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(10/18/05 4:44am)
A little boy almost 3 years old eagerly claps as he sits on top of a book his mother just checked out of the library. His light-up shoes beam flashes of red in the dark theater as he kicks his feet together in excitement.\nSaturday, the Puck Players Public Theatre puppet troupe performed "The Little Red Hen" and "Chicken Little" free of charge to a large audience at the Monroe County Public Library. \nIf the phrase "puppet show" conjures thoughts of putting a holey black sock on one's hand, the PPPT can change that image. \n"(Puppetry is) better than dope," said Nina Ost, story teller and director for PPPT. "Not better than pinot grigio, but better than dope."\nAs a member of the puppet troupe for the past 38 years, Ost has performed every role imaginable. She has made puppets, acted, directed and created props. Now, as the story teller, she performs songs and dances between the skits to get the audience more involved in the show. \nPPPT, one of the oldest repertory puppet troupes in the country, uses a "commedia dell'arte" performance style where the lines of the production are unscripted. The story and plot are established, but how you get to the story itself is undetermined. The informality of the shows helps break the monotony for the puppeteers and the spectators. \nThe play is also interactive, allowing the audience to dance, sing and respond to what it is observing. \n"Watching puppet shows is much more active than watching television," said Tom Zoss, MCPL volunteer and puppet enthusiast. "The TV laughs for them, claps for them."\nOst agreed, but said this is exactly what makes TV so attractive to children.\n"It's kind of the narcotic of television," Ost retorted.\nNot only do the performances give the audience a more active role in what they're watching, but they also teach audience members classic stories, oral literacy, listening and prediction-making skills, Ost said.\nYoung children and their parents made up most of the audience. Those involved with BloomingKids, Big Brothers Big Sisters or even babysitters can find solace in this amusing activity free of charge. Ost said the troupe also has a large population of the international community in attendance. \n"Puppets are a bigger deal in almost every country other than the United States," she said.\nThe puppetry popularity in Bloomington continues to grow, in part because it is affordable. Events such as the puppet shows are free of charge because of a group called the Friends of the MCPL and their donations. \nWith the Friends' help, PPPT performs two shows on two Saturdays each month. \nPPPT will have puppet shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.
(09/29/05 4:48am)
For those who've grown sick of Gresham Food Court's take on Asian cuisine or are looking to expand their recipe repertoire, wander down to the Asian Culture Center this Friday for a crash course in Japanese cooking. Not only will tasty tucker be provided free of charge, but attendees can also learn about Japanese culture.\nThe ACC is sponsoring a Japanese cooking demonstration at 5 p.m. Friday at the ACC, located at 807 E. 10th St. It is free to those interested in discovering the art of Asian cuisine beyond their nightly bowl of ramen noodles. \nKeiko Nolan and her sister, Noriko Aranaki, will teach attendees how to cook a "typical" Japanese feast of sushi, nithuke (seven seasoned vegetables served with Thai chicken), Chinese cabbage with baby shrimp and pickled radish. \nNolan, who recently retired from owning her own interior design business in Indianapolis, is hosting her first cooking demonstration at the ACC. She experienced cooking many different culinary creations after living in North Korea and Japan but isn't certain how she picked up this talent.\n"You'll pick up cooking if you have to eat," she said.\nIn addition to creating dishes by Nolan and Aranaki, you can also bring your own Asian-influenced recipes to share, providing opportunities for participants of different backgrounds to reveal their diverse upbringings.\n"Food shows culture, no matter whether it is from the West or the East," said Babita Upadhyay, program and administrative assistant at the ACC. "Through Asian cuisine we show Asian diversity."\nEach month, the ACC offers mouth-watering lessons from all over Asia. In the coming months, the ACC will feature demonstrations on traditional Korean and Indian fares, expanding Hoosiers' appreciation for traditional Eastern sustenance. \nThe class is not only open to IU students and faculty, but also to the Bloomington community and anyone else who is interested. \n"(It's for) people who want to know more about other cultures, know more about other countries and the reasons behind their celebrations," said Upadhyay.\nTo test your flair for fodder, register by calling 856-5361 or e-mailing acc@indiana.edu.
(05/06/05 3:14am)
At the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, Australia, the looks, lingo and lives of the students appear as relaxed as the drug laws in Amsterdam. The university is in the capital of South Australia and contained 18,690 students last year, yet it has a rather laid back feel to it with its serene fountains and grassy terrain. \nWhile Adelaide is near a few different beaches, there is no surfing done here. This doesn't stop the youth from wearing the latest surf wear brands such as Billabong, Roxy, and Quiksilver. When the weather changes here, the garb around campus changes as well. In June and July, Australia's winter, it can get down to the mid 50s. This is when everyone, guys and girls, sport their Australian-made Uggs. It does not snow in Adelaide, yet Uggs are a staple to most Aussies' wardrobe. \nDifferences in cultures are also seen outside of attire. Despite the fact that both Americans and Australians speak English, there are many words and phrases that are completely different. One particular example of this is that students in Adelaide shorten their words, such as hols for holidays, tute for tutorial and uni for university. \nThese educational expressions, along with other explicit language can be heard coming from the Barr Smith Lawns where students gather to watch protests, hear bands, and munch on pastries and meat pies while waiting for or avoiding class. Nearby is the student union where one can buy anything from a new music album to a pitcher of beer. That's right, unlike IU's "dry campus," here students can enjoy a glass of Cooper's Pale Ale and a beef schnitzel in the UniBar between classes without having to worry about being late for their next lecture. \nWhen finished with class many students leave uni for their home at college. As two separate institutions, Uni is comparable to the lecture halls and union of IU, while colleges are a mix between dorms and Greek houses, and are not associated with the university at all. There are approximately five co-ed colleges in Adelaide. Here students of different universities live in either singles, flats or houses, eat pre-made, carbolicious food in dining halls, attend events such as pub crawls, toga parties, and quiz nights, and participate in inter-college sports like cricket, aussie-rules football and netball. Although watching cricket is about as exciting as waiting in line at the BMV, the bonnets the men wear, along with the between innings drink breaks for players perk up the matches a bit. \nAfter discovering these different cultural differences while studying down under during the past few months, I decided I'd like to expand my knowledge on Australian history by taking a few classes after returning to IU. While preparing to register for classes a few weeks ago, however, I could find no classes about this diverse country. No "From Convicts to Consumerism in Australia" or "Britain's Rule over Aussies." Nothing. The fact that I couldn't find a single class on Australia out of the 66 history classes offered this fall at a large, public university, says something about our knowledge of this country. Granted, it is a fairly young country, but if the Ukraine can have a class exclusively about it, then the continent of Australia should have a few. Australia is one of the largest inhabited countries on Earth, its people generally speak the same language as Americans and it has supported us in many of our wars, yet most Americans' knowledge of Australia consists of episodes of the Crocodile Hunter and Foster's \ncommercials. \nSince our uni doesn't offer any lectures on Australia, at least you can experience a little of its lifestyle by putting on a Billabong shirt, drinking some V.B. (Victoria Bitter), and watching a bit of cricket on ESPN. Just be sure not to order a Foster's or ask about an Outback Steakhouse or you'll be fed to the crocs.
(10/19/04 5:20am)
October isn't only filled with colors of orange and black. Many people are wearing a different color this month as they pin on purple ribbons to represent Domestic Violence Awareness Month. \nAccording to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence's Web site, DVAM first arose in October 1987. It evolved from the Day of Unity, which is celebrated on the first Monday of October. \nBloomington plans to raise awareness about domestic violence in many different ways. Among them, Middle Way House, the Rise!, Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and others will sponsor Take Back the Night at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday in Dunn Meadow. Events include rallies, a showing of "Tough Guise," which discusses the roles men play in relationships and a candlelight vigil. \nArtwork related to the subject of domestic violence is also on display around town and in Indianapolis.\nA display explaining what Middle Way House is, titled, "What can you do about domestic violence?" is currently being shown in City Hall.\nSince Oct. 13, Monroe County Library has featured children's art expressing their views about domestic violence. The exhibit will continue through Oct. 31. \nThe Indianapolis Art Center is displaying artwork done by children at the Rise!, an apartment complex for 28 single women and their families who have experienced domestic abuse. The artwork consists of a brick wall and plaster molds of children's hands. The hands are either in a fist, to break down the walls of domestic violence, or in an open hand, to reach out to those in need. \nMiddle Way House has lent a helping hand since 1971, when it was started by a group of students concerned about recreational drug use, said Executive Director Toby Strout. \nThe Middle Way House's 24-hour crisis line still exists, and the shelter has expanded to have a venereal disease clinic. Middle Way House refined its focus in 1981 to helping battered women after businesses such as Planned Parenthood came to Bloomington. \nTo help women and children in need, Middle Way House not only consoles those in emergency situations, but also has a shelter, offers support groups, provides legal advice, accompanies women to court, supplies jobs for women with little education or experience and houses families for up to two years while providing child care at the Rise! \nYouth program director at the Rise!, Monte Simonton, has worked with children for the past four years.\n"With children, that's where you can have the biggest influence," Simonton said. "When it comes to violence, you can break the cycle."\nThe showing of "Tough Guise" at Take Back the Night and its discussion session afterward aim to teach young men about how to behave in relationships and how to handle their anger. \nSenior Aran Mordoh, equality officer for FMLA, agrees with bringing men into the discussion and believes events such as this can make a difference.\n"This isn't just a women's issue," Mordoh said. "We need to teach our sons that rape is wrong, not just teach our daughters to carry pepper spray in their purses."\nThe groups leading the events for DVAM in Bloomington hope the combined efforts of men and women will help lower the staggering numbers of domestic violence each year.\n"One in four women will experience some kind of abuse in their lifetime," said Sara Huntington, outreach coordinator for Middle Way House. "It happens at every socio-economic level, every race, every creed, all around the world."\nWith help from the United Way, nonprofit organizations like Middle Way House can continue helping those in need and raising awareness for those who believe domestic violence isn't a problem. \n"(Domestic violence has) been a taboo, a hidden issue for years," Huntington said. "People are uncomfortable talking about it and want to believe it's not really going on. This is a way of talking about it and getting it out in the open."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsey Hubbard at lnhubbar@indiana.edu.
(10/14/04 6:19am)
Residents of Tenth & College Apartments don't have to go far to get primped and pampered. \nAlong with a grocery store and restaurant, which are still being finished, this downtown apartment complex also features a salon and day spa. \nLes Champs Elysees Salon and Day Spa, named after the Magnificent Mile of Paris, opened its doors Sept. 28 under the direction of a mother and daughter from Seymour, Ind. Margarete Disque is the owner and massage therapist, while her mother, Donna Disque, is the general manager who has a background in marketing. \n"We combined her 25 years of experience in the marketing business with my experience in the salon setting," Margarete Disque said.\nIt is a full-service salon offering haircuts, manicures, pedicures, skin treatments and massages, but its main focus is in the Aveda products it carries. Les Champs Elysees is the only salon in Bloomington offering the full line of Aveda products. \n"I'd used Aveda for 10 years but found that Bloomington was very limited on places to get it," Margarete Disque said. "You have to offer what people want."\nFirst-year IU medical student and Tenth & College resident Corey Johnston said she would go to Les Champs Elysees for Aveda products but would still go to Mondo Delgado for salon care because she had gone there in the past. \nJo Ratkovich, owner of Mondo Delgado, said she is not worried about the increased competition. Her salon and spa has been at its current location downtown for the past five years and in Bloomington for more than 30 years. \n"People feel good when they come here," Ratkovich said. "They don't feel like a number."\nIn January 2003, Mondo Delgado was named one of "200 of America's Fastest Growing Salons" in Salon Today. It plans on continuing to expand by adding acupuncture, yoga and reike to its list of services. \nSpas have brought their expertise off the massage table and into the lives of Bloomington residents.\nLes Champs Elysees' employees gave complimentary haircuts and massages to 34 women and children from the Middle Way House Oct. 5. \n"They were thrilled," Margarete Disque said. "(Having a spa) is not just about the money; it's giving back to the people, making them feel better about themselves." \nMondo Delgado also helps beautify Bloomington Music Works, a collaboration of Bloomington residents and students performing in theatrical productions, by doing their hair free of charge. \nAlthough regular services are not free, both spas also offer discounts for students. For its first month of business, Les Champs Elysees is providing 10 percent off. Mondo Delgado is offering a 10 percent discount on all services and products for students.\n"There's a pampering and necessity side to it," said Sandra Wilson, marketing director for Mondo Delgado. \nWhile both spas' major clientele is women, spas are not just for women anymore.\nEach spa agrees its services are being used more by men wanting to look more professional and clean cut, getting manicures and waxing unwanted body hair.\nBoth salons are easily accessible by students and residents and are open seven days a week. \nMargarete Disque said she chose to put her salon in Tenth & College apartments because of convenience for students and its prime downtown location. \nJohnston agrees.\n"There's a built-in clientele for businesses," she said.\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsey Hubbard at lnhubbar@indiana.edu
(02/26/04 5:00am)
When it comes to comedy in Bloomington, quality is more important than quantity as there are only a few places to go to get your weekly fill of laughter. Though the list of comedy clubs in the area is not extensive, the acts that come through town carry their fair share of comedy clout. At times, nationally touring comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," stop by to make Bloomington chuckle. And if you can't get enough laughs in town, the many comedy venues in the 45-minute roadtrip to Indianapolis offer even more options.\nLocally, Bear's Place has been making a name for itself for more than two decades. The original owner, Ray McConn, started hosting Comedy Caravan at his bar 21 years ago -- and the tradition has continued. The most notable comedians who have appeared at Bear's throughout the years include Sinbad and Roseanne Barr. Interestingly enough, Barr, finding an unfriendly audience at Bear's, was booed off stage in the early 1980s. \nAnyone over 21 can check out Comedy Caravan Mondays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. every week, when host Brad "Mr. Showbiz" Wilhelm emcees. The Monday night show is the longest running one-night comedy show in Bloomington and usually sells out immediately. \n"We're the only bar in town that does comedy, and I hope it stays that way," says Bear's Place General Manager Jim Reef.\nThis Monday's comedian will be Kevin Downey Jr. According to Bear's Web site, Downey Jr.'s comedy career began after realizing he failed at everything else in life. According to his online biography, he was at a bar listening to a couple of horrible comedians when he realized he could not do any worse. Now, not only has he been recognized for his comedy, but he also appeared on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" this week.\nThough Bear's has been quite successful with its comedy series, most other bars cannot accommodate enough people to profit from presenting comedians. Generally, other Bloomington bars are set up for dancing and live music; and with divided rooms in most, it is difficult for the entire audience to see and hear a comedian at one time. Kilroy's Sports Bar Manager Eric Easton says it has been several years since they have had a comedian perform. \n"Why use a comedian on a Thursday or Friday night when you make a lot more money on a band?" Easton asks.\nFor those under 21, or just looking for some free entertainment on a Friday night, the Union Board also hosts Comedy Caravan in the Indiana Memorial Union on the first Friday of each month. All ages are welcome for 90-minutes of comedy in the IMU Market. Not only is it free of charge, but popcorn and soda are served as well.\n"It's a chance for people who can't get into Bear's to come here for free," says UB Comedy Director Cody Bell.\nSophomore Kim Hedge has not missed a show at the IMU all year. She and a friend look forward to going together every month. \n"Even though it's in the Market at the Union, it still feels like a club with students heckling and eating popcorn," Hedge says. "It's really awesome that we get semi-famous people at IU for free."\nMerely 45 minutes away, Indianapolis offers even more clubs to the public. Crackers Comedy Club has locations both in the downtown and Broad Ripple areas. Thursday night is designated "College Night" at both locations, so the cost is only three dollars with a student ID. In addition to national talent, Crackers has hosted several Indiana-based comedians such as comedic singer Heywood Banks, of the "Bob and Tom Show" fame. Banks' songs include topics such as the pancreas, nose hair clippers and the female anatomy, as well as one of his more famous songs, "18 Wheels."\nFor those who love the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," one place to see improvisational comedy in Indiana is ComedySportz, also in Indianapolis. In this venue, two teams of comedians compete against each other, each inventing their act as they go -- in a similar manner to the TV show. The audience then votes on which team was funnier. The team aspect of a ComedySportz show often brings out the competitive side of the audience, but the constant jokes keep the laughter rolling.\nThe Funny Bone is another club offering experienced stand-up comedians. It has been in business for over 20 years and has had big name performers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams at many of its national locations, including Indianapolis and South Bend.\nAfter visiting the Funny Bone with both her parents and grandmother, senior Catherine Brill says the comedians were hilarious -- almost too hilarious. \n"They were talking about sex and profanity, everything you don't want your grandma to hear," she says. "Laughing would make me admit I knew what they were talking about."\nWith classes, jobs and other fun-sapping activities, comedy clubs can be a great way to unwind. Just remember to screen the comedian before taking grandma along to the show.
(02/25/04 2:50pm)
When it comes to comedy in Bloomington, quality is more important than quantity as there are only a few places to go to get your weekly fill of laughter. Though the list of comedy clubs in the area is not extensive, the acts that come through town carry their fair share of comedy clout. At times, nationally touring comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," stop by to make Bloomington chuckle. And if you can't get enough laughs in town, the many comedy venues in the 45-minute roadtrip to Indianapolis offer even more options.\nLocally, Bear's Place has been making a name for itself for more than two decades. The original owner, Ray McConn, started hosting Comedy Caravan at his bar 21 years ago -- and the tradition has continued. The most notable comedians who have appeared at Bear's throughout the years include Sinbad and Roseanne Barr. Interestingly enough, Barr, finding an unfriendly audience at Bear's, was booed off stage in the early 1980s. \nAnyone over 21 can check out Comedy Caravan Mondays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. every week, when host Brad "Mr. Showbiz" Wilhelm emcees. The Monday night show is the longest running one-night comedy show in Bloomington and usually sells out immediately. \n"We're the only bar in town that does comedy, and I hope it stays that way," says Bear's Place General Manager Jim Reef.\nThis Monday's comedian will be Kevin Downey Jr. According to Bear's Web site, Downey Jr.'s comedy career began after realizing he failed at everything else in life. According to his online biography, he was at a bar listening to a couple of horrible comedians when he realized he could not do any worse. Now, not only has he been recognized for his comedy, but he also appeared on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" this week.\nThough Bear's has been quite successful with its comedy series, most other bars cannot accommodate enough people to profit from presenting comedians. Generally, other Bloomington bars are set up for dancing and live music; and with divided rooms in most, it is difficult for the entire audience to see and hear a comedian at one time. Kilroy's Sports Bar Manager Eric Easton says it has been several years since they have had a comedian perform. \n"Why use a comedian on a Thursday or Friday night when you make a lot more money on a band?" Easton asks.\nFor those under 21, or just looking for some free entertainment on a Friday night, the Union Board also hosts Comedy Caravan in the Indiana Memorial Union on the first Friday of each month. All ages are welcome for 90-minutes of comedy in the IMU Market. Not only is it free of charge, but popcorn and soda are served as well.\n"It's a chance for people who can't get into Bear's to come here for free," says UB Comedy Director Cody Bell.\nSophomore Kim Hedge has not missed a show at the IMU all year. She and a friend look forward to going together every month. \n"Even though it's in the Market at the Union, it still feels like a club with students heckling and eating popcorn," Hedge says. "It's really awesome that we get semi-famous people at IU for free."\nMerely 45 minutes away, Indianapolis offers even more clubs to the public. Crackers Comedy Club has locations both in the downtown and Broad Ripple areas. Thursday night is designated "College Night" at both locations, so the cost is only three dollars with a student ID. In addition to national talent, Crackers has hosted several Indiana-based comedians such as comedic singer Heywood Banks, of the "Bob and Tom Show" fame. Banks' songs include topics such as the pancreas, nose hair clippers and the female anatomy, as well as one of his more famous songs, "18 Wheels."\nFor those who love the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," one place to see improvisational comedy in Indiana is ComedySportz, also in Indianapolis. In this venue, two teams of comedians compete against each other, each inventing their act as they go -- in a similar manner to the TV show. The audience then votes on which team was funnier. The team aspect of a ComedySportz show often brings out the competitive side of the audience, but the constant jokes keep the laughter rolling.\nThe Funny Bone is another club offering experienced stand-up comedians. It has been in business for over 20 years and has had big name performers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams at many of its national locations, including Indianapolis and South Bend.\nAfter visiting the Funny Bone with both her parents and grandmother, senior Catherine Brill says the comedians were hilarious -- almost too hilarious. \n"They were talking about sex and profanity, everything you don't want your grandma to hear," she says. "Laughing would make me admit I knew what they were talking about."\nWith classes, jobs and other fun-sapping activities, comedy clubs can be a great way to unwind. Just remember to screen the comedian before taking grandma along to the show.