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(07/25/02 8:23pm)
In an attempt to answer concerns about the balance of national security and personal privacy, a panel of experts on civil liberties will address interested students and faculty at 7 p.m. tonight in Rawles Hall 100. The discussion is open to the public.\nThe panel, "Your Rights vs. National Security Interests," is the second in a series hosted by the University and is sponsored in conjunction with the Chancellor's Office, Union Board and the National Emergency Forum Committee.\nPanelists from both local and national institutions are expected to partake in the two hour presentation discussing civil liberties and individual rights in post-Sept. 11 America. Panelists will include members of the IU faculty, administration and services and representatives from both the Indiana Department of Civil Liberties and the FBI. Following introductions and the brief presentations of each panel member, the forum will be open to questions from the audience.\n"This is a perfect opportunity to clear up questions people may have about civil liberties," said sophomore Aaron Huffaker, assistant director for the Union Board lecture series and National Emergency Forum Committee member. "In this time of tragedy and rebuilding in our country, we must face tough questions like how to protect the citizens of the United States without eroding the privacy and civil liberties we enjoy and have grown accustom to as U.S. citizens."\nThe forum will be applicable to everyone on-campus and allow for discussion of what the current context means in terms of each individual, Dean of the Faculties Moya Andrews said.\n"We're all affected by the constraints on our civil liberties ... it's important that people see the big picture," Andrews said. "One of the important things on campus is the access people have to intellectual capital, and this forum provides that opportunity for the participants to see the landscape in a very comprehensive and complex way."\nThe forum will offer a wide variety of distinguished panelists, including: The FBI special agent in charge of the Indianapolis white-collar crimes unit; the chief of the IU Police Department; the legislative director for the Indiana Civil Liberties Union; and an IU law professor specializing in immigration law.\n"The panel will provide perspectives of very respected people in their fields," Huffaker said. "The panel is an excellent opportunity for students to ask highly qualified and respected panelists questions about civil liberties in general as well as specific questions regarding how our rights have changed because of September 11."\nJunior Nick Hillman, director of lectures for Union Board, said the installment could serve as an outlet for students' concerns.\n"I would like to see a lot of students and faculty involvement for those who attend ... The Chancellor will be present and will be able to have a pulse on the students," Hillman said. "She will know what concerns we have. Civil liberties are often overlooked and this will be a good way for people to learn about their rights"
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
In the latest chapter of legal maneuvers involving former IU men's basketball coach Bob Knight, The Indianapolis Star has taken to the offense, appealing a ruling that favored IU and withheld the public release of Knight's personnel documents.\nThe Indianapolis Star filed an appeal Monday asking the Indiana Court of Appeals to overturn last month's ruling by Morgan County Special Judge Jane Spencer Craney. If Craney grants the appeal, the records surrounding the termination of Knight would be made public and visible for public scrutiny. \nIn her November decision, Judge Craney ruled in favor of the University, stating it was exempt from Indiana's open record laws and was therefore under no obligation to release any details relating to the firing of Knight.\nThe Star's attorney, Kevin Betz, said he and his client absolutely disagree with the ruling and cited prior case law in direct opposition to Craney's ruling.\n"We respect her decision but absolutely disagree," Betz said. "That's a significant reason why this (case) needs to be reviewed."\nBetz also said there are several other "novel issues" to be resolved by the appellate court.\n"We believe there are some points of legal precedents that could be set," Betz said. "First, there is the issue of whether IU waived its Access to Public Records Act exemptions, a novel issue which we raised in the appeal and in the case, and one that the Court of Appeals should raise."\nThe Star's original complaint claimed IU violated ARPA, which gives both agencies and individuals the right to observe the documents. In their arguments last month, IU cited examples of both federal and state law that contradicted the open records law.\nIn her decision, Craney reviewed the cases but sided with IU, ruling that the documents were "education records" containing information about students that must be kept private under federal law.\nWhile Betz said he could not speak on Knight's behalf, he said Knight would favor the release of the documents.\n"Coach Knight has stated that he wants the records to be released," Betz said. "I think he would be very pleased. I cannot answer for Coach Knight, but he has signed an affidavit and has waived any perceived confidentiality on his behalf."\nUniversity Counsel Dorothy Frapwell refused to comment or make any speculations on the outcome of appeal, but said the university's attorneys would continue to defend the appeal. \n"Obviously (our attorneys) will continue to defend the appeal in due course...I think the judge was correct in her ruling," Frapwell said. "If we win (the appeal)...we win. We'll just have to wait and see if that happens."\nFrapwell added that the University was not surprised with the legal action taken by The Star earlier this week.\nStephen Key, counsel for government affairs for the Hoosier State Press Association, said Craney's interpretation of the Family Educational Privacy Acts (FERPA), will be one of things the appellate court will review.\n"(Craney) was saying that some of the documents gathered in the disciplinary action against Knight were considered 'student records,'" Key said. "But, 'student records' are protected when they consist of academic material. These documents would have contained complaints by the students against Knight, and that's what I think The Star is trying to stress in their appeal."\nAlthough Betz said a decision from the Court of Appeals could take anywhere from six months to a year, he said he and his client are confident that they have a strong case.\nTerry Eberle, executive editor of The Star, said the newspaper is currently preparing to go before the three-judge panel to present their arguments for appeal.\n"Right now, we're working on our briefs to present to the appellate court on why they should take our case," Eberle said. "IU is also preparing their briefs and making their arguments. We're hoping to gain and will continue to fight for open records. We didn't expect to win in the lower courts...we'll be setting a precedent for Indiana law." \nWilliam Stephan, interim vice president for public affairs and government relations, said the University is prepared to let the process run its course.\n"I think we can only look at (The Star's appeal) as part of the process," Stephan said. "We understand, but I really can't say much beyond that"
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
Although the University has announced plans to switch financial aid systems, University officials said the new system should mirror the direct lending program in many ways. Students receiving loans will not have to worry about loopholes or red tape most often associated with administrative switches. The 8.25 percent federal cap on interest rates for student loans will still apply when the switchover is complete in the fall of 2004.\n"Everything is the same," Bill Ehrich, associate director for client services for the Office of Student Financial Assistance, said. "The bank system is exactly the same as the previous (direct lending) program. The interest you pay, how much money you receive and the years you have to pay all remain the same."\nThose fearful that attaining loans or repaying outstanding loans in the future will be more difficult, should not be, Ehrich said.\n"The federal government doesn't ever deviate much from the rules," Ehrich said. "The interest rates should not change either."\nAccording to Ehrich, the previous two systems had the same interest rates, but the delivery of money under the old bank loan system was not nearly as efficient as what the University could attain under the direct lending program. \nBecause of direct lending, the banks were forced to provide better service, Ehrich said.\nDespite administrative confirmations that "all is well" regarding the future of the student loan system, others regard the current system as nothing short of confusing.\nFor freshman Heather Mourer, having her student loans gives her the ability to go to school.\n"My student loans pay for all of my tuition and fees," Mourer said. "But I wish they would explain how the system works more clearly for students. For the most part, (students) are the ones who will end up repaying these loans once they've graduated. But (IU) has never explained the process to me."\nMourer does not qualify for financial aid because her parents' salaries exceed the minimum. She has had to take out more than one loan in order to finance her college education. Her loans include two federal loans and one private loan borrowed through her bank. \nHer unsubsidized Stafford loan is a federal loan available to all students, regardless of need. The loan can be deferred until after graduation but doing so adds the interest payments to the loan balance. This ultimately increases the size and cost of the loan, according to www.finaid.org.\nMourer said she feels angered with the current student loan system because their restrictive policy for financial aid.\n"They just look at what your parents make, and not everything else they have to pay for," Mourer said. "My parents and many others' have mortgage payments and car payments."\nWhile Mourer said she is displeased with the current system, Ehrich offered some analysis of the current interest rates that might tweak the attitude of unhappy loan recipients.\n"The current interest rate, during in-school and deferment periods, is 5.39 percent," Ehrich said. "This number is reset annually every July 1, and is dependent upon the prime rate."\nInterest rates for those students who have graduated and repaying the money is currently 5.99 percent, but Ehrich said these figures could decrease if the economy continues to lag. \nUnder the new system, slated to begin in the fall of 2004, the new bank loan program will provide funding through federal private guarantee agencies.\nThese agencies will serve as the "middle-man" between the federal government and the university, Eric Pfeffinger, associate director of Financial aid for the MBA program, said.\nTheir main purpose is to serve as an authoritative and regulatory agency that is authorized to implement the federal loan system, Pfeffinger said..
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
Two former IU students were arrested Wednesday in connection with the murder of a woman in an attempted bank robbery that occurred almost 27 years ago.\nBill and Emily Harris, both IU graduates, are among five former members of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), a radical revolutionary anti-war group of the 1970s, charged with the slaying of a woman outside a bank in Carmichael, Calif., a suburb of Sacramento.\nAmong the others charged in the case include Mike Bortin and former fugitives Sara Jane Olson and James Kilgore. All five will face first-degree murder charges in connection with the crime. Arrests were made Wednesday after Olson apparently turned herself over to authorities.\nBloomington attorney Guy Loftman said he speculates Olson struck a deal with authorities prior to the arrests of Bortin and the Harrises.\nNo evidence supports Loftman's estimation.\nEmily Harris and ex-husband Bill are best known for their involvement with the 1974 kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst. Hearst, then 19, joined the radical group shortly thereafter and was later tried, convicted and sentenced for her role in the Carmichael bank robbery.\nThe Harrises were at one time Bloomington residents, who some viewed as being upstanding citizens. Emily Harris earned an English degree from IUB in 1969. She later taught at Bloomington's Binford Junior High School in the early 1970s. Her then-husband Bill attended IU but deferred the completion of his degree until after serving a tour in Vietnam.\nIU Alumni Magazine Editor Judith Schroeder remembers Harris being employed at Binford Junior High when her children attended the school.\n"Those who knew her said she was a responsible citizen," Schroeder said. "Some would have even characterized her as mousy...and would not have expected her to be involved in something like this."\nBoth Harrises had since relocated outside of Bloomington after serving eight years in prison for kidnapping Hearst.\nHearst, who was pardoned by President Clinton in 2000, is noted as saying she waited in the getaway car during the robberies, and has targeted Emily Harris as the person who pulled the trigger that day, killing mother of four Myrna Opsahl, nearly three decades ago. \nSome believe Hearst may be asked to serve as the star-witness in the trial of the five former SLA members.\nNow the married mother of three is known as Patricia Hearst Shaw, and is estimated to be the only former SLA member still living who would be able to possibly indict the other members in connection with the attempted robbery that resulted in the Opsahl death.\nThe arrests Wednesday came after the long-awaited efforts of Jon Opsahl, a California doctor, to re-open the case of his mother's death.\nMary Ann Wynkoop, associate director of American Studies at the University of Missouri--Kansas City and author of book based on the 1960s anti-war movement on the college campus, said the Harrises and those involved with the SLA were not part of the mainstream of the anti-war movement of the 1960s.\n"Most of the anti-war movement at IU is characterized by non-violence," Wynkoop said. "I don't know where the Harrises could have picked up their radical ideas. From what I know, Bill seemed to be a very intelligent man, committed to the early education of young children. I'm mystified by all this."\nWynkoop also said she could not speculate on the specifics of what in the new evidence sparked the arrests, but said she finds the timing of it all interesting.\n"I'm surprised that (this case) is being brought up in this climate of terrorism, when terrorism itself is being redefined," she said. "This might be an easier time to prosecute, given the sensitivity of the people these days. Everything has changed since 9/11. It is a much different situation."\n IU Professor of History James Madison added that Bloomington was a much different place in the late 1960s and early 1970s than it is now.\n"In those days, Dunn Meadow rocked," Madison said, referring to the various protests that occurred in the front of campus. "There were lots of issues surrounding women's liberation, race equality and others...\n"Most notable among these include the Little 500 sit-in and the Ballantine Hall lock-in," he said, referencing the sit-in of African-American students at Little 500 and the "locking-in" of IU administrators in a room in Ballantine Hall.\nAt the time, the University struggled with this, but they were able to resolve their problems with the students reasonably, and vice-versa, Madison said.\nMadison was adamant about his feelings regarding the University as a place of academic freedom and learning, but said he believes the recent arrests of former SLA members would not tarnish the University's reputation more than anything else.\n"I think it's an interesting story," Madison said. "I think current students will raise an eyebrow when they see IU connected with this"
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
Alfred C. Aman, Jr., dean and professor of law at IU, announced this year will be his last as dean of the Law School.\nIn a letter obtained by the IDS Tuesday, Aman said this was an opportune time for a transition in the deanship. Aman, who has served as dean since 1991, plans to serve as a fellow in the Law and Public Affairs Program at Princeton University after the end of his current deanship, which ends June 30, 2002. \nAfter completing a book on globalization and democracy next year, he plans to return to Bloomington the following year and rejoin IU as a member of the Law School's faculty. He will serve as the Roscoe C. O'Byrne Professor in Law, a position he earned in 1999.\n"I've had a wonderful time as dean," Aman said. "I've enjoyed this opportunity, IU is a wonderful school, and I think it's a good time for a transition in leadership in the law school. We've just completed a good retreat process with the faculty, and next year will begin a self-study process to help reshape the future direction of the school. All of this is ideal when thinking about new directions and new leaderships."\nA graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Aman has held numerous positions in his career, the most prestigious of which include serving as a clerk for the late Elbert Parr Tuttle, senior judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Ga. During his two-year term as a clerk, Aman attained first-hand experience in dealing with some of the most famous civil rights litigations.\nAman also served as founding editor for the Journal of Global Legal Studies, and held a Fulbright Chair in Trento, Italy, along with visiting professorships in Italy, France and England. In 1977, Aman joined the faculty of the Cornell Law School, where he taught until he began his deanship at IU in 1991.\nLast year Aman was one of eight candidates in line to replace former Bloomington Chancellor Kenneth Gros Louis -- a position, Aman said, for which he was honored to have been considered.\nAman said he's been thinking of resigning for some time, but reached his decision at the end of the fall semester.\n"It's time for a new phase in the law school; it's a great time for a transition," Aman said. "Before Cornell, I served in private practice for several years, but in many ways, the real high point of my career was to come here and be dean. The faculty, students and alumni I've worked with have been extremely supportive. I'm very happy I came here."\nMark Hilycord, assistant dean for finance and administration, said the search committee in charge of selecting a new dean is usually put together by the chancellor, though he was unsure if Chancellor Sharon Brehm had begun preparations.\nIn reference to his future at Princeton, Aman said he is looking forward to the kind of excitement that comes with intellectual discoveries and being able to write in a way that is original and beneficial to others.\nProfessor Emeritus of Law Harry Pratter has been at IU since 1950. In this time, Pratter has worked with several deans and held the position at one time in the mid-1970s as well. Although retired, Pratter at one time worked closely with Aman on several projects.\n"I've made trips with him to various areas of the country to speak with alumni," Pratter said. "On multiple occasions he asked me to accompany him to speak before alumni or the trustees. Aman is an internationally well-known scholar. He initiated a successful national campaign probably the most funds ever raised by a dean. He's been very active. He has been great for alumni relations and capital campaign"
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
Plans to create an independent university succeeding Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis could be finalized this week, but the bill must first pass through two readings in the Indiana Senate -- all of which must occur in the span of 48 hours.\nShould the House pass the bill, it would establish a commission to evaluate the possibility of turning IUPUI into the University of Central Indiana, largely severing its union with both IU and Purdue universities.\nIU Vice President of Public Affairs Bill Stephan said there is currently no need for alarm, but said nothing is certain in terms of what could happen.\n"There are a whole host of unknowns," Stephan said. "Some believe the level of federal funding could be put at risk," if IUPUI breaks from IU.\nStephan said current discussions between University officials and Senator Lawrence Borst, the bill's author, have proven productive. Stephan added that Senator Borst has expressed concern and interest in making the value of IUPUI better understood.\nBorst told the IUPUI Sagamore Jan. 17 that he launches the bill every year "in response to the arrogance of university hierarchy." He said he feels IUPUI needs more "local input."\nBorst could not be reached for comment Sunday. \nAlthough an approved bill could create chilling effects for IUPUI in areas of faculty recruitment and attaining capital campaign, Stephan said any estimates at this stage would be purely speculative.\nThough the bill must be presented before the full Senate before Tuesday, IUPUI political science professor Bill Blomquist said the bill is widely predicted to die within the Senate.\n"We have to pay attention to Tuesday," Blomquist said. "The next two readings will determine whether the bill will go onto the House for approval. In the past those opposed to the bill don't think it has been in the best interest of the students. Personally, I'm not familiar enough with Senator Borst's motives to know why he continues to propose this bill."\nBorst has expressed some unhappiness with the IU system and administration, Blomquist said. \n"This year he has pushed the bill a little harder," he said. "Senator Borst was able to negotiate the bill out of the Senate Public Policy Committee with a 5-3 vote. He's cutting close it close with the Tuesday deadline, but there are a bunch of other bills in the same stage."\nIn the past, Borst has proposed the bill before the Senate. The bill passing out of the Senate Public Policy Committee two weeks ago marks the first time the bill has had a hearing in at least a decade. \nIU Trustee Pat Shoulders said this bill is "absolutely wrong" for the students, the universities and the state of Indiana.\n"In my view, the bill should not go through," Shoulders said. "It's not supported by the faculty or students…I hope the legislative members of the state of Indiana will agree."\nShoulders added that he knows of no justification for Borst's bill, and said he sees no reason for the proposal.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
A Hoosier is about to become part of the U.N.\nIU board of trustees President James T. Morris shared a piece of the international spotlight Tuesday as the United Nations announced its plan to make him executive director of the World Food Program.\nThe announcement came after recent speculation that Morris would be ousted from the position by Australian Bruce Davis. \nReports indicated a selection of Davis over Morris would have slighted a major loss for the U.S., which lost its seat on both the Human Rights Commission last year and was voted off the International Narcotics Control Board.\nMorris' selection on the global food program allows the U.S. to maintain a major spot in a UN agency.\nAmerican Catherine Bertini was named WFP executive director in 1992. Her term will end in March, when Morris will take over.\nMorris, head of the parent company to the Indianapolis Water Company and board of trustees member since 1996, received a nomination from President George W. Bush in October to serve as a U.S. ambassador for the program, but the Bush administration instead opted to appoint him to the hands-on operations of the U.N.'s Food and Agricultural Organizations.\nMorris has also served as U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar's (R-Ind.) chief of staff from 1967 to 1973, when Lugar served as mayor of Indianapolis. Morris is former president of the Lilly Foundation, as well.\nIU President Myles Brand praised Morris for his efforts after his nomination in October.\n"Jim Morris has an outstanding record of public service and of getting things done," Brand said in a statement. "We have been most pleased that he has brought those attributes to our board of trustees, and I am certain he will have a similarly positive impact in this new role."\nIn an article published Monday in The Indianapolis Star, a spokesperson said U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, along with the U.N.'s director general for the FAO, had appointed Morris.\nA U.N. executive board met in Rome Tuesday to review and consider the nomination but is not expected to reject Annan's recommendation. The appointment must also be confirmed by the Senate and announced by General Annan before it is official.\nKirsten Gronbjerg, IU professor of public and environmental affairs and Efroymson chair in philanthropy, said activities within the realm of U.N. agencies vary among organizations.\n"Multi-national organizations play major roles in international aid relief problems as they develop," Gronbjerg said. "Natural disasters, refugee demands…those kinds of activities usually involve a combination of international organizations and non-profit organizations."\nWhile Gronbjerg said different non-government multinational activities take place under the U.N. World Food Program, she was not sure how their roles were allocated or coordinated among relief agencies.\nMorris' initial task could be shouldering the pressure of raising more than $280 million in food and aid packages to help Afghan refugees recover from the war. \nMorris did not return phone calls to his home Tuesday.\nUniversity media relations spokesperson James Tinney said the University had not released a statement regarding Morris' nomination.\nThe Associated Press contributed to this article.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
Residential Halls Association elections are being held today. The three tickets are Fusion, Amplify and K.I.S.S. Students may vote for the candidates within their respective living centers. Voters will receive paper ballots and must vote between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. today at their residence hall, Fusion presidential-candidate Erin Ransford said. \nRHA serves as the student government body in the residence halls. According to the Association's Web site, RHA was founded to involve student opinion in important decisions in the Division of Residential Programs and Services. Divisions within the association are split into executive, legislative and judicial branches and exist on two levels. Large-scale coverage exists through the campus-wide executive board and locally in each residence hall.\nElections are held annually and students living in eleven residence halls are the only ones allowed to vote, according to current RHA Vice President of Student Affairs Brian Holman. \nFusion\nThe Fusion ticket's platform states "the candidates of Fusion pride themselves on dedication, experience, and quality of leadership." Led by junior and presidential candidate Erin Ransford, the Fusion ticket's motto is "working together for students."\nRasford said their ticket has the ability to ask "hard questions that will get answers." \n"Because of our excellent relationship with the administration, we want to incorporate the input of students," Ransford said.\nFusion plans to address student concerns by initiating their game plan F.O.C.U.S: An acronym that stands for Feedback, Opportunities, Communication, Unify and Students First.\nSome of the ticket's new plans for improving RHA include incorporating an at-large student presence at committee meetings, as well as refining the leadership training for senators and vice governors of respective residence halls, Ransford said.\n"As president, I want to improve the quality of life by improving the quality of leadership," Ransford said. "There is currently a lot of apathy. Dealing more directly with residents will increase the voice of the residence improving the quality of life."\nThe ticket plans to establish communication with students by holding a campus wide Town Hall meeting twice a semester, making the RHA's Web site user-friendly and re-establishing the rotating office hours policy.\nIssues of concern for the Fusion ticket include representing the students' concerns. Their platform advocates eliminating the bus plan, providing healthy food and more food options for students and keeping the Information Technology fees low.\n"FUSION will represent the concerns, needs, and desires of the decision-making process on every issue," according to the Fusion platform. "FUSION wants to work to create administrative proposals, not try to change them after the fact."\nAmplify\nSet on fixing the problems that exist in RHA, the Amplify ticket stresses the importance of accountability, relationships and getting things done. \nSenior Ilia Smith is the Amplify presidential candidate, and she said there are problems within the residence halls they want to address. Smith is the treasurer candidate for the Steel IUSA ticket.\n"If you live in the residence halls currently, then you have problems," Smith said. "Our ticket is composed of motivated people, and there are things we want to fix."\nSome new ideas the Amplify ticket boasts include an online accountability page, which would let residents track how their local presidents and senators are voting. Smith said this policy would hold leaders accountable for knowing what their residents want, which would ensure resident approval. They also want to add more cable stations within the dorms, add food to places that no longer have it such as Briscoe and Ashton and improve overall security at the dorms.\nAmplify also wants to create a more visible RHA by establishing office hours at various locations, a change from making students walk to 801 N. Jordan, where the RHA offices are located. \nSmith said she wants to work on relationships with other student organizations, namely IUSA.\n"RHA and IUSA tend to butt heads," Smith said. "They should work together, it would be more beneficial to everyone."\nSmith said Amplify would not take an adversarial approach to working with the administration on campus issues.\n"You have to respect the administrators and their position," Smith said. "They're there to make sure students have what they need. We'll fight if we have to, but that's not our goal. We just want to make things better, not just be political."\nK.I.S.S.\nLed by graduate student Dietrich Willke, the K.I.S.S. ticket is comprised of the lone leadership of Willke, an active member of multiple student organizations and committees. Willke could not be reached by comment. \nHolman said all candidates have enough experience to excel at serving students. \n"Dietrich is involved in more student organizations and committees than anyone on campus," Holman said. "Erin (Ransford) is extremely competent and probably the most organized, she is one of the most organized people I know. She's always working. And I've never met a student who is more devoted to serving students than Ilia Smith, and the rest of the Amplify ticket is the same way."\nSenior Ken Minami, current RHA president, said he wants students to vote in order to allow them to have a direct impact on issues affecting them.\n"It's important that everyone goes out to vote," Minami said. "The best way to have their voice heard is to go out there and vote"
(04/23/02 6:04am)
Christopher Chan's entire summer wardrobe is from Abercrombie & Fitch.\nThis now poses a problem for the senior chairperson for IU's Asian Student Union. The ASU is one organization among many in the Asian-American community nationwide upset over T-shirts the clothing company produced that portrayed men with slanted eyes and conk-shaped hats. \nOne T-shirt even displayed the phrase: "Two wongs can make it white," -- a slight modification from the old "two wongs can't make a white" racial joke, Chan said.\nWhile Chan said they are pleased the company has yanked the T-shirts from their shelves, he refuses to wear any Abercrombie clothing until the company publishes a national letter of regret. Chan said he is upset over one particular T-shirt that displayed the deity Buddha in a humorous light.\n"If any other religion had been on the T-shirt, people would have been upset," Chan said. "All these T-shirts came together in a line. It bewildered us that they got through their marketing teams."\nIn a letter to the IDS, ASU expressed their discontent with the company.\n"We at the Asian Student Union in IU-Bloomington together with our associations condemn the actions of Abercrombie & Fitch, namely, having marketed graphic T-shirts that portrayed Asians and Asian-Americans in a stereotypical manner with references to old racial slurs and commercialization of our religious deity," the letter said.\nChan said he had spoken with the local Abercrombie store managers, and they said they were just as shocked with the T-shirts as he was. The ASU also sent a letter to the local store expressing their distaste.\nThe local store manager, who identified herself only as "Brandy," refused to comment on the matter.\nThe clothing company has not released an official statement regarding the T-shirts. Hampton Carney, a spokesperson for the company, offered this condolence:\n"We're very, very, very sorry," Carney said. "It's never been our intention to offend anyone."\nBut this statement did not reach everyone. Chan still wants a formal apology to the Asian-American community.\n"Abercrombie & Fitch is such a large organization, they should have exercised more caution," Chan said. "What they put on T-shirts may be accepted by the many, but having a massive campaign with racial jokes is not acceptable."\nThe ASU's letter continued to berate the actions taken by Abercrombie & Fitch, and urged any students who had purchased the T-shirts to return them, or not wear them. The group also wants the company to issue a public apology on its Web site.\n"It is pertinent that we confirm their sincerity of regret on their actions," the ASU letter said. "We do not feel that Indiana University is a place that tolerates racial degradation, and marketing the product in stores that cater to the campus population compromises our strive for diversity on campus."\nWhile many Asian activists have participated in protests outside area stores, Chan said no such protest is planned for the College Mall location.\nSome of the T-shirts banned for sale are being auctioned on Ebay for upwards of $70.
(04/23/02 6:01am)
A female student notified University police early Monday morning that she was the victim of a battery.\nAccording to official reports, the incident occurred on the south side of North Woodlawn Avenue at 4:15 a.m. The victim, 21, stated she was walking from her car to her residence when a white male walking toward her struck her on the right side of her face with a beer bottle he held in his hand. \nThe student fell to the ground as the subject ran west toward Park Street, according to official reports. The victim also said the subject acted as though he was intoxicated and did not say anything to her during the incident. The victim sustained abrasions and swelling to the right side of her face.\nHer assailant was described as a white male in his late 30s, with an aged, wrinkled face. He is estimated to be 5-foot-11 with short, dark brown hair. The subject was last seen wearing a solid black zip-up jacket, dark jeans and running shoes. \nLt. Jerry Minger of the IU Police Department said the victim notified police shortly after the incident, but she refused any further medical treatment.\nIU police have searched the area, but thus far have turned up negative results. Extra patrols will continue to search the area as the investigation continues, Minger said.\n"The victim will be re-interviewed later to see if she can come up with a composite (sketch)," Minger said. "Right now we're giving her a chance to recoup."\nIUPD Sgt. Leslie Slone said often times incidents like this one are unavoidable, but the risk of crime can be cut down by staying alert.\n"By maintaining a sense of awareness of your environment, sometimes you can prevent somebody from attacking you," Slone said. "These things are hard to deal with, unless there is an officer right there on the scene. We're going to be a few steps behind."\nSlone said techniques can be taken by both police and citizens to help prevent crimes like this one from reoccurring. Slone teaches classes in crime prevention that help educate others on how to prevent crime before it happens. Personal safety and self-defense are among some of the course topics Slone teaches.\nOther crime prevention techniques Slone mentioned included environmental design -- a topic Slone strongly advocates.\n"Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) searches for patterns where crimes occurs. Organizations can work together and target those problem areas," Slone said. "This way we (the University/community) can make proactive steps toward preventing crime."\nUnfortunately, by doing so, areas where crimes do not normally occur can be isolated or left untouched, Slone said.\n"In general, your best defense is being aware," she said. "In our society, there are no guarantees that something like this is not going to happen. The best thing we can do as humans and as members of society is be prepared."\nThe Bloomington Police Department's Web site offers suggestions on personal safety that include trying not to walk alone at night, not accepting rides from strangers, leaving a porch light on and walking close to the curb.\nBPD Captain Mike Diekhoff said a lot of personal safety revolves around not putting yourself in a situation to become a victim.\nIUPD urges any one with information about this crime to contact them at 855-4111.
(04/23/02 5:06am)
Students residing in the dorms should be safe from fire for the remainder of the year, officials at the IU Physical Plant said. \nThe April 7 dorm fire at DePauw University has raised questions about the lengths IU is taking to ensure safe living environments for students on campus. The blaze at DePauw injured three fire fighters and cost estimated damages of $1 million.\nLarry Stephens, risk manager for the IU physical plant, said students should be safe overall.\n"We normally run two fire drills a year to make sure everything is working," Stephens said. "Residential Programs and Services fully cooperates with us for our drills."\nStephens said problems arise when false alarms occur and students start taking them for granted. Other situations that could place unforeseeable risk on students include the use of open flames from candles, halogen light bulbs and cooking apparatuses that should not be used in dorm rooms, Stephens said.\nGreencastle fire officials attributed the cause of the blaze at DePauw to electrical appliances used in the dorm. \nThe risk of possible injury could be reduced if students would leave the dormitories during fire drills -- but more importantly, not start false alarms, Stephens said.\nJohn Doyle, a staff member in the electronics department, said the testing of fire alarms becomes a real public safety issue.\n"We test (the alarms) continually throughout the year," Doyle said. "We do everything we can to prevent possible fires."\nRecent repairs at Read Center have triggered alarms throughout the dorm, interrupting students from studying and sleep.\nPhysical Plant foreman for elevators and fire alarms John Heavilon said the University is making repairs, but refused to comment on the specifics of the repairs.\n Read residential advisor Michelle Bernstein said people within Read were unaware of repairs being made in the facility when alarms were set off. False alarms have occurred during the past two weeks in the center. Bernstein, a senior, said students were completely evacuated from the building once when smoke was reported to be coming from McDonald's.\n Doyle said the specifics of the repairs were not being made public for security purposes, but no fires have occurred yet this year in the dorms.\n"We must be doing something right," Doyle said.\nThere is no word yet as to whether the University's budget constraints will affect funding for repairs being made in dorms like Eigenmann, Foster and Read. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Judy Palmer said she estimated that the budget for the 2002-2003 school year would not be available until early May.
(04/11/02 5:36am)
An electrical fire on the third floor of Jordan Hall yesterday forced students and faculty out of the building, delaying classes for nearly half an hour.\nBloomington police and fire units responded to the scene shortly after 1 p.m. Students in the Strome/Saxton lab on the third floor entered the cold room across the hall and detected smoke coming from the room, according to Stephen Todd, director of facilities and laboratory services for the biology department.\nThe smoke was caused by an overheated light fixture in one of the building's cold rooms. Research associate Deborah Rose said the rooms are normally reserved for storing plates, solvents and other research materials at a constant temperature.\n"The people using the room just saw smoke spilling out into the hallway," Rose said. "With the building as old as it is, it was just a good idea (to pull the alarm)."\nStudents and faculty were allowed back into the building after police and fire units had secured the area around 1:30 p.m. Third floor access was restricted for some time, allowing people to re-enter the floor except the east corridor, Todd said.\n"We let the environmental and health safety department in there to determine what the problem was before we let anyone back in," Todd said.\nThe disturbance pulled administrator Jennifer Steinbachs from her office on the third floor, who said she was only told there was an incident on the floor. Steinbachs is the deputy director for the center for the genomics and bioinformatics.\nSenior April Stratton was told by police that she could re-enter the building but must stay off the third floor.\n"Considering radiation was involved, I don't think we should have class today," Stratton said.\nEarly speculation of the fire included thoughts that radioactive material could have been involved. As a precaution, the facilities administrators removed everyone from the building. \nBut Rose said the building was in no danger of radioactive material. \n"We are certified to use radioactive materials, but we currently don't," she said. "It was still the right thing to do by sounding the alarm. It could have been a solvent or something burning.\n"When I was at the University of Georgia, I saw an entire wing of a building go down. It was just a good idea to make sure everything was all right"
(03/29/02 9:16pm)
We're ready. \nReady to flood Kirkwood Avenue and jump in Showalter Fountain in the event of a Hoosier victory Saturday.\nBut, for alumni who can't join in the jubilation here or in Atlanta, the party will have to occur elsewhere. \nJoe's Bar, located in Lincoln Park on the north side of Chicago, will serve as the "nest" for Chicago-area alumni. Ed Warm, an '87 alum and owner of Joe's Bar, said he expects this weekend's festivities to draw as large of a crowd as the two previous games.\n"It was absolutely berserk here (after the Hoosiers first two wins)," Warm said. "It was like a scene out of 'Coyote Ugly.' People were dancing on the bar, hugging each other and throwing beer. I expect this Saturday to be more of the same."\nHis senior year at IU, Warm went to every NCAA tournament game. The Hoosiers went on to win the national championship.\nWarm has been in business five years, but the pub has already developed some traditions. Pre-game rituals at Joe's Bar include viewing a scene from "Hoosiers" just prior to tip-off -- the scene when Gene Hackman prepares the team for the Indiana high school state championship. Other traditions include serving beer in concession cups ordered directly from Assembly Hall.\nWarm said despite Hoosiers' 7-5 start, he has been pleased with the season.\n"Except for the Miami game, I've been very pleased with the season," he said. "I knew we had a lot of heart. I knew our seniors were going to carry us."\nMichael McCurry, an '85 graduate and president of the Chicago alumni club, will not be able to view the game from his typical seat at Joe's. Instead, he'll be in Denver watching the game with other Denver alums at Three Jacks, a local alumni hangout.\n"Typically, (Chicago alums) watch games at Joe's," McCurry said. "Ed is a very warm host. Usually there are between 400 to 1,200 alumni at any event."\nThe Chicago IU alumni club is the second largest in the country behind Indianapolis, McCurry said. The Chicago club has 4,000 members.\nMcCurry said he has no worries about how the Hoosiers will perform this weekend.\n"We're not favored, but that's OK," he said. "Davis and the guys are confident, and if we can hit from outside and get it to Jared (Jeffries), we'll kick butt and win. I'm excited."\nThe celebrations in Bloomington last week sent students strewn about campus in celebration. Dean of Students, Richard McKaig, wants to make sure any further celebrations go as well as last weekend's.\n"Winning certainly isn't everything," he said in a statement. "But winning does make a difference, and that difference has been evident on countless Bloomington faces this week. Anyone still wondering whether sports can bring out the best in people wasn't in town last Friday.\n"The day after Duke was a glorious day in our town and on our campus. By Saturday's victory over Kent State, ours was arguably the happiest town on earth. And the excitement continues."\nWarm said growing up he always knew he was going to IU. And his prediction for this weekend is not surprising.\n"I think we're going to shock the world"
(03/21/02 6:17am)
People who knew George Sullivan will have the opportunity to pay their last respects. \nA memorial service for Sullivan will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 at St. Paul's Catholic Church on 17th St. near Bill Armstrong Stadium, according to a statement by Theatre and Drama chairwoman Patricia Russell.\nSullivan, 54, had served as the director of audience development for the theater department until he took his own life March 5. \nAccording to official reports, police arrived at Sullivan's residence at 8:50 p.m. March 7. Bloomington Police Department officer Joshua Kamp was first to arrive on the scene. Kamp and BPD Officer Randy Gehlhausen entered Sullivan's residence and discovered the body of Sullivan just inside the living room area, Officer Kamp's report said.\nNeighbor Molly Thompson said Sullivan would often acknowledge her when he saw her, engaging her in conversation about her studies as an MBA student. Thompson said she was frustrated when she was not able to find Sullivan's obituary in any of the local papers.\nPaul Ripley, a faculty member in the School of Music, said he was pleased George would be given some formal recognition.\n"I'm happy there is going to be memorial service for George," Ripley said. "I appreciate whoever is responsible for putting that together…it's some form of closure."\nThe IDS reported Tuesday that police discovered Sullivan March 5. After further investigation, it was revealed police discovered Sullivan March 7. The IDS regrets this error.
(03/19/02 6:46am)
The IU community has lost an esteemed alumnus and faculty member.\nGeorge Sullivan, the theater department's director of audience development, was found dead at his home on North Park Avenue in the early evening of March 5. Monroe County Coroner Dave Toumey pronounced Sullivan dead at the scene, ruling the death an apparent suicide.\nNeighbors notified police after they had not seen Sullivan for a couple of days, authorities said. Police arrived on the scene in the early evening of March 5, Toumey said. Reports indicate Sullivan had passed nearly two days prior to the authorities' discovery. Authorities later discovered that Sullivan had suffered from depression and had previously worked with a counselor. Family members confirmed this discovery, official reports indicate.\nWord of Sullivan's death reached campus faculty this week, shocking those who knew him. School of Journalism associate professor Carol Polsgrove had served as Sullivan's dissertation co-director when he worked on his doctoral degree in mass communications through the School of Journalism.\n"I was shocked and saddened by the news," Polsgrove said. "I knew him quite well. He was a really talented fellow, very energetic."\nSullivan's academic resume included an undergraduate degree from Princeton University, a law degree, a masters in theater and a doctoral degree in mass communications both from IU. School of Journalism professor David Nord had Sullivan as a student in one graduate studies class.\n"He was a great student and a very interesting student," Nord said. "When I knew him, he had already been a lawyer and was very interested in communications law. I do know he was a good student, very engaging. I enjoyed him very much."\nThose close to Sullivan in the theater department were also saddened by the news of Sullivan's death. Theater and Drama professor George Pinney said his and Sullivan's paths crossed from time to time when he was a student in the master's program.\n"George was a warm and engaging person with a contagious laugh," Pinney said. "I was absolutely shocked (when I learned) first through e-mail and then through friends. I found him to be very passionate and very positive… there was no indication that this could have occurred, at least not to me."\nPinney and Sullivan were set to work together on the promotion of the spring musical "Parade." Sullivan did all the publicity for the department's shows, Pinney said.\nTheater and Drama department undergraduate advisor Charles Railsback was a working colleague with Sullivan within the department, and knew of Sullivan's broad academic background.\n"He was a very bright man that had a wide range of interests," Railsback said.\nRailsback said Sullivan came to IU in the 1980s, giving up a career in law to pursue a master's degree in theater. At one point, Sullivan had even acted and enjoyed dramatic literature, Railsback said. He also said Sullivan's academic interests speak impressively of him. Last semester, Sullivan came and spoke to one of Railsback's classes for a full hour about audience development, Railsback said.\n"He seemed to like it, and I think the student appreciated him as well," Railsback said. "He was a cooperative gentlemen that had enthusiasm for education and theater…he was easy to talk to and work with and we'll miss him."\nSullivan is survived by his parents and one sister. A memorial service is in the works, but no source could confirm the date and time of the event.\nCapt. Joe Qualters of the Bloomington Police Department could not be reached for comment.
(03/07/02 5:33am)
The results for the 2002 Residence Hall Association election are in, with the Amplify ticket emerging as the winner. The team of senior Ilia Smith, junior Katie Wampler, freshman Eric Cercone and junior Eric Hafner won every position in the campus-wide RHA election.\nAccording to RHA election commissioner Ryan Amtmann, a senior, the results of the election will not be made official until 7 p.m. tonight. Until that time, a written contestment for any of the election results may be filed.\nAmtmann said he does not expect there to be any contestments filed.\n"There were a lot of mixed ticket ballots," Amtmann said. "Unlike the IUSA ballots, students have the option of choosing individual candidates. It can make individual elections much closer, but it also allows students to choose and not be limited by ticket."\nThirty-one votes separated the outcome for the top candidates in the RHA presidential race. Amplify presidential candidate Ilia Smith said she and board members were pleased with the outcome and are anxious to get started.\nSmith said she and her ticket members were notified of the election results around 10 p.m Tuesday.\n"We found the results when Ryan (Amtmann) called my room," Smith said. "We were all at my place and were anxious and nervous to hear the results…afterwards we went to Denny's to celebrate."\nAfter the voting booths closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday, ballots were taken to the Residence Hall Association office, where the election commissioners tallied the votes, Smith said.\nSmith said she predicts students responded to the Amplify ticket because they liked the ticket's ideas about providing better cable service in the dorms. The group had proposed a push for the availability of premium channels. Other goals for Amplify include working on their relationships with whoever wins the IUSA election and improving their relationship with the IDS as well, she said.\nThe elected Amplify executive board members are slated to take office in early April, but Smith said much of the work to be done involves preparation.\n"We're trying to get directors for positions and get to know the center presidents," she said. "Most of our work will be getting to know new faces."\nSenior Jake Oakman, current IUSA student body president, served as the Amplify ticket's campaign manager. Oakman said he too was pleased with the outcome.\n"Amplify are the right people for the job," he said. "Ilia is a great person. I'm very fond of her work…Since I've been here, this is only the second time an RHA election has been contested. I think that's good because it adds more creditability when you have competition. I think the good side won"
(03/01/02 6:11am)
The one emergency phone located on the path between Jordan Avenue and Ballantine Hall is wrapped up -- much like many IU students attempting to front winter's latest blast of cold.\nBut unlike students, the emergency phone is not wearing earmuffs or a ski jacket. Instead, it dawns a garbage bag, duct tape and an out of order sign.\nBut those closely associated with the phones can't explain why.\nIUPD Lt. Jerry Minger was unaware of the out-of-service phone. So was Assistant Dean of Women's Affairs Carol McCord. \nBoth said any phones out-of-service, once reported, are normally fixed within a 24-hour period. Apparently, this phone is an exception. The phone was recently installed during the completion of the Theatre/Neal-Marshall Education Center.\nAccording to an Operations Department employee, the phone is out-of-service for a particular reason. University officials can't decide who will pay the monthly fee to operate the phone.\nMike Edwards, an employee with the IU Electronics Department, declined to comment on whether this was the cause for the phone's defunct status.\nLori Brown, a central dispatcher for IU Telecommunications, said orders to replace out-of-service emergency phones are normally given to the Electronics department.\nCampus phones are supposed to be maintained, and those not properly maintained could pose an unsafe situation, Minger said.\nBut Minger said IUPD has never received an emergency call to provide personal protection from a blue-light phone. \n"Typically, the campus itself is a pretty safe environment," Minger said. "But there isn't a way to quantify crimes that didn't happen on account of the blue-lights presence. A criminal is not inept to commit a crime when they know the area might have a quick police response."\nParking Operations has taken on the responsibility of maintaining many of the phones in the parking structures, Minger said.\nThe Commission for Personal Safety will sponsor a walk through campus March 19 to examine safety concerns. \n"The walk will provide the opportunity for people to make suggestions -- if we need more lighting or emergency phones," McCord said. "Walks throughout campus are usually conducted once or twice a year." \nThe time and place for the walk-through will be announced at a later date, McCord said.\n"The event is open to all members and concerns, and suggestions are welcomed," she said.
(01/08/02 5:33am)
IU administrative services will no longer shoulder the expense of running two financial aid systems that provide student loans. \nThe University plans to drop one service completely, because maintaining the two systems would require an up-front investment of $1 million, according to the Student Information Systems Steering Committee.\nBefore the federal government's launch of the direct lending program in 1994, all seven IU campuses used the Family Federal Education Loan Program, FFELP. Since that time, the University has supported both systems.\nPlans announced at a Dec. 7 board of trustees meeting call for the change to a single financial aid system, which supplies some $120 million in student loans, according to Bill Ehrich, associate director for client services for the Office for Student Financial Assistance. \nUnder this plan, the University would save money by operating only one system. The annual cost of maintaining both systems would be approximately $500,000 per year, according to a University statement.\nTrustee Stephen Backer said it would be difficult to determine where any money saved would be reallocated.\n"With academics as our main focus, it would most likely be placed within that area," Backer said. "We're not going to plow this money into some obscure area, especially with the current budget constraints."\nAccording to a University statement, the savings involved will allow IU to allocate more funds toward investments in IU's primary academic missions of teaching and learning, research and service.\nNo current IU students will be affected by the change, and those students receiving financial aid through direct lending will continue to receive funding. Over the course of the next three years, IU will begin using the PeopleSoft Financial Aid Module, but the change will not occur before fall 2004. \nEhrich said substantial research was conducted in preparation for the switch. \n"Running one system is just more cost efficient," Ehrich said. \nHe emphasized the change would not affect the amount of financial aid students receive.\n"The new bank loan system is nothing like the previous one," he said. "The inception of direct lending revolutionized the system the banks were using. Incoming students in the fall of 2004 can expect the same amount of money as in the past -- it's just coming from a different source."\nSophomore Audrey Comparet said she has no qualms with the current status of financial aid.\n"I have no complaints; I'm happy with all the loans I've received," Comparet said. "I just hope if (the University) is able to save any money, that it would give it back to the students"
(12/06/01 5:40am)
Fred Mascherino hates Weezer. But his band, Breaking Pangaea, is often compared to the popular group.\nThough musically the bands may sound similar in some aspects, the comparison might have more to do with Mascherino's plastic-rimmed glasses, which look similar to those of Rivers Cuomo, Weezer's front-man. Despite his distaste, Mascherino says he takes the comparison as a compliment.\n"I know we have a strong Weezer fan base," Mascherino says. "But I don't really like them lyrically. I like more serious lyrics, but I understand… a lot music I like I wouldn't stand by (lyrically), like Van Halen."\nMascherino, 27, and proud owner of nine Van Halen T-shirts, graduated from Temple University with a degree in jazz performance before he and drummer Will Noon started the band in the fall of 2000. \nWanting to put more time into their newly formed band, whose name stems from the theory of the great land mass divide, Noon and Mascherino needed a bassist who would be able to contribute to a larger commitment. After trying out several bassists, they found their match. His name is Clint Stelfox.\nStelfox used to work on the stock exchange prior to joining the band. \nNow all three members have pushed their personal and professional lives aside to tour.\nBut their commitment to music does not go without struggle. Stelfox is currently unemployed. Mascherino, recently married, now has to spend weekends at home giving guitar lessons to earn extra cash. And Noon, has put off his economics degree by taking a semester off.\nBetween brief stints home to visit family and rest, the Philadelphia-based band has logged thousands of miles in their van, traveling across the continental U.S. in support of their first full-length album Cannon to a Whisper. Though the official release date for the LP is not until Dec. 11, the band has spent most of the fall touring. So far they've played in 38 states and plan to pick up three more on this leg of the tour. \nThis Saturday, they'll add Indiana to their list when they play with Cooking Camaria at the Octopus Palace in Bloomington.\nPlaying small venues across the country means long hours in the van, which Fred says often results in a series of events.\nThough Mascherino enjoys playing the smaller venues, he says what often happens at new places is that owners don't know what to do, and end up having to keep all of the door money so they can stay afloat.\nIn general, Noon says he thinks the current status of music is going pretty well. \n"It's digging up the underground," Noon says. "If you love this music, you should be able to hear it, the claim of 'selling out' these days has somewhat diminished, which is good because I don't think it's selling out if lots of people like your music, it's only when you change yourself or your sound."\nEach member brings something different to the bands' sound, helping to carve their emo-based rock into something that Noon likes to call "easily digestible rock."\n"I first started getting into music around '91, when Nirvana was just starting, so I really try to model my drumming after Dave Grohl and Jon Bonham," Noon says. "But we all have different musical tastes. Clint is a big fan of Fugazi, while Fred is really into Sunny Day Real Estate and Jeff Buckley."\nThe band's sound reflects their influences -- strong Fugazi-like bass lines coming from Stelfox, mixed with Noon's pounding and Mascherino's ability to, as he puts it, "smooth over everything." \n"If you listen to jazz, you hear some of the chords and the picking I use stems from it," Mascherino says. "I think it's true that sometimes you have to work backwards to get ahead. Or like Billie Joe of Green Day once told me, 'If you want to play good pop punk, listen to the Beatles.'"\nBut the magic that now exists within Breaking Pangaea almost didn't happen. \nSpeaking via the Internet with one of Mascherino's former band mates, Bill Loughin, Noon learned that Mascherino's former band had disbarred and Mascherino was looking for something new. Psyched over learning this news and eager to begin a new band, Noon got offline. In a state of excitement over this opportunity, he shut off his computer -- forgetting to write down the phone number of Loughin.\nRealizing his blunder, Noon admits to kicking things over around his room. But lucky for Noon, he was able to get a hold of Mascherino, and eventually the three were able to hook up as a three-piece.\n"When Will didn't call back, we thought he was just another flake," Mascherino says. "But finally we were able to jam, and I saw how musically smart Will was. I've played with better drummers in my life, but none have had the strong sense of the music Will has."\nPre-show rituals for the band are not uncommon. Mascherino can usually be found off somewhere doing stretches and drinking tea to aid his throat for the forthcoming wails. Stelfox and Noon opt for the less therapeutic practice of throwing a ball against a wall.\n"The name of the game changes depending on the venue," Mascherino says. "If we're playing the Thunderdome, it becomes Thunderdome Ball, and the like."\nBut, contrary to the pre-show activity, the post-show life doesn't involve cohorts of groupies and booze most often associated with the rock star lifestyle.\n"Usually Will passes out in the bed in the back of our van right after our show," Mascherino says. "Right after a show we usually don't listen to any music because our ears are still ringing from playing our set. But we know when Will is asleep, it's safe to play stuff that Clint and I like, like Jeff Buckley."\nMascherino says the reason to be on the road as much as they are is to continue to grow a larger fan base and hopefully within a year or two be supporting a major band, or even headlining.\n"I just hope that in a year from now-or even next summer that I'll be making the band my only job," he says.\nNoon hopes to get as many people as possible to enjoy their music.\n"We try to keep our music easily digestible… and just write good rock music"
(12/06/01 5:00am)
Fred Mascherino hates Weezer. But his band, Breaking Pangaea, is often compared to the popular group.\nThough musically the bands may sound similar in some aspects, the comparison might have more to do with Mascherino's plastic-rimmed glasses, which look similar to those of Rivers Cuomo, Weezer's front-man. Despite his distaste, Mascherino says he takes the comparison as a compliment.\n"I know we have a strong Weezer fan base," Mascherino says. "But I don't really like them lyrically. I like more serious lyrics, but I understand… a lot music I like I wouldn't stand by (lyrically), like Van Halen."\nMascherino, 27, and proud owner of nine Van Halen T-shirts, graduated from Temple University with a degree in jazz performance before he and drummer Will Noon started the band in the fall of 2000. \nWanting to put more time into their newly formed band, whose name stems from the theory of the great land mass divide, Noon and Mascherino needed a bassist who would be able to contribute to a larger commitment. After trying out several bassists, they found their match. His name is Clint Stelfox.\nStelfox used to work on the stock exchange prior to joining the band. \nNow all three members have pushed their personal and professional lives aside to tour.\nBut their commitment to music does not go without struggle. Stelfox is currently unemployed. Mascherino, recently married, now has to spend weekends at home giving guitar lessons to earn extra cash. And Noon, has put off his economics degree by taking a semester off.\nBetween brief stints home to visit family and rest, the Philadelphia-based band has logged thousands of miles in their van, traveling across the continental U.S. in support of their first full-length album Cannon to a Whisper. Though the official release date for the LP is not until Dec. 11, the band has spent most of the fall touring. So far they've played in 38 states and plan to pick up three more on this leg of the tour. \nThis Saturday, they'll add Indiana to their list when they play with Cooking Camaria at the Octopus Palace in Bloomington.\nPlaying small venues across the country means long hours in the van, which Fred says often results in a series of events.\nThough Mascherino enjoys playing the smaller venues, he says what often happens at new places is that owners don't know what to do, and end up having to keep all of the door money so they can stay afloat.\nIn general, Noon says he thinks the current status of music is going pretty well. \n"It's digging up the underground," Noon says. "If you love this music, you should be able to hear it, the claim of 'selling out' these days has somewhat diminished, which is good because I don't think it's selling out if lots of people like your music, it's only when you change yourself or your sound."\nEach member brings something different to the bands' sound, helping to carve their emo-based rock into something that Noon likes to call "easily digestible rock."\n"I first started getting into music around '91, when Nirvana was just starting, so I really try to model my drumming after Dave Grohl and Jon Bonham," Noon says. "But we all have different musical tastes. Clint is a big fan of Fugazi, while Fred is really into Sunny Day Real Estate and Jeff Buckley."\nThe band's sound reflects their influences -- strong Fugazi-like bass lines coming from Stelfox, mixed with Noon's pounding and Mascherino's ability to, as he puts it, "smooth over everything." \n"If you listen to jazz, you hear some of the chords and the picking I use stems from it," Mascherino says. "I think it's true that sometimes you have to work backwards to get ahead. Or like Billie Joe of Green Day once told me, 'If you want to play good pop punk, listen to the Beatles.'"\nBut the magic that now exists within Breaking Pangaea almost didn't happen. \nSpeaking via the Internet with one of Mascherino's former band mates, Bill Loughin, Noon learned that Mascherino's former band had disbarred and Mascherino was looking for something new. Psyched over learning this news and eager to begin a new band, Noon got offline. In a state of excitement over this opportunity, he shut off his computer -- forgetting to write down the phone number of Loughin.\nRealizing his blunder, Noon admits to kicking things over around his room. But lucky for Noon, he was able to get a hold of Mascherino, and eventually the three were able to hook up as a three-piece.\n"When Will didn't call back, we thought he was just another flake," Mascherino says. "But finally we were able to jam, and I saw how musically smart Will was. I've played with better drummers in my life, but none have had the strong sense of the music Will has."\nPre-show rituals for the band are not uncommon. Mascherino can usually be found off somewhere doing stretches and drinking tea to aid his throat for the forthcoming wails. Stelfox and Noon opt for the less therapeutic practice of throwing a ball against a wall.\n"The name of the game changes depending on the venue," Mascherino says. "If we're playing the Thunderdome, it becomes Thunderdome Ball, and the like."\nBut, contrary to the pre-show activity, the post-show life doesn't involve cohorts of groupies and booze most often associated with the rock star lifestyle.\n"Usually Will passes out in the bed in the back of our van right after our show," Mascherino says. "Right after a show we usually don't listen to any music because our ears are still ringing from playing our set. But we know when Will is asleep, it's safe to play stuff that Clint and I like, like Jeff Buckley."\nMascherino says the reason to be on the road as much as they are is to continue to grow a larger fan base and hopefully within a year or two be supporting a major band, or even headlining.\n"I just hope that in a year from now-or even next summer that I'll be making the band my only job," he says.\nNoon hopes to get as many people as possible to enjoy their music.\n"We try to keep our music easily digestible… and just write good rock music"
