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(11/15/04 5:01am)
It's been a little more than one week since the opening of the newly renovated School of Journalism library, and its patrons have only positive feedback on the improvements.\nLibrarian Grace Jackson-Brown said the flow of students and faculty through the library has been slow, but responses have been positive. \n"It's kind of gotten a gradual awareness that the library is open. We've only been open a week, so gradually, people are discovering that we're open and coming in to use it." Jackson-Brown said. "Everyone seems to be pleased with the new layout of the library."\nStudents now have access to a quiet room in the back of the library for research or studying, while the front portion is set up for group work. New to the library are 11 computers, wireless Internet and ports for laptops to hook up to the University system. \nJunior journalism major Evayn Burns likes the new library amenities.\n"It feels a lot more open now," she said. "The new velvety seats are comfortable and soft. They make studying more comfortable."\nThe new and inviting décor, along with plenty of workspace, makes the library an ideal place for spending time between classes and studying for exams, Burns said.\n"It's a nice place for journalism students to go when you have three journalism classes in a day. We used to just have a little nook in the hallway with two computers and a table. Now, it's kind of nice to have a place to do work now before class and after class. I'll probably come here to study for finals because the main library's normally packed."\nSophomore Richie Madewell, who works in the library, said he plans to use the facilities despite being a biology major.\n"It's a lot different than the old library, but I really like everything. I like the quiet room so you can talk in the main part and go back there to do your homework or research. The group work areas have dry erase boards, and that's pretty neat when you're working with a group and you have to do a presentation."\nMadewell, comparing his experiences from working in the library last year to ones from the new library this year, said it is extremely different from the past, mainly because of the change in physical resources.\n"It's kind of odd there are a lot less books. It's only 10 percent of the books we used to have, but it's still a library."\nWith the popularity of electronic resources such as Academic Search Premiere or Communications and Mass Media Complete, a popular journalism collection, not as many books are needed in the stacks. While the majority of the books went to the Main Library or to the Auxiliary Library Facility, the most current and highly used journalism magazines and resources are still housed in the library.\nDespite a slight reduction in size and space, Jackson-Brown is satisfied the facility's upgrade.\n"I'm fairly pleased with it because a lot of the resources that were available here are available electronically online, so you can get to resources such as the academic search premiere. There are so many more resources available for students that it makes it a good place for them to work."\nAs for her outlook on the library, she sees only a positive future for students and their new workspace.\n"I think students are happy now that we're right here in Ernie Pyle Hall so they don't have to make the track over to the Main Library. It's really convenient when they get out of class they can come here, use the library and complete their assignments. It's just a nice place for students and faculty."\n-- Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu
(04/28/04 4:28am)
Ah, sun, sand and great food. How I miss you already. In Europe, every country practically shuts down during Holy Week, and everyone goes on vacation. While most students backpacked around Italy, I decided to venture out and head to Greece with my sister from the States in tow. It's hard to see everything in the span of a week, but we decided to go beyond the traditional Greek tour and visit some exotic locations. The trip began on the island of Crete, where we got our first taste of Greek life. \nWe expanded our horizons in the port town of Rethymno, mainly a cheesy tourist town. It boasts whitewashed Mediterranean-style homes and gyro stands on almost every corner. Gyros are traditional Greek sandwiches made from lamb or chicken in a pita, dressed with lettuce, tomato and a spicy, yogurt-based sauce called tzatziki. They're great for a light, one-hand-necessary lunch while trekking around the town. \nWhile Rethymno is fine for a one-day stopover or an easy adjustment to Greek culture, one shouldn't spend much more time there. Tourist trap restaurants line the beach with a host outside asking, "Are you hungry?" or "Isn't it time for lunch?"\nFor the next stop on our journey, we called the town Plakias our home. Plakias is one of the major tourist hotspots in the summer months. You can find great hiking in the gorges and sandy beaches to relax and soothe your muscles. When staying, bypass all the hotels and head straight for the Youth Hostel. Chris, the owner, will direct you to the best places for fun and food. Consider him a local guidebook of all that isn't a tourist trap or a rip-off.\nAfter leaving the southern coast of Crete, we headed to the northern coast to catch our ferry to the island of Santorini, the crown jewel of the trip. Tourist activity is centered in Fira, so beware of restaurants trying to rip you off. Skip all the restaurants with American food and just go for the authentic ones -- except for Mamma's Restaurant. Mamma still works there and solicits customers. If you have any questions, Mamma will help you in her hospitable Greek demeanor. \nAs for social life, the Greeks love to party, so don't worry about the absence of nightlife.\nDiscos and bars are in abundance in Greece. For sun and fun, head down to Perissa Beach, a black sand beach. Even in cooler weather, the sand's ability to absorb heat will warm up anybody on a towel. But put on sunscreen. Even an hour in the sun will turn normal skin into a lobster shell. Yes, I did learn this the hard way.\nMajestic beauty is only a half-hour bus ride away from Fira. The small hillside town of Oia is famous for its sunset over the caldera, a hollow space where the Strongyli volcano collapsed 3,600 years ago. \nWhitewashed houses carved into the mountainside with vibrant blue doors, shutters and trim add more personality to the island. Blue signifies good luck, as well as protection from evil spirit for the Greeks. While the views are mesmerizing, keep your attention on the western edge as the sun sinks down into the ocean. Brilliant oranges, pinks and reds cast their light on the town, making it a sparkling array of artwork.\nUntil the start of the Olympics, avoid Athens. Currently, it's one of the biggest construction sites and all the historic monuments are buried under scaffolding and museums undergoing artifact restoration. Although the Acropolis and the Parthenon inspires awe at their age, it soon diminishes with the presences of the builders' tools and safety ropes. Until next time, yasis!
(04/06/04 5:19am)
Of the many ethnic groups that have inhabited the Iberian Peninsula during the past few millennia, the Romans take the cake (or flan) for some of the most remarkable buildings. This influence is highly visible in the Spanish province of Extremadura, which is located three hours south of Madrid along the Spain-Portugal border.\nOne of the first stops, as well as one of the most important ones, is Mérida. To someone who has never seen Rome, I thought this city could have been named Little Roma, with its colossal theater, amphitheater, aqueducts and bridge.\nFirst the theater: The Romans knew how to build these right. Standing at the top of what was left of the second tier of seating, the voices of other tourists on the stage were crystal clear. Nowadays, sitting there is a great way to eavesdrop without anyone noticing, but back in the Roman empire, it meant the city's poor still had great seats to a theater production. While it only holds about 4,000 people today, during its glory years, the theater held close to 10,000, making it a site to see and imagine. Marble columns two stories high framed the stage while statues of writers and deities filled the alcoves between pillars. \nSound cool? The amphitheater is even better. Picture it as a smaller, more run-down version of the Colosseum in Rome and you've got what's in Mérida. Alcoves for caged animals for gladiators to fight flanked the arena entrances, while row upon row of stone seats rose into the air, giving everyone their money's worth for a fight.\nOn the way out of town, make sure to check out the bridge that has withstood 2,000 years of river current. It's still in great shape for walking, resting and photo-ops. Also, the aqueducts are a can't-miss, as their color and decor were replicated centuries later by the Moors in the giant Mezquita in Córdoba. Make sure to glance up at the top of the aqueducts because you might catch a glimpse of a few of the thousands of white storks that populate the province. At least now we know when the stork brings the baby, it brings it all the way from Spain.\nFor another day of sightseeing and pictures for the family calendar, head over to Caceres in Upper Extremadura. Its main attraction is the Old Quarter, enclosed by town walls and great watch-towers that offer incredible views of the lush countryside. The Old Quarter looks like it just came out of a movie set in the Middle Ages or before. The high stone walls, cathedral, towers and cobblestone streets could make anyone feel like there should be livestock and fruit stands scattered about with little old ladies running around in dumpy frocks and bonnets, just like a scene out of Monty Python. Except, there wouldn't be a guy going through the city with a cart and a bell screaming, "Bring out your dead!"\nLast stop on the weekend excursion is Trujillo, birthplace of conquistador Francisco Pizarro. A statue of him on horseback stands in front of an old church, whose bell towers are littered with stork nests which weigh more than 100 pounds. Walk further into the old part of the city to discover a medieval castle. The castle's high walls and lookout points allow any visitor to capture the full breathtaking beauty of the region -- a great way to end a historic weekend.
(03/23/04 4:27am)
While IU students sunned themselves on the beaches of sunny Florida, Texas or Mexico during the past week, I've spent it reliving the aftermath of a terrorist attack.\nThursday, March 11, almost 200 people died as a result of terrorist bombings on four commuter trains in Madrid, Spain. At first, the government and people blamed a Spanish separatist group, but by Sunday, the word was out those responsible were part of al Qaeda. The attacks were al Qaeda's way of telling the Spanish government it wasn't happy about its support in Iraq.\nSince the attacks, Spain has responded in full force with its opinions and reactions to the attacks. First off, over 11 million people gathered across the country the night after the attacks to honor the fallen and speak out against the war. Madrid stood strongest with two-thirds of its population out at their manifestación (combination protest and vigil). It's astounding when 2.3 million people are all gathered for the same cause.\nThe manifestación truly humbled me. Holding a moment of silence among 30,000 people just in your part of the vigil is awe-inspiring. \nNever have I witnessed anything like it in the States. Banners lined the streets of the manifestación's route, with the most provocative claiming, "It's not raining tonight. The sky is crying," in response to the rain falling throughout the night. Cold and drenched, some without umbrellas, Madrid's citizens proclaimed their respect for more than four hours that night.\nThe most significant change in Spain was the shifting of power. On election day, with a 9 percent increase in voter turnout, the Popular Party lost the presidency, as well as numerous Congressional positions to the Socialist party. Within his first few days as president-elect, Jorge Rodríguez Zapatero has already promised to pull all the Spanish troops out of Iraq. While the Spaniards are in full support of this move, being that the culprit is most likely al Qaeda, the Americans wonder how long it will be before the anti-American support from around the world regarding both the attacks and Spain's plan to pull out troops has flooded the country. Wreaths, candles and books of condolences quickly appeared in and around Spanish embassies everywhere. These tokens of respect are nothing compared to what Madrid's people have created. \nThe Monday night after the attacks, my friend and I visited Atocha, the train station with the most deaths, to view the makeshift memorials created by mourners. Within minutes, I was one of those mourners. While the attacks weren't close to my apartment, the sheer volume of candles, flowers, signs and children's drawings depicting the incidents caused my heart to constrict and tears to stream down my face. As I walked around hauntingly beautiful memorials, I pondered the effect this had on my life, then realized it was nothing compared to the those of the madrileños (Madrid citizens). Most expected another attack to happen in London or some other city, but not Madrid. It was such a safe and happy city, but now it has a blanket of fear wrapped around it.\nSpaniards have gone on with their lives since the attacks, but the city will never be the same. People are hesitant to board the trains or the metro for fear of another attack. Anger toward President Bush flows freely, as does the sadness of losing 200 citizens. Security around the city hasn't increased, but the memorials at Atocha, El Pozo and Santa Eugenia increase every day. Americans say they will never forget Sept. 11, but we know it will someday fall into oblivion with only brief mentions in daily papers, such as D-Day or Hiroshima. I can say for sure Madrileños and Spaniards alike will never forget 11-M, as they call it, simply because of the shock and surprise it created in such a peaceful city.
(03/12/04 5:14am)
My morning cartoons had just ended, so I started channel surfing. One thing was evident as I searched my seven TV stations -- all of them had live feed of police officers, firefighters, Red Cross workers and ambulances scrambling around everywhere. Then came footage of people sitting on the ground, one hand covering a wound, the other holding a cell phone to their ear, presumably telling loved ones they were alive.\nThen my brain began to register some of the words from the news caster, such as "estación" (station) and "Atocha." I froze when I heard Atocha. It's a large train and subway station in the city, and some of my friends live around the area. Some take the bus to class and others the subway. Which route were they taking today? Were they among those sitting on the sidewalk? Scared and worried, I finished my morning regiment with my eyes glued to the TV for updates and footage of the situation.\nRight as I was turning off the TV to leave for class, a cameraman was able to get a shot of the disaster area at one of the other two train stations that had been bombed. Horrific images of a charred train with its roof blown off filled the screen. I feel guilty saying this, but right then, I breathed a sigh of relief. My friends don't take the above-ground train anywhere but rather the underground subway. The attacks were on trains, not the subway. My friends were fine. I continued to watch as the video captured firefighters laying metallic clothes down over objects. It took a few seconds to realize they were covering up corpses.\nI felt safe taking the bus to school the previous Monday but worried about my friends who take the subway. What if the same people who bombed the three train stations bombed the subway? What if they had more attacks in store?\nDuring class, several students came 20 or 30 minutes late, but my professor didn't mind. He told us he'd normally be angered by that type of behavior, but that day, it meant his students were alive and safe and that's all he could hope for.\nAll the students checked in at their program offices to let the advisors know they were alive and safe. Then it came time to call our parents. My dad seemed a bit mad when I called him and told him to call me back on my cell phone at 5 a.m. Indiana time. His anger melted away and his voice filled with relief when he heard what had happened and that I was safe.\nAfter letting my parents know I was safe and later sending an e-mail to all my friends and relatives letting them know I was alright, the reality and aftermath began to set in for all the international students. It wasn't an attack on Amercians or Spaniards but against the Spanish government. \nNewscasts replayed footage of bloody victims, but not all were alive. All day long, analysis and coverage of the attacks reigned over TV programming. Then came the positive aspects of the tragedy. All over Spain, in the major cities, thousands of people gathered in plazas to pay their respects with a moment of silence. Thousands gathered all over the country at blood banks and Spanish Red Cross buses, waiting hours to donate for the injured. Some had to be told to return the next day because so many wanted to give blood. Thousands congregated in plazas with signs, chanting "ETA, ¡No!, Vascos, ¡Sí!" in protest of the terrorist group responsible for the attacks but in support of the culture the group represents.\nThe aftermath of 9-11 mirrored this day so much. At first, everyone walked around with shock, awe and the preoccupation they knew someone involved. They made sure to contact loved ones to let them know they were alive. In honor of those who lost their lives, they then did everything they could to help the cause and help the victims. If I could give blood here, I would. I want to help, but I'm not sure how. All I know is I have a little bit more fear about being in large, crowded places, but this attack isn't going to change my life or habits here. I came here to live, and that's what I'm planning on doing.
(03/02/04 5:46am)
Two months ago, I arrived in Madrid without a clue of what the city would be like. Two months later, I'm still here after a rollercoaster ride of adjustment. While it's not a Third World country, Spain definitely differs from the States.\nSome of the biggest adjustments are within the university the IU exchange students attend, Universidad de Complutense Madrid. IU has strict guidelines of no smoking within 30 feet of a building and absolutely no alcohol on campus. \nHere, the day Madrid enacts any sort of smoking ban is the day hell freezes over and IU wins a bowl game. Students smoke everywhere, and I'm not just talking about cigarettes. It's legal to smoke pot in Spain but illegal to traffic. This means students smoke their product of choice anywhere.\nThere are professors who have their lighter and next cigarette in hand before leaving the room. I invested in a bottle of Febreeze before I came here since I'm a hard-core non-smoker, but now, it's pointless. The bottle is sitting at home on a shelf gathering dust.\nIn the wake of the IU Student Association elections, one issue parties ran on was turning IU into a "wet" campus. UCM is as wet as they get. The cafeteria has a full bar behind the counter. Empty bottles of Corona, Heinekein and San Miguel (a Spanish beer) litter the tables, while administrators and professors are up at the counter having a chat over some wine. How's that for a 180 degree change?\nNow, another change that needs to be made is the Spanish fashion consultants. While there are some who -- in my opinion -- appear normal, there are others who appear to be on the run from the fashion police. Leg warmers and gaudy, plastic jewelry are just the tip of the 80s rock resurgence here. I already lived through that decade and I'm not going back. Members of the fashion police will be glad to hear I have improved my fashion sense by wearing normal clothes to class. My uniform of sorority sweatshirts, scrubs and Sauconys don't cut it here, so it's jeans, sweaters and boots for me!\nIt's not really so bad dressing up for class. My jeans are all a tad bit looser thanks to the enormous amounts of healthy food and the normality of walking everywhere. Morning breakfasts of pancakes and eggs are unfathomable. Instead, toast, juice and a piece of fruit is all Spaniards eat until their big lunch during the afternoon siesta -- which is one of the best parts about being here. Daily naps are heaven since the culture here has a norm of partying during the week until 3 or 4 a.m., while weekend parties end around dawn. It's an early night if you're in bed before sunrise. It is easy to stay out that late because bars and discotecas (Spanish dance clubs) employ people to recruit Americans into their bars.They offer us free cover and a free drink -- a beer or a shot -- definitely making it easy to have a long, cheap night.\nDuring the week, my time is taken up by studying and practicing my Spanish. \nThe rest of the time is devoted to immersing myself in a new culture. Every day, my lexicon grows with new words, phrases and slang, courtesy of the the Spanish students. History, culture and dialect classes are ever increasing my knowledge about the country, but the most important things I will always remember will be the daily culture. All the people, how they look and how they are will help me change and, hopefully, eventually become a mature adult.
(02/10/04 4:44am)
Amusement parks were always fun as a child. Gymnasts, musicians, magicians and all types of performers lined the walkways, each showing off their craft while kiosks with cheesy toys and balloon characters could be found on every corner. And of course, there was the daily highlight of having your picture taken with various cartoon characters at the park.\nRetiro Park in the heart of Madrid embodies all of those basic theme park qualities, with people looking to score a few extra euros. With miles of walking trails and a lakeside promenade, anyone and everyone can find something to enjoy here. Numerous performers set up shop along the sides of the promenade, creating a supermarket of entertainment. Puppet shows are performed to capture attention spans of little kids, while adults have their choice of street musicians and acrobats. While each musician is full of talent, having all of them on one half-mile walkway is kind of an overload. There are two things I recommend bringing to the park during a visit. The first is a pair of earplugs to soothe tired ears and block out all unwelcome noise. The second are some coins in small denominations since every performer you stop at is looking for some compensation. \nIf shopping is more appealing, street vendors display their variety of products, some with plastic pinwheels and Nyla balloons with Disney characters like those from "Finding Nemo." Other vendors sell supposed handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets displayed on towels -- but most likely the jewelry was mass ordered from the Spanish version of the Kip catalog. Then there are the American pop culture cartoon characters all looking for their share of your spare change. Locals dressed up in character suits wander around the park, saying hello and waving to the kids. Beware though, some characters are repeated -- several Tiggers and Mickeys in multiple costumes and a couple of those annoying red Teletubbies all stand in a 20-foot vicinity of each other. \nAnother caveat is the appearance of these characters. When looking closely, the characters are not always in proportion. Take Mickey Mouse for example. We all know his big nose, large round ears and squat height. Some of the Retiro Park Mickeys were six feet tall with small ears and proportionally skewed faces. A lot of the Mickey costumes looked like Mickey was on crack. \nSpeaking of drugs, do not, I repeat, do NOT go into the park at night. It's like Central Park in New York. A great place by day, a shady one at night. My friends and I made the mistake of staying in the park after dark and found ourselves surrounded by scary men, some asking if I could stop to talk to them, while others just came out and asked if I wanted to buy one of their many types of drugs. Spanish families still walked the well-lit paths in the after-dusk hours, but we hauled booty to get out of there. \nSo, to recap this week's column, Retiro Park is a great place to park yourself on a Saturday afternoon, but skedaddle at sunset unless you're looking to score or be scared.
(01/27/04 4:03am)
Upon first glance, the city of Toledo, Spain conjures up images of medieval times and Spain's legendary character, Don Quixote. Turrets on the famous Alcázar palace and high brick walls designed to ward off intruders complete the historic landscape.\nWalking down the city's cobblestone streets feels like a trip back in time, destroyed only by the Fiats and Seats speeding down small alleyways and narrowly missing the numerous pedestrians wandering the city. \nCloset-set buildings with intricate iron-work balconies frame the exterior of every window. Dogs wander carefree through the streets, as did the tour group until some of them stepped in the presents the dogs so freely left on the sidewalks. Works of art by the famous painter El Greco attract tourists from around the world.\nToledo is the type of city that could inspire anyone with its serenity and incredible views. It is surrounded on three sides by the River Tajo. \nThe timeless beauty of hand-crafted work has withstood centuries of battles, yet preserves the relaxed Spanish attitude -- summed up perfectly by one of the city's many street performers.\nAs the tour group entered la Plaza de la Cathedral, a lone musician stood in the center playing "Let it Be" by the Beatles. Unlike America, time is not of the essence here. People take two or three hours for lunch, while businesses routinely close in the afternoon for large family meals and an afternoon siesta. Americans call this a bad business tactic, closing in the middle of the day, but hey, who am I to argue with when discussing afternoon naps? Give me my pillow and blanket, and I am as happy as a Spaniard in a winery.\nPeople take time to smell the roses in Retiro Park. They sit in little coffee shops after work to discuss life, politics and sports. Rushing from place to place is not the life. Instead, people enjoy the city's ambiance. Of course, the ambiance includes chocolate con churros, which is like a cup of hot chocolate, pudding and big Cinnamon Twists from Taco Bell, only much better.\nLife is no longer one hectic race, but a relaxed stroll through the trials and tribulations of everyday occurrences. Let life be. It makes it a lot more fun to live.
(01/13/04 5:29am)
Packing for a study abroad semester in Madrid, Spain, is no fun. Because of weight and space restrictions, airlines only allow two suitcases and one carry-on. Normal people take a large suitcase on a vacation. I usually have to squeeze my clothes, shoes and hair rubber bands into two for a typical week-long jaunt. The airlines expect me to fit the next six months of my life into two suitcases -- less than seventy pounds each, and only one carry-on? That's ridiculous!\nBefore packing both suitcases, I had to clean out my room to figure out what I wanted to take with me. Did I mention I have yet to unpack the boxes I brought home from fall semester?\nAfter sending off many, many bags to Goodwill, I narrowed down the precious few items that would make up my wardrobe until July. Then came two content revisions where I pared down my T-shirts, sweatshirts, shoes and comfort items. Do I take a book or some mini-boxes of cereal as snacks? Should I FedEx my extra deodorant and contact solution, or can I cram that in the suitcase's side pockets? Shoes or umbrella? An umbrella would be handy if it rained, but a snappy pair of sandals would be oh-so-cute in the discotecas. In the end, my Harry Potter books have taken their places on the bookshelf at home because there wasn't enough room after packing the cereal and deodorant. And anything even remotely resembling fashion? Left hanging in the closet, replaced by basic black pieces I can mix with other black pieces. \nThen came packing both suitcases (super-sized), which is an art form in itself. Fitting everything in there just right to maximize space is a talent few have mastered. Thank goodness my sister has her degree in travel packing, otherwise I'd be up the proverbial river because a paddle doesn't fit in the overhead compartment. \nBut it's not about the umbrella or the proverbial paddle. Or the cereal, the sandals or Harry Potter books. Mainly, though, it's about the experience. It's about leaving everything I've known for 21 years to go live with people I don't know in a metropolitan city I'm not familiar with where the people speak a language in which I'm not yet fluent. Experiencing both the good and the bad of a new culture will help me figure out who I really am. Learning to live as a little fish in a giant pond will be an important skill so I can stay afloat in the sea of life after graduation.\nBut on this trip, it doesn't really matter if I sink or swim because my seat cushion turns into a flotation device.
(12/01/03 5:30am)
The Von Lee Theater on the edge of campus has been empty since it closed in 2000, but life might soon return in the form of a bar or restaurant.\nA hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Monroe County Courthouse before the county alcoholic beverage board. Current theater owner Artemis LLC placed a petition to transfer almost 30 permits to the site, including a retailer permit for beer, wine and liquor. \nThe permits will be discussed and voted on by the three-member Monroe County Alcoholic Beverage board, consisting of chairman Fred Turner and members Richard McKaig, IU's dean of students, and Bloomington resident Bruce Huot.\nHuot said board members are still unsure of what will become of the property. That question will be revealed at Wednesday's meeting by excise officer Brian Stewart, who is in charge of the permit requests. Voting on the transfer of an alcohol permit for the Von Lee may not happen this week due to local interest in the property, Huot said.\n"I think the members will want to give more consideration than just what has appeared in the newspapers and on TV," Huot said. "I can just speak for myself, and I'm going to do some investigating before I vote."\nHuot said he wants to take an inventory of liquor licenses in the area, as well as talking to neighboring merchants to find out their opinions on the situation.\nArtemis LLC recently purchased the Von Lee, 517 E. Kirkwood Avenue, from Kerasotes movie theaters, which previously placed a covenant on the deed stating no movies could be played in the theater. That covenant sparked a legal suit against the theater giant by the "Save the Von Lee" organization.\nGroup organizer Chris Sturbaum said the organization is against Kerasotes' practices, as well as Artemis' permit application for the liquor license.\n"Many of us grew up going to the Von Lee and we want to see it a movie theater again," Sturbaum said. "It's the last historic theater downtown and it's not allowed to show pictures. We think that's a crime."\nNostalgia was not the only reason Sturbaum cited for keeping the Von Lee a movie house. A multitude of bars and restaurants already on Kirkwood Avenue is another reason.\n"It reflects badly on IU to have a bar right on its doorstep. Think about having a Hooters right across from Sample Gates. That just says 'party school,'" he said.\nAlso, changing the building into a restaurant could negatively affect area businesses instead of complementing them, Sturbaum said.\n"It will only harm the local businesses around it, which are all bars and restaurants, while a theater would help businesses around it," he said. "Restaurants and theaters are complementary uses. A theater draws people downtown and they use the services around it on their night out."\nRobert Schultz, a manager at Nick's English Hut at 423 E. Kirkwood Ave., said a new restaurant could be good for the area.\n"A new restaurant would be good because competition is good. It keeps everyone on their toes," Schultz said. "If we can get people to go to this area of Kirkwood, they are going to visit multiple establishments. When people come down here, they come to Nick's, then move to Uncle Fester's, Kilroy's and Upstairs Pub. Besides, who wants to come downtown if they don't have the options?"\n-- Contact staff reporter Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(11/24/03 5:41am)
When students' minds are concentrating on second helpings and football games, thieves might be helping themselves to TVs, Playstations and computers from student residences.\nDuring the 2002 Thanksgiving break, more than 40 break-ins were reported to the Bloomington Police Department.\nLike previous years, BPD plans to add extra patrols around apartment complexes and student residential areas.\n"Instead of just driving by like we normally do, we try to go through the parking lots and look for anyone who doesn't look like they belong," said BPD Sgt. Alan Pointer. "This time of year when many people are gone, it's easier to see who doesn't belong because anyone who is in the parking lots and buildings kind of stands out."\nThere are also some basic steps students can take to protect their belongings. The primary things to do are leave lights on timers and hide valuables.\n"Thieves don't break into any random house. They have to see something they are interested in," Pointer said.\nPointer added that if there is someone you trust in your apartment complex, have him or her keep an eye on your place, but be wary.\n"Don't advertise it that you're going to be gone to everyone. Those people you trust might just be the people who get into your apartment," he said.\nIU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger said dorm residents, especially people who live on the ground floor, should keep their drapes closed so theives can't peer into windows. He also recommended students take with them any high-price items, such as laptops and stereos.\nIf a break-in does occur, State Farm Insurance Agent Lisa Allen says don't worry too much. She said a student's stolen property is generally covered by their parents' homeowner's insurance, as long as the student is still claimed as a dependent on his or her parents' tax returns.\nEven before a theft occurs, there are some things students can do to guarantee they will be reimbursed for lost property. First, make sure to have pictures of any valuables in an off-premise location, such as with your parents, to show ownership, Allen said.\nAlso, keep receipts of purchases and have unique or expensive items appraised. Both tips provide proof of ownership and value. Put these receipts and appraisal values off-premise with the pictures to guarantee they are safe in case of an emergency.\nPointer recommended students get serial and model numbers off their property. When thieves steal property, they rarely have a personal use for it, so they pawn it. When looking through pawn stores for lost property, the only way to get it back is to have proof of the serial and model numbers. Otherwise, Pointer said, the chances of getting property back are slim to none.\nJunior Heather Majors has already made a list of her valuables and has taken pictures to document her property, but she's not apprehensive about a break-in at her off-campus house.\n"I'm not really worried about our house being bothered while my roommates and I are gone," Majors said.\nStill, she is taking her jewelry, CDs and DVDs home, just in case.\n"It doesn't hurt to be overprotective," she said. "You never know what's going to happen. I guess we'll just have to lock our doors and hope for the best."\n-- Contact staff reporter Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(11/14/03 3:34pm)
Michael Jackson, John Mellencamp and Hoagy Carmichael have at least one thing in common. They are all famous Hoosiers whose music will be showcased by the Bloomington High School North Marching Band in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.\nMore than 135 Bloomington High School North students and 100 parents are traveling to New York City for the nationally televised holiday spectacular.\nJackson's "Thriller", Mellencamp's "R.O.C.K in the U.S.A", and a medley of Carmichael songs including "Heart and Soul", "Stardust" and "Georgia on My Mind" are all part of the band's repertoire. "Back Home Again in Indiana" will finish off the band's set.\nTom Wilson, BHSN marching band director, chose these pieces to showcase the Hoosier spirit and honor the local stars.\n"It's a nice way to show off Indiana," Wilson said. \nThree tunes will be played on during the 2.25 mile parade route, with a 1 minute 30 second performance in front of the Macy's store at Herald Square.\nJanice Stockhouse, chairwoman of the BHSN music department said more than 300 high school bands applied and 11 were chosen. A portfolio, a professionally-made video of the marching band and a few audio CDs recorded by the band were all sent in to parade officials as part of the application process.\nPast travels for the band include the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., and a 16-day concert tour of Europe in 2002.\nWilson was informed that his students had been chosen to be in the parade last April, but practice did not start until the fall semester due to the competitive show for the marching band. Now that the competitive season is over, Wilson said, the students have spent two nights a week and Saturdays practicing the music.\n"We've really started working on it seriously, with the mini field show we do in front of Macy's and the Color Guard learning new choreography for the pieces," he said. "We also have started marching around the track at the high school to get our endurance up for the parade."\nBHSN senior Ryan Smith, who plays the mellophone in the band, said the students do not mind the extra practices because of the incredible opportunity.\n"The extra practices aren't too bad," Smith said. "A lot of people are pretty pumped and excited about it." \nSmith said she is very excited about being in the parade and going to New York.\n"I think it's awesome," Smith said. "I think it's an awesome opportunity to present the band to the entire nation and show them we're a powerful and well-rounded school in band."\nThe students will leave Bloomington the Sunday before Thanksgiving and return Friday, the day after the parade. In their down time, they will visit famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Ground Zero and of course, Macy's department store. New York's culture and art won't be wasted on these students, as they will be split up into groups to view six Broadway musicals, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and St. John's Cathedral, Stockhouse said. \nSmith said he is excited for the patriotic cites on the itinerary.\n"I really want to see the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero because those are probably the top two national tributes that represent the U.S," he said.\nFund-raising efforts began last summer for the trip, since the students are responsible for paying their own way. Car washes and raffles were held to raise money to cover the $475 personal cost for each student. Local Bloomington businesses also pitched in by donating prizes such as dinners, free movies and massages to also help the students.\n -- Contact staff reporter Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(11/12/03 6:10am)
Wier was one of the many veterans in attendance Tuesday at the American Legion Post 18 Veterans Day ceremony at the Monroe County Courthouse.\nFollowing tradition, the ceremony honored veterans who have died within the past year by lowering the Legion's flag to half-staff.\nThe Honor Guard performed the firing of the rifles and playing of taps. An extra ceremony took place this year where 13 veterans received the Silver Star, a medal given only to WWII veterans who were in combat and received a Purple Heart, Wier said.\nVeterans Day is a time of remembrance for Wier. He remembers his friends who died in combat and never came home, as well as those who have died in the past few years. For the funerals of those who have recently passed, the Legion gives a final salute to the deceased.\n"Whenever I go to a funeral of a fellow veteran and member of the Legion, we wear our Legion caps. After the ceremony, before the family as mourners file out, we march up to the coffin and salute him for the last time," Wier said. "That's sort of like what the veteran's ceremony is about. We're saying farewell to the people we know who have died a long time ago or who have died recently."\nLocal elementary schools got into the act Tuesday with their own ceremonies. Highland Park Elementary School had an all-school convocation, where more than 500 students and community members witnessed the posting of the colors by the Color Guard of the 2nd Battalion 150th Field Artillery Guard Unit.\nNavy Lt. Commander Bryan Klir of the Crane Naval Surface Welfare Center was the featured speaker for the event. His speech focused on what the public truly owes to its veterans, as well as the importance of recognizing their accomplishments and showing them the respect and thanks they deserve, said Jim Morrison, assistant principal at Highland Park.\nAt Tri-North Middle School, students dedicated a flag pole in honor of the day's events. The program featured several student speakers who also honored some veterans in attendance.\nBloomington Mayor John Fernandez attended the event and several others throughout the day.\nFernandez encouraged the students to do their part in serving their country if the situation arises during their lifetime.\n"It's important that every generation assumes their responsibilities for maintaining our liberties and freedoms," he said. "Unfortunately, some generations are called to do it in the form of fighting wars. I just hope the generation I was speaking to will assume their role in peaceful times, helping to define and shape our liberties"\nFernandez said Veterans Day is a time to remember those who have served.\n"I think it's critically important we always remember the millions of men and women who have served our country and ensured that we have great opportunities here at home to have a great life with those liberties," he said.
(11/11/03 5:35am)
Democratic state Sen. Vi Simpson upheld a promise Monday, saying she will officially withdraw from the gubernatorial race. The decision stems from a promise to pull out of the race if current Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan announced his candidacy for governor, which he did Friday.\nIn a press conference at the Indiana Press Club, Simpson said she entered the race to energize the state's economy, invest more into education and make health care more accessible and affordable to all.\n"From the very beginning, I have told (Kernan) that I would support him -- without question, without hesitation," Simpson said in her speech. "And I am a woman of my word. I will do everything I can to see that he's elected in 2004."\nSimpson prided her campaign on opening another door for women and helping them break through the glass ceiling.\n"This campaign made a difference and, I hope, made it just a little bit easier for every woman from this point forward," she said. "The next time a woman wants to run for higher office, I hope the three words she hears are 'Come on in,' and not 'You can't win.'"\nJeff Harris, Simpson's press secretary, said the state senator plans to take a few weeks off to reflect on her 10-month long campaign, as well as the recent deaths of her friends, Gov. Frank O'Bannon and former Bloomington mayor and U.S. Congressman Frank McCloskey.\nSimpson will then help Kernan with his campaign, starting by speaking on his behalf at functions or attending rallies, Harris said. She also would like to spend her time working on her three main goals -- health care, the state's economy and education.\nKernan's announcement to run for governor achieved one of the original goals of the "Draft Kernan Committee." The group's first step is to gather 500 petition signatures from each congressional district, which is required to place each candidate on the ballot, said committee member Dan Roy. Petitions can be downloaded from the committee's Web site www.draftkernan.com. \nKernan's platform includes more funding for education, an issue the committee supports.\n"While most states have cut education funding during the last few years, the O'Bannon-Kernan administration passed, with bipartisan support, increased K-12 funding," Roy said. "That really stands out. We think the Kernan-Davis administration will continue that same commitment to education."\nDan O'Neill, vice president of politics for the IU College Democrats, said the group had an enthusiastic response to Friday's announcement.\n"Joe Kernan is a proven leader with a solid record of public service to state of Indiana," O'Neill said. "He has years of experience in Indiana government and a life long record of service to America. Now with the passing of the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon, he has stepped up and rallied the state."\n-- Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(11/05/03 6:08am)
U.S. Sens. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar have proposed a bill to the Senate to change the name of Bloomington's Woodbridge Post Office to the Francis X. McCloskey Post Office Building, in honor of the former Bloomington mayor and U.S. congressman. McCloskey, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2002, died Sunday. \nCongressman Baron Hill proposed the bill in the House of Representatives. McCloskey served on the post office and Civil Service Committee during his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 1980s and was instrumental in Woodbridge's construction. \nNick Weber, press secretary for Lugar's office in Indianapolis, said Lugar, R-Ind., felt the tribute was fitting for such an honorable official. \n"It leaves a lasting mark for a legacy of a public official who has given a large quantity of time and energy to the community, first as a mayor and then as a congressman," Weber said. "It will be something that will be preserved for many years to come, and maybe people who didn't know the congressman will learn a little bit about him."\nMeg Keck, Bayh's Washington, D.C., press secretary, said the senator echoed Lugar's reasoning since McCloskey's notable contributions began in Bloomington.\n"Sen. Bayh (D-Ind.) is proud to work with Congressman (Baron) Hill and Sen. Lugar in renaming the post office for Congressman McCloskey," Keck said. "Bloomington was the starting point of Frank McCloskey's remarkable career as a public servant and is the most fitting town to honor the legacy of selflessness and hard work he leaves behind."\nWeber said it could take days or weeks to pass the bill, depending on Congress' legislative calendar. \nClose friend to McCloskey and City County Clerk Regina Moore said she felt the renaming suited McCloskey's work perfectly.\n"I think it's an entirely appropriate and fitting tribute to Frank in his legacy," Moore said. "Frank knew about it before he passed away. He was very appreciative."\nMcCloskey, a Democrat, served three terms as Bloomington's mayor from 1972 to 1982, after earning his law degree from the IU Law School in 1971. During his time as mayor, he implemented numerous public services, such as an ambulance and a mass transit system. The following year, the public elected McCloskey to the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he kept for the following six terms until 1995. During that time he focused on U.S. intervention in Bosnia and Kosovo. He died Sunday afternoon in his home after a year-long battle with bladder cancer.\nMafter McCloskey's death, Bayh issued a statement regarding the former lawmaker, describing him as "a dedicated public servant who worked untiringly on behalf of all Hoosiers as a mayor and congressman, and on behalf of all humanity as one of the first to call for greater human rights protection in Bosnia."\nThe sentimental statement also praised McCloskey's determination to fight for what was right.\n"He inspired a generation of Hoosiers through his principles and courage, and I will miss him," Bayh said.\nMoore said a memorial service for McCloskey is being planned and will most likely be held next week.\n-- Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(11/03/03 5:50am)
Former Bloomington Mayor and U.S. Congressman Frank McCloskey always wanted to make sure his voice was heard.\nDuring a 12-day hospital stay that ended last week, McCloskey asked his friend Regina Moore, who was at his hospital bedside, to get an absentee ballot so he could vote in this year's election.\n"I don't know if I'll be around next week," Moore recalled him saying.\nWhile in the hospital, McCloskey voted by absentee ballot, but his vote won't count this year.\nMcCloskey died Sunday afternoon in his home after a year-long battle with bladder cancer. He was 64.\nJohn Irvine, former deputy mayor and a friend of McCloskey, said he will miss Frank's creative take on every situation.\n"I think what I'll miss most are his ideas," Irvine said. "He just was always filled with ideas about how to do new things and what needed to be done."\nBorn in 1939 in Pennsylvania, McCloskey served as a newspaper reporter for the IDS from 1961 until 1965, and the Herald Telephone, now the Herald Times, from 1965 to 1968. He obtained his law degree from the IU Law School in 1971, and served as mayor of Bloomington from 1972 to 1982.\nDuring his time in office, McCloskey implemented ambulance and mass transportation services and created civil rights and housing inspection programs. He also lobbied for federal funding to rehabilitate sub-standard housing.\nThe lifelong Democrat was elected to U.S. Congress in 1983. McCloskey continued his fight for six terms to help and educate Americans until 1995. One of his primary causes was the conflict in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina.\n"I think in some ways, his whole congressional career was permeated with a concern for what was going on in Kosovo," Irvine said. "Early on, he was very upset the Clinton administration would not get involved. He felt that if we didn't get involved, we were going to have a remaking of World War I."\nMcCloskey approached the situation early on with the idea that intervention was the best path. \n"Seeing it from a military perspective, it was a very humanitarian angle," Irvine said. "If we did not stop the hate and the fighting between the various factions, we could not hope for world peace."\nDan Combs, chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party, a position McCloskey held from 1999 to July 2003, said he respected McCloskey's desires to make a difference in Bloomington and overseas.\n"He always wanted to do good. While in Congress, he wanted to do good so much, he got involved with Kosovo and Bosnia. That's where he knew he could make a difference," Combs said. "That's an attribute you don't find much often in politicians. Most politicians are out there pandering to the hometown crowds, but Frank didn't because he wanted those people over there to have a better life." \nMcCloskey was a family friend to Dan O'Neill, vice president of politics for the IU College Democrats.\n"I knew him very well and I have to say that people absolutely loved him," O'Neill said. "He was the chair for the Democratic Party until he became too sick to do the job. This really puts everything into perspective, especially at the time of the election. Frank fought for everybody. He saw the good in everyone. He's irreplaceable."\nFriends say memorial services are pending.\n-- Contact staff reporter Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(10/13/03 6:12am)
A new housing plan has been presented to the IU board of trustees to renovate and redesign IU housing over the next 20 years. As of now, IU has met with architects who are working on designs for the initial phase, which will open in fall of 2005, said Pat Conner, Executive Director of Residential Programs and Services.\n"Our plan is based on first developing some new housing that will provide the higher levels of privacy and autonomy that students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors have expressed interest in," Connor said. "We will then refurbish existing residence halls that traditionally have served a predominantly first-year student population by improving amenities available to that group of students."\nOver the past four years, IU has adjusted its residential policies to allow undergraduate students who have completed their first year of study to live in on-campus apartments, freeing up rooms in the dormitories. Currently, the apartments are at 100 percent occupancy, with 25 percent of them being rented by undergraduate students, Conner said.\n"We are currently able to house all first-year students under the residency policy and current enrollment goals, while being able to offer contracts to all returning students who expressed a desire to remain on-campus," Conner said.\nSimilar projects to the one planned at IU have been going on at other Indiana universities. Private developers are planning to spend $30 million creating new housing for students and faculty at Purdue University North Central in Westville, Ind., which is located about 30 miles east of Gary.\nSlated to open in the fall of 2005, the neighborhood-style development will offer 150 apartments for students, 12 duplexes and 39 single-family housing units. Included in the plan is room for several small businesses.\nThe apartments will offer two- or three-bedroom suites, a living room, a dining room and a kitchen. Private living areas will include a bedroom, a bathroom and a study area. As for aesthetic value, plans for ponds, walking and bike paths, landscaped roads, a pool and a clubhouse are included in the proposal.\nPNC's enrollment grew this year to 3,657, with 2,042 attending full-time, according to the PNC Web site, www.pnc.edu. Over 2,000 PNC students live in surrounding cities, such as LaPorte. William Back, vice chancellor for administration at PNC, said the housing project came out of necessity and community interest.\n"The idea to create housing really came from students and community members who kept coming to us telling us they wanted housing available to them," Back said. "We are very pleased and excited because the housing is a significant change in how we can serve students and the community."\nPNC is not the only Indiana college to need new housing. Purdue Calumet in Hammond and Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne also have plans to increase living space for students.\nSlated to open fall 2004, IPFW's housing project will house up to 568 students in 220 1-, 2- or 4-bedroom apartments, said Walt Branson, IPFW Vice Chancellor of Financial Affairs. Current enrollment for this school year rose to over 11,800 students.\nAmenities for the students will include a club house, fitness areas and multi-purpose rooms.\n"We were real focused on the student programming and student activity aspects of housing because we really want it to be a lot like traditional on-campus housing, emphasizing activities they can do," Branson said. "We're really trying to emphasize a sense of community. We think adding housing will raise our retention rates and it will change the student atmosphere on campus positively."\n-- Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu
(10/07/03 6:13am)
Near Eastern Languages & Culture professor Martha P. Vinson will appear in Monroe County court today on charges of criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement. Judge Elizabeth Mann will preside in the Division IV courtroom.\nOn July 18, one of Vinson's neighbors filed a complaint with the Bloomington Police Department claiming Vinson drove her car recklessly toward her, according to court records. \nWhile retrieving her mail, the neighbor said a blue Honda came toward her. She fearfully and hurriedly returned to her vehicle in order to evade the Honda because she had a small child in her car. As the neighbor left her house, the suspect continued to follow her around the neighborhood, the report said.\nWhile discussing the original complaint with the woman, additional neighbors approached the police officer with more stories of reckless driving. \nOther neighbors said they were walking through the neighborhood and Vinson appeared to be steering her vehicle toward them, the report continued. \nAfter investigation, the BPD filed a probable cause affidavit with the prosecutor's office, who then issued a warrant for criminal recklessness, BPD Capt. Joe Qualters said.\nBPD arrived at Vinson's home on July 23 to arrest her, Qualters said. She was not at home. \nAs the officers were leaving, Vinson pulled up in her car. The officers told her they wanted to speak with her and in response, she asked if she could pull her vehicle into her garage. After she did so, Vinson tried to lower the garage door as a barrier between her and the officers, Qualters said.\nThe officers proceeded to tell Vinson to get out of her car and she tried to put it in reverse to get away. As she was doing so, another car pulled into her driveway to block Vinson's vehicle. She then got out of the car, but passively resisted arrest by not cooperating with officers and not walking to the squad car, Qualters said.\nVinson is scheduled to appear in court today for a pre-trial hearing. The pre-trial hearing is the preliminary hearing to make Vinson aware of the charges against her. A trial date will also be set. \nCollege of Arts and Sciences Executive Assistant Dean David Zaret would not comment on the situation, citing privacy matters.\nDean of Faculties Moya Andrews said Vinson is currently on medical leave for personal reasons. Since the spring, the University granted Vinson leave so she could have time to recover. As of a week ago, Andrews said Vinson was progressing well in her recovery.\n"I'm really concerned about her and I wouldn't want anything to interfere with her recovery," Andrews said.\n-- Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(10/03/03 5:33am)
T-shirts clothes-pinned to a rope hung between trees Thursday night in Dunn Meadow, boasting messages from rape and sexual assault survivors.\n"You can take my virginity, but not my spirit," one of them said. \nMore than 100 students and community members turned out for the annual "Take Back the Night" march and vigil, a night of remembrance and support for sexual assault victims.\nThe most emotional part of the night was the "Speak Out" finale, an open-mic forum where survivors and supporters were encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences with sexual assault on the southeast corner of the Courthouse Square.\nOne survivor, an IU senior, recounted her experience at an out-of-town party a few years ago. The crowd of people at the party weren't the normal type of people she'd hang out with. She had a few drinks and went to bed in the house. A stranger came into the room in the middle of the night and raped her. She woke up in the middle of it.\nRapes by strangers make up only a small portion of sexual assaults, according to the Campus Outreach Services Web site, www.campusoutreachservices.com. Eighty-five percent of rape victims were raped by someone they know, according to the site.\nDealing with the aftermath from sexual assault, rape and violence against women was the important topic addressed at the vigil and march.The Bloomington Feminist Choir opened the night, singing songs of support, some written by choir members.\nCollen Yeakel, one of three speakers at the event, is an On-Scene Advocate and Crisis Intervention Services coordinator for the Middleway House, a local organization that helps battered women and children. She said the social stigma with rape and sexual assault is an issue the crowd needed to hear about.\n"These are crimes that are shrouded in secrecy," Yeakel said. "We're not allowed to talk about sex or male privilege, but to expose it like this at night and talk about the vulnerability women suffer as victims of sexual assault allows us to help create an essential situation where victims don't feel ashamed or like their experience is a secret."\nAfter the speakers in Dunn Meadow, the crowd rallied together for a vocal candlelit march through campus and part of Bloomington. The route took participants past Ballantine Hall, down Third Street, up Indiana Avenue to Kirkwood Avenue and then on to the steps of the courthouse. From the intersection of Third and Indiana to the Sample Gates at Kirkwood, the crowd marched in silence for two blocks as a way to remember the victims who did not speak out about their experience and those who did not survive, said Stacey McDaris, one of the event coordinators. \n"The silence is to remember the victims of sexual assault and the lives that have been lost," McDaris said. "It's very powerful because it reminds everyone they are forever silent and we take on the silence that is there. It is our responsibility to be loud and be vocal about what is going on in the community. There are people that are silent and we have to speak up for them."\n-- Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu.
(10/02/03 6:01am)
Community members and students will gather tonight at Dunn Meadow at 6:30 p.m. to "Take Back the Night."\nThe event is a community-wide vigil and march to promote awareness of rape and domestic violence against women. Opening the annual event will be the Bloomington Feminist Choir. After the choir, three speakers will discuss topics ranging from protection against sexual assault to the perpetrators of these crimes. A candlelight vigil in memory of the women who have died as a result of domestic abuse will close the events in Dunn Meadow.\nSenior Liz Siantz, an event organizer, said the vigil is a crucial part of the night.\n"'Take Back the Night' is for the survivors," she said. "The women being memorialized in the vigil are not, and it's important for everyone to remember that not everyone is a survivor of these crimes."\nAfter the ceremony participants are encouraged to participate in a march from Dunn Meadow to the Monroe County Courthouse, where the "speak-out" will take place. It is a chance for participants to share the reasons they are involved in "Take Back the Night."\n"The speak-out is a time for survivors to find support with others who have shared their experiences," said senior Stacey McDaris, "Take Back the Night" coordinator. "Because violence against women is a serious issue that is often not treated as one, this is a chance for Bloomington residents to send the message that rape is a crime and when it happens, we want justice for the survivor."\nThis is the first year, in recent years, that "Take Back the Night" is a week-long series of events. An art show Tuesday night captured the emotions and feelings of survivors and artists, and Wednesday night showcased a film screening, open-mic and dance performance at Collins Living-Learning Center.\nWhile there are no concrete dates of the first "Take Back the Night" march, Julie Thomas, a speaker at this year's event, said most people involved believe it started with a single event in London in the 1970s and then spread through Europe and eventually to the United States, with the first march taking place in San Francisco in 1978. Thomas is a visiting lecturer in gender studies at IU, serves as the president of the board of directors for Middle Way House and volunteers at Middle Way House as an on-scene advocate.\nThomas's experiences as a coordinator for "Take Back the Night" and the Middle Way House have strengthened her views of Bloomington women.\n"I'm amazed and moved by the strength and courage of women in this community as survivors of violence," Thomas said. "We are all honored by their presence at the event -- while we are there to support them, they also inspire everyone at the event to renew their dedication to ending violence against women."\nMcDaris encourages everyone in the community and on campus to participate in tonight's events.\n"The public should be involved to show their support," she said. "It shows support for the people you know and the people you don't know. It's a time for the Bloomington community to get together, voice their concerns about rape and to learn about the extent of the problem in the community."\nThomas said the social response to relationship violence is a critical reason to come out to the event.\n"The way society typically responds to relationship violence is that it's a private matter, and we shouldn't interfere," she said. "We blame rape victims for what has happened rather than looking at the perpetrators of the crime. We should never ask 'why didn't she leave the abusive relationship?' or 'what was she wearing?' because we don't ask those questions when someone is the victim of a different crime. We don't ask the person hit by a drunk driver why they were out driving at that time of night."\n-Contact staff writer Julia Blanford at jblanfor@indiana.edu