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(01/26/06 5:39am)
As a proud IU and IDS alumnus, I was disappointed to read Ryan Phillips' column about the basketball team's loss to Iowa on Tuesday night. \nWhile Phillips does make some decent basketball observations in his column, his childish tone and baseless observations ("As most people know, the Big Ten has the worst officials in the country ...") tend to make the article read exactly like what it's titled -- just a bunch of random gripes thrown together.\nJust because the Hoosiers lost a game, it doesn't necessitate personal insults ("(Hansen) looks like a skeleton wrapped in wax paper") or insults to the entire University of Iowa by calling it a "safety school."\nIt seems to me like this type of writing is more suited to Internet bulletin boards than the opinion page in a daily newspaper.\nJust because it's an opinion piece doesn't mean it shouldn't be held to the same high standards of journalism the rest of the newspaper is. Here's hoping Mr. Phillips can do some research next time, instead of just writing down his gripes.
(12/13/03 5:40am)
On a bitter cold night in Columbus, Ohio, the Hoosiers earned Jerry Yeagley his 543rd career victory -- and the chance to get one more.\nPat Yates broke a scoreless tie in the fourth minute of the second overtime when he took a lob from midfielder Brian Plotkin six yards out and headed it past Santa Clara keeper Kent Harkness into the top left corner of the goal.\nThe No. 8 Hoosiers (16-3-5) will now face No. 6 St. John's (17-5-3) in a rematch of the 2001 semifinal match of the College Cup -- a game which IU won 2-1. The Hoosiers went on to lose to North Carolina in the championship game 2-0.\nIU and Santa Clara both began the semifinal game at a hard, fast pace, but struggled to get the finishing touch on their possessions. IU goalkeeper Pat Nolly made five saves, including a diving stop of Will Weatherly's desperation volley at the end of regulation that ensured the Hoosiers would have the chance to win in overtime.\nHarkness, who made seven saves before allowing Yates' game-winner, is the backup to Steve Cronin, who is the starting keeper for the U.S. Men's U-20 National Team. Earlier Friday, the U-20 team lost to Argentina 2-1, meaning IU could get its representatives on the team -- midfielder Ned Grabavoy and defender Drew Moor -- back for the game against St. John's. Earlier Friday, in the other College Cup semifinal game, St. John's defeated Marland 1-0. The Red Storm's only goal came on a penalty kick in the 35th minute.\nThe championship game will kick off 2 p.m. Friday at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The game will be televised live on ESPN2.\nGame notes: IU took 13 shots, 8 on goal. Santa Clara took 12 shots, 5 on goal. Brian Plotkin and Julian Dieterle earned yellow cards for the Hoosiers. Matt Upton, Audren Cashman and Kelechi Igwe earned yellow cards for the Broncos. Junior midfielder Danny O'Rourke played in front of a hometown crowd Friday, as O'Rourke is originally from Columbus.
(11/14/02 5:24am)
In a little more than a month, the second film in director Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy will debut, and fans will flock to theaters to take in more of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic story. But luckily, EA Games has already released its first video game based on the movies, allowing gamers to relive and play scenes from the first movie and get a sneak peek at some of the upcoming scenes from the second movie, "The Two Towers."\nIn the game's levels, gamers can play as one of three characters from "The Lord of the Rings" movies: Legolas, Aragorn or Gimli. Legolas is speedy, and his finesse moves allow you to maneuver your way through hordes of opponents while taking out enemies from a distance with his bow and arrow. Aragorn is strong and tall, and he can slice through enemies with his long sword. Gimli is short and strong and, just like in the first movie, is one of the least likeable characters (apologies to John Rhys-Davies). The game also offers a secret character who can be used when the game is beaten with the other three.\nThe characters in the game are exact look-alikes for the characters in the movie. Between levels, cut scenes transition seamlessly from real-world filming to virtual, computer-created environments. The level of detail to which the video game adheres to the movie makes it feel like you're watching the film when you play the game. Levels based on the first movie include defending Frodo from attacking Ringwraiths, battling a cave troll in the Mines of Moria and hopelessly trying to save Boromir (the first movie's closing scenes).\nThe game then moves into levels based on the second movie, and gamers are allowed a sneak peak of some of the actual scenes from the second movie -- like the massive battle fought at Helm's Deep.\nEven for people who aren't fans of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, this game is well worth playing. It is a fantastic fighting game, set in a massive, detailed and cinematic environment. The game is well worth the money.
(11/14/02 5:00am)
In a little more than a month, the second film in director Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy will debut, and fans will flock to theaters to take in more of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic story. But luckily, EA Games has already released its first video game based on the movies, allowing gamers to relive and play scenes from the first movie and get a sneak peek at some of the upcoming scenes from the second movie, "The Two Towers."\nIn the game's levels, gamers can play as one of three characters from "The Lord of the Rings" movies: Legolas, Aragorn or Gimli. Legolas is speedy, and his finesse moves allow you to maneuver your way through hordes of opponents while taking out enemies from a distance with his bow and arrow. Aragorn is strong and tall, and he can slice through enemies with his long sword. Gimli is short and strong and, just like in the first movie, is one of the least likeable characters (apologies to John Rhys-Davies). The game also offers a secret character who can be used when the game is beaten with the other three.\nThe characters in the game are exact look-alikes for the characters in the movie. Between levels, cut scenes transition seamlessly from real-world filming to virtual, computer-created environments. The level of detail to which the video game adheres to the movie makes it feel like you're watching the film when you play the game. Levels based on the first movie include defending Frodo from attacking Ringwraiths, battling a cave troll in the Mines of Moria and hopelessly trying to save Boromir (the first movie's closing scenes).\nThe game then moves into levels based on the second movie, and gamers are allowed a sneak peak of some of the actual scenes from the second movie -- like the massive battle fought at Helm's Deep.\nEven for people who aren't fans of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, this game is well worth playing. It is a fantastic fighting game, set in a massive, detailed and cinematic environment. The game is well worth the money.
(10/31/02 6:46am)
Kobe Bryant is unstoppable. With a series of spin moves, sidesteps, crossovers and jukes, he slips between three defenders and throws down a thunderous one-handed windmill dunk. No, it's not the NBA playoffs. It's "NBA Live 2003," the latest pro basketball game from EA Sports.\nThe game isn't radically different from EA Sports' 2002 version. The graphics and sound -- which were fantastic last year -- aren't noticeably different or better, and the usual features are included: create-a-player, franchise mode and online play, to name a few. Other than updated rosters, what makes this year's game better than last year's? One word: gameplay.\nIn real life, Kobe Bryant doesn't just have three moves he uses to juke defenders. But in the past, that's all that's been available on any given video game platform. One button for spin, one button for crossover, and another for shot fake. The three-button combination left something to be desired.\nBut now, Kobe can be Kobe with EA Sports' new "Freestyle" control. Instead of using a button system for ball control moves, "NBA Live 2003" takes advantage of controllers' second analog stick, making moves look realistic and flow together. There's also more than just the typical three moves. Press down on the analog stick and watch as your player palms the ball away from the defender. Make the defender bite with a step to the right, then go to the left. The combinations are countless.\nAll of these moves, combined with a turbo button that never seems to run out of gas, can sometimes make the gamer feel like they're playing streetball instead of NBA-level basketball. Learning how to stop a spinning, juking opponent on defense can take hours and hours of practice, and most of the time, your defender will end up flat on their feet as the other team dribbles around him. \nThe speedy freestyle moves have also de-emphasized basketball strategy and the low post game. Why bang it in with a forward when a speedy point guard can slash through any defense? The game has made a Jason Kidd far more valuable than a Kevin Garnett.\nBut, in terms of the most important quality of any video game, "NBA Live 2003" succeeds: it's fun. Playing on the harder levels compensates for some of the freestyle moves, and there's nothing like the sweet satisfaction of draining three-pointers on your roommate. For an NBA fan, it's a must-have.
(10/31/02 5:00am)
Kobe Bryant is unstoppable. With a series of spin moves, sidesteps, crossovers and jukes, he slips between three defenders and throws down a thunderous one-handed windmill dunk. No, it's not the NBA playoffs. It's "NBA Live 2003," the latest pro basketball game from EA Sports.\nThe game isn't radically different from EA Sports' 2002 version. The graphics and sound -- which were fantastic last year -- aren't noticeably different or better, and the usual features are included: create-a-player, franchise mode and online play, to name a few. Other than updated rosters, what makes this year's game better than last year's? One word: gameplay.\nIn real life, Kobe Bryant doesn't just have three moves he uses to juke defenders. But in the past, that's all that's been available on any given video game platform. One button for spin, one button for crossover, and another for shot fake. The three-button combination left something to be desired.\nBut now, Kobe can be Kobe with EA Sports' new "Freestyle" control. Instead of using a button system for ball control moves, "NBA Live 2003" takes advantage of controllers' second analog stick, making moves look realistic and flow together. There's also more than just the typical three moves. Press down on the analog stick and watch as your player palms the ball away from the defender. Make the defender bite with a step to the right, then go to the left. The combinations are countless.\nAll of these moves, combined with a turbo button that never seems to run out of gas, can sometimes make the gamer feel like they're playing streetball instead of NBA-level basketball. Learning how to stop a spinning, juking opponent on defense can take hours and hours of practice, and most of the time, your defender will end up flat on their feet as the other team dribbles around him. \nThe speedy freestyle moves have also de-emphasized basketball strategy and the low post game. Why bang it in with a forward when a speedy point guard can slash through any defense? The game has made a Jason Kidd far more valuable than a Kevin Garnett.\nBut, in terms of the most important quality of any video game, "NBA Live 2003" succeeds: it's fun. Playing on the harder levels compensates for some of the freestyle moves, and there's nothing like the sweet satisfaction of draining three-pointers on your roommate. For an NBA fan, it's a must-have.
(09/19/02 4:00am)
Unless you enjoy being told what you already know, John Madden's football broadcasting skills aren't that impressive. But if you're a fan of realistic football video games (or simply a fan of Ace hardware stores), Madden is a true champion of the cause -- and not just for his goofy voice.\nSince 1994, the football broadcaster has teamed up with EA Sports in producing the most realistic, most advanced football gaming experience possible. And while Madden certainly isn't the greatest broadcaster ever, he's transformed into something much more immortal within the 10-year history of the game.\nSince the game first came out in 1993, "Madden" has been the pace-setter in terms of easy gameplay, stunning graphics and a realistic experience. "Madden: NFL 2003" is no different.\nThe newest version isn't a radical advancement from either of its previous Playstation 2 counterparts (2001 and 2002), but for the die-hard gamer, it's necessary to have new rosters and team ratings each year.\nThe 2003 version includes many of the same special features: create-a-player, play-a-season, manage-a-franchise and Madden Cards. But the real strength of the newest "Madden" is that it offers to train the gamer in playing the game the same way players are trained at actual football mini-camps.\nMini-camps are a great way to learn how to play the game well enough to dominate your friends. You "travel" around the country in Madden's personal bus, stopping at all 32 NFL stadiums to fine-tune your football finesse. As a quarterback, you learn how to maintain pocket presence and throw precision passes. As a defensive back, you learn how to time your jumps and tackles to shut down the opposing offense. After you feel you're adequately prepared, "Madden" will challenge you with in-game situations to test your skills.\nTwo other new features have also been added: create-a-formation and create-a-play. They're straightforward, and much like the similar features create-a-team and create-a-player, time-consuming. Only the serious gamer will get much value out of these features.\nIf the game's greatest strength is its realism, it's also its greatest weakness. There are times when the gamer will wish the linebacker would perform a super-human 15-yard dive or that the quarterback would be able to throw a perfect end-zone to end-zone Hail Mary pass. The Madden Cards, which are effectively cheat cards, allow the user to sometimes break away from the intense realism of the game, but the itches for unrealistic football are usually few and far between anyway.\nOf course, "Madden" is the only game that can keep you furious at your roommate for days over a last-second touchdown pass that your defensive back just wouldn't knock down. But hey, I'm not bitter.
(09/19/02 12:54am)
Unless you enjoy being told what you already know, John Madden's football broadcasting skills aren't that impressive. But if you're a fan of realistic football video games (or simply a fan of Ace hardware stores), Madden is a true champion of the cause -- and not just for his goofy voice.\nSince 1994, the football broadcaster has teamed up with EA Sports in producing the most realistic, most advanced football gaming experience possible. And while Madden certainly isn't the greatest broadcaster ever, he's transformed into something much more immortal within the 10-year history of the game.\nSince the game first came out in 1993, "Madden" has been the pace-setter in terms of easy gameplay, stunning graphics and a realistic experience. "Madden: NFL 2003" is no different.\nThe newest version isn't a radical advancement from either of its previous Playstation 2 counterparts (2001 and 2002), but for the die-hard gamer, it's necessary to have new rosters and team ratings each year.\nThe 2003 version includes many of the same special features: create-a-player, play-a-season, manage-a-franchise and Madden Cards. But the real strength of the newest "Madden" is that it offers to train the gamer in playing the game the same way players are trained at actual football mini-camps.\nMini-camps are a great way to learn how to play the game well enough to dominate your friends. You "travel" around the country in Madden's personal bus, stopping at all 32 NFL stadiums to fine-tune your football finesse. As a quarterback, you learn how to maintain pocket presence and throw precision passes. As a defensive back, you learn how to time your jumps and tackles to shut down the opposing offense. After you feel you're adequately prepared, "Madden" will challenge you with in-game situations to test your skills.\nTwo other new features have also been added: create-a-formation and create-a-play. They're straightforward, and much like the similar features create-a-team and create-a-player, time-consuming. Only the serious gamer will get much value out of these features.\nIf the game's greatest strength is its realism, it's also its greatest weakness. There are times when the gamer will wish the linebacker would perform a super-human 15-yard dive or that the quarterback would be able to throw a perfect end-zone to end-zone Hail Mary pass. The Madden Cards, which are effectively cheat cards, allow the user to sometimes break away from the intense realism of the game, but the itches for unrealistic football are usually few and far between anyway.\nOf course, "Madden" is the only game that can keep you furious at your roommate for days over a last-second touchdown pass that your defensive back just wouldn't knock down. But hey, I'm not bitter.
(09/11/02 6:13am)
As the construction of two dams being built to drain a 7,000-foot section of Salt Creek neared completion Tuesday, the coordinator of the two-year investigation into the disappearance of Jill Behrman, FBI Special Agent Gary Dunn, was emotional about the possibility of bringing the case to a close.\n"We're going to do what we have to do to get this case solved," said Dunn, who has led a team of law enforcement agencies including the Bloomington Police Department, the IUPD, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Natural Resources in the investigation. "Let's just hope and pray that we do that."\nLaw enforcement authorities said they are hopeful they will be able to visually search the creek bed for evidence by Saturday afternoon.\n"We're here for a reason after 27 months of investigation, and I feel confident in saying that this is the right spot," Bloomington Police Investigator Marty Deckard said.\nBehrman, a Bloomington native, had just finished her first year at IU when she disappeared during a morning bike ride on May 31, 2000. Authorities, including Dunn and Deckard, said they believe Behrman was struck by a vehicle while riding, after which her body was dumped into Salt Creek and her bicycle removed from the scene. Soon after her disappearance, the bicycle was discovered in Ellettsville.\nInvestigators were aided when an episode of "America's Most Wanted," filmed in September 2001, featured a segment on Jill Behrman's disappearance. That night, investigators received about 25 tips on Behrman's whereabouts -- some useful, some not, Dunn said.\nThe investigators first turned their attention towards Salt Creek in April, but heavy rains and flooding forced the investigation to a standstill. When police and FBI, aided by the DNR, returned to the creek in late July and early August, divers discovered undisclosed items of "evidentiary value."\nBut exhaustive diving for searches of the creek bed was ruled out. Steve McClain of the Department of Natural Resources cited the creek's varying depth -- which ranges from 10-to-25 feet -- and also the murky water, multiple fallen trees and the creek's uneven, silty bottom as reasons exploring the creek's entire bottom with divers was unpractical. Instead, the law enforcement team decided to drain the creek bed with the construction of the dams.\nConstruction on the 75-foot wide makeshift dams, which lie near McGowen road east of Bloomington, started Monday. The dams are being built with "rip rap" -- loose rock -- topped by a large sheet of plastic secured by divers and a layer of smaller broken rock.\nTuesday afternoon, the rip-rap base on the northern dam, which holds back Salt Creek's water flow, was complete and the southern dam, which holds back water from Lake Monroe, was nearly complete.\nAuthorities said they are hopeful that both dams will be complete sometime Wednesday, and that they will be able to begin pumping the estimated 22.5 million gallons of trapped water between the dams into Lake Monroe. Dunn said he hopes the creek bottom will be exposed no later than Saturday, and even then, pockets of water may still remain in the deepest parts of the creek.\nDunn plans on using teams of cadaver dogs, the FBI evidence recovery team for the state of Indiana and numerous law enforcement officials to scour the creek bed, but the specifics of the search are still unknown. \n"Nothing like this has ever been done before," Deckard said. "There is no map of the bottom … we don't know exactly what it looks like down there."\nUntil the investigation is complete at Salt Creek, security will be kept tight on the area, McClain said. Multiple police agencies have agreed to keep a watch on the area. Residents living along the northern fork of Salt Creek will be the only group allowed entry to the guarded area for the duration of the project. \nFunding for the draining project has been collected from monies previously given to the Jill Behrman reward fund and several individuals who previously donated to the fund. In addition, Kreider & Kreider Construction and Rogers Group, Inc. -- the providers of the construction and rock used in the dams -- are also providing their services and materials at below-cost, Dunn said.\n"The expense is not a factor when you're trying to achieve an investigation," he said.\nEven if the draining yields no results, Dunn said he is not worried about the ongoing investigation.\n"This is not a gamble for us," Dunn said. "This is just the next step."\nAnyone with information concerning Jill Behrman and her disappearance are urged to call the Bloomington Police Department at 349-3313 or the local FBI office at 332-9275.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
The Fellowship of the Ring - PG-13\nStarring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellan\nDirected by: Peter Jackson\nShowing: Showplace East 11\nIf you haven't read the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, you'll be furious when you see the movie. Not because you're confused, as many who haven't read the books worry -- but because the movie leaves you in such suspense you're left wondering how you can wait another year for the next movie.\nLong-time Tolkien fans and rookies alike will love Peter Jackson's intense thriller "The Fellowship of the Ring." Jackson, whose directing experience has included mostly grisly horror movies, does a splendid job of not only remaining true to the book, but also simplifying the story enough for those unfamiliar with it to understand. \nThe movie is a mammoth three hours long, but don't worry, it's not "Pearl-Harbor-can't-wait-until-it's-over" long. It's clear that Jackson has a particularly good eye for detail and shows it by including many tidbits that only those who have read the book will notice.\nThe movie tells the tale of the hobbit Frodo Baggins, who sets out with eight companions to destroy the evil One Ring. The company is pursued by evil on their journey, meeting black ringwraiths, orcs, demons and other perils along their way. But don't think the movie is just about fight scenes -- it's also about drama, and is helped by inspired acting.\nElijah Wood gives the performance of his career as Frodo and is truly believable in his portrayal of Frodo's emotions. But Wood isn't the only actor to shine -- Ian McKellen is the perfect fit to play the Wizard Gandalf. The biggest surprise in the movie is how well real-life punk rocker Orlando Bloom plays Legolas the fair elf. Yet it's not Bloom's acting that makes him the possible fan-favorite of the movie, but his incredible role in the fight scenes. \nThe cast is also strengthened by the presence of Liv Tyler and Cate Blanchett, who both play elves in the movie. You'll also recognize the familiar face of Sean Astin, who put on considerable weight since playing the Notre Dame football walk-on in "Rudy," and Hugo Weaving, who played Agent Smith in "The Matrix." \nThe three hours will fly by when you see this film -- and after that, you'll want to spend another $7 and three hours seeing it again. Its combination of action and drama has few rivals in film history and will keep you on the edge of your seat -- all the way until next December when the second installment of the trilogy is released.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
Monroe Lake reached record levels Tuesday as runoff from the week's heavy rains caused the already-swollen lake to rise even higher. For the first time in the dam's 37-year history, water levels rose high enough to reach the emergency spillway, designed to handle overflow from the dam.\nThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans on easing the dam's release rate up to 2200 cubic feet per second by late tonight, meeting the maximum normal release rate for the dam.\nSteve Rager, the district emergency manager for the corps, assured that the dam is doing its job.\n"We have it timed right now so the release will not create any additional flooding downstream," he said. "We may prolong, but we will not create."\nHeavy rains on Sunday night and into Monday morning backed up creeks and rivers, causing many road closings. As fair weather moves into central Indiana, officials at the Corps of Engineers expect no further problems -- unless it rains again.\n"If more rain comes in, all bets are off," Rager said.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
When the Supreme Court voted 6-3 last week to bar the execution of the mentally handicapped, it was a backward step for a conservative court that has long protected capital punishment. Citing the eighth amendment, the high court decided that the execution of the mentally handicapped would be "cruel and unusual punishment." While such executions may be cruel, by making this decision, the court is ignoring the 14th amendment -- equal protection under the law.\nDaryl Renard Atkins, the mentally retarded man whose case was brought before the Supreme Court, reportedly had an IQ of 59 and was unable to function or live on his own. But this is where the real problem with disallowing the execution of mentally retarded individuals comes in -- determining who is really mentally retarded and who is just stupid. According the Associated Press, an individual with an IQ of 70 or below is considered retarded. A man with an IQ of 71 will be executed. A man with an IQ of 69 will not. Inmates are being invited to act mentally retarded. After all, actor Sean Penn was convincingly mentally retarded in his recent movie "I Am Sam." Why couldn't an inmate do the same?\nThe question of capital punishment for mentally retarded individuals really comes down to the juries of America. If a jury is willing to convict a man with an IQ of 59 of premeditated murder, than why does the Supreme Court think otherwise? If these individuals do not understand the consequences of their actions, then maybe juries shouldn't be convicting them.\nAnd if all men are truly created equal, as Thomas Jefferson said, then all men deserve equal protection -- as the 14th amendment says. The execution of a mentally retarded individual is not any more cruel or unusual than the execution of a mentally capable person. It's the same loss -- a life.
(06/20/02 8:20pm)
(06/20/02 4:00am)
(05/16/02 3:30am)
Lake Monroe reached record levels Wednesday as runoff from the week's heavy rains caused the already-swollen lake to rise even higher. For the first time in the dam's 37-year history, water levels rose high enough to reach the emergency spillway, designed to handle overflow from the dam.\nWater began trickling over the concrete barrier into the grassy spillway late Tuesday afternoon, and continued into Wednesday. By 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the lake had reached 556.22 feet, the highest official level ever recorded. The previous record for the lake was 554.96 feet, set on May 17, 1996.\nTuesday night, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers eased the dam's release rate up to 2200 cubic feet per second by late tonight, meeting the maximum normal release rate for the dam.\nSteve Rager, the district emergency manager for the corps, assured that the dam is doing its job.\n"We have it timed right now so the release will not create any additional flooding downstream," he said. "We may prolong, but we will not create."\nThe lake is normally maintained at two different levels, depending on the season.\n"We have a normal pool that we try to maintain in the summer and in the winter," Rager said. "We keep the winter pool lower so we can store more water when the spring floods come."\nThrough the first half of May, Bloomington has seen 7.4 inches of rain -- which is a pace that could shatter the previous record of 10.1 inches set in 1943.\n"The dam certainly has reached capacity storage," said John Fleshman of the public affairs office for the corps.\nThe massive amounts of rain have caused the National Weather Service to issue flood statements and warnings across Indiana. Neighboring counties Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Morgan, Owen and Jackson were under flood statements Wednesday afternoon. But clear skies on Tuesday and Wednesday brought hopes of receding waters. \nThe rain might be back soon enough, though. The National Weather Service office in Indianapolis is predicting an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms on Thursday and a 50 percent chance of rain on Friday. If more rain moves into the already-soggy central Indiana, the receding floodwaters could rise again.\n"If more rain comes in, all bets are off," Rager said.
(04/24/02 5:21pm)
In a town where the "coolest sporting event" (at least if you ask world-renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong) has just come to its annual close, the excitement around biking should start to fade. No more spandex-clad bikers on every street corner, no more crowds cheering on dozens of amateur teams and no more race controversy, right? Wrong.\nBeyond Bloomington's unforgiving asphalt, there's a world of grassy fields, rugged hills and rock-strewn creek beds -- and as the last remaining traces of winter melt away with daily 80-degree heat, mountain bikers are taking to the trails again. \nWhile South-Central Indiana might not seem like the hotbed for anything -- culture, fashion or anything else you can think of -- it's not a bad place to mountain bike.\nLast week, two mountain bikers from Michigan were taking the weekend to tour southern Indiana's mountain bike trails. "We came down here for the hills," one of them explains when asked why they'd come to Southern Indiana to bike. "Michigan's got nothing like this."\nThere are plenty of trails around Bloomington to explore, and more are springing up. The State of Indiana recently began sponsoring the State Park Service and Department of Natural Resources in creating new mountain bike parks. Although mountain biking will probably never rival the Little 500 in popularity or get Lance Armstrong's "coolest sporting event" tag, most mountain bikers would tell you that they'd never trade in their mountain bike for a street bike.\nBike Parks\nThe closest place to start a mountain bike adventure is Wapehani Mountain Bike Park, less than two miles southwest of Bloomington on Weimer Road. The only park in Indiana maintained solely as a mountain bike park, every nook of its 35 acres is packed with trails, which form a spider-web/make-your-own-loop system. Cycling enthusiast and the author of "Mountain Bike Indiana," Layne Cameron, thinks parks like Wapehani are beneficial to the sport and to the community.\n"These parks are the kind that are starting to open up near cities (and) are what really help the sport of mountain biking stay popular," he says. "They're also close to the community and provide a quick getaway."\nThe Bloomington Parks and Recreation Service, which maintains the trail, estimates that anywhere from 20 to 100 people use the trails on an average Saturday. The park is free to the public and is open from dawn to dusk. \nIn addition to Wapehani, the Parks and Recreation Service also maintains the Clear Creek Rail Trail, an easy 6.2-mile roundtrip along a former railroad line. Hikers and joggers also frequent this trail, which runs south from Tapp Road. The trail is also open dawn to dusk year-round.\nThe rail trail is only one of many springing up across the state, as more abandoned railroad lines are converted to trails for public use.\n"The state has finally jumped in (on opening trails)," Cameron says. "They're embracing it. They've realized mountain bikers aren't just a bunch of guys hopped up on Mountain Dew looking to shred every trail they can."\nClean-cut Cameron, who sometimes writes for Boy Scouts of America's Boy's Life, is evidence of the fact. And although he says he is "pleased" with Bloomington's two closest public trails, neither is his favorite in the region: instead, he names the Hickory Ridge Recreation Area inside the Hoosier National Forest as the place to go.\nRegional Trail Systems\nA 30-minute car ride southeast of Bloomington will land you in the Hickory Ridge area, which contains one of the state's largest connected mountain biking trail systems: more than 46 miles of trails are spread out in the forest. Of course, the one thing that can ruin a biking trip in a state forest is a shotgun blast from a hunter. \n"If you run into hunters, the place is so big you can just go ride somewhere else," Cameron reassures. "But still be careful."\nThe Hoosier National Forest also contains about five other trail systems, some closer to Bloomington than Hickory Ridge and some farther. The Nebo Ridge Trail is just outside of famous Story, Ind., on State Highway 135. The 17-mile roundtrip trail is a winding up-and-down ride that will leave you exhausted. The only downfall is that the forest service charges a flat fee of $3 for the day.\nIf you're willing to pay for your mountain biking, you can also check out the private mountain biking haven at Gnaw Bone Camp, two miles south of Nashville on State Highway 135. Owner Alliz Lorenz uses the property as a summer camp for children during summer months but opens the gates to mountain bikers in the fall and spring. The camp sprawls more than 1,600 acres and contains more than 25 miles of trail. Lorenz says she and her husband will personally greet you, give you a map and tell you where to ride.\n"Just understand that this isn't a public park," she says. "If it's really wet, we're not going to open the trails, because we don't want to ruin them… people show up and see the closed sign and get angry, but it's a private camp."\nSafety\nAs far as safety is concerned, Cameron says the best thing to have is common sense. \n"Don't ride above your ability level. If you see a hill that looks hard and your instincts tell you not to do it… then just walk your bike down."\nOf course, walking your bike is never part of the fun.
(04/24/02 4:00am)
In a town where the "coolest sporting event" (at least if you ask world-renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong) has just come to its annual close, the excitement around biking should start to fade. No more spandex-clad bikers on every street corner, no more crowds cheering on dozens of amateur teams and no more race controversy, right? Wrong.\nBeyond Bloomington's unforgiving asphalt, there's a world of grassy fields, rugged hills and rock-strewn creek beds -- and as the last remaining traces of winter melt away with daily 80-degree heat, mountain bikers are taking to the trails again. \nWhile South-Central Indiana might not seem like the hotbed for anything -- culture, fashion or anything else you can think of -- it's not a bad place to mountain bike.\nLast week, two mountain bikers from Michigan were taking the weekend to tour southern Indiana's mountain bike trails. "We came down here for the hills," one of them explains when asked why they'd come to Southern Indiana to bike. "Michigan's got nothing like this."\nThere are plenty of trails around Bloomington to explore, and more are springing up. The State of Indiana recently began sponsoring the State Park Service and Department of Natural Resources in creating new mountain bike parks. Although mountain biking will probably never rival the Little 500 in popularity or get Lance Armstrong's "coolest sporting event" tag, most mountain bikers would tell you that they'd never trade in their mountain bike for a street bike.\nBike Parks\nThe closest place to start a mountain bike adventure is Wapehani Mountain Bike Park, less than two miles southwest of Bloomington on Weimer Road. The only park in Indiana maintained solely as a mountain bike park, every nook of its 35 acres is packed with trails, which form a spider-web/make-your-own-loop system. Cycling enthusiast and the author of "Mountain Bike Indiana," Layne Cameron, thinks parks like Wapehani are beneficial to the sport and to the community.\n"These parks are the kind that are starting to open up near cities (and) are what really help the sport of mountain biking stay popular," he says. "They're also close to the community and provide a quick getaway."\nThe Bloomington Parks and Recreation Service, which maintains the trail, estimates that anywhere from 20 to 100 people use the trails on an average Saturday. The park is free to the public and is open from dawn to dusk. \nIn addition to Wapehani, the Parks and Recreation Service also maintains the Clear Creek Rail Trail, an easy 6.2-mile roundtrip along a former railroad line. Hikers and joggers also frequent this trail, which runs south from Tapp Road. The trail is also open dawn to dusk year-round.\nThe rail trail is only one of many springing up across the state, as more abandoned railroad lines are converted to trails for public use.\n"The state has finally jumped in (on opening trails)," Cameron says. "They're embracing it. They've realized mountain bikers aren't just a bunch of guys hopped up on Mountain Dew looking to shred every trail they can."\nClean-cut Cameron, who sometimes writes for Boy Scouts of America's Boy's Life, is evidence of the fact. And although he says he is "pleased" with Bloomington's two closest public trails, neither is his favorite in the region: instead, he names the Hickory Ridge Recreation Area inside the Hoosier National Forest as the place to go.\nRegional Trail Systems\nA 30-minute car ride southeast of Bloomington will land you in the Hickory Ridge area, which contains one of the state's largest connected mountain biking trail systems: more than 46 miles of trails are spread out in the forest. Of course, the one thing that can ruin a biking trip in a state forest is a shotgun blast from a hunter. \n"If you run into hunters, the place is so big you can just go ride somewhere else," Cameron reassures. "But still be careful."\nThe Hoosier National Forest also contains about five other trail systems, some closer to Bloomington than Hickory Ridge and some farther. The Nebo Ridge Trail is just outside of famous Story, Ind., on State Highway 135. The 17-mile roundtrip trail is a winding up-and-down ride that will leave you exhausted. The only downfall is that the forest service charges a flat fee of $3 for the day.\nIf you're willing to pay for your mountain biking, you can also check out the private mountain biking haven at Gnaw Bone Camp, two miles south of Nashville on State Highway 135. Owner Alliz Lorenz uses the property as a summer camp for children during summer months but opens the gates to mountain bikers in the fall and spring. The camp sprawls more than 1,600 acres and contains more than 25 miles of trail. Lorenz says she and her husband will personally greet you, give you a map and tell you where to ride.\n"Just understand that this isn't a public park," she says. "If it's really wet, we're not going to open the trails, because we don't want to ruin them… people show up and see the closed sign and get angry, but it's a private camp."\nSafety\nAs far as safety is concerned, Cameron says the best thing to have is common sense. \n"Don't ride above your ability level. If you see a hill that looks hard and your instincts tell you not to do it… then just walk your bike down."\nOf course, walking your bike is never part of the fun.
(04/17/02 4:47pm)
Lance Armstrong has battled with other cyclists during races, he has battled with the elements and he has battled with fatigue. He has also battled with cancer. But losing isn't something Armstrong is used to -- he has beaten everything in his way to become the three-time defending Tour de France champion.\nConsidered one of the best riders in the world -- both before and after his fight with cancer in 1997 and 1998, Armstrong has ridden in countless cycling races around the world. The 1996 Summer Olympics, the Tour de Switzerland, Belgium's Fleche-Wallonne and the Paris-Camembert are among a few of the most prestigious races he's been involved with.\nBut in 1997, Armstrong was in Indiana for a routine medical check-up and stopped by Bloomington to see the Little 500. He liked what he saw.\n"I've attended Super Bowls, World Series and the Monaco Grand Prix, but the coolest event I ever attended was the Little 500," Armstrong told Sports Illustrated for Kids last summer. "It's a 50-mile relay bike race at Indiana University, and the teams get a lot of enthusiastic support. Every sports fan should see it live."\nFor this year's Little 500, the IU Student Foundation, with the cooperation of Armstrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and photographer Graham Watson, has created Little 500/Lance Armstrong T-shirts. On the front is a photo of Armstrong holding the American flag, and on the back is the quote Armstrong gave SI for Kids.\n"To have this be an amateur event with groups of college kids that want to participate, and then to have 10,000 to 20,000 screaming fans show up is something that you can't find anywhere else," Alex Ihnen, assistant director for IUSF said. "I think the enthusiasm of the fans is what caught Lance's eye…of course some of the races (professional cyclists) do are huge, but a lot of the times they're out on the open road with no one else around."\nIhnen contacted the Lance Armstrong Foundation to obtain Armstrong's permission to use the quote and his image on the T-shirt. Beverly Williams, director of development for the foundation, was enthusiastic about the idea.\n"Lance is always very appreciative of groups who generate additional income that allows us to help people live with, through and beyond cancer," she said.\nThe T-shirts cost $15 and are on sale now at the IUSF Web site or office. T-shirts will also be on sale during all Little 500 events. For every T-shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help fight cancer.\nAlthough Armstrong appreciates the Little 500, he probably won't be returning for this year's event, as he is currently racing in Europe.\n"The Little 500 is right in the middle of their racing season," Ihnen said. "Hopefully he'll want to come back next year"
(03/21/02 10:50pm)
Something More\nGinny Owens\nRocketown Records\nThree years after releasing her debut album, Without Condition, 26-year old Ginny Owens is back with Something More. Owens, who won three Dove Awards with her first release, appears to be keeping her young career on track with her sophomore album.\nIn 1999, Owens became an instant hit in the Christian music community with three No. 1 singles -- and her popularity continued to spread. She performed in the 1999 Lillith Fair, went on multiple tours and even chatted with Regis on "Live! With Regis and Kathy Lee."\nEven with a popular following, Owens did what most artists avoid -- take a break when she's popular. But the extra time off has done nothing but help Owens' music. She explains that Something More's songs are about "a hope and a love that are bigger and stronger than we are." Lyrically, the album rivals Owens' first release, ranging from Bible-based storytelling to tales of personal triumph. \nMusically, the album is a mix of up-tempo pop with occasional add-ins of Owens' R&B influences. Owens also shows the maturity that should be expected on a sophomore effort, occasionally experimenting with synthesized effects. A strong sense of constancy from the first album is also present, as many of the tunes carry the same piano thread that earned Owens her fame.\nThe most upbeat song on the album is the second track, "With Me." The song is a reminder that throughout good and bad, life will go on. "Run to You" uses the tragedy of Sept. 11 as a backdrop for a message of hope and encouragement.\nThe title track "Something More" carries a similar theme: "Gotta be something more than running circles for a living / Gotta be something better than just trying to survive / Gotta be some important puzzle piece that I am missing / Gotta be something more to life."\nOwens' fans have been waiting for something more from the talented young artist, and they certainly get it in Something More.\n
(03/21/02 5:00am)
Something More\nGinny Owens\nRocketown Records\nThree years after releasing her debut album, Without Condition, 26-year old Ginny Owens is back with Something More. Owens, who won three Dove Awards with her first release, appears to be keeping her young career on track with her sophomore album.\nIn 1999, Owens became an instant hit in the Christian music community with three No. 1 singles -- and her popularity continued to spread. She performed in the 1999 Lillith Fair, went on multiple tours and even chatted with Regis on "Live! With Regis and Kathy Lee."\nEven with a popular following, Owens did what most artists avoid -- take a break when she's popular. But the extra time off has done nothing but help Owens' music. She explains that Something More's songs are about "a hope and a love that are bigger and stronger than we are." Lyrically, the album rivals Owens' first release, ranging from Bible-based storytelling to tales of personal triumph. \nMusically, the album is a mix of up-tempo pop with occasional add-ins of Owens' R&B influences. Owens also shows the maturity that should be expected on a sophomore effort, occasionally experimenting with synthesized effects. A strong sense of constancy from the first album is also present, as many of the tunes carry the same piano thread that earned Owens her fame.\nThe most upbeat song on the album is the second track, "With Me." The song is a reminder that throughout good and bad, life will go on. "Run to You" uses the tragedy of Sept. 11 as a backdrop for a message of hope and encouragement.\nThe title track "Something More" carries a similar theme: "Gotta be something more than running circles for a living / Gotta be something better than just trying to survive / Gotta be some important puzzle piece that I am missing / Gotta be something more to life."\nOwens' fans have been waiting for something more from the talented young artist, and they certainly get it in Something More.\n