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(07/25/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I’m not sure if I’m qualified to be an advice columnist. I’m a 22-year-old (soon to be 23-year-old) college grad from a state school with a non-STEM degree. I don’t currently have a job (although I’m hunting). I’m not a millionaire or a prodigy or a future president. I’m just a writer with a pop culture addiction and a lot of opinions. I’m also a big sister. Not always a great one, but Fritz #2, as my mom calls her, means the world to me. She is my favorite (and only) sister, after all. I already wrote one farewell column before I knew I’d be continuing to write this summer, so I’ll spare you the repetition of all the cheesy but heartfelt lessons I’ve learned during my four years here. As this is my real farewell column, and I can think of nothing I should write about more than my little sister, and all the things I wish for her.Why? Because she’ll be entering IU as I leave. Four years behind me, this is a cycle we’ve seen before; first in high school, and now in college. She’s a smart girl — a direct admit to Kelley School of Business — with a good head on her shoulders and a good heart, but as a big sis, I can’t help but worry about her. Will she be safe? Will she be happy? And, perhaps most importantly, will she feel able to stay true to who she is, and what she believes in?I already know our college experiences will be vastly different. Even the essentials of freshman year are different: she’s living in a different dorm than I did, with a childhood friend as a roommate, rather than an (admittedly amazing) unknown person. She already knows her major and the direction her education will take. I didn’t. She’s always been more social than me — she’s an extrovert and I’m an introvert — so being around people at all times won’t be too difficult. I’m certain she’ll make hordes of new friends, and get even closer to her old ones. If she chooses to go greek, she’ll love it and thrive within her chosen sorority. She’ll likely get involved in some charitable organization on campus and continue the pattern of volunteerism and leadership she began in high school. I’m not worried about any of these things, because I see the remarkable woman my baby sister has become. All of this is easy to say, however, before you get to college. Because college changes you, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.Often the change is a mix of the two, wrought by four more years of more realistic life experience. This is when you really start to realize that your choices define who you are. Not your friends or your clothes or your taste in music — your actions, your daily decisions. Lots of us (myself included) miss this seemingly obvious point for the first year or two (or three or four or five). It’s right there in front of us, but it’s terrifying. It means that we really have to stop and think about what we believe and how we want to define ourselves, that there’s no one telling us what to do or who to be if we don’t let them.Forcing myself (or perhaps being forced by my environment) to think about these essential things has been one of the most gratifying experiences in college, and one of the hardest. I found that one of my essentials meant practicing what I preach. I can write columns all day long. But until I stop being afraid and apply these beliefs to real-life situations, and try to change and educate the world around me (even if people don’t want to hear it), my written words are immaterial. For you, little sister, figuring out your essentials might be — and will probably be — completely different. And that’s OK! As long as you believe in something, whether it’s religious or moral or social or any number of things. It doesn’t have to be some grand cause, and you don’t have to go to church every Sunday or picket every Wal-Mart or crusade for every charity to live what you believe in. And if you do choose to do any of those things, don’t let anyone shame you for having passion about something. Put simply, you just have to look hard at your daily life, and examine what you’re doing and why. Until you do, you’re just senselessly going through the motions. Hell, that’s just growing up, college or not. I’ve got a four year jump on you, so trust me on this one. You are burning with passion for the people around you and potential for great success. You will undoubtedly do well. But you will also have a few long, lonely days, when you’re walking to class but feel directionless, sitting in a full lecture hall but feeling alone. Those days are normal — every person here has them. Even taking the time to figure yourself out can’t eliminate them completely. They’re just another thing that comes with growing up. Don’t feel like you have to put on a smile all the time or have a perfect body or a perfect GPA. You’ll run yourself into the ground chasing after a million standards that, when lumped together, are unachievable. You don’t have to be the best at everything, and not everyone is always going to love you. And that’s also OK! Failing at things really does make you stronger. You learn to bounce back more quickly, and by the time you’re a senior, the stupid little things that hurt you freshman year don’t really sting anymore. Freshman year can be rough sometimes, but it can also be amazingly, exhilaratingly fun. Try new things. Meet new people (but avoid jerks and meanies). Go to class, even if it’s sleeting, even if you're tired, even if you didn't finish the reading (I learned that the hard way). But take a day off every once in a while, too, for your sanity. Don’t come home every weekend. Don’t try to go to the bars — you’ll have all of junior and senior year for that. Walk miles for a terrible house party and laugh about it the next day. Take a midnight run around campus.Jump in Showalter Fountain. Mess with a squirrel. Get lost in the Bloomington bus system. Befriend a person completely different than you. Convince someone to drive you to Brown County when you’re feeling down. Do handstands in the hallways of your dorm, snuggle with all your friends in your bunk bed, eat tons of terrible C-Store food and find platonic and romantic relationships that make you feel loved. Little sister, I love you. Your entire family adores you. You have great friends. You’re beautiful and smart and kind. I might not know where I’ll physically be in a month or six (hopefully employed), but on those hard days, little one, I’m just a phone call away. I might give you some typical big sis crap at first, but I’ll be happy to remind you of all of the wonderful things about yourself, and how bright your future is, and how lucky you are to have four years in this sleepy little midwestern town. — kelfritz@indiana.edu
(07/15/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Before I delve into one of the most controversial trials in recent history, let me make one thing clear.I can’t fit centuries’ worth of strife and debate about race in America into a single column. To have a true understanding of where our concepts of race come from and where we stand today, I’d have to do years of research. You could even argue that, as a middle-class white female, I have no right to talk about issues of race. But I’ve written many columns about these issues, because I feel that they need to be addressed, and that there aren’t enough people trying to address them. All the knowledge I’ve gained about what the minority experience is like comes from reading and hearing the perspectives of the people who do have a right to talk about race and decide what does and does not constitute racism — our nation’s minorities. I don’t claim their knowledge as my own.So say what you want about the case of George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, but it’s absolutely impossible — and incredibly ignorant — to argue that race played no part in the shooting or the proceedings. This is because it is impossible to argue that race plays no part in the daily lives of most Americans. Before Zimmerman fatally shot Martin, their Twin Lakes neighborhood was on edge because of a string of eight burglaries, most involving young black males. Zimmerman and neighborhood residents were on the lookout for young men that looked like Martin, and many speculate this is the reason Zimmerman felt compelled to take vigilante action against him, even when advised not to. Zimmerman was playing the hero, protecting his neighborhood against the villains — generalized as young African-American men. But was this just cause for killing a child? Justifying Zimmerman’s actions with this mentality is like deciding all bicycles are evil because you’ve crashed yours a few times. Even Florida’s morally and legally murky “Stand Your Ground” law doesn’t stand up to the simple facts of the case. Martin was a fairly small minor, carrying no weapons, pitted against a much larger, older man with MMA training and a gun — a man who followed him at night. It was no contest from the beginning.“Stand Your Ground” might somehow work as a defense in the courts of Florida, but as far as much of America (and this author) is concerned, it all boils down to the toxic cycle of racism, whether Zimmerman was part-Hispanic or not. He was the product of our current racial climate, the embodiment of how much of our nation currently feels about young black men. Of course, it’s difficult to argue any of this in court. That’s why Zimmerman was acquitted: because of reasonable doubt. It was completely legal. It just wasn't right.This is a case in which the American legal system has worked against true justice, and we must remember that just because something is law, does not necessarily make it just. In a recent examination of “Stand Your Ground,” the Tampa Bay Times found the law has been alarmingly successful for those that kill and later claim self-defense. Applications of the law vary wildly, they found, and almost completely depend the personal opinions of the deciding judge (or in some cases, the jury). The Times called the results showing the law’s astonishingly inconsistent application “shocking.” Although the application of the law problematically varies, the one constant in most cases has been that 70 percent of those who kill and claim “Stand Your Ground” walk free, even though the large majority of the victims were unarmed, and the large majority of the killers had guns. Killers can get off scot-free even if they shoot someone who is retreating, or leave the scene and return later with the sole intention of shooting an unarmed man — which has happened multiple times.Moreover, while roughly 59 percent of those who kill a white victim walk free, 73 percent of those who kill a black victim walk free. That’s a 14-percent difference — not an insignificant discrepancy. The numbers don’t lie.Our system of American laws has become so twisted that, in states like Florida, you can get away with killing someone if you have an expensive enough legal team and a malleable enough judge or jury. And, it can be argued, if you’re not guilty of being young and black. Supporting this theory, just after Zimmerman was acquitted, a young black Florida mother was sentenced to 20 years’ time for firing a gun in self-defense. Marissa Alexander fired warning shots to defend herself against an abusive husband attempting to attack her. The shots did not hit or injure anyone. She tried to claim “Stand Your Ground” and was denied. She now faces prison. If anything demonstrates just how convoluted and unjust our legal system has become, it’s the juxtaposition of these two cases. A man who killed an unknown, unarmed teenager walks free, while a mother defending herself faces jail time. You can argue what you want about how the law does or does not apply to each case, but when you look at the bare, simple facts, it’s obvious something in our legal system is broken. Not guilty does not mean innocent, and applications of law do not guarantee justice. And when you put guns in the hands of people stirred into a violent frenzy and tell them they can shoot first and think later, nothing good can come of it.When the law becomes unclear, as we’ve seen throughout our nation’s history, it is the little man that suffers — minorities and historically oppressed groups of all sorts. Although privileged white Americans are hesitant to admit it, our country has a history of subjugation.In the past, laws were made to support and legalize it. Now, supposedly, laws are made to prevent it from happening.But we still find a way, because it’s this sort of oppression that keeps those making the rules in power. Even if we’re not aware we’re perpetuating it. Those that insist we should just forget about racial, sexual and other differences are usually those that haven’t had to experience the other side of things. It’s easy to suggest that black people should stop “complaining” about racism when you’ve never been black (and don’t even get me started on the myth that is “reverse racism”).We may not even be conscious of it, but everything from Supreme Court rulings to pop culture portrayals and incarceration patterns proves how far we still have to go in the arena of American racial equality. Dr. King’s dream is nowhere close to being fulfilled. We see that poignantly in the case of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman and in our nation’s reactions to it. Some wounds go too deep. They continue to fester. Incarceration rates for black men, especially young black men, are far higher than they are for white men. About 1 in 15 black men will be incarcerated in their lifetime, as opposed to 1 in 106 white men. This isn’t because black men are inherently more violent.This is because of the environment we, as a nation, have created over hundreds of years — an environment that puts non-white-straight-male groups at a disadvantage in many places, an environment in which being a woman, being gay or, in this case, being black, is often an incredible handicap. Especially in the case of America’s minorities, we’ve created and perpetuated a cycle of poverty, violence and incarceration that is difficult, if not impossible for some, to escape. Every day, through our laws and our media, we keep the cycle alive. The young black men who burglarized Martin and Zimmerman’s neighborhood, although responsible for their own decisions, were likely a product of this toxic environment. Zimmerman seems to be a different product of this environment — someone who has learned to fear and generalize the young black men it has created. We see this toxic cycle close to home in Indianapolis, which has been experiencing a wave of violence, with incidents usually involving young black men targeting other young black men. I’ve seen this toxic cycle in my own neighborhood in Indy, where a neighborhood alert was once sent out after three of my African-American friends stood in my cul-de-sac and chatted with me. It’s a tricky line to tread, but the only solution to this problem lies in the middle. We cannot ignore race, but we also cannot generalize it into becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Both Zimmerman and Martin fell victim to the treacherous cycle, to the roles our culture has created, pitting us against one another. One ended up dead because of it. If we want change, we must resist these violent roles that our society seems determined to push us into, but respect every individual group’s history, heritage and struggles while doing so. We must be willing to admit our own mistakes and acknowledge the mistakes of our ancestors and peers. We can only live without this violence if we learn to respect our differences, and even to celebrate them, rather than living in fear and trying to assimilate those not like us, punishing them if they refuse.It’s a tall order, but a worthwhile one. Look past what you’ve been conditioned to see. Question why things are the way they are. Take the time to think — really think — and act constructively. Perhaps if we can do these things, Trayvon will not have died in vain. — kelfritz@indiana.edu
(07/01/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>All the excitement over the DOMA decision aside, the Supreme Court has done some pretty frightening things lately.My colleagues’ columns about the court’s decision to overturn key parts of the Voting Rights Act and weaken Affirmative Action highlight its lack of clarity on issues of race. As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said in her impassioned dissent to the VRA decision, throwing out legislation that addresses the deeply ingrained racism in our country’s history is akin to “throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” In addition to its misinformed decisions about racial legislation, SCOTUS has also been slowly chipping away at the rights of U.S. citizens, taking away power from the people and giving it to corporations and powerful authorities. I’ve never been the stereotypical overly-concerned conservative, hollering about government conspiracies to deprive us of our right to heterosexual marriages and military-grade assault weapons. I’m not even conservative in the first place. But, in light of the mountain of poor SCOTUS choices of late, I can’t escape the cold touch of paranoia about the people in charge. How did the highest court in the land, intended to preserve the best interests of the American people, become so out of touch with the people they should be protecting?The American government was founded on the premise of protecting the “little man,” that is, the person or group being oppressed or persecuted by larger groups. At the time of our country’s birth, America itself was that little man, fighting against the oppressive control of a bigger bully. Fighting for the rights of the underrepresented is woven into the very fabric of our nation, into our heritage. And now, more and more, I’m convinced our protective inclinations towards the little guys and the underdogs among us have become lost, or very muddled at best. Take the recently decided case of Mutual Pharmaceutical Co. v. Bartlett. Karen Bartlett, a New Hampshire resident, was prescribed a generic version of the drug Clinoril to treat inflammation in her shoulder.The generic was made by Mutual. Bartlett had a terrible reaction to the generic — two-thirds of her skin nearly peeled off and she was left nearly blind and severely disfigured as a result. This reaction is called toxic epidermal necrolysis, and when Bartlett took her generic, there was no warning of it on the label. Under New Hampshire law, Bartlett sued Mutual and won a $21-million settlement under the state’s failure-to-warn and design-defect laws, designed to protect consumers.Mutual, however, challenged that decision under federal law.FDA law says generic drugs must exactly match the drug they’re imitating in every way — chemical composition, dosage directions and even labeling and warnings must be precisely the same. Mutual argued that since it followed federal regulation, it couldn’t be held liable for Bartlett’s injuries. The court, supporting corporations and firmly stepping on the little guy, agreed. This decision is now a dangerous precedent in laws relating to generics. Many medical experts estimate that nearly 80 percent of all drugs prescribed in America are generics, but because of the Mutual v. Bartlett decision, those injured by the generics they are prescribed essentially have nowhere to turn. Responsibility is absolved from everyone except the patient unlucky enough to take a bad drug. As Justice Sotomayor said in her dissent (joined by the admirable Ginsburg), “...the Court has left a seriously injured consumer without any remedy.” Further proving those who look to the Supreme Court for “justice” are, as one online commenter said, “shit outta luck,” SCOTUS also put Fifth Amendment rights (commonly known as the right to remain silent) in serious danger with another recent decision. In the case of Salinas v. Texas, the Court ruled the silence of a potential defendant during pre-arrest (and pre-Miranda rights reading) interviews can be used against them in court. The case centered on Genovevo Salinas, who “voluntarily” came in to a Texas police station to talk with police about the recent murder of two brothers — although police had reportedly made it clear he was a suspect in the criminal investigation. However, a few minutes into the interview, Salinas fell silent and refused to answer further questions. He had not been accused of the crime, arrested or subsequently read his Miranda rights at the time of his silence. Salinas was later arrested and accused of the murders, and his earlier silence was used against him in court, as a supposed admission of guilt. He was convicted, with the jury citing this silence as a factor in its conviction.The Fifth Amendment guarantees no one may be “compelled in any criminal case to witness against himself.” It doesn’t specifically mention a right to silence, but legal and court precedent have interpreted it as such over the years. The Miranda warnings read to suspects after arrest clarify these rights, specifying the right to silence so anything they say cannot later be used against them in court — so they don’t inadvertently “witness against” themselves. SCOTUS ruled Salinas’ pre-arrest silence was perfectly acceptable to use against him in court because he had not “invoked” his right to silence.According to the 5-4 majority of the Court, Fifth Amendment rights don’t exist unless you specifically invoke them. This goes against the intrinsic nature of a “right,” something that is naturally present and guaranteed and unalienable, something that shouldn’t need a performative speech act (I hereby invoke my Fifth Amendment right to silence! Silencio! et. al.) to make it valid. Many legal experts worry this will lead to more aggressive questioning from police pre-arrest, a purposeful delay in arrests and reading of Miranda rights, and more corresponding false confessions. The Fifth Amendment was designed to protect citizens and suspects — the little men of the justice system — from manipulative interrogation and intimidation just like this. The only thing this ruling can possibly lead to is more wrongful convictions. When will the Supreme Court learn the laws protecting us little men are here for a reason? Persecution, subjugation and intimidation are, sadly, truths of humanity. They’ll always be around. But that doesn’t mean we should just lie back and take their abuse.In a time when the U.S. prides itself as being above the totalitarian, oligarchical countries of the world, we’re idiotically invalidating laws designed to prevent us from descending into a totalitarian oligarchy. I would advise the Supreme Court to take notice of the “little guys” who make up America. You can only take away so many liberties from a population before it begins to take notice and take action. After all, that’s how this country was founded. — kelfritz@indiana.edu
(05/23/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I wanted to love “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Given the stellar acting by most of the cast, the fabulous special effects and the attractive modern cinematography, I should have. But I didn’t. Maybe it’s because I’m an English major with a tendency to actually analyze the things I see. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman. Maybe it’s because I was raised by two Trek superfans (I’m talking conventions and costumed family photos) who gave me high expectations. For someone unfamiliar with the Trek universe, “Darkness” would be a satisfying experience. Not particularly thought-provoking, but with enough fighting and zooming through space to keep things entertaining. This is the main problem with the film, though — it doesn’t know what it wants to be. Is it an action movie or a dramatic sci-fi epic? Is it meant for fans or just joe schmos who’ve wandered into the theater? Certain plot arcs are written with delicate power. However, for every promising moment, there’s an equal and opposite dud. One of the good plotlines is the exploration of the budding friendship between Kirk and Spock. In “The Wrath of Khan,” the original Trek film that “Darkness” is loosely based on, Kirk and Spock’s friendship drives the plot. In “Khan,” they are older, with years of shared experiences. Although the film is about facing the eponymous wrath of the villainous Khan, it’s also about how to define friendship and shared respect between two very different characters. In “Darkness,” which follow’s the 2009 reboot’s alternate timeline, Kirk and Spock are both young men, without the years together of their “Khan” counterparts. “Darkness” had a chance, though, to explore the same ideas, and to make character relationships central to the film’s development. It tries, clumsily, but ultimately fails, deciding to eschew nuanced character interactions for awkwardly extended fight scenes. One of the best scenes in the film (spoilers ahead) involves a dying Kirk’s last words to Spock. The portrayals of the two character’s budding friendship are consistently the best examples of acting in the entire movie, but they are few and far between.Where friendships are handled with at least some care, romantic relationships and politics are clumsily thrown in for effect. Uhura, formerly a strong female character, becomes boyfriend-obssessed in “Darkness,” so intent on discussing her feelings with her flame Spock that she decides to have a relationship discussion in the middle of an important mission, in front of their captain. It’s embarrassing. Dr. Carol Marcus, who, in the original Star Trek series, was a tough, independent woman, and the only person who ever broke Kirk’s heart, is here reduced to an illogical, emotional damsel in distress, complete with gratuitous half-nude scenes. Both Uhura and Marcus are insulting to women in the audience and to Star Trek fans everywhere. This isn’t “Transformers.” The women are allowed to have substance and purpose in the Trek universe, and they did, even decades ago in the original series, until the movie’s writers inexplicably took it away from them. And then there’s the villain Khan, played in this modernization by a snake-like Benedict Cumberbatch. He does diabolical excellently, but his evil backstory drowns in a sloppy combination of bad writing and too much plot. If writers had just let Khan wreak havoc on center stage, without subplots of Starfleet corruption and space politics, he could have been delightfully bad. But he never really gets the chance to show his wicked self, which could have been very entertaining. “Star Trek Into Darkness” could have been good. There’s a way to make a thoughtful action/sci-fi movie, and there are innumerable great examples. But the movie seems like director J.J. Abrams couldn’t really decide whether he wanted to make another explosion-happy “Transformers” or actually spend time and effort to make a good film. Even with the militaristic tone of the franchise’s reboot, the allure of “Trek” is in the exploration. If we want to watch movies about space fights, we could watch pretty much every bad sci-fi movie of the past 40 years. But “Trek” has always been about the moments between the fights. And when Abrams and the writers of “Darkness” lose that, they lose almost everything that’s unique about the franchise.
(05/23/13 4:00am)
A glimpse of what's on our illustrator's minds this week.
(05/16/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Where many current pop artists rely on gimmicky production to sell their songs, Lovato sings her little heart out instead. She sounds great, but unfortunately her pipes can’t save the album. The hits are phenomenal, but the misses are pretty awful. While Demi has been through a lot — bipolar disorder, drugs, alcohol and eating disorders — we can only listen to so many Disney-channel-ready songs about triumph and being strong and conquering the world. The sentiment is admirable, but yawn-inducing. That’s the main problem with this album. It needs a major attitude adjustment. Lovato is singing songs that sound more appropriate for a 14-year-old Disney starlet than a young woman. There’s no edge in lyrical or musical content, nothing grand to distinguish this album and these songs from the scores of other bland albums tween-favorite Disney girls have released. The only thing that really sets it apart is Lovato’s stunning voice, but like a great actor with a bad script, she can only do so much with unimaginative material. The best tracks on the album make good use of Lovato’s considerable range. Charting single “Heart Attack,” the lead single from the album, shows off soaring runs over a catchy, sing-along melody. “Nightingale” is a stunning ballad, and the only one on the album that actually hits home. The album’s slow compatriots, “Warrior,” “Shouldn’t Come Back” and “In Case,” are all resounding duds. Her midtempo pop jams seem to be made for 16-year-old girls to play while cruising with their learner’s permits. “Something That We’re Not” and “Really Don’t Care” sound like notes these same girls would write to the boy they made out with at the bonfire who hasn’t texted them back yet. Like, OMG!Lovato has a Rihanna/Calvin Harris moment on a few songs, and that’s where she excels. The songs aren’t that unique, but her voice floats over pounding choruses on songs like “Neon Lights,” hinting that if she got better producers, she could really be something.Don’t get me wrong — I love Demi. I think she’s fabulously talented, and a far better vocalist than most of her pop peers. But she’s stuck in her low-budget, syrupy Disney rut, and until she takes a few risks, her career will only last as long as her fans’ puberty. By Kelly Fritz
(05/16/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indiana has a long history of problems with alcohol. Not problems with the over-imbibing of alcohol, per se. Rather, we, as a conservative, traditional state, have always had a complex relationship with the idea of alcohol being sold, distributed and consumed, period. All of-age students are well aware of the current (and maddening) Indiana law prohibiting the sale of carry-out alcohol on Sundays (except at breweries and wineries). On top of that, according to a recent article in the Indianapolis Star, we’re the only state in the nation that heavily regulates the sale of cold beer. Currently, you can buy a cold beer in bars, restaurants and liquor stores. If you’re out getting groceries at a supermarket, drugstore or gas station, though, you have to buy your beer warm. Those who support the law argue that selling warm beer (rather than already-cold, ready-to-drink beer) at these places discourages drunk driving and underage drinking.These grocery stores, drugstores, and convenience stores are allowed to sell cold wine and wine coolers (with higher alcohol content than most beers), but cold beer is inexplicably prohibited. Frankly, if I were a young teen or an alcoholic desperate for an alcoholic beverage, a cold wine cooler would suit me fine. What this law really comes down to is a power play by the liquor lobby. They argue that allowing grocery, convenience and drug stores to sell cold beer would put liquor stores out of business. That argument is shaky. Very few people would stop going to the liquor store just because the grocery store sells a few cheap cold beers — definitely not enough people to drive whole stores out of business. This law, and the law prohibiting alcohol sales on Sundays, is not really here for safety or for the good of citizens at this point. These archaic laws exist because liquor stores want to keep their monopoly on cold beer, and restaurants and bars want to keep their monopoly on Sunday drinks.A group of Indiana residents is currently suing Indiana to overturn the cold beer law, but local legal experts predict that their suit won’t amount to much.Meanwhile, there’s also proposed legislation in Indiana to lower Indiana’s legal threshold for blood alcohol while driving to 0.05% (the current limit is 0.08%). To give you some sense of what a 0.05% blood alcohol level adds up to, women and men weighing less than 120 pounds, for example, could reach it with one drink. The issue that many have with this proposed legislation, a reservation that I share, is that it’s reactionary, rather than preventative. It’s one of those laws that’s supposed to look like it’s doing something, even when it’s not. It’s the legal equivalent of busywork. Since the legal blood alcohol level for driving was lowered to 0.08 from 0.10 in 2001, alcohol-related traffic accidents have decreased by only 3%. However, authorities cite that some of this also comes from increased enforcement of general traffic safety and seatbelt laws.Any law that will save lives is certainly admirable. But when the relationship between a law and the results it seeks is already tenuous at best, why continue to tighten said law? Will 0.05% really save more lives than 0.08%? Or will it just result in citations issued to petite men and women who’ve had a glass of wine with dinner, and greater profits in litigation and ticket money for the state?If you really want to save lives on the road, rather than pandering to a conservative base and lobby groups, why not focus on risky behaviors that are currently more prevalent than drunk driving? Distracted driving, especially when texting is involved, is responsible for more crashes and deaths among teens and young adults than drunk driving, and is more widespread — approximately half of all teens and young adults admit to doing it. In all age groups, it’s been found to be almost twice as dangerous as drunk driving. I’ve only met two people who were ever pulled over for distracted driving. Neither person was cited for it, even though statistically, their behavior was more dangerous than someone driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% or above. Multiple studies have found that driving while texting, checking email, or looking at a phone is far more risky than driving while drunk or even high. And yet, although we widely condemn drunk driving, it’s only within the past year or so that we and our government have even begun to approach distracted driving. A driver who texts is still considered more morally upright than a driver above the legal blood alcohol level, even though the driver who texts is more dangerous. I guess the point I’m getting at is that Indiana’s (and, on a larger scale, America’s) need to pander to a conservative base and to interest and lobby groups is holding us back from really taking steps to address our complex relationship with alcohol. In lieu of taking a real look at what will keep Indiana residents truly safe, we’re arguing over 0.03%, the temperature of a bottle of beer, and which days of the the week you’re allowed to buy a six-pack. These issues, when looked at this way, are very obviously nitpick-y placations. They’re silly little clauses that make constituents think something is being done, even though their effectiveness is questionable. Rather than putting all of this money and effort toward tightening the legislative noose around alcohol, why don’t we instead increase road surveillance and punishment for dangerous behaviors that are actually happening? I’m not a state legislator (for good reason), so I’m not privy to the tiny details about all of this, and any solution I can offer is admittedly a broad, uninformed one. But I just can’t get past the feeling that Indiana has made alcohol into our scapegoat, and that we’re milking it for empty financial and political profit, rather than actually facing the issues it creates.— kelfritz@indiana.edu
(04/29/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>IU wasn’t my first choice.When I was in high school in Indianapolis, I wanted to get away. I don’t know why I thought I could afford it. My father had been laid off and my mother was having trouble finding work, so any small amount of financial help they could have given me was needed to pay the mortgage and keep the electricity on. So, with the help of an academic scholarship and some hefty student loans, I reluctantly ended up here. My four years have been wonderful and awful and memorable. Although my English degree is the butt of business majors’ jokes, I’m confident about my future. I’ve worked my way through school as a lifeguard, bike shop employee, peewee soccer referee, editor and promo girl, among other odd jobs. If there’s anything I’ve developed at IU, it’s a strong work ethic. But even with a degree (soon-to-be) under my belt, the most important knowledge that I’ve gained while here hasn’t been academic. I’m thankful to IU for this knowledge. I’m not thanking the institution or the administrators. I’m thanking the people here, good and bad and everyone in between, for teaching me some important stuff about how life works. I definitely don’t have my proverbial shit together (do any of us, really?), so I have no right to lecture you on how to live. But I will share the most significant lessons I’ve learned, in chronological order, in case you want to compare notes. People want to be happyWhen you’re young, things seem so black and white. People are either with you or against you. This isn’t true. People are with themselves. Every single person makes decisions based upon what they think will make them happiest. This doesn’t imply selfishness — some people are happy seeing others happy. When you realize everyone is pursuing their own contentedness, just like you are, it makes it easier understand their motivations. I don’t want to get too deep, but in a way, happiness is the meaning of life. This is poignantly obvious to me as I struggle with depression. Everyone is chasing that happy feeling. Sometimes we just get in one another’s way. Mean isn’t funnyLet me be blunt: mean humor is the last defense of assholes. And no matter what people say, at the end of the day, no one loves an asshole. Shit comes out of an asshole, and no one wants to be around a shitty person all the time. Humor is great. But laughing at the cost of someone else taints it. The defense that something is/was “all in good fun” is pretty synonymous with the stupid decisions we make in college, and I’m sure we’ve all used it — I know I have. If something is truly funny, you shouldn’t have to justify your humor, or victimize someone else. Whether it’s yelling at passerby, having terribly-themed parties or harassing your friends or peers, using humor as a weapon isn’t cool. We’re not in high school anymore, and no one actually likes a bully. And here’s a sub-lesson. I used to think, if someone was obviously making fun of me in a way I didn’t quite understand, I was at fault for not “getting it.” If someone has so much bile that they can’t even coherently express it, they’re the one with the problem, not you. It’s bigger than youIn the grand scheme of life, I don’t matter. Neither do you. We’re just some young kids getting decent degrees in a mid-sized Midwestern town. I’m happy with the fact that my life isn’t that important. It’s helped me in a lot of ways. It’s a lot easier to let go of the drama of being a young adult. But we can matter. I’ve found that the people who speak out most vocally against change are the ones afraid of it. I’ve been told to stop writing, to stop trying, to shut up, time and time again. I’m always astounded at these reactions — I’m just a columnist at a student paper. My writing isn’t that big of a deal. But the reactions I’ve gotten, and that the strikers got for their efforts, and the incredibly amount of money IU Dance Marathon raises every year for Riley, and the huge effort to find Lauren Spierer, and all of the other incredible things students here have done, have all convinced me that, although life is so much bigger than our little IU bubble, we can matter. If we choose to, and we work for it, we can begin to affect positive change. Life is so much bigger than us, but good things start small. Whatever you’re doing, or supporting, you’re a small part of a bigger movement. And that’s OK. If we all just gave in when people told us to pipe down, nothing would ever get done. Kindness always winsThis is, by far, the most important thing I’ve learned. People will argue with it. They’ll point out wars and terrible people in power and injustices all around the world. Maybe kindness doesn’t gain you power, but it does gain you happiness. And if finding happiness is the general goal of most of humanity, then the kindest people are arguably the best off. If given a choice, people will be kind, because being kind feels good. It feels cleaner, lighter, better than cruelty. Even though I may have occasional doubts about the moral fiber of my generation (again, myself included), I’m firmly convinced humanity, as a whole, is good. Most people would rather not hurt other people. I can’t count the acts of kindness that have helped me here. There were understanding professors who cared about their students’ well-being, emails of support in response to my more difficult columns, doors held open, rides given, smiles from strangers and a million other little things that made the mundane difficulties of daily life better for me, and for all of us. After four years and many mistakes, I’ve found being kind makes me the happiest and gets me the furthest. I’m not encouraging letting people walk all over you. I’m just saying my most rewarding experiences have always come from showing some compassion and being willing to just be nice, without expecting anything in return.Your reward is feeling good about yourself, and about humanity, and about our future and capacity for good. For us Millennials adrift on a sea of uncertainty, growing up in an increasingly violent and desperate world, that reassurance is important. Honestly, I can’t really remember a lot of the academic knowledge I’ve crammed into my skull while here. But I’ll always remember these four lessons.— kelfritz@indiana.edu
(04/25/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Major Lazer was never meant to be particularly serious.But, if anything, the group’s cheekiness makes them that much better. “Free the Universe,” their much-anticipated sophomore album, finds producer Diplo (one half of the original Lazer) producing without the help of former partner Switch, who left the group in late 2011. Switch was replaced by DJs/Producers Walshy Fire and Jillionaire. Sadly for Switch, the sound doesn’t suffer in his absence. The genius of Lazer, and what annoys some dancehall purists, is how accessible the group makes dancehall to the uninitiated, and how casually they mix it with other genres. Lazer makes dancehall as seen through the eyes of someone on some serious club drugs. It’s a trippy, bumpy, poppy, hip-hoppy mixture of sounds, but it works. Lazer is doing something catchy and incredibly unique. And, judging by the stacked lineup of both dancehall and indie artists featured on the album, it seems people are frothing at the mouth to be associated with them. The album can be roughly divided into two categories: pop-sounding songs and dancehall-sounding songs, with a few outliers. On the pop side of things, Santigold and Vybz Kartel shine on the album’s thumping opening track, “You’re No Good.” The song sounds like a mix of No Doubt circa 2001’s “Rock Steady” and M.I.A. circa 2007’s “Kala” in the best possible way.“Keep Cool (Life is What)” features Wynter Gordon and (surprise!) Shaggy on the album’s most top-40 friendly track. Gordon does an admirable job, although I can’t help but imagine Rihanna in her place, singing over the dub-pop production.You’ll probably hear the trap-inspired “Bubble Butt,” featuring Tyga, Mystic and (bafflingly) Bruno Mars, banging in your respective clubs this summer. Loudly chanting “Bubble butt / bubble bubble bubble butt!” along with the song is too entertaining for this song not to get big (that chorus is stuck in my head as I write this). On the dancehall side of things (arguably Lazer’s strongest style), Elephant Man makes an excellent appearance alongside a seductive-sounding Opal on the frenetic “Wind Up.” The song is lighthearted Lazer at its best; at one point, a teenage girl evenly chants “grab it like a handlebar / beat it like a CPR / rewind it like a VCR / beat it like a space bar.” The voices become instruments — it doesn’t matter much what anyone is saying. Lazer slyly acknowledges this with some of the album’s sillier lyrics. Lyrics be equally damned on “Watch Out For This” and “Mashup the Dance,” the album’s other notable dancehall tracks. They sound great. The album’s “outlier” songs are where the coherent thought comes in. On “Get Free,” Amber Coffman of the Dirty Projectors croons about social issues over a minimalistic groove, giving the bright, loud album a rare moment of sobriety. Album closer “Playground,” feat. Bugle and Arama, sounds like dub mixed with old-school Lauryn Hill and a pinch of early Timbaland production, ending things on an undeniably positive note. “How long before we see that love’s the only way / and through the struggles that we juggle things will be okay,” sings Arama. “Universe” has its misses. “Jah No Partial,” feat. Flux Pavilion, could have been great, but Lazer and Pavilion couldn’t resist the urge to DROP THE BASS BRAH in the middle of the song. Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend is annoyingly twee on “Jessica,” and Wyclef Jean gets cheesy on “Reach for the Stars.” But, honestly, even the “bad” songs on the album aren’t that bad. “Free the Universe” is the kind of insane, great album we all need as summer approaches. Clothes are coming off, inhibitions are becoming fuzzy, and by the end of this album, all you’ll want to do is yell along to Bubble Butt and dance like an idiot.It gives you that feeling of being done with school for year, or even just being done with a hard work week. It’s a musical version of that wonderful sensation of throwing off the weight of your responsibilities and deciding to just go a crazy and be free, if only for a little while. By Kelly Fritz
(04/18/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Are you new around here? First Little 500 while of legal drinking age? Not an IU student? Let us help you. Little 500 is arguably best known for its gigantic house parties and frat ragers, but for those of you with no friends throwing house parties and/or no frat connections, the bars may be your best option. Bloomington is home to more great bars than we can list, but for this issue, we’ve decided to highlight the best destinations for those looking to party hard. If you’re planning to rage your face off this Little 500, check out the Weekend staff’s 12 favorite party-friendly bars.FRATTYKOKNo, it’s not pronounced “cock.” You dirty kids. Say it with us —
”Kay Oh Kay.” It stands for Kilroy’s on Kirkwood, and it’s probably
going to be the most packed bar in Bloomington this weekend (with the
possible exception of Kilroy’s Sports). KOK’s main draw this week will
be its spacious back and front patios. The back patio, when not
completely packed, is a great place to kick back at a picnic table with a
drink. However, it will be completely packed. This week, perhaps even
more than usual, KOK will host high concentrations of the IU greek
population, so if you’re looking for a hunky frat star or cute sorority
girl, you’ll be in luck. Their beer selection isn’t quite as varied as
some other bars in town, and one Weekend writer likened it to “a time
warp to 2003.” But drinks are cheap and strong, the people are down to
clown and the patios are nice. If you can find a table. Kilroy’s Sports Weekend
staff used the phrase “permissive environment” to describe Sports, if
that tells you anything. Although it’s billed as a sports bar, “Sports”
(as it’s called by locals) is in a dead heat with Dunnkirk as the best
place in town to dance. The downstairs area is huge and connects to a
large back patio. The bar brings in DJs (usually spinning hip-hop) for
their upper-level dance floor, which, by about midnight, becomes what we
affectionately call a “twerkfest.” If you’re in the mood to get your
grind on, check it out. The crowd is more varied than KOK, although
still bro-y. The one thing you can count on is that everyone will be
very, very intoxicated. Sports’ far-removed location from the Kirkwood
bars makes this an end-of-the-night destination, so almost everyone is
end-of-the-night drunk. If you’re equally inebriated, it can be really
fun. If you’re mostly sober, it can be hellish.Brothers Bar and Grill Brothers
is the anomaly in the fratty category — it’s definitely bro-y, but not
quite as rowdy as its peers. Although there’s a dance floor upstairs,
Brothers is made for sitting down, with big booths and a pleasant
upstairs patio. If you’ve got a big group, it’s a good place to start
your night. It has the best food of all the fratty bars, and it’s never
too hard to find a table. However, be prepared for a slightly older
crowd — the people here tend to skew a little more mature than KOK,
Dunnkirk and Sports. We’re talking local adults, visiting young
professionals and some grad students mixed in with the undergraduates.
If you’re a single guy or gal who likes slightly older men or women,
this is your place. This older crowd is definitely ready to party. They
may be sitting down, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re
all sober. Dunnkirk Dunnkirk has quickly and quietly become Kilroy’s Sports’ biggest dance club competitor. It’s right next to KOK, and your KOK stamp will get you in to Dunnkirk for free. We think the vibe of Dunnkirk is a little different than Sports — although Dunnkirk also has two levels, their lower level almost always has some sort of live band, and their DJ usually spins a mixture of Top 40, dance and hip-hop. Although it gets busy, it’s never quite as wild as Sports (probably because of the amateur-Dave-Matthews-esque acoustic sets happening on the lower level). If you want to dance or listen to music but don’t want to trek all the way to Sports or the Bluebird (respectively), Dunnkirk is a popular alternative. The crowd is slightly less fratty than KOK and Sports, but if you’re hunting for biddies and bros, there are still lots to be had. INDIEThe Atlas BarThe Atlas is one of the favorite bars of Bloomington’s creative crowd. It’s a little off the beaten path (if we’re designating Kirkwood and North Walnut as the beaten path), but if you’re looking for that stylish, “too cool for school” vibe, this is your place. It’s fairly small, so finding a table can be impossible on busy nights. But the decor is intriguing, the drinks are stiff, the occasional DJs are good and the crowd is always amazing for people-watching. There’s usually a food cart parked nearby, and there’s an outdoor rail. But, although we don’t want to say it, we’ll say it anyway (because everyone on campus says it) — this is a hipster bar. If you’re looking for a fratty scene, stay far away from the Atlas. This is not the place to find yourself a greek lover and order a water long island (that would be KOK). The Video Saloon Known as the “Vid,” the Video Saloon sometimes
feels like a less-well-decorated, larger version of the Atlas. It’s
right next door to Brothers, so if you’re looking for a bit of contrast,
walk the 15 or so feet from one to the other and be (sort of) amazed. To newcomers, The Vid can feel like a maze, but the drinks are always
good, and there’s always breathing room, (although we can’t guarantee
that during Little 500 week. There are lots of activities (pool, arcade
games, etc.) for the easily entertained. It definitely has a
rock-and-roll vibe, both in music selection and the general crowd — as
one Weekend writer put it, it sometimes “feels like everbody came to
fight.” But there’s something fun about that.Farm Root Cellar The
Root Cellar is what it sounds like. It’s around back of FARM
Bloomington, in what actually looks like a cellar. You descend into it
on stone stairs through a tiny door. Although it’s a very small bar, the
crowd is always lively, and the small dance floor is always bumpin’ —
there’s usually a DJ spinning something up-tempo. The brick walls and
cool inner architecture give it a touch of European sophistication, and
the bar’s tininess makes it a good place to meet people. Drink specials
are all right, and the people are hip but never too snobby. When it gets
too crowded, though, it can feel a little claustrophobic. House Bar House
Bar has a cult following among some IU students. It’s very small and
very intimate. It may not sound like a good place for those looking to
get festively smashed, but we’re convinced they have some of the
cheapest drinks in Bloomington. The crowd is friendly — this isn’t one
of those bars where you feel super judged as soon as you walked in.
There’s no real dance floor, so if you’re trying to fist pump, it’s not
your place. Small size and lack of dancing aside, we’ll say it again:
some of the cheapest drinks in Bloomington. Start your night here, and
get sufficiently schwasty in a chilled-out environment before you
venture to the jungle that is Kirkwood and North Walnut. IN BETWEENThe Bluebird The Bluebird is your best bet if you’re looking for live music AND a party-friendly atmosphere. The drink specials are good, the music is usually entertaining and the bar is spacious (although it fills up pretty quickly when popular artists are playing). It’s always a strange mix of people, and the crowd varies wildly from night to night. When they book country acts, country lovers come from all around Indiana to celebrate in their cowboy hats and boots. When they book electronic dance music acts, undergrads pour into the bar in their neon shorts and glow bracelets. Unless you know who’s playing before you go, you never quite know what kind of crowd you’ll get, which can be good or bad, depending on how patient and/or adventurous you’re feeling. If you’re going on a busy night, wear layers — the bar gets stiflingly hot when large crowds come for shows.Bear’s Place Bear’s is far, far away from all of the other bars. Even so, many IU students swear by it as a place to pregame or just sit and drink (and drink and drink and drink). If you need to get away from the main drag of bars and calm down for a while, go to Bear’s and slowly sip your way through a Hairy Bear, one of the strongest drinks you can get in Bloomington for cheap. Just remember — depending on how intoxicated (or, more appropriately, sober) you are when venturing to Bear’s from the other bars (or vice versa), the walk can sometimes feel like it takes years. If you don’t have a decent jacket on a cold night, or if you’re wearing heels, avoid it. You’ll hate yourself by the time you get there. The Upstairs Pub Just a short walk across the deck from Dunnkirk,
Upstairs is a fun, relaxed place to go if you’ve gotten a dance
music/acoustic guitar headache. It’s pretty small but never too cramped.
It’s a good place to take a quick break from the bigger bars on
Kirkwood, with strong drinks (try their famous AMF), darts and pool.
You’re unlikely to awkwardly see people you know here — Upstairs is
always a motley crew of people that have wandered in from various other
places. But the variety of the clientele is refreshing — older, younger,
undergrad, grad, white, black, student, Bloomington resident ... you
get a bit of everything in Upstairs, in a good way. It’s not a great
place to dance, and the vibe is much more casual than Bloomington’s
other bars, so you may feel out of place if you’re out cruising for
singles in your finest polo or highest stilettos. “Nobody will ever find
you,” said one Weekend writer, describing both the pros and cons of
Upstairs in one sentence. Nick’s English Hut As one Weekend
writer put it, Nick’s often feels “more like an alcohol-serving
restaurant than a bar.” It’s an IU institution, and you’ll always find
tons of alumni and older folks here mingling with the college kids.
Nick’s always has a fun, lively atmosphere, with none of the
aggressiveness or sketchiness of some of Bloomington’s other bars. It’s
fairly well-lit, which sounds like a minor detail, but actually adds to
the warm, fuzzy feeling of the place. Sink the Biz is one of IU’s
proudest drinking traditions, involving a literal bucket of beer. The
food is also pretty good (especially the famous “biz fries”). It’s
fairly affordable, and a fun place to drink with alums or parents, but
it’s not as young and hip as the bars across the street. If it’s 1 p.m.
and you want to eat a real lunch but continue your drinking spree, go to
Nick’s. But for late-night shenanigans, stick with the less
restaurant-y bars.
(04/18/13 4:00am)
The Weekend section talks to the founders of the Swiss List, IU's text-based party database, about how to party, where to party, and how to get on the list.
(04/08/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>We need to talk about our depression.And our anxiety, our bipolar disorder, our schizophrenia, our compulsions, our PTSD and all of the other spectrum mental illnesses we have.I’ll start.My name is Kelly Fritz, and I’m suffering from depression (although you wouldn’t know it from talking to me). And yeah, it sucks.On the bad days, it’s often difficult to leave my room, much less my house. I’ve always been motivated, active and involved, and suddenly that spark, which makes up so much of who I am, is gone. On the bad days, I can feel its absence. There’s a hole inside of me, and I don’t really know why it’s there or how it got there or how to fill it back up again. And the accompanying sadness is like a cinder block chained to my ankles. I can sit down for a while and take the weight off, but I know that if I want to go anywhere, I’ll be dragging it behind me, heavy and conspicuous.Before you ask or send me well-intentioned emails, yes, I’m treating it. And there are good days mixed in with the bad. But mental illness isn’t like strep throat. You can’t always cure it with a prescription and a nice person to talk to.No one wants to admit to having any of these mental illnesses, even though we, as college students, have more of them than ever, and we, as a society, are much better at accepting them than we once were. We preach in newspapers and on blogs about maintaining mental health, urging people to get the help they need. But the first step to getting any kind of help is admitting something is wrong. It’s the scariest part, because as much as we like to talk in the abstract about mental health issues, we live in horror of them happening to us. No one speaks up, so we all think we’re the only ones suffering. When we talk about mental illness, we hear people around us expressing a mix of concern, morbid fascination and unwitting smugness. “Thank god I’m not affected,” our peers seem to be saying. “Sucks for you.”Perhaps without even meaning to, they look at those with acknowledged mental illnesses as lesser. Suddenly, it seems mental illness has made its victims into lesser people than they once were.If we’re struggling, we don’t want to tell people around us for fear of becoming victims of our own honesty. Ironically, this fear of telling people makes life worse for us. It’s a vicious cycle. Statistically, more than 50 percent of all students have felt such overwhelming anxiety that it became difficult to function. One in four college students have some form of mental illness. Forty percent of students with mental health issues don’t seek help for them, and 57 percent of those suffering don’t seek help or accommodations from their schools. The No. 1 reason students cite for not coming forward?Concern of stigma. Even though there are so many of us sharing the same problems, we’re afraid and embarrassed. We don’t want to tell professors we missed class because we were home, crippled with anxiety, physically unable to go. We don’t want to tell employers we had to skip a shift because we were having panic attacks. Sick days are fine, but if you tell someone you need a mental health day, they’ll probably laugh. But mental health is no joke — it’s just as uncontrollable and unpredictable as physical illness. Those with mental health problems are not weak or lazy or crazy. They are suffering, just as those who have more obviously physical ailments are suffering, through no fault of their own. And, when silenced or left untreated, mental illness can be just as deadly as physical illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses, outnumbered only by car accidents. Suicides are disproportionately high on college campuses when compared to the general population, and they aren’t declining. Moreover, many other causes of death and injury among college students can be directly traced back to unaddressed mental health issues. If we want to help ourselves and our peers, it’s time for all of us to speak up. Let’s talk about mental illness in more than just the abstract. Let’s examine IU’s policies for handling it in the academic sphere and let students know where to start when trying to address it. Let’s stop treating it like a dirty little secret.Let’s examine how we treat our peers who are suffering from it. Let’s make an effort to stop defining people by their illnesses.Let’s all challenge our ideas of how to deal with the growing problem of mental illness on our campus. Let’s create a true culture of care, where those who are suffering aren’t afraid to come forward with their problems, without fear of retribution, marginalization or judgment. I’m sure I’ll be judged for writing this. People I know will see me and awkwardly smile, not knowing what to say. But if you see me, or anyone else you know who’s struggling, don’t pity or condescend. Your support is appreciated, but the best way you can show it to us is not to treat us as lesser because of our illnesses. It’s a tricky balance to keep, but I have faith in all of you. If you’re a friend, keep being a friend. If you’re a professor, be understanding when we try to address these difficult topics. Whoever you are, if you can see us floundering, be kind and offer support. If we come to you, listen. You can’t solve our problems, but your nonjudgmental understanding can make them a little easier to cope with and can help us be more comfortable breaking the silence. Change your attitudes to make our campus and our town a safe space. If you’re fighting your own battles against mental illness, speak up. Join me, and don’t feel ashamed. It’s a little scary at first, but we’ll be fighting either way. I’m sick of hiding, and I bet you are too. I have depression, but I’m not a broken person for it. I’m just sick. I’m trying to get better, but I can’t do it on my own. Help me and all of the people on this campus who are silently suffering.All you have to do is show a little care. — kelfritz@indiana.edu
(04/04/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Don’t believe the hype — Lil Wayne’s latest album, “I Am Not A Human Being II,” isn’t bad. It’s just confused. Mostly in an interesting way.There are gems, and the production value (with the exception of the Soulja Boy-produced “Wowzerz,” which actually sounds like a joke) is incredible. But the good songs are mixed in with some bizarre ones, and the great verses are matched by some laughable duds.It’s the album of a rich, lazy genius — a man who indulges his spurts of inspiration but doesn’t want to make the effort to polish things off. Weezy’s intermittent apathy and short attention span is the real theme of the album and what makes it cohesive. He can get away with making a jumbled, lazy album like this, because it still somehow turns out pretty good. I guess that’s what you’d call swag. The best example of the album’s topsy-turvy vibe is the delightfully aggressive “Beat the Shit,” featuring Gunplay. At the song’s beginning, to a happy, childlike melody, Wayne roughly intones “Fuck with me wrong/ take me out my zone/ and I’ll knock the motherfucking snow off of your cone.” The song immediately moves to Gunplay yelling a verse over a dark trap beat. The contrast is jarring, but it’s also what makes it so good. Silly threats to “knock the motherfucking snow off of your cone” are contrasted with deeper lyrics, like “Got more money than memories in the bank/ don’t forget it.” He doesn’t let us.“Rich as Fuck” is another winner. Wayne trades braggadocio verses with 2 Chainz over a minimalistic, seductive T-Minus-produced beat. His lyrics are silly and incredibly misogynistic, but this is Wayne at his best: eccentric, unashamed and gloriously hedonistic. “Love Me” continues in the same vein, with a great beat by Mike WiLL Made It and a guest spot by Drake that Amanda Bynes is probably listening to on repeat.Lyrically, “God Bless Amerika” is the album’s most thoughtful song. It’s — dare I say it — Wayne’s version of social commentary, much like The Carter III’s gorgeous “Tie My Hands.” Where “Hands” was a critique of America’s abandonment of New Orleans post-Katrina, “Amerika” is an introspective examination of America’s abandonment of its citizens in the criminal justice system, told through his own experiences. He describes the fear his incarceration bred in him, saying “I live by the sword/ and die by the sword/ heard police was lookin’ for me/ I’mma hide by a broad.” He may distract himself with his vices, but the fear of being locked up is heavy on his mind. Avoid “Hello,” “Hot Revolver” and “Back to You,” all of which evoke his awful pseudo-rock stage. “IANAHB,” the piano-accompanied album opener, is equally bad. But if you dodge those four tracks (and “Wowzerz,” I cannot emphasize how ridiculous “Wowzerz” is), the album is basically party-ready, or running ready, or getting-hype-before-an-exam ready. You’ll feel ready to “knock the motherfucking snow off of” the cone of anyone who needs it.Is it scatterbrained? Yes. But, hell, we all have such short attention spans nowadays (Tunechi included) that it kind of works. by Kelly Fritz
(04/04/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Birds are chirping, students are “dartying,” and UGG boots have (almost) disappeared. Has spring finally arrived in Bloomington?While I’m wary of making this statement for fear of scaring it away, it appears that our colder days are behind us. I’m not one who dislikes winter, as I’ve lived in Indiana all my life and appreciate all four seasons, but once April arrives, I’m ready to put away my winter coat. And when it’s warm out, I’m ready to stop being a hermit and get motivated to rejoin the outside world. This season started with an enjoyable stroll to interview for my online journalism class.Upon arriving at my source Lucille’s house, I couldn’t help but take note of the incredible gardens in her lot. While they were barren for the season, she kept her passion for gardening alive in her house. We talked about genetically modified foods for half an hour, and recognizing my passion in organics and gardening, she gave me a seedling of pineapple sage as we parted.As the weather warms up, it’s a great time of the year to start growing produce and herbs inside before transferring them outdoors. Therefore, my spring-themed DIY this week is DIY: indoor garden edition. While I now have pineapple sage growing in my window, you can care for any herb that you desire. Then, when the weather is warm enough, you can transfer your herb outside or even trim it and keep it indoors. No green thumb is necessary for this. Just pick an herb or produce, use your search engine research skills about caring for it (how often to water it, if it likes sunlight, etc.) and get out there! What better way to thank Mother Nature for the warm weather than sending some oxygen back into the atmosphere? The world is a beautiful place — let’s keep it that way.What you’ll need: a small pot, a seedling (also known as a baby plant) or seeds, potting soil1. Pour potting soil loosely into your pot, about two inches high. 2. Add your seedling or seed, and fill the soil up approximately one to two inches.3. Water your plant, keep it in (or out) of sunlight and care for it.Why to grow:Are pets too high-maintenance? Not enough return on investment? If you can’t handle a cat, try a plant. Specifically, grow some herbs (notice we said herbs, not herb). You get to put the love into them that you’d give to a pet, and when they get big enough, you get to eat them. Find small pots and containers at Goodwill, buy some nice gardening dirt, and you’re set — cute decorations and edible pets, all in one.Pro tips: Make sure your containers have holes in the bottom, and buy a shallow dish or tray to push under them. The soil needs to drain as you water it, and you can use the amount of pooled water as a gauge of how much more your plant needs. Turn your plants often to make sure they grow evenly. Only harvest from them when they’re at least 6 inches tall, and don’t take more than a few leaves at a time. Wait for growth equal to the amount you took before you harvest again. HERBSMint:This herb prefers partial shade and does better in containers than it does in actual gardens. Mint will overtake other plants at a frightening speed, so it’s best to keep it isolated. It’s not too particular about soil. As long as you water it a lot and put it in the sunniest window you have, it should do well. GOES IN: Mojitos. And roasted vegetables and light salads.Lavender:This flowery herb does well inside as long as it has lots of sunlight. You can actually water lavender less than your other plants — it prefers looser, more arid soil. If you’re not satisfied with the fabulous smell, the blossoms are actually edible. GOES IN: Your flower vase, aiolis, salmon, dense breads and cakes Oregano:Oregano definitely needs full sun (it requires six to eight hours of light a day), but it does well in container gardens as long as it’s in a sunny place. They only need to be watered once in a blue moon. GOES IN: Italian food. Duh. Oregano always plays nice with tomatoes. Parsley:Parsley can take partial sun in a pinch, but it will grow faster in an east- or west-facing window. It’s a hardy plant that grows well in normal soil — you don’t necessarily need fancy gardening dirt. If you move it outside in the summer, it attracts butterflies. GOES IN: Rice dishes (like taboulehs and pilafs), pastasRosemary:This herb grows well both inside and outside and does well in containers — it’s basically stupid-proof. Rosemary actually prefers soil with lime content, so add a few crushed eggshells to the dirt you pot it in. Grow it in a south-facing window for best results. GOES IN: chicken and fish dishes, savory breadsChives:These pretty little herbs do well in containers, and they’ll brighten up your kitchen with their pink blooms. They like sun and need six to eight hours per day. Don’t start your chives from seed — replant an already established plant and cut off the tops to encourage new growth. GOES IN: pretty much any savory dish. They have a mild oniony, garlicky flavor that tastes particularly good with creamy sauces, white meats and potatoes.
(03/28/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Is there a place in pop culture for a children’s film about death and existential crises?I hope so. Because a children’s film about death and existential crises is my favorite movie of all time. At its most essential, Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s incredible “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is about just that. The protagonist, Jack Skellington (a skeleton), has become disillusioned with his life. Sure, he’s the most popular guy in Halloween Town, but (to borrow from another Disney protagonist) there must be more than this provincial life.His angst-ridden midnight wanderings lead him to Christmas Town, where he decides that a little holiday spirit is the answer. However, after a failed hijacking, Jack comes to realize that being ghoulish is what he’s really good at. He didn’t need a drastic life change — he just needed a little perspective. Unlike most children’s movies, the message of the movie isn’t overt. Don’t kidnap Santa?Don’t confuse boa constrictors with Christmas wreaths?Don’t trust a man who is quite obviously a burlap sack full of insects? The lack of a moral, however, isn’t that disturbing (or obvious) at the movie’s end. Other children’s movies are often large teaching tools for social norms, but “Nightmare” bypasses such things, focusing instead on spectacle of the film itself, the incredibly refreshing premise. Kids can tell when we pander to them, and there’s no pandering in this movie. The themes, music, characterization, imagery and dialogue are all complex — often too complex for kids to understand. When I was a kid, though, that didn’t bother me. It intrigued me. As I’ve aged, the film has aged with me. The more I watch it, the fuller it becomes. The score, for example, is some of composer Danny Elfman’s best work. It could stand alone as a strange little musical (and should really be on Broadway). The songs the characters sing are perfectly suited to the movie, with none of the syrup of other animated musicals. Elfman seamlessly weaves spooky, minor, organ-led Halloween motifs with familiar Christmas sounds to make a score like nothing I’ve heard since.Particularly excellent are Skellington’s songs, in which he gives Hamlet-like soliloquies. “Spoiled all, spoiled all,” he moans in “Poor Jack.” “Find a deep cave to hide in, in a million years they’ll find me, only dust...” Pretty heavy stuff for a kid’s movie. The clay animation is just as entrancing. Sally, Jack’s (subversively feminist, as I’ve realized) love interest, is a rag doll version of Frankenstein’s monster. To escape from her abusive creator, she simply throws herself out a window and sews herself back together when she lands. The symbolism is dark and genius. Oogie Boogie, the film’s bad guy (voiced expertly by Broadway vet Ken Page), is made of the thousands of writhing bugs he eats for dinner — a literal version of the old adage “you are what you eat.” Curled hills unroll as characters walk on them. Gothic buildings teeter on spindly foundations. Halloween Town is a nightmarish version of Oz, where everything is wondrous and nonsensical, but in a decidedly goth way. It’s a damned masterpiece. “Nightmare” isn’t for everyone. I shudder at its association with Hot Topic-loving middle-schoolers, an association I suspect has irreparably sullied the film’s good name. But, even if it traumatized you as a kid, I implore you: give it a chance. It is, in my opinion, the best (and most creative) animated film ever made. It speaks to all of the weird kids out there, who weren’t quite satisfied with the perfectly packaged Disney offerings, who longed for something that addressed the darker side of life, who were intrigued by all the things that were supposed to be wrong and scary. It’s a movie for the kids who were always too curious for their own good, kids who’ve grown up into adults that still ask too many questions. But, more than anything, it’s a film for people who appreciate beauty, even if it’s dark. Sometimes, as Skellington himself finds, the most beautiful things are.
(03/28/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>This week, because we know nothing about sports, Weekend takes on cult classics and little-known gems. We have deep, undying love for some strange and embarassing pop culture stuff, and we suspect you do too. Don't fight it. It's natural. If you're reading this on the Weekend website, congratulations! Stay here! Read some columns! Procrastinate! If you're on the main IDS site, click through to read our staff's amazing coverage and commentary on Spring Breakers, the upcoming Veronica Mars movie, Cher's Youtube musical, the masterpiece that is The Nightmare Before Christmas, Kingdom Hearts' perfect relationship with middle schoolers, Arrested Development's influence on cult-supported TV, and many more fun, trashy, super-guilty-pleasure treats (on top of some great reviews). CLICK THROUGH TO WEEKEND FOR FUN!!
(03/21/13 4:00am)
Spring officially started Wednesday (even if it doesn’t feel like it
yet) and we're itching to get outside (not just because of our seasonal allergies).
(03/07/13 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On Sunday afternoon, I went running.It was gorgeous out--sunny, bright and cold. I needed to relieve some stress, and I just wanted to put my earbuds in and run until I couldn’t run anymore. The people of Bloomington were sleepily staying in, doing work or watching TV.I thought I would have the town to myself. I was wrong.Let me start by saying I had on relatively modest running gear — opaque leggings, athletic shoes, an oversized T-shirt and a sweatshirt. It was nothing remarkable. And yet, for some reason during the 45 minutes I was outside, running through seemingly deserted neighborhoods, I got honked at three separate times, yelled at by two men on scooters — pretty smooth, guys — slowly driven behind once, and catcalled by people on porches twice.By the end of my run, I was seeking out one-way streets and running in the opposite direction of traffic so I could avoid being caught unawares and having my butt shouted at. I was uncomfortable, intimidated and confused.Like I said, I’m no Victoria’s Secret model. I’m just a normal girl who was wearing frumpy workout gear. I couldn’t figure out why so many men had gone out of their way just to catcall a makeupless, sweaty, semi-gross-looking woman attempting to exercise. But what I’ve realized, probably a little late, is that catcalling isn’t about expressing appreciation for a woman’s appearance. The people that yelled at me on my run are probably the same people who yell incoherently at me out of cars when I’m walking home from the newsroom in the evenings. They’re the ones who wolf-whistle when I’m walking to my car from my promotional job at the bars. Not because I’m a goddess incarnate — because I’m a woman, and I’m there in front of them. Some would argue that IU, like many a college campus, has a culture of shouting. When it warms up, people sit on their roofs and holler at passersby. Many of my male bike-riding friends have had obscenities thrown at them for no apparent reason. Some would argue that yelling at strangers is just a non-sexist phenomenon, meant to be all in good fun.I refute that. The infrequent targeting of men doesn’t make the majority of catcalling less generally sexist or misogynistic. The overwhelming majority of people who are targeted by catcalling and vocal intimidation on campus are women. The overwhelming majority of people doing the vocal intimidation are men. It doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that — ask any female IU student. This catcalling is the manifestation of a few different problems on our campus. It reflects the overwhelming problem we have with objectifying women — an obvious point, but one that must be addressed. For example, the women on this campus don’t wear leggings — a noted male favorite — solely to invite male appreciation. We wear them because they’re easy, they’re comfortable and they look slightly less sloppy than sweatpants. If we’re exercising, we wear them because they’re practical. If certain articles of female clothing literally drive you so insane with lust that you must shout about it, you’re no better than the hormonal middle school boys for whom “no shoulders and fingertip-length skirts” female dress codes are enacted. Learn some self-control and respect.It’s OK if women want to look sexy. But simply finding a woman attractive doesn’t give you the license to intimidate her or to express sexual attraction she may be uncomfortable with. Looking sexy isn't an invitation for sex, and saying we should change what we wear to avoid these interactions is classic victim blaming.More generally, some may argue that driving slow behind a running girl or yelling at her from your porch is all in good fun. Put yourself in her shoes. Sexual assault against women in Bloomington is incredibly prevalent. Do we think you’re actually going to chase after us and rape us? Probably, hopefully, not. But that doesn’t make intimidation acceptable. This is because catcalling women, at its core, isn’t a compliment or an expression of appreciation. It’s an intimidation tactic. It’s a way for some men to express that they are still the powerful ones and that we are here for their objectification and for their pleasure. It’s a way of instilling fear, of saying, “Don’t forget that I’m always watching, always judging.” It’s a literal expression of the male gaze. And for most women, it isn’t funny, attractive or enticing. Men of Bloomington, learn to control yourselves. Don’t honk or holler if you don’t know me. And please, please let me go on my runs in relative peace. — kelfritz@indiana.edu
(03/07/13 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>You’re getting out of here, you lucky ducks. Here are a few checklists to fill before you go.The international traveler1. Your passport This may seem obvious, but one of you out there is going to forget yours. Don’t let it be you.2. Acceptable clothes for the culture No, not every country is OK with denim cutoffs and spaghetti straps. Do your research.3. Walking shoes Pro tip: Many countries are full of Converse-wearing locals. Dig into your old sixth grade clothes and pull out your beat up Chucks to look like a true European. Stick with low tops. 4. Camera Show your Facebook friends how worldly you are. 5. Journals Even if you’re not a writer, just jot down notes about your day. One day, you’ll happily look back at all the funny thoughts that passed through your head.6. Travel plug adapter Look for one that also converts energy or risk blowing up your hairdryer. 7. Cash Bring debit cards as well, but make sure they’re accepted. Warn your bank if you’ll be making any foreign transactions, or prepare to have your account frozen.8. A map No one wants to look like a tourist, but better to be the one holding a map than the one panicking and crying. 9. Medicine and small first aid kit There’s nothing like good old Ibuprofen for the morning after drinking too much French wine.10. Anything to “protect” you There’s no need to go into detail here, you dirty college kids.The party beach breaker1. At least two forms of ID Have at least your driver’s license and your school ID, and maybe even your passport. Don’t be that person who left their identification at home. 2. A jacket or sweatshirt Even warm places get cold snaps. Don’t get caught in one with only a bikini and a sarong to your name.3. Your checkbook Stuff gets stolen or lost on spring break. Don’t be stuck completely without money. Stash your checkbook somewhere safe, just in case.4. Aloe vera gel You’re probably winter-pale, and you’ll probably stay in the sun (glorious, glorious sun) for a little too long that first day or two. Bring aloe for your burns. 5. Ibuprofen Bring your pain reliever of choice. We may not endorse it, but we realize there will be many, many hangovers next week. 6. A reusable water bottle Try to drink at least one bottle of water for every alcoholic beverage you have. We don’t want you to end up dehydrated and in the hospital. 7. Body lotion and facial moisturizer You’re going to get dried out on the beach every day. We’re talking real lotion, folks. Bring facial moisturizer with at least SPF 30. 8. At least one nice outfit It could turn out that the hottest new restaurant requires nicer dress. Or you might meet someone you want to look nice for. Pack more than junky shorts and tank tops. 9. A disposable camera There’s nothing like taking photos on the fly and giggling at them a few weeks after break when you’ve finally gotten around to developing them. Instant memories.10. A boombox or speaker Make some CDs for your old boombox or bring an iPod player — most will take batteries. You can’t be sure your hotel will have a sound system, so it’s good to have a backup. Party on the beach!
(03/07/13 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Can’t bring yourself to go home, but don’t want to shell out for a lavish spring break trip?Looks like you’re stuck here in Bloomington. The good news is that Bloomington is actually a great place, and it gets even better when all of your fellow students aren’t around. There are lots of hidden gems in this town, and spring break is the best time to explore them. Even if you aren’t here during break, consider this an unofficial guide to alleviating boredom during the last few weekends of the school year. Take a mini-breakGot wheels? Take State Road 46 east past Brown County State Park and into Nashville, Ind. The sleepy, picturesque little town should be waking up just in time for spring break. Nashville is full of interesting art galleries, fun boutiques and fabulous cafes and pubs. The whole town has a great, cozy vibe, and if you’re not from Indiana, it’s one of the nicest small towns in the state to visit. If you need to get out of town for a while, grab a friend who’s also sticking around and take a day trip. The gorgeous drive is almost as nice as the town itself.Edinburgh Premium Outlets are also worth checking out if you need another escape (and are willing to shell out a little cash). They’re a few minutes past Nashville, so the very determined among you could combine trips and make it a full day — just start out in Nashville, and when you’re done, keep taking 46 east and go north when you get to Interstate 65. Let the signs guide you in. The mall is full of low-priced designer duds, and stores are currently trying to get rid of winter stuff, so if you’re willing to buy ahead for next year, you’ll get some sweet deals.Columbus, Ind., is another nearby gem. For a relatively small town, Columbus is actually world-renowned for its architecture. Take an architecture tour and see famous places like the Miller House and Garden. Locals also recommend visiting the downtown commons area and making a special stop at Zaharako’s ice cream parlor, an old-fashioned soda fountain. Be a grown-upNow is the time to do all of the fun, mature stuff you feel weird doing when the town is filled with your fellow young adults. If you’re of age, you can finally take some swanky alcohol tours.Check out Oliver Winery (8024 N. State Road 37) and do a $5 wine tasting. They’ll coach you through all the types and subtypes of wine, and you can find flavors you actually like. On weekends, they’ll usually have some sort of food catered that you can buy, and you’re also allowed to walk around their gorgeous grounds. If your significant other is hanging around, make it a date.And if you haven’t done the Upland Brewery tour with a visiting parent yet, take the time now to do it yourself. They’re offered from 3-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at their Brewpub (350 W. 11th St). Spring break is also a good time to explore the cultural side of Bloomington that we kids sometimes miss. If you’re around on Friday night, Weekend favorites Foxygen and Unknown Mortal Orchestra are playing at the Bluebird Nightclub (216 N. Walnut St.), which also has karaoke this Monday night. Or, if you’re feeling artsy, take an evening and do the Bloomington Gallery Walk. There are 11 art galleries located within walking distance of one another in downtown Bloomington. Check out gallerywalkbloomington.com for information and a listing of participating galleries. Be a kid againEver wonder what it would’ve been like to grow up in Bloomington? Take spring break to check out Bloomington kid-friendly attractions like Wonderlab (304 W. Fourth St.). In addition to its normal fun-science attractions, it will have live snakes this Wednesday.Bloomington also has tons of bowling alleys and arcades. Get away from the Indiana Memorial Union and play where locals go. Classic Lanes (1421 N. Willis Drive) is your best bet, with low prices and lots of local beers on tap. If you have a bike, take it out for a spin on the B-Line Trail. It’s short, flat, easy riding all around, without the threat of real Little 500 cyclists judging you and your beat-up bike. Get spiritualAnother one of Bloomington’s most interesting features is its Buddhist population. The famed Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (call at 812-336-6807) is a beautiful facility, and a good place to familiarize yourself with a religion that isn’t given much attention in America. Check out a $10 yoga class, attend a meditation session at 7 p.m. Thursday, or pay $5 for a vegetarian Sunday lunch in the kitchen. If you want to up your good karma, take spring break to volunteer. If you’re a first-timer, consider working at Hoosier Hills Food Bank (812-334-8374) or Monroe County Community Kitchen (812-332-0999) — both allow one-time shifts, although you’ll probably end up wanting to volunteer regularly. If you’re interested in more regular volunteering, spring break is a good time to go through a few orientations and find out what kind of service best suits your temperament, skills and schedule. Check out bloomington.in.gov/volunteer/ for a complete listing of organizations. Need a Playlist? Weekend has a chill mix and a party mix. Check out our profile to see more.