dammed creek. Cotter did say that the first official dog park in Bloomington will be opening soon on the Southwest side of town on the Karst Farm Park. For more information about this new dog run, call the Monroe County Parks and Recreation at (812) 349-2800.\nAll around the country and even in Indiana, dog parks are popping up, gaining popularity, and providing safe places for dogs and their owners to spend quality time together. The Griffey Lake dog run: proving that every dog really does have its day and as for their owners? Truly one of man's best friends.
(07/12/06 4:09pm)
Masters of slobber. Companions without question. Fetchers of all things imaginable. Dogs have been hailed as man's best friend and if the true test of a friend is who loves you when you're broke, tired, and testy, then our furry companions take the cake (and sometimes our favorite shoes). \nAs a special treat for their canine companions, some dog enthusiasts have found a special space for their pooch to run free and socialize with other dogs at the Griffey Lake dog run.\n"Where I am from in Washington D.C, the dog park is the hub of social activity," Allison, the mom of two playful pugs, said. "People stand around and talk about their dogs. It's pretty great."\nAt first glance, the dog run at Griffey Lake is nothing spectacular, but make no bones about it, it's the interaction between the dog owners and the dogs themselves that make it come to life. The park, located on the corner of Old State Road 37 and N. Dunn, is a large fenced-in field ending at a dam at the back of Griffy Lake. The dam provides water-loving dogs a place to splash around, swim, and cool down, but veterans to the park warn of snakes in the water. Snakes aside, the dam makes for a popular spot for throwing the tennis ball, shielding yourself from the shake of a soaked Great Dane, or having a wet adventure.\nTiffany, the owner of a border collie mix named Abby, once learned the hard way that not all dogs are naturals in the water.\n"Abby likes to wade in the dam but once went too far and realized she couldn't swim," Tiffany said. "I had to get in and save her. I guess I could have let her wait it out for a while [she said jokingly] but I got her out."\nWhile you might find adventure at the Griffey Lake dog run, you're probably more likely to find relaxation and good company, both human and the four-legged kind. Many dog park visitors find it a great place to unwind after a long day, hang out with their best paw-printed pal, and take in some fresh air. \n"I like the dog park because the dogs can tire themselves out so you don't have to deal with them later," Jacob, caregiver to an eight month old beagle named MJ, said. "There's a good mix of dogs out there so your dog can usually find the one he likes to play with, and plus I like to meet other fellow dog owners."\nOn one particular late Thursday afternoon, over 15 dogs of all shapes and sizes were playing together at the park, some aggressive, some more timid, all happy to be leash-free. Frequent visitors claim the number of dogs varies according to the time of day. Many say the busiest times will be around five after people get off work, but no matter the time of day, park goers say there will be at least two or three dogs present, which proves to be convenient for those with varying schedules.\n"I am a nurse working 14-hour shifts so it's nice to be able to take the dogs here to tire them out and help socialize them, especially since we don't have a fenced in yard," Angie, owner of a spunky sheltie and blue heeler, said. "It's like the dog park is an underground sub-culture or something." \nAccording to Angie, the park is a great place to meet other dog-lovers, even if she can't exactly remember their names.\n"I can usually remember the dog's names but sometimes not their owners so I find myself asking my husband, was so-and-so's mom there today?" Angie said.\nA self-proclaimed "dog person," Angie, might have a hard time remembering names, but there is one moment at the dog run she will never forget.\n"One early morning when we were here a guy wearing a bike helmet and leather gloves attempted to saddle up and ride his rottweiler," Angie said. "It didn't go very well and needless to say we left shortly after seeing this."\nAside from saddled rottweilers, the Griffey Lake dog run is everything you would expect from a dog park—people interacting with people, dogs interacting with dogs, all in an open, free of charge environment.\nHowever, while the dog run is known for being that open environment, according to Steve Cotter, the Natural Resources Manager for the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, the area is not officially a dog park. Calling it more of an "in-demand experiment," Cotter says the fenced in area is an attempt to keep unleashed dogs off the nature preserve and keep them in a more contained area.\n"There have been several individuals that want the area to be an official dog park, even though it may be known as that now," Cotter said. "We're very open to the idea, it's just very expensive and things like trash removal, benches, and mowing add up."\nAlthough the area might not be "official," dogs and their owners continue to enjoy the wide-open space and dammed creek. Cotter did say that the first official dog park in Bloomington will be opening soon on the Southwest side of town on the Karst Farm Park. For more information about this new dog run, call the Monroe County Parks and Recreation at (812) 349-2800.\nAll around the country and even in Indiana, dog parks are popping up, gaining popularity, and providing safe places for dogs and their owners to spend quality time together. The Griffey Lake dog run: proving that every dog really does have its day and as for their owners? Truly one of man's best friends.
(06/29/06 4:00am)
In a world where cultures clash and politicians plunder, one band has made a message through their music of unity and harmony. Setting aside political borders and coming up with their own contrived plot: how to make you dance.\nBlending Mediterranean and Eastern European folk music with hard-core electronic beats, Balkan Beat Box is truly a band that has to be seen or heard to be understood. In a strange orgy of colors and sounds fused with strong horns, belly dancers, an MC, and seven to eight talented musicians feeding off their audience and each other, their live show is an eclectic circus full of passion and life.\nAnother stage. Another town. Always a different show. While traveling on a bus to Chicago's Summer Dance Festival, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Tamir Muskat, BBB's co-founder, had a chance to reflect on the group's past, present, and inspired evolution. And what a long strange trip it's been.\nBalkan Beat Box was born out of the bond of friendship and musicianship between its co-founders Muskat and Ori Kaplan. Muskat and Kaplan played together in several premiere NYC bands like the critically acclaimed Firewater. They gathered their favorite musicians, began traveling, and what started as an interesting project soon became a functioning band in 2003, releasing their first album in September, 2005 on J Dub records. \n"We're lucky," Muskat said, as group members echoed his sentiments over the line. "I mean, we're very good, (he said jokingly) but we're very lucky. It's been an amazing opportunity to come together. I've got no complaints."\nIf there is one major opportunity BBB has had, it's the chance to inspire and unite people all over the world with their intense, high-energy live shows. \n"99 percent of the time our shows turn into a dance party," Muskat said. "Our shows take a lot of leaps because things are constantly moving. We're changing every show."\nAnd changing is a huge part of BBB's philosophy. Muskat thinks back to only a year ago and sees the progression their music has taken saying it's "more extreme" than when they first started due to stronger beats from their new MC and new experiences the group has encountered from their travels. \n"We're obsessed with change," Muskat said. "Like a bacteria. Alive and changing all the time. That's BBB's number one rule." \nBalkan Beat Box has taken their insane stage show all over the world, from Muskat's native Israel to right here in Bloomington's backyard at the annual Lotus World Music Festival, claiming that Lotus Fest was one of their best shows due to the welcoming atmosphere. Recent graduate Chris Sommerfeld saw BBB at Lotus Fest and found he was not only impressed by the performance, but also the show theatrics.\n"They have a really all encompassing sound," Sommerfeld said. "When I saw them at Lotus Fest the lead singer was hanging upside down from the tent. It was pretty amazing and I hope to see them again." \nMuskat is proud to say that BBB's music represents cultural fusion and harmony, no matter their GPS. The band will continue their travels with upcoming shows in NYC, France and Switzerland this summer. \n"It's amazing to cross borders. It feels so natural," Muskat said. "Cultures not coming together is a huge problem in our world, especially where we come from growing up in Israel. We're proud to represent cultures living in peace."\nPlaying in front of audiences from intimate to massive keeps BBB always thriving off the diversity of the crowd. \n"We give 100 percent regardless of who is there and who is not," Muskat said. \nAfter recently playing at the three day music festival Bonnaroo, the band was able to not only explode their funky style all over the Southern Tennessee stage but also catch some of their favorites like Beck, Damian Marley, and Radiohead to name a few. Their Bonnaroo set was well attended with audiences dancing wildly even with the highly anticipated Super Jam going on a few tents over. \nThey've been called everything from "gypsy punk" to an "Eastern block party," but titles mean little to the members of Balkan Beat Box. The music means everything.\n"We've been making music all our lives," Muskat said. "As an artist you find yourself realizing you're so fucking self-centered and it's time to give back."\nAnd they give everything they've got. Every town. Every show. \nIt's almost time for the band to take the stage at their Chicago show and a night filled with dancing and musical mayhem is on the agenda. Skeptics will be converted. Fans will be entertained. Few will be standing still. Many will be inspired.
(06/29/06 12:46am)
In a world where cultures clash and politicians plunder, one band has made a message through their music of unity and harmony. Setting aside political borders and coming up with their own contrived plot: how to make you dance.\nBlending Mediterranean and Eastern European folk music with hard-core electronic beats, Balkan Beat Box is truly a band that has to be seen or heard to be understood. In a strange orgy of colors and sounds fused with strong horns, belly dancers, an MC, and seven to eight talented musicians feeding off their audience and each other, their live show is an eclectic circus full of passion and life.\nAnother stage. Another town. Always a different show. While traveling on a bus to Chicago's Summer Dance Festival, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Tamir Muskat, BBB's co-founder, had a chance to reflect on the group's past, present, and inspired evolution. And what a long strange trip it's been.\nBalkan Beat Box was born out of the bond of friendship and musicianship between its co-founders Muskat and Ori Kaplan. Muskat and Kaplan played together in several premiere NYC bands like the critically acclaimed Firewater. They gathered their favorite musicians, began traveling, and what started as an interesting project soon became a functioning band in 2003, releasing their first album in September, 2005 on J Dub records. \n"We're lucky," Muskat said, as group members echoed his sentiments over the line. "I mean, we're very good, (he said jokingly) but we're very lucky. It's been an amazing opportunity to come together. I've got no complaints."\nIf there is one major opportunity BBB has had, it's the chance to inspire and unite people all over the world with their intense, high-energy live shows. \n"99 percent of the time our shows turn into a dance party," Muskat said. "Our shows take a lot of leaps because things are constantly moving. We're changing every show."\nAnd changing is a huge part of BBB's philosophy. Muskat thinks back to only a year ago and sees the progression their music has taken saying it's "more extreme" than when they first started due to stronger beats from their new MC and new experiences the group has encountered from their travels. \n"We're obsessed with change," Muskat said. "Like a bacteria. Alive and changing all the time. That's BBB's number one rule." \nBalkan Beat Box has taken their insane stage show all over the world, from Muskat's native Israel to right here in Bloomington's backyard at the annual Lotus World Music Festival, claiming that Lotus Fest was one of their best shows due to the welcoming atmosphere. Recent graduate Chris Sommerfeld saw BBB at Lotus Fest and found he was not only impressed by the performance, but also the show theatrics.\n"They have a really all encompassing sound," Sommerfeld said. "When I saw them at Lotus Fest the lead singer was hanging upside down from the tent. It was pretty amazing and I hope to see them again." \nMuskat is proud to say that BBB's music represents cultural fusion and harmony, no matter their GPS. The band will continue their travels with upcoming shows in NYC, France and Switzerland this summer. \n"It's amazing to cross borders. It feels so natural," Muskat said. "Cultures not coming together is a huge problem in our world, especially where we come from growing up in Israel. We're proud to represent cultures living in peace."\nPlaying in front of audiences from intimate to massive keeps BBB always thriving off the diversity of the crowd. \n"We give 100 percent regardless of who is there and who is not," Muskat said. \nAfter recently playing at the three day music festival Bonnaroo, the band was able to not only explode their funky style all over the Southern Tennessee stage but also catch some of their favorites like Beck, Damian Marley, and Radiohead to name a few. Their Bonnaroo set was well attended with audiences dancing wildly even with the highly anticipated Super Jam going on a few tents over. \nThey've been called everything from "gypsy punk" to an "Eastern block party," but titles mean little to the members of Balkan Beat Box. The music means everything.\n"We've been making music all our lives," Muskat said. "As an artist you find yourself realizing you're so fucking self-centered and it's time to give back."\nAnd they give everything they've got. Every town. Every show. \nIt's almost time for the band to take the stage at their Chicago show and a night filled with dancing and musical mayhem is on the agenda. Skeptics will be converted. Fans will be entertained. Few will be standing still. Many will be inspired.
(12/06/05 4:43am)
This Christmas season, amid the hustle and bustle of finals and early bird specials, one play in town will have audiences singing and believing in the power of Christmas. Brought to life at the Irish Lion is a classic tale of hope, repentance and maybe a "bah, humbug!" or two. Running at 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 12 and 13, the Monroe County Civic Theater presents, in the spirit of the yuletide season, "A Christmas Carol."\nThe play, a traditional take on Charles Dickens' classic novella, is performed by 13 skilled and diverse actors, ranging from an 11-year-old Tiny Tim to a fully matured Ebenezer Scrooge. While the production closely follows the traditional lines of the novel, audiences can expect a major difference between reading the book to seeing it live: stimulation for the ears.\nRunning approximately 50 minutes, "A Christmas Carol" creates for audiences the tale of a grumpy old businessman who sees the error of his ways before his "odious, stingy heart" brought about his demise.\nWith 13 Christmas songs being performed by members of the cast, "A Christmas Carol" is as much a musical as it is a play. Audience participation is welcomed and encouraged when it comes to singing along with the songs. Between the traditional carols and the old-world feel of the Irish Lion, it is easy to imagine oneself in the 1840s world of a cold and selfish man who was saved by the power of the Christmas spirit, not to mention three ghosts.\nThis re-envisioning of the book is unique in that Russell McGee, the director, wanted to closely examine the fear the three ghosts caused Scrooge. He said he felt that many times this fear is downplayed but it was important to showcase the lesson that fear teaches people. Because after all, "A Christmas Carol" is, all labels aside, a ghost story.\nOne such ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Present played by senior Kyra Claussen, helped the stingy Scrooge learn his lesson through her skilled acting and much creative freedom from the director.\n"Russ, the director, gave us free reign over our characters," Claussen said. "A lot of people have preconceived notions about my role, but Russ said he trusted me and I should just go with it, which was awesome."\nDescribed by Claussen as a "feel-good play to take your mind off finals," "A Christmas Carol" is predicted to get audiences into the holiday spirit. \n"This show has quite a following, so I didn't want to mess with the traditional quality of it," McGee said. "I didn't change much by way of direction, so audiences can expect to see the traditional play that they know"
(11/21/05 4:32pm)
I was driving my car the other day, minding my own business, when I was reminded why people should not only be required to have a license to drive but a license to speak. While doing absolutely nothing wrong, I was startled when a man in a minivan yelled into my window, "Crazy Asian! Learn to drive!"\nAll I could do at that moment was laugh, but eventually it started getting to me: Why should I have to put up with this stuff?\nThe truth is that I've been dealing with stereotypes and racial comments all my life. I don't know if it's become easier to deal with them, or that I've become numb from all the times I've been told, "Laugh it off; don't be so sensitive; ignore." It's easy to look back at the kids on the playground that pulled their eyes tight and called me "slant eyes" and disregard the thought because kids don't "really" think.\nBut the problem is that many times, neither do so-called "mature" adults. A few weeks ago, I was caught off-guard when one of my mom's friends made a racial comment toward me. I know he's not a racist, but he just didn't think. So there I was, that same 7-year-old by the jungle gym telling myself, "Laugh it off; don't be so sensitive; ignore." And the difference between then and now? About 14 years and a few bad haircuts. It still hurts the same.\nI think the problem with casual racism is that on the outside it seems innocent, like drinking tequila. It seems harmless enough, but you don't know the damage until it's too late, and the bad memories last longer than any hangover. Many people will claim there is no prejudice behind their comments, but I find myself asking when is it that jokes cross the line into insult? It's not an easy question to answer.\nIn a society where political correctness makes people dance lightly around conversations as not to offend anyone, it's hard to make a claim as to what is casual racism and what is a lighthearted comment. So here is my simplified solution: Think. Think about the comments and jokes you make about race. Think if your remarks might offend someone that laughs on the outside but is disappointed and hurt on the inside. \nI know some of you might be taking this as just another minority ranting about racism -- can't those minorities take a joke? The truth is that I've been trying to laugh off casual racism for as long as I can remember, but honestly, I am tired of being offended and tired of playing deaf to ignorance and stupidity. \nI suppose I'll be dealing with some form of casual racism my whole life, but -- call me an optimist -- I think there's still a little hope out there. My mom's friend, after realizing how his comment had hurt me, ended up apologizing to an Asian golfing buddy for 15 years of "harmless" racial remarks. His friend told him it had bothered him all that time, but he had never said anything. So maybe there is hope for change, one day at a time, one person at a time.
(11/03/05 3:46am)
Kirkwood Avenue's Irish Lion had more than just the spirit of the Irish Monday night; it was filled with the spirit of theater. It was on this Halloween evening that the Monroe County Civic Theater's production of "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" truly came alive amid a congested setting of blarney balls and Baileys.\nWorking with a stage of about 15 feet by 15 feet and surrounded by tables filled with focused audience members, the cast craftfully maneuvered around the modest set. At one point, the Creature, played by junior Annie Kerkian, crawled through and around the audience, making the entire upstairs of the Irish Lion seem as if it were a living, breathing setting for the drama taking place. \nThe play had something for everyone, including love's flirtations to passionate moments of Victor Frankenstein's breakdowns. Pulling together elements of suspense and intrigue, the cast was able to transform "Frankenstein" into a tale of raw human emotions, and it masterfully showcased the pain those emotions can sometimes cause.\n"Fiend! Wretch! Monster!" audience members yelled as the Creature reached out for any sign of compassion or kindness from the crowd. It's not often that an audience get to be so actively involved in a performance, but the dinner theater's relaxed environment made it the perfect place for audience participation. Throughout the performance, it was apparent that the actors focused on the audience just enough to play off its emotions and reactions. The actors also remained focused on their professionalism so as to not be distracted by the clanking dishes and noisy wedding party in the next room over. Good or bad, it's all part of the dinner theater experience.\n"There are pluses and minuses to working in any venue," director Russell McGee said. "In the close and intimate setting of dinner theater, there are a lot of distractions, which make the actors work that much harder to get their performance across."\nAnd get their performances across they did, even on the smallest of stages. With an area roughly the size of a dorm room, the cast could have given limited performances, but they did just the opposite. The small space made the actors work twice as hard at bringing their characters to life -- characters with enough emotion and sense of drama to fill the biggest of stages.\n"The smaller stage is very different from what I am used to and proved to be one of my biggest concerns," said junior Freddie Rodriguez, who played the stern-faced Captain Seville. "Backstage feels safe, but since I was on the small stage the whole time, it felt like I had nothing to fall back on. It was the most challenging role I've ever taken."\nMany audience members left the Irish Lion with a new version of "Frankenstein" in their minds. What they saw was the tale of a desperate creation looking to find love and acceptance -- feelings universal to all. Through the use of captivating monologues and realistic interactions, the cast of "Frankenstein" did more than act out Shelley's classic novel -- it made it come alive.\n"I went into the Irish Lion not knowing what to expect from the live version of one of my favorite books," junior Kayla Woodward said. "The play let me see another side of 'Frankenstein' that I never would have seen. Two thumbs up"
(10/31/05 4:04am)
The days of trick-or-treating might have come and gone for most IU students, but this Halloween season, there's more than scantily clad nurses and candy corn in Bloomington. Out of the eerie shadows of the Irish Lion comes a play of monstrous proportions, filled with murder, intrigue, rage and maybe even a misunderstood creature or two.\n"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein," performed by the Monroe County Civic Theater, takes the stage at 8 p.m. tonight and Tuesday at the Irish Lion.\nAdapted from Mary Shelley's classic novel, the script of "Frankenstein" is a close adaptation of the literary work. The play closely follows the novel's plotline, veering from the book only in instances where director and playwright Russell McGeesaid he feels the casting and dramatic action need a jolt. \nSet as a play within a play, "Frankenstein" is told through the eyes of Victor Frankenstein, a man who has suffered greatly because of his obsessive research and tormented existence. Frankenstein tells the unfortunate events of his life to a man named Captain Saville, who is much like Frankenstein in his quest for knowledge. As the scenes progress, the audience watches as Frankenstein's world is altered by the creature he brings to life.\nFrankenstein's Creature, played by IU junior Annie Kerkian, is an intelligent being that has suffered the injustice of mankind, rather than Hollywood's cliché of the creature as a heartless monster. It is this difference that McGee said he hopes will set Frankenstein apart from other representations of the novel, making it just as psychologically challenging as it is creepy. The big difference between Hollywood's monster and the MCCT's Creature: He's a she.\n"When I auditioned for the show, I never imagined I would be considered for the role of the Creature," Kerkian said. "After I was cast, initially I worried that people would come to the show expecting to see a 6-foot tall, grunting, lumbering guy in the part. Seeing a 5-foot (tall) girl might throw some people. However, the feelings of insecurity and isolation that the Creature experiences are universal, regardless of gender or other factors."\nWith a cast of only seven, the show's roster does match the scale of production reached by other MCCT shows, but for some cast members, smaller numbers mean greater interaction.\n"Everyone gets to know everyone else on a much more personal level," said senior Victor Ortiz, who plays the role of Frankenstein's friend Henry Clerval. "You work with these people for extended amounts of time, and I feel that knowing about everyone brings the cast closer together and results in better relationships on stage."\nThese relationships have been brewing for more than two months, with an average of three rehearsals per week and hundreds of hours spent crafting each scene.\nThis Halloween season, be prepared for a classic, creepy tale to come alive to new generations of thrill-seekers and theater buffs alike.\n"I know it may sound biased, but I do think it is a truly good show," Ortiz said. "It is not your usual run-of-the-mill horror story. The script is amazing in being able to evoke feeling from anyone who reads it. I strongly encourage everyone to come see this show"
(09/15/05 6:16am)
A hard pressing question: What do a cult leader, a serial killer and three members of a radical left-wing "army" all have in common? \nYou might be closer to the answer than you think. In fact, they all could have been standing right where you are now.\nNestled within the historic walls of Bryan Hall lies the IU Archives. Among the hundreds of thousands of files filling its shelves and boxes, is a folder named "Alumni-infamous." Opening the file reveals the history of five former -- and notorious -- Hoosiers, reaffirming that there really is more than corn in Indiana. \nThere are also famous criminals.\n"We don't hide the fact that we have infamous alumni," said Brad Cook, photograph curator at the IU Archives. "It's not like you will ever find this stuff in a brochure about IU, but people are always amazed."
(03/22/04 6:11am)
It's a simple equation -- take one winter-weary student, add high temperatures and an infinite amount of sunshine, and subtract hats, gloves and snow scrapers. Divide by class schedule and multiply by peer pressure. It doesn't take an accounting major to realize "spring fever" means skipping classes. \nSoon after spring break, the snow drifts will have melted and the winter coats will be resting in the back of the closet. Many students find themselves asking the pressing question: to go to class or not to go to class. For many IU students, warmer weather persuades the latter.\n"When it starts to get nice out I feel I have to take advantage of it by being outside, playing sports, and throwing around the Frisbee," said sophomore Stephanie Han.\nAs the weather gets nicer the abundance of football throwing, hacky-sacking and simply laying around outside becomes more evident around campus. From the touchdown passes in Dunn Meadow to the sun soakers in their lawn chairs outside of McNutt Quad, students find an array of ways to pass their time -- sometimes class time -- outdoors. For some, getting to class is not the hard part -- it's staying there.\n"Sometimes when I am riding my skateboard to class, it's so nice out that I just keep on going," said senior Mike Wilson.\nFor professors, the work still goes on, whether students attend class or not.\n"I don't take it personal when students skip my class," said history professor Eric Sandweiss. "Teaching is my job and you can't get wrapped up in your own ego. Whether or not the class is full, the work goes on."\nFor instructors like Sandweiss, as well as Spanish associate instructor Pablo Garcia, experience has proven that spring weather accompanies empty seats.\n"I can say from my teaching experience that good weather-related absences are quite common, mostly at the beginning of spring," Garcia said. "However, as better weather becomes the norm, students don't seem as keen to take advantage of warm sunny days."\nStill, Garcia keeps a positive outlook on his indoor fate of teaching and obligations. \n"I know there will be sunny weekends soon enough. If the teacher decides to skip class, there is no class. In that case, I think it is the students who have the most to lose," he said. "I feel I owe it to my students who are not skipping class to be there myself, every time and in any weather."\n-- Contact staff writer Meghan Lucas at melucas@indiana.edu.