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(04/26/13 3:06am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It’s here. Like years before it, the last week of school has snuck up on us. It feels like only yesterday we were enjoying the first tailgate of the year, Bloomington’s beloved fall transformation and the beginning of a much-hyped Hoosier basketball season.Now we’re selling back our textbooks, making plans to see friends one last time before classes end and if you’re a senior like me, apartment searching in the new city you’ll soon call home.Getting dressed in the summer should be easy: a breezy sundress, khakis with a polo and the beloved flip flop. It’s usually hard to go wrong in the summer, but you’d be surprised where people, specifically Hoosiers, can go wrong. Jean shorts are hit or miss; too short, tight, or the wrong wash for your complexion and you’ve turned a casual outfit into a complete disaster. Also, keep the venue in mind. Weddings, religious services and any occasion that is not explicitly casual are all places to avoid wearing jean shorts. Heading into the city from the pool or lake? Feel free to put on a cover up. Bikini tops and swimming trunks are not appropriate substitutions for any article of clothing. Bre’s Peeves has been an honor for me to write. After semesters of recounting the fashion horrors I’d observed on campus to my roommates and friends, it was both a thrill and a scare to share beyond my circle of friends. If you laughed at least once, I consider my column a success. Should my column have inspired you to reflect inward and perhaps alter part of your wardrobe, consider yourself a success.As your last few days in Bloomington for this school year, or possibly ever, wind down, enjoy them. Take time to visit with friends, eat at your favorite local restaurant and visit the Farmer’s Market one last time. While doing this, however, make sure you look appropriate. Shoes should fit the weather, leggings should not be opaque, clothes should be clean and all articles of clothing should be wrinkle-free. Just because my column has come to a close does not mean that my judgment or comments will. Happy summer, Hoosiers.— johnsbri@indiana.edu
(04/19/13 2:18am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Mother Nature has once again turned on us.Despite last week’s temperatures climbing into the 70s, Bloomington will be lucky if the weather climbs into the 60s. Is anyone else not surprised the weather would be great the week before Little Five and then fall off right before the weekend arrives?The chilly atmosphere may require warmer alternatives while attending this weekend’s many social functions. Who’s your new best friend? Chambray.Chambray is denim’s cooler and thinner younger brother. A great layering alternative to bulky sweaters from winter and pesky jackets, chambray is a neutral material that can be worn with a myriad of bottoms: khakis, colored jeans, regular denim and maxi skirts among them. Many fashion-forward retail chains offer pricey options of this shirt beginning at $30 and trending upward. Cheaper options can be found at Goodwill and Salvation Army in the men’s dress shirt section. With the money you save from the initial purchase, you can afford to have the item tailored to fit your body type even better.While this fabric is fairly simple to pull off, please don’t forget that lightweight items require a date with the iron before you head out on yours. Few things ruin a great outfit like a bad case of the wrinkles. Be noticed for how well you’re dressed and not how poorly you ironed. Think of chambray and starch as one — without the other, it’s just not the same.For any occasion out and around Bloomington this weekend, a chambray button down can offer an extra layer of protection and style. On a sun dress, topping a jersey or paired with khakis for the bars, this shirt is a one-stop shop for planning an outfit. The fabric has become so popular that it is now being made in a variety of silhouettes: dresses, skirts, pants and T-shirts. As the last two weeks of classes begin to wind down, ramp up your style. Warm weather is a great time to show off your personality through a crisp shirt and your favorite sandals. Remember, fashion is a way to reveal your personality without talking.Here’s wishing you a happy weekend and a forgotten sweater.— johnsbri@indiana.edu
(04/15/13 2:58am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It’s here. The greatest week(end) in college has arrived after its annual 51-week break.Soon, campus will be overrun with students from Purdue University who still try to talk up their lesser-known “Grand Prix.” Throngs of students from Indiana State University will arrive in their cars, ready to pose as IU students to the unsuspecting. Lines at bars will be outrageous, and by mid-week, all of your classes that don’t feature quizzes, exams or presentations will be mostly empty. For a week this crazy, it’s difficult to put a limitation on fashion. The warmer weather, paired with pride for your cycling team, forms an anything-goes attitude for the next 10 days. While I agree Little 500 does suspend many of the usually followed fashion rules, there are a few that should still be observed, both for your safety and others.I’ve talked about heels before, but they deserve another quick acknowledgement. This week is not about pacing oneself and taking it slow, so make sure your shoes match your partying.Unless you’ll be drinking a maximum of two beverages, heels are not in your plan for the night. Throw on flats, gladiator sandals or even those dirty Converse shoes from freshman year, because the floor of a college bar is no place for your favorite shoes.Sizing is key. For jerseys, tanks and tees most students take the “bigger is better” approach. If you prefer to wear something more close-cut, make sure it’s fitted, not fattening.Wearing anything too small instantly puts your body in a negative viewpoint. Guys, this includes you and those of you who wear shorts more appropriate for the court of a 1970s NBA game. Finally, neon can be your friend. Although the sun has stopped being rude and is finally setting at a respectable time, it still gets dark while you’re out and about. That neon reflective vest you’ve been waiting to wear since last year just may save your life.Enjoy your week Hoosiers, because if you’re a senior, this is it. Have no regrets. If you’re debating going to class or drinking, you already know which choice to make. The only difficult decisions you’ll be deciding are when to start and vodka or tequila? Stay safe and Hoosier on. — johnsbri@indiana.edu
(04/05/13 2:49am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Spring has sprung. A quick glance at the 10-day forecast tells me that spring is officially here. There is a chance that we could be celebrating the first 70-degree weather of the year Saturday. If you’re like me, you’re hoping local bars have their decks ready for action. But if you’re like my roommate, you’re preparing for the next wave of snow storms to arrive from Denver.Skepticism aside, we’re crawling into the last month of the school year. My columns have explored the perils of leggings, the joys of thrifting, the absence of color and the proper uses of UGGs. You may be wondering what’s left for me to complain about, and my answer is plenty.This column is dedicated to the lost souls who think stained clothing is appropriate. Yes, accidents happen and sometimes you may be forced to walk around campus with a splash of ketchup or a dribble of Gatorade running down your shirt. For the man exiting the Kelley School of Business the other day who was wearing khakis with stains ingrained into his left leg, I offer no explanation or excuse. We’re not kindergartners who get more paint on ourselves than our pictures. In fact, the great majority of IU students haven’t had an art class since stepping on campus. If not for a messy lunch or a burst of inspiration in the studio, what’s your excuse? Why does it look like your pants haven’t been washed since winter break? Did I miss the runway show that had models walking around in clothing littered with the remnants of last night’s dinner and hints of this morning’s breakfast? Every store from Kroger to Target carries a full aisle of laundry detergent solutions for even your toughest stains. You have four weeks to pull it together. There are too many cleaning options for your college self to look like 5-year-old lunchroom you. — johnsbri@indiana.edu
(04/01/13 1:32am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>This weather is ridiculous. I get that we live in Indiana and the weather has always been temperamental, but I’ve usually been able to go home for Easter and take back at least part of my winter wardrobe. Maybe as I get older, my level of cynicism rises. Or perhaps I’m getting in my fill of complaining about the state I will only call home for two more months. Either way, mother nature, you’ve been a real downer this month. Apparently, I’m not the only one who likes to complain. Many of guy friends who’ve been reading complained I don’t offer them much advice, so today’s column is for the males of campus. In the winter, you get a pass. The weather is cold, your house is warm and you generally don’t feel like dedicating much time or energy into looking nice. Your pass is hopefully about to end as spring is officially here and the weather will start to match the season.You’re probably looking for a go-to spring staple combination that can translate easily between classes, work and the bars. Fear not, fellas, because the Chino is still alive and well. A lightweight pant that comes in a variety of colors, Chinos are just as comfortable as jeans but offer a step up from the denim staple. This means no more sweatpants to class, and definitely no more stained jeans at the bars.T-shirts, polos and sweaters are all acceptable tops to pair with the twill fabric bottoms. Just be sure to match with the dress code of the occasion you’re going to. Shoe choice is just as important. Footwear can make or break an outfit. Sperrys, Timberland Boots and Clark’s Desert Boots are all elegant and comfortable choices that can take you to multiple venues.Where can you buy these magical pants? J. Crew, Gap and Banana Republic all offer an affordable version in a myriad of colors that will last you for several seasons. Men of Bloomington, you’ve officially run out of excuses. You know what to select, how to wear it and the store you can buy it from. Happy shopping, but most of all, happy dressing.
(03/22/13 3:51am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Selection Sunday has come and gone. Brackets nationwide have been filled out. The Hoosiers have safely arrived in Dayton, Ohio, in anticipation of taking on James Madison. All of these events signify my favorite time of the year when the madness of March has commenced and orange leathery objects are out in full force. Oh, I’m not just talking about basketballs but instead referring to the thousands who flocked back from their week away shades more orange than when they left. Who says skin isn’t an accessory? It’s my favorite one. A healthy glow is great. It makes you feel more confident, covers light blemishes and opens up your wardrobe to a whole new world of colors. When this glow is taken to extremes, problems occur. If you perform a quick Google search for ‘tanning mom’ you’ll find the story of Patricia Krentcil, a mother from Nutley, N.J. who took her 5-year-old daughter along for her tanning joy rides. The results were backlash from the public about her parenting capabilities and a tan so brown and leathery I couldn’t stop thinking about shopping for a new purse.Ladies, take note. If looking at your skin prompts an hour-long online shopping session, you’re doing it wrong. Aim for that famed pregnancy glow, without the baby of course. People should be asking why you look so refreshed instead of debating how many times a week you go to the tanning bed. Spray tanning and rub-on bronzers work just as well at creating the desired shade. Two rules: moisturize and blend. Don’t be the one walking around with a tan face and a pale neck. Seeing this dilemma makes wonder where your friends are.Can’t tell whether you’re bordering on “bronze medal territory?” Ask someone who will tell you the truth. Don’t have anyone? Send me an email and I’ll let you know.
(03/08/13 3:28am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The struggle is real in Bloomington.I didn’t think any more talk about leggings was necessary, because I’d hoped by now, everyone knew what they were doing. Another recycled trend, leggings, came back in vogue just more than three years ago. They hit the runways with a bang, and everyone from Gucci to Ralph Lauren put their own twist on them. Eventually, they hit college campuses. Like the bacteria on the keyboards of Herman B Wells Library, the number of girls wearing leggings multiplied exponentially. Seemingly overnight, girls were emerging from the depths of campus covered in the comfortable alternative to sweatpants. I’ll admit, I was reluctant to embrace the change. I cringed, critiqued and vowed never to wear leggings as pants — then I went to Europe. As Europe tends to do with crazes, leggings were instantly made cooler. Paired with tunics, oversized sweaters and distressed leather boots, I couldn’t say no. Alas, the semester abroad ended and I returned horrified by the abuses these spandex-based bottoms are taking in the United States.If you’re smart and pair leggings correctly, they look infinitely more polished than sweatpants, yet will sacrifice none of the comfort. Ignore necessary rules and you will look foolish not only on campus, but in the screen shots of SnapChats to live on forever.Length, light and leg size are three L’s to keep in mind before putting together your outfits.Unless Big Sean and Nicki Minaj pop out of the foliage on campus and start rapping at you, nobody wants to see your butt. Keep it covered. The longer the shirt, the better, but at a minimum it should extend over the entire butt region. It’s a shame this has been violated so many times, because really, how difficult is it to find a long shirt? Where are you shopping, stores for the torso-less?Opacity is critical to the success of leggings. All leggings look solid when dangling from a hanger. You must try them on and perform the knee test — if the fabric is sheer at the knees when you squat, they’re too sheer for you, “brah” (I know you appreciated the subtle “Jersey Shore” reference). If you’re looking for a long term pair of leggings that can handle the abuses college life tends to put on clothes, it will cost more, but the investment is worth it.Finally, be true to your leg size. Ladies, if you have thick legs, own them. I’m in your boat: 5’10” and built like a brick house. I wouldn’t have it any other way. That being said, I already know where I can and cannot shop for leggings. A personal shopping hint: Try leggings built for athletic performance. They’re often a bit thicker than standard leggings, as well as conveniently warmer. If you’ve been violating legging code, fear not; you still have a few weeks left before our temperamental Midwest weather finally feels like spring.— johnsbri@indiana.edu
(02/22/13 3:45am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It happens every year. After months of bundling ourselves in fleeces and parkas we jump with excitement at the first chance to bare our flesh. Your heart rate jumps when you see temperatures will be reaching the mid-50s, and in a moment of temporary insanity you decide to leave the house in short sleeves. Why did you think it’d be warm enough to pull out your flip flops? Were you raised in Siberia? Are you covered in fur?If the answer to these questions is “no,” then put on the brakes. Are you really trusting a creature who scampers through dirt and burrows underground to tell you that spring has come early? Get it together, Bloomington. Yes, you’ve become accustomed to icy winds and freezing rain, but this is at least the 18th winter you’ve gone through, and you know the drill by now. But since half of you seem to have forgotten, let me refresh your memory. Weather under 30 degrees still necessitates a coat. Weather under 40 degrees allows you to wear your coat open. This helps you avoid sweating when you reach the inevitable heat wave awaiting you at campus buildings. By the way, can we get IU to update our heating and cooling systems? We’ve got the No. 1 basketball team in the country and an unranked furnace. We’ve reached the 50s. Contrary to popular belief among campus males, this is not flip-flop and T-shirt weather. Don’t disappoint me this weekend, Bloomington. If I see you dressed inappropriately, I’m inclined to talk about you to my friends and maybe tweet a picture. Ditch the short sleeves. The highs this weekend do not support the exposure of your pasty skin. Put on a t-shirt and pull your life together.— johnsbri@indiana.edu
(02/15/13 4:47am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>If you’re alone this Valentine’s Day weekend, why not drown your sorrows, or celebrate your freedom, with a bit of shopping? You don’t have to invest hundreds to bulk up your wardrobe. Thanks to a variety of affordable second-hand stores and thrift shops around town, a few dollars is all you need. Want to earn bonus points? Find a few throwback IU items to follow campus trend.This semester, I’ve noticed a large resurgence in vintage IU gear. From crew necks to windbreakers, T-shirts to sweatpants, a walk around campus can transport you back a decade or two. There are no complaints from me. I’m in full support of recycling fashion and making the old feel new again. If you haven’t yet hopped onto the vintage bandwagon, it’s not too late. There are three main sources to find these treasures: family members, secondhand stores and the Internet.Maybe you’re lucky enough to be a second- or third-generation Hoosier. Not only does this fortune showcase how well-educated your bloodline is, it also increases your chances of having classic Hoosier gear in the family. Ask your grandparents, aunts, uncles, mom and dad whether or not they or any of their friends saved their gear. You’d be surprised at the results this could bring up. I am the recipient of gifted ’80s Hoosier gear that would otherwise be laying in a box, abandoned and alone.For those interested in the thrill of finding a unique item, check out Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop.” The Goodwill locations in Bloomington and other second-hand stores are usually picked over and limited on the IU gear they offer, but making a quick journey to Martinsville or Indianapolis thrift shops to see what they have in stock would be beneficial. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are two larger chains that have manageable prices for college students.If family and thrifting have failed you, take a quick trip back to 1999 and hop on eBay. The Internet’s forgotten online auction site is usually littered with vintage options ranging from hats and posters to drinkware and apparel. Remember to be wary of price gouging on these sites — sellers hoping to make a quick buck off of the trend are rampant.
(02/08/13 3:56am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>It’s easy to get. The weather is gloomy, the wind is howling, and you’ve just had your first week of exams. You’re starting to realize that easy semester you hoped for was nothing more than a mirage.I’m going to be real and confess, that I’ve joined you in this faux pas. As I looked around campus this week, I realized just how far the epidemic had spread. No, I’m not talking about the flu that’s taking out classmates by the dozens. I’m referring to the death of color.It’s simple to go to your closet, pick out neutral colored leggings or sweats, add a matching shirt, and head out the door. As we’re stuck in the middle of winter, let’s remember there are other colors besides gray, navy and black. Let’s be real. You’re already pale. You don’t need to drape yourself in black and imitate Dracula as you attend classes. As an IU student, crimson is a school color. You own at least one red shirt. Whether you were robbed at the bookstore by paying $20 for a basic T-shirt, or you kept the free shirts from freshman year, you have no excuse.Want a simpler way to incorporate color into your outfit? Colored scarves, gloves, and hats serve dual purposes. Into shoes? Colorful laces are a small investment with a big payoff. Take it from someone who had a three-credit-hour course about texture and color; there is a shade out there for everybody and it doesn’t have to be gray. — johnsbri@indiana.edu
(02/01/13 2:51am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Here we are in the bleak days of February. The weather is erratic, classes are picking up and I’ve turned into the least motivated student I know. Fortunately for us, basketball season is in full swing — where is your school spirit?Ladies, I get the battle between practicality and appearance. I’m an apparel merchandising major, so I love fashion as much as the next girl. What I don’t get is why students can’t manage to combine school colors with being fashionable. As I looked around the general admission student section of the IU game against Penn State, I saw blazers, trendy tops and overdone hair. What I didn’t see enough of were team jerseys, crimson tops and those clever homemade T-shirts student sections should be filled with. Blazers? This isn’t the Ivy League or Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. You’re at one of the finest educational institutions in the country, but we’re still a public school. Embrace it. You’ve got a free pass to throw on jeans and a T-shirt. Cute shirts? Seems like a classic move made by freshmen or Assembly Hall rookies. People wearing these must not understand that Assembly Hall is hot. If you’re not wiping your brow at timeouts, you’re doing it wrong. Did Katniss wear her hair down in the arena of The Hunger Games? If you’ve got an hour to stand in front of a mirror and meticulously flat iron or curl your hair, you can spare 30 minutes to go to the campus bookstore and select a game day shirt. While you’re at it, do a bit of research. Cheering for Hanner Mosquera-Perea after Victor Oladipo makes a shot is about as cute as your highly flammable curls after the first half. Looking nice doesn’t surpass school spirit. Ever. If you’re hoping to be noticed by a basketball player in a room full of 17,471 others, I wish you nothing but luck. With two weeks left until Valentine’s Day your time is running out. Just know that your competition for Will Sheehey’s affection is every other girl in the arena, plus a few of the gentlemen. May the odds be ever in your favor.— johnsbri@indiana.edu
(01/25/13 4:52am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Weekends are a beautiful thing. We get a break from the classes we want to skip and don’t have to see the professors we think can’t teach. They also provide a chance to see girls wearing shoes they can’t walk in. I’ll admit it. I’m a people-watcher. I silently critique what people are wearing and make up their life stories. The best place to do this? Out at the bars.Unless you’re a member of the basketball team or besties with a bouncer, you stand in line waiting to pay cover and receive your stamp. While waiting in line, you see them teeter toward Kirkwood Avenue from all parts of town. Some try to power-walk through the pain while others make no attempt to hide their suffering. Inside the bar, their balance deteriorates from wobbly, to weary, to wary. These girls must forget how many bars have stairs. You won’t see the Hoosier Room at Nick’s without opening yourself up to a quick quad workout. You can’t snag a roomy booth on the top floor of Kilroy’s Bar and Grill without tackling the stairs. No complaints from me, as I’d be headed across Kirkwood for tacos or pizza anyway, but I’m truly baffled by the number of troopers that limp their way over. If you find it necessary to make a fool of yourself, by all means, please do so. That’s the beauty of America. We have few laws that limit your ability to make poor decisions. However, those of us who make sensible shoe decisions would appreciate a few common courtesy rules. Publicly declaring that your feet hurt won’t get you sympathy from me, so keep those comments to yourself. Think you’ll get to cut lines at the bar or bathroom? Good luck. Perhaps you think the guys will come flocking to date you because of your irresistible shoes. I’m not saying all heels are off-limits — just make sure you can walk. May I recommend taking the ankle boot route? Thick heels, stylish shoes and they keep your feet warm. Another popular choice? The wedge. A gradual slope, it’s a much more commute- and drink-friendly heel option. So ladies, as you’re getting dressed throughout the weekend, remember “the higher the heels, the lower the expectations.”— johnsbri@indiana.edu
(01/11/13 4:49am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“It’s that time of year when the world falls in love.” It’s doubtful “old blue eyes,” Frank Sinatra, was referring to the winter obsession college females have with Ugg boots. It’s a love affair that begins in fall at the browning of the first leaf. Females across the Bloomington campus scamper to their closets to reunite with an old friend they haven’t seen since the spring chill ended, unless they’re everyone’s favorite Ugg-lover who pairs the sheepskin and suede boots with miniskirts and shorts. They’re the ones in stores and online having an internal debate on tan versus black, while secretly wondering if they can convince their parents to buy both. As an apparel merchandising major, I feel it’s my responsibility to educate the masses about the limitations of this Australian import. We’ve all seen the ads, but, regardless of what Ugg-endorsed NFL quarterback Tom Brady says, they aren’t unisex. I’ve seen the males on this campus, and, as they don’t look like him, there’s really no excuse. The only line of Ugg shoes acceptable for those with Y chromosomes is the slipper. Should you be fuzzy about where slippers are acceptable, I’ll remind you: home and Walmart. Uggs aren’t all-weather shoes. They’re suede and deserve to be treated as such. This means any form of weather involving water should disqualify Uggs from that day’s outfit. IU likes to make feeble attempts at convincing students they care about their safety in the winter by salting the sidewalks. When I say salt, I’m not referring to the dash of spice you use to add flavor to your eggs at brunch. I’m alluding to the lead hand Subway workers use when seasoning your sandwich. That helpless feeling you get knowing every bite of your lunch will bring you one step closer to coronary disease is irreplaceable. My grudge against the brunette who ruined my beloved Black Forest ham sandwich aside, the real issue is the misuse of Uggs. Salt is mean. It corrodes arteries, cliffs and coincidentally, Uggs. Maybe the seasoning is as salty as I am about the misguided female population. Or, perhaps, it’s just doing what it does best. Regardless, we all see your salt-lined shoes and raise you a peppered glove. Do yourself and your Uggs a favor and spray your shoes before you wear them. — johnsbrl@indiana.edu
(01/10/13 4:43am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A square of neon paper marked with a hand-drawn 10 dangled from her fingertips.“Ten. Who’s number 10?” said Iris Rosa, a professor in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, over the noise. Someone stepped forward to collect the number. Surrounded by barefoot students waiting for their assignments, Rosa distributed the numbers in an orderly fashion. A group of 18 hopefuls, including six returning dancers, wore neon numbers pinned to their chests while they stretched. Rosa clearly stated her expectations: professionalism and passion.“One, two, three, four,” Rosa said. “Stay on beat. Don’t lose count.” Over the rumbling beat of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” students pliéd, swung their arms and stretched their necks, each vying for a spot in the course. Despite what the pop-music genre playing in the room might suggest, the African-American Dance Company performs what allows them to express the culture of the African Diaspora. The auditions for the African-American Dance Company took place Tuesday in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. The dance company is a semester-long course worth two credit hours and makes up one-third of the African-American Arts Institute. The Institute includes the Dance Company, Choral Ensemble and Soul Revue. Serving as company director since 1974, Rosa is familiar with the possible misconceptions of the dance company.“Our company is open to students of all races,” she said. “In fact, each year we have quite a diverse group of students.”Rosa shared the second semester schedule, which is filled with workshops and performances.“Along with our formal program that runs in April, we will be performing at a local elementary school, Stonebelt Center and Ivy Tech (Community College),” she said.“The students really enjoy dancing at Stonebelt. It’s usually the favorite performance of the year.”Rosa said the company means a lot to her.“The ability to come in and learn to express feelings of the African Diaspora are key,” she said. “But, we really are a family, and if you work hard and have passion, we give you all the keys to success.”Fourth-semester participant Alexandria Rhodes said she agreed with Rosa’s sentiments.“I chose to get involved with the company because one of my good friends who had graduated had done the company in the past and really loved it,” Rhodes said. Rhodes, a dancer since age 3, said she uses the company to stay involved with dance.“Even though I’m not a dance major, I have hopes of always dancing,” she said. “Whether it be teaching, performing or both.”Rhodes said she vividly remembers the nerves of auditions. “The very first audition I was terrified,” she said. “I hadn’t auditioned for anything yet at IU. Being a freshman, it was very intimidating, and I felt desperate to be chosen.”Rosa said she was unsure about the number of students that would be selected.“It really does vary by semester,” Rosa said. “Because we perform in smaller places like the Buskirk-Chumley (Theater), we have to be mindful. We can’t take more than 20.”On Tuesday evening, 24 dancers ran combinations.First-year director Raymond Wise is hopeful about the growth of his choral ensemble group.“I’ve been doing this for 30 years now,” Wise said. “I came here specifically to grow and build.”While the ensemble uses music written for, by or about African-Americans, there are no limitations placed on members.“We’ve got students of all grade levels, graduate and undergraduate,” Wise said. “We allow students to participate for as many semesters as they’d like.”Though auditions have happened in the past, this year the ensemble did not have them in order to encourage students to participate.“What we’ve found in the past is that students get afraid of auditioning and end up not participating,” Wise said. “But, if students love to sing and are really serious about singing, they are more than welcome to join.”
(04/02/12 2:24am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On Sunday evening, the Union Street Center auditorium housed a 200-person mix of high-school and college students along with members of the Bloomington and IU communities. The high-school students were part of Spring Shadow Day, an event sponsored by the IU Office of Community and School Partnerships. Moving Beyond Fear was an event focused on informing attendees about the consequences of bullying. A display about disruptions of world peace was exhibited by Bloomington Safe and Civil City Director Beverly Calender-Anderson, who presented a proclamation declaring April 1 as Anti-Bullying Awareness Day. The display, titled “Transforming the Human Spirit,” is open to the public from now until April 9.Ottawa Sanders, president of IU Soka Gakkai International, a club affiliated with Nichiren Buddhism, is a student writing a dissertation about nuclear proliferation. In her speech to the audience, Sanders stressed the global effects of intimidation and bullying. “Nuclear weapons are a form of intimidation that are being used by wealthy countries as a type of leverage over those who don’t have the funds or means to create their own,” Sanders said. “I think we as students need to be more aware of our elected officials and how they manage the so-called threats to society.” Shawn Woods, the keynote speaker of the event, travels the country speaking about personal and professional development. A former police officer and homicide detective, Woods has seen all sides of bullying.“Bullying is much bigger than the classroom,” Woods said. “Bullies not stopped after third grade have a higher chance of becoming a convicted felon. One in seven people are either a victim or a bully, so it goes beyond teaching against bullying. It’s about teaching our young people to take a stand and having them call out bullying when they see it.” At Sunday’s event, Woods offered students the possibility to email him their stories about bullying. The collected stories will be used in future speaking engagements and a book that is in the early stages of development. At the end of the evening, students signed anti-bullying pledges, promising to help victims and befriend those in need. Event organizer Kim Morris-Newson, associate director of the Office of Community and School Partnerships, attributed this year’s anti-bullying theme to the stories in the news. Last year’s focus was on diversity and covered the attacks on various cultural centers on campus.“We really want to go deeper into it and find solutions to power young people,” Morris-Newson said. “When you hear all of the tragic things happening to young people in our communities and our backyards, you have to react. We’re focusing on self-change and recognizing the power students have inside themselves.”
(04/02/12 1:40am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Students normally learn about world culture through textbooks, but Saturday at Binford Elementary School, cultures of the world came alive in the school gymnasium. The Lotus Blossoms World Bazaar, sponsored by the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, welcomed Bloomington families to take part in three hours of arts, crafts and entertainment that encompassed cultures from six continents.Seven-year volunteer Crystal Ritter handed out temporary tattoos at the door.“I love it,” Ritter said. “I have a lot of fun and enjoy doing it.”International passports were also handed out at the door and were stamped after children attended the accompanying cultural stations. Aimed at kindergarten to sixth-grade students, the 14 passport stops showcased textiles from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, calligraphy from China and musical instruments from Russia.Some booths required less skill and more taste. First-year volunteer Lexi Summers, an IU sophomore, passed out fruit at the “Foods around the World” booth. “Its been interesting seeing children’s reactions, most are more open to the new foods than parents expect,” Summers said. Stations were manned by 80 volunteers from the Bloomington community and IU campus. Volunteer coordinator Tamara Loewenthal has been involved with the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation for more than 10 years. “I’m still here because I love its mission. World music gets children involved,” Loewenthal said. “The booths are set up by the club affiliated with them, and they think of the activities for the kids, and it’s as simple as that.” Despite elementary school children being the target age, parents found a way to join the fun. David Stringer, IU professor in the Department of Second Language Studies, learned to play the djembé, a West African drum, with his three children.“We come every year,” Stringer said. “It’s great fun for the family. My kids always want to come back.”
(03/30/12 2:11am)
Participants in the 11th annual Campus MovieFest have been given a week to create a film no longer than five minutes.
(03/29/12 3:24am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Just after 3 p.m. Wednesday, people on the grassy knoll behind Foster Quad fell quiet. Laughing ceased, games were paused and Frisbees were put down. Two white sedans had just collided, and emergency responders were already dragging victims out of the cars. A group of 70 people stood by the crash site while the decibel of the audience’s noise level plummeted to zero. The demonstration was a warning for all onlookers of what could happen if students engage in drinking and driving.The crash simulation was part of an afternoon event put on by the Indiana Collegiate Emergency Medical Service group. Club President Jennifer Kempfer, a senior majoring in biology and neuroscience, spearheaded the planning for the event. An on-campus club with about 150 members, the group focuses on providing CPR and First Aid treatment at both community and campus events. While many students are pre-med or health-field-related majors, all with an interest in victim response are welcome to join, Kempfer said.“I was really drawn to the club because it’s more than just books and sitting,” Kempfer said. “We’re out here getting patient involvement and hands-on experience.”Senior Julie Hartley, a public health major, and junior Gwendwr Meredith participated in the re-enactment.“I was really excited to do the event because of the impact it could have on people,” Hartley said. “Growing up, everyone heard about drunk driving deaths, so I don’t think this topic is new to a lot of people, but the way we’re informing them about it is a lot more interactive than what most are used to.” A wide variety of booths were on display at the event. Some of the more popular games included cornhole played while wearing beer goggles and a giant fishbowl filled with water at which students guessed the number of shots it contained. The simulation was the first of its kind on campus in more than four years. Since early September, the club has balanced planning Wednesday’s event with other events on campus. IC-EMS offers services at a variety of high profile campus events, including every Little 500 practice, IU Dance Marathon, the Timmy’s Race for Children and the Habitat for Humanity 5k Walk/Run. Their participation extends beyond the boundaries of campus and includes Taste of Bloomington in the summer. With Little 500 quickly approaching, junior Mike Grainda stressed the timing is not a coincidence. “We wanted this to be a warning to students,” Grainda said. “The beer goggles and drunk driving simulator gave people a chance to see firsthand what could be. We want everyone to enjoy themselves but also to take caution.”
(03/02/12 4:49am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Junior Sarah Beal is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Theta is home to more than 100 girls, and life in the house varies greatly from Beal’s living situation last year. She lived off campus with only two roommates. Each had her own bedroom and bathroom.Steven Kurutz recently published an article in the New York Times about interesting habits he developed while living alone. Talking to his cat and examining his pores in the mirror daily were just a few of the habits Kurutz highlighted. Kurutz said he developed a series of new habits while living by himself. As she currently lives in a double room in her sorority house, Beal said she could relate.“It was easy for me to isolate myself and stay in my room, watching TV,” Beal said. “I also saw different habits develop with having my own room. Being alone, I would talk over the day’s events, or sometimes I would think of outfits in my head and try them on. While I still like to try on clothing, I think I’ve mostly dropped the habit of speaking to myself.” Now, Beal shares her bedroom with a roommate and has seen her social activity increase as a result. “It is much easier to hear about events when you’re living with 100 girls as opposed to two,” she said. “Really the only downfall is trying to find quiet space in the house to study.”Across Bloomington, recent graduate Aby Cortes has a different living situation. Her one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is covered with her possessions. A May 2011 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Cortes said she finds living alone more conducive to her career. “Being a creative person, I work much better surrounded by my own things,” she said. “Some people think it’s messy, but I find it productive. I like finding my stuff the way I left it.” Cortes lived with the same roommate for three years in an apartment complex across from Memorial Stadium.“The location obviously helped my social life, but I haven’t really seen a decrease in it moving into my own apartment,” she said. “You’re really only a short walk or car ride away from your friends and living in Bloomington. You can always find something to do.” As for those seemingly unavoidable habits developed by living alone, Cortes answered with a laugh. “I’ve caught myself talking or thinking out loud quite often,” she said. “For now, I don’t think it’s a problem. Living alone, I eat when and whatever I want without reservations.”
(12/09/11 3:15am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Really, November? You just breezed on through, passing by so quickly I barely had time to celebrate the Thanksgiving dinner thrown for me by my program and questioned by my Italian roommates. Pair that with trips to Rome, Florence, Milan and Mantova and here I am, bracing myself for the two finals that await me on Monday. I guess some things remain the same regardless of the continent you’re studying in. But let’s be honest, traveling and experiencing a new culture are the biggest gains from “studying” abroad, so I don’t regret a single one of my trips. Now, amidst the flurry of studying and cramming that college students around the world are experiencing, I not only have to study, but also find a way to see what Italy has to offer for the Christmas season. (Rough life, right?)Dec. 8 marked the official start of the holiday season here in Bologna with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. While to students it’s mostly a reason for another four-day weekend, older Italians appreciate it as the day Mary began carrying Jesus. Don’t bother trying to tell them Christmas is in a mere 17 days. Perhaps his conception is similar to that of a vampire and he grows at a remarkably fast speed?Similar to the day after Thanksgiving, Italians everywhere are decorating their homes with garlands, candles and nativity scene figurines. Struffoli, a dessert with origins in Napoli, and Cenci, an Italian version of the elephant ear, are now available at bakeries throughout the city. Storefronts are littered with clothes in red, green and glittery patterns that enable obnoxiously-dressed aunts everywhere to continue their pattern of leaving sparkles on others’ clothes after the necessary Christmas Day hug.The most distinct feature of celebrating the holidays in Europe has origins in Germany and Austria— the Christmas market. Affiliated with the Advent season, the markets began popping up at the beginning of December in about 1300. Today, these markets that offer seasonal baked goods, unique presents and live entertainment are present throughout the world.While it was fun to gallivant around Europe, speak another language and wear leggings as pants, I’m due to return to the United States soon. While you’ve been real, Europe, the lack of Christmas movies, snowstorms or my mom’s chili has put a bit of a damper on my holiday season.Next week, I’ll pack up my belongings, head to the airport and enjoy as much of Air France’s free wine as I can before I return to life as a minor and a North American.