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(07/20/05 9:00pm)
Warning to all: R. Kelly's TP.3 Reloaded should make you want to have or at least think about sex, there is no graceful or delicate way to put it. Who else, but maybe Prince or Madonna, has the unbridled freedom of the tongue, content and power to control and inspire deep memorable emotions in listeners, while talking about fruits and vegetables, sex, being a player, sex, white t-shirts and something else ... oh yeah sex. \nHis conversational, visual and unapologetic delivery is consistent throughout the CD as he doesn't concern himself with varying his subject matter. Rather, sex is his canvas, his expertise, and, on this album, his inspiration.\nSomehow Kelly can say whatever he wants, about whatever he wants, and we will love it. Who else can tell their mate, as Kelly does in one song, how much he loves it when she "imitates that dog" and make it sound so sweet. \nWith so many songs about reproductive activities, one would think the songs would become repetitious, however this is never the case on TP.3 as Kelly has more analogies, metaphors, alliteration and other literary devices to delight the pickiest English major. Remember, this is the same man who has successfully compared the female body to a sports utility vehicle. Subtlety is certainly not his aim, as he delights in telling listeners how it is. \nTomatoes have never been as sexy as they are in Kelly's "Sex in the Kitchen," a gripping tale about ... well, sex all over the kitchen, even "by the stove," and the best place: by "the butter rolls."\nA ballad with Nivea is a call-and-response ballad, about ... well sex, and nothing else, by describing the vivacious act with painstaking detail and precision. \nIn "Love is What We Are Making," he advocates for sex on "in the morning," in the "evening," on "holidays" and by some miracle even while he "is sleeping."\nHe even has a song telling his current girlfriend that he has been messing around with her best friend, apologizing by telling her he doesn't even regret it and somehow it seems like his warped logic would work it real life.\nThe operetta "Trapped in the Closet" offers listeners with cinematic material worthy of the big screen. \nThe Game, Snoop Dogg, Elephant Man and several others make appearances to spice up the CD's content, but the star is always Kelly, and that is how it should be. With a track listing of 19 songs, the disc is well worth the money, and the time.\nAt the end of the day, if you listen to TP.3 and you are not enjoying your mind being completely in the gutter, then you weren't listening.
(07/11/05 4:27pm)
INDIANAPOLIS -- One hundred twenty-nine of the world's best high school basketball players convened among banners of Michael Jordan, Ray Allen and other NBA superstars. The players gathered at the National Institute for Fitness and Sports at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis Tuesday through Saturday at the Nike All-American Camp in Indianapolis. The camp has produced hundreds of NBA stars such as Vince Carter, Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, and is considered one of the best in the nation.\n"You will always get the best of the best at the Nike Camp," said Josh Pastner, assistant coach of the Arizona Wildcats. "There are so many good players, and the play is always at a very high level."\nIU men's basketball coach Mike Davis, Georgetown's John Thompson Jr., Florida's Billy Donovan, Arizona's Lute Olson and Iowa coach and former IU great Steve Alford were some of the collegiate coaching royalty in attendance to observe, evaluate and scrutinize the players. \nSome of the teenagers have had numerous scholarships thrown at them, while others were competing for their basketball lives and educational futures as scouts and coaches lined the bleachers with pens and pads in hand. The stress is seldom lost on weary parents, who know the importance of the tournament on their children's future. \n"It does make you a little bit nervous as a parent because your child is really under some pressure," said Tom Rizk, father of Geoffrey Rizk, a 6-foot-1 guard from New Jersey. \nMost of the athletes are accustomed to the pressure.\n"Its not that bad. You get used to it. You just have to think they're just regular people watching you so you can just keep up with your game, and just do what you have to do," said Devin Brennan-McBride, a 6-foot-9 senior to be from Ontario, Canada. "I try to block out the coaches and pretend they're not there."\nThis year the Nike Camp occurred at the same time as the adidas Superstar Camp and Reebok ABCD Camp, which has kept coaches busy, said Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton. \n"With so many players at so many tournaments it is hard to evaluate talent," said Hamilton, who has been to all three major high school tournaments this week. "It's been a busy weekend."
(06/30/05 5:54am)
Around the country the smell of charcoal, gun powder, and barbeque smoke will soon permeate the air, and Bloomington will be no different. It has been 229 years since the Founding Fathers sat together in a room and signed a piece of paper that would birth American democracy, and nothing says happy 229th birthday like good food, fun and fireworks. \n"Fireworks celebrate our independence," said Steve Porter, owner of Steve's Fireworks, with four locations in town, all with extended hours around this time of year. Sales have been going up lately at the stores and Porter expects sales to increase. "It is going to be a long weekend," said Porter, who will be catering to the masses who crave bottle rockets, artillery shells and other fireworks to add to their weekend.\nLast year's celebrations were disturbed by the rain, but with clear weather in the forecast and an array of events, the weekend might prove to be memorable.\nThe city celebration begins on Saturday with a Picnic with the Pops at Ivy Tech State College, where citizens can either pay from $10 for blanket seating on up to $180 for a table. \n"It's a warm and fuzzy, and patriotic feeling that is quickly becoming a tradition in Bloomington," said John Winninger, the principal Cellist of the Bloomington Pops, and an IU communications professor. "It's quite an event." \nThe battle Hymn of the Republic, military branch theme songs and even theme songs from popular movies such as Star Wars and the Lion King, are expected to serenade listeners ears. "There's even a Spongebob parade for the kids," said Winninger, who is excited to perform in front of the traditionally 3,000-5,000 strong audience. The performance is followed by one of the many fireworks displays this weekend. \n"I just want to get through the performance without the rain," said Winninger, who recalls the downpour of the previous year that damaged instruments and cut the performance short. "We tried to play through it, but it was too much."\nThe Bloomington Speedway also has a place in Bloomington history as their 20th annual Gigantic Aero Fireworks Display, on Friday after a night of racing, will celebrate America's independence a little early.\nA community pride picnic will also be held in Bloomington July 4, hosted by the Indiana chapter of National Organization for Women, a coalition member of Indiana Equality www.incoalition.org. The event, called "Liberty and Justice for All," celebrates the dream of equality and first-class citizenship rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens and their families\nThe Elks Lodge at 400 N. Walnut St. also has a spot in Bloomington Fourth of July tradition, as they will put on their 30th annual Fish Fry from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, which regularly attracts upwards of 400 Bloomington residents to chow down on Alaskan Pollack, barbequed chicken, and coleslaw. With most of the proceeds going to charity residents can feel good about pigging out. \n"The food is good, the beverages are fine, and it's the best spot in town to watch the parade," said Thomas Kiddie, of the Elks Lodge. "We are very excited about the fish fry, it's a Bloomington tradition." \nThe weekend will culminate with the city parade, which begins at 3 p.m. at 11th and Morton, and fresh off 90 parade entries last year, it will continue for however long it takes. \n"Anything and everything is included in the parade from boy and girl scout groups, politicians, to police and fireman," said Miranda Porte from the Bloomington Convention center.\nAnother Firework display will conclude the day and light up the night at 9 p.m. at the IU Memorial Stadium. \n"Last year's display was amazing," said Porte, who remembers it raining during the display. "Even though it rained people stayed out and the performance continued." \nWithout the rain, this year's celebrations look more promising.
(05/26/05 3:37am)
A 37-year-old Bloomington man was killed Monday morning when his bicycle slid under a cement truck. \nMichael Steinbach died soon after paramedics arrived at the corner of Third Street and Walnut Street. Several witnesses watched at 11:07 a.m. as Steinbach, riding his bike the wrong direction on Walnut Street in the right-hand lane of traffic, entered the intersection as an IMI cement mixer truck was making a right turn onto Walnut St. The accident was only two blocks from the Bloomington Police Station. \n"The bicycle rider went right underneath the cement mixer and was run over by one or more of the wheels," said Det. Sgt. David Drake of the Bloomington Police Department. The man's red bike was mangled at the scene, and his glasses were found on the ground near the accident. \n"It appeared as though he had significant internal chest injuries, like the wheels went across his chest," Drake said. \nSteinbach, who was not wearing a helmet, also had injuries and bleeding from the head. Attempts made to revive him were unsuccessful. \n"One of the officers brought out CPR (equipment) but it was evident that it wasn't going to do any good," Drake said. The bicycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner David Toumey. Steinbach was coming from breakfast at the Shalom Community Center, a resource center that assists the homeless and poor, at the time of the accident.\nThe truck driver, James Parsons of Spencer, Ind., did not notice that he had run over the biker until he was halfway down the block, when a passerby waved him down by yelling and pointing, Drake said. An officer was also in the vicinity before the accident and was alarmed by a witness' scream.\nThe driver of the truck was not injured in the accident. A breath test administered to Parsons indicated no signs of alcohol.\n"It was a shock to us all," said Joel Rikas, the executive director of the Shalom Community Center, who saw Steinbach the morning of the accident. Steinbach frequently visited the center over the past five years, and was a regular for meals, Rikas said. \n"Several people around here knew Michael, and within minutes of leaving here he was dead," Rikas said. \nThe accident cast a somber atmosphere at the center for the rest of the day, and inspired much reflection from its visitors, Rikas said.\n"He was one of the guests we see everyday," Rikas said. "It really made people think about how life can change in a moment."\nThe roads were closed down for two hours as police, medical personnel and accident re-constructionists worked on the scene. There was no indication something was wrong with the truck, but the accident is still under investigation. There will be a memorial service for Steinbach today at 11 a.m. at the Shalom Center on 219 E. Fourth St. housed in the First United Methodist Church.
(05/25/05 5:13pm)
A 37-year-old Bloomington man was killed Monday morning when his bicycle slid under a cement truck. \nThe unidentified man died soon after paramedics arrived at the corner of Third Street and Walnut Street. Several witnesses watched at 11:07 a.m. as the biker, riding south -- the wrong direction -- on Walnut Street in the right-hand lane of traffic, entered the intersection as an IMI cement mixer truck was making a right turn onto Walnut. The accident was only two blocks from the Bloomington Police Station. \n"The bicycle rider went right underneath the cement mixer and was run over by one or more of the wheels," said Det. Sgt. David Drake of the Bloomington Police Department. The man's red bike was mangled at the scene, and his glasses were found on the ground near the accident. \n"It appeared as though he had significant internal chest injuries, like the wheels went across his chest," Drake said. \nThe biker, who was not wearing a helmet, also had injuries and bleeding from the head. Attempts made to revive the man were unsuccessful. \n"One of the officers brought out CPR (equipment) but it was evident that it wasn't going to do any good," Drake said. The bicycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner David Toumey. \nThe truck driver, James Parsons of Spencer, Ind., did not notice that he had run over the biker until he was halfway down the block, when a passerby waved him down by yelling and pointing, Drake said. An officer was also in the vicinity before the accident and was alarmed by a witness' scream.\nThe driver of the truck was not injured in the accident. A breath test administered to Parsons indicated no signs of alcohol.\nThe roads were closed down for two hours as police, medical personal and accident re-constructionists worked on the scene. There was no indication something was wrong with the truck, but the accident is still under investigation.\nDrake said BPD would not release the name of the bicyclist until his family is notified.
(05/19/05 1:45am)
Governor Mitch Daniels has requested an IU official to play an essential, independent advisory role in assisting the state of Indiana. J. Terry Clapacs, IU vice president and chief administrative officer, will aid in the construction of the recently-approved 63,000 seat, retractable roof stadium for the Indianapolis Colts, and the expansion the convention center in downtown Indianapolis.\nClapacs will serve as Daniels' adviser to the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority, the governor announced Tuesday. \n"This is an opportunity for IU to contribute to one of the state's most important economic development projects," Clapacs said in an IU press release. "I am honored to be called upon to serve the state in this endeavor." \nClapacs will have to attend authority meetings and provide members with advice and analysis of architectural and construction matters. \nLarry MacIntyre, IU's director of media relations, said Clapacs has a reputation for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and has cemented this image with over 35 years of experience in overseeing major building projects on all of IU's seven campuses. \nThe stadium project will largely be paid for through proposed local tax increases in central Indiana counties, after Daniels officially approved the stadium on May 11. That meshes well with Clapacs' background, MacIntyre said. \n"Terry has probably built more buildings in Indiana using public funds than anyone, and he knows how to get the job done," MacIntyre said, adding that Clapacs has worked with several of the world's most prestigious architectural firms. \nClapacs said IU has developed very high standards for project design and construction that enable the University to bring projects in on time, within cost and at a high level of quality. These processes and standards should also be helpful to the stadium and convention authority, he said. \nClapacs will remain in his current position as an IU vice president, but he will need to divert some of his time to the advisory position.\n"The position will not take a lot of his time from IU," said MacIntyre, who suggested that Clapacs will be a close, voluntary, unpaid adviser. "The Governor is very interested in Terry, and President Adam Herbert is very proud of him."\nDaniels will visit Bloomington, where Clapacs works, for the first time since the announcement this Friday. The governor will talk to the Save Crane Committee, a group within the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation dedicated to preserving the Crane Naval Base in Bloomfield, Ind., to thank them for their efforts and discuss with them the next steps in their strategy.
(05/16/05 1:04am)
Rumors floated around Assembly Hall this weekend at the annual adidas May Classic about the whereabouts of Indiana prep stars and teammates Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr.\n"Oden and Conley quit the team, you heard it here first," joked Michael Conley Sr. the coach of Oden and Conley Jr.'s team, Spiece Indy Heat.\nAlthough both didn't quite quit, they did miss portions of the tournament.\nOden decided to go to a family graduation in Buffalo, N.Y., and Conley Jr., who was at Assembly Hall Friday, and early Saturday, attended his prom that night. \n"We've been doing well, missing so many starters," said Conley Sr., whose team was also missing Daequan Cook, who attended his high school prom, and forward Aaron Pogue who was unable to play due to injury. \nThe tournament, which featured 108 teams and some of the best 15, 16, and 17 year-olds from around the country, was played at eight venues across Bloomington. \nConley Jr. and sophomore Eric Gordon dominated the competition Friday and Saturday morning with a barrage of shots from behind-the-arc in two wins over a talented Blessed IJN Elite squad and the Memphis Pump and Run, despite missing Oden, the USA Today and Parade Magazine player of the year. Kyle Luckett, a 7-footer from the Blessed IJN Elite team gave a valiant effort throughout the first two days of the tournament, displaying great athleticism and a surprising three-point shot for someone his size. \nThe 6-foot-3-inch Gordon more than once showed off his leaping ability, catching several fast break alley oops, taking over the leadership role once Conley Jr. left. \n"We always play together and we just know how to win," said Gordon, who said he liked playing in Assembly Hall. "The team always has someone who will step up when people are gone." \nOden and Conley Jr. will be \nfinishing their senior years together at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis this season. Both are considered top prospects with Oden giving the Hoosiers serious consideration.\nParents, who made up the bulk of the crowd, were often seen screaming at coaches and videotaping their children as if their lives depended on it. And with no Division I scouts allowed, and scholarships in the balance for many players, their lives might have depended on it.\n"You see parents who make a fool of themselves and embarrass their children," said parent Michelle Hobbes. "You also see children who never have parents come to a single game." \nHobbes, the mother of 15-year-old Braydon and 16-year-old Derrick Hobbes, both of New Albany High School, drove back to Bedford but turned around to come see her sons play. \n"When I got to Bedford I thought something didn't feel right, I wasn't at my son's game." Hobbes said, as she came just in time to see her son's Indiana Heat lose by 20 to the Spiece Indy Heat. "They are the best team is the state so I don't mind as much." \nA tournament of this size gives players a chance to play against better competition and develop better team skills, said Doug Lee, coach of Common Bond, a 16-and-under team from Ann Arbor, Mich. \n"Everyone here is a good individual player," Lee said. "Learning to be a team player is another thing, and this will teach them."\nThe competition for the players is good, but for many the opportunity to play in the legendary Assembly Hall is worth the trip.\n"Playing here is unbelievable," said 16-year-old Logan Jones, of the Southern Indiana Sharks. "I hope I get to play here in college"
(05/06/05 3:54am)
Bloomington Mayor, IU alum, and former IUSA president Mark Kruzan hated economics, but loved his IU experience. Graduating with degrees in Journalism and Political Science in 1982, Kruzan went on to IU-Bloomington School of Law in 1985. In 1986, Kruzan was elected as State Representative for Bloomington. He was the youngest member of the legislature until 1992, and in 1994, Kruzan was appointed to be the House Minority Whip. In 1996, he was elected by his colleagues to be the Majority Leader of the Indiana House of Representatives -- a post he held until 2002. Bloomington citizens elected Kruzan eight times to represent their interests in the Indiana General Assembly. An IU success story, Kruzan recalls his IU experience, and its value in his life.
(04/08/05 6:25am)
Blue and yellow, the colors of Sigma Gamma Rho Incorporated, dominate the scheme of junior Hannah Jones' room. A collage of T-shirts, picture frames, blue and yellow shoes and even a Sigma Gamma Rho doormat reflects the importance of Jones' membership in her traditionally black sorority. \nThe accessories tie Jones to the Sigma Gamma Rho community. What separates Jones is that she is white.\n"I'm not blind, I know this is a traditionally African-American organization," said Jones, a native of Bloomington. "Race didn't matter in my decision," said Jones, who was impressed by the organization's commitment to community service and sisterhood. "I didn't do this to cross a color barrier. I did this for me."\nOne of two white members of the seven historically black greek organizations on IU's campus, Jones was attracted to the intense bonding of her sorority and what it meant in their lives, despite the fact that it was out of the campus norm.\n"I've gotten the occasional dirty look around campus," says Jones. "Everyone has their own opinion, but generally everyone has been very supportive. My family was surprised to say the least. But they love me unconditionally, it was just a shock."\nSenior Abby Jellinek shares Hannah's experience as one of the two white members of the seven black greek organizations.\n"My mom wanted me to find a Jewish sorority," says Jellinek, an Atlanta native who didn't tell her mom until three months after she joined the sorority. "She wasn't surprised, but she wasn't that happy either."\nJellinek, who is now vice president of IU's National Pan-Hellenic counsel, an organization that represents the black greeks on campus, joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated after a chance meeting with Jasmine Wright, a future sorority sister, at 2 a.m. in the laundry room of McNutt Quad. Disenchanted with culture of her dorm, she went with her new friend to the sorority's informational. \n"I didn't really fit into the McNutt crowd," said Jones. "I was bored and I went, and was impressed at how passionate black organizations are." \nBoth girls looked at white greeks, but were disenchanted at the selection process. \n"I don't see how you can pick a member to be apart of your organization meeting them a few times and without really getting to know them," said Jellinek who spent a semester with her sorority before they accepted her in the organization. "My mother thinks that if you don't have a house you are not in a sorority," says Jellinek pointing out a difference between many black greeks and their white counterparts. "I feel the people make up the sorority, and should be what's important.\nBoth girls admitted they were apprehensive at times. \n"Now and then my whiteness comes up," said Jellinek who admits that she could be better at stepping, as it took her a while to get it. Stepping is a dance preformed using stomping and clapping that originated in Africa from the Gumboot dance.\n"It was hard for her at the beginning, she sometimes got frustrated," said junior Tania Taylor, president of Zeta Phi Beta, who suggests that the sorority has always been open. "I love her though, she one of the girls."\nJones took quickly to stepping says senior Mercedes Murray, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho. \n"She steps better than most African Americans," Murray said. "Plus she works hard and is dedicated to the organization, and that is important."\nDespite their initial apprehension the girls say there has never been an awkward moment. \n"I don't try to be something I'm not," says Jellinek. "I was interested in becoming a better woman, and that is what the organization provides."\nIn an ideal world, the idea of integration in the greek system wouldn't seem so revolutionary, but Eric Love, director of Diversity Education, suggested at IU segregation in the Greek system has become a campus norm.\n"Though the different greeks were created for different reasons they can sometimes promote isolation and segregation among different groups," Love said.\nLove added there is work that can be done by all greek organizations to better promote diversity.\n"People should be free to do what they want, but all the greeks could do much better in trying to recruit a diverse group of students," Love said. "There aren't many blacks in white sororities either."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Cordell Eddings at ceddings@indiana.edu.
(04/06/05 5:25am)
As she walks down the Indiana Memorial Union hallway, no one can see IU senior Beth Levy's blue IU T-shirt, only because it is covered up by her navy blue IU sweatshirt. Like most IU students Levy feeds her fondness for anything IU with merchandise that bears the school letters.\nWhether students are wearing IU T-shirts, writing with IU pens or drinking from IU coffee mugs with the crimson and creme logo, the IU symbol is a fixture around Bloomington, and the University reaps the financial benefits.\n"I have shirts in just about every color, key chains, cheer bands," Levy said. "I guess I just have a lot of school spirit." \nShe said though the clothing isn't always cheap, it makes her feel special when she goes home to Texas.\n"People have a direct interest in their school and they feel they are a part of something," said Jay Wilkin, the manager of Steve & Barry's, 421 E. Kirkwood Ave., a retailer of IU apparel. \n"People often live vicariously through the athletic teams," said Wilkin, who suggested that IU merchandise is important to the thousands of alumni, students and people from IU who view the school as part of the fabric and culture of the state.\nThe IU Research & Technology Corporation makes an 8 percent royalty off every licensed item sold that bears the school's name. That equals to about $1 million a year for the University, depending on consumer attitudes and the success of IU's sports teams.\nSixty percent of these funds go to general scholarships, while 40 percent go to the athletics department, said Vice President of Licensing & Trademarks Jenny McDaniel. Her department also works on developing, promoting and protecting the licensed use of the IU trademark and promises to use the law to stop anyone who uses the symbol without permission.\n"We are always trying to figure out new ways in which to get people to use the IU name in new and unique ways," McDaniel said.\nShe also helps decide what companies can use the emblem and will not allow companies who use unfair labor practices, advocate violence or tobacco use the IU name. \n"We don't want people using our emblem who don't stand for what we at IU stand for," McDaniel said. \nDifferent schools and organizations also use the emblem to help raise money for their prospective organizations. But the force behind the success of the emblem is IU athletics.\n"The Michigans, Notre Dames and North Carolinas of the world make the most money," said McDaniel, referring to the success of the colleges' sports teams. "We are somewhere in the middle."\n"Beyond a shadow of doubt winning affects sales," said Paul Hazel, the director of the IU Bookstore, who said that sales for IU wear can increase 20 to as much as 50 percent after a win. "The phone calls from alumni for clothing increase with every IU win."\nHowever, the relationship between increased sales and athletic success might put added pressure on sports teams to be successful and the athletics programs to make hastier decisions to make more money.\n"Stakes nowadays are huge with all the money that goes into these sports programs," Wilkin said. \nThough the teams' success might waiver, IU students and alumni continue to rally around the school's logo. \n"People who are watching the games in front of their home television have to be in their IU crimson," Wilkin said. "People like to feel a part of the family."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Cordell Eddings at ceddings@indiana.edu.
(03/28/05 4:53am)
From technology that changes room temperature depending on personal preference to search engines that will find music by simply humming a few notes of a song into a computer, IU informatics students are constantly searching for ways to make life more user-friendly through technology.\n"We attempt to challenge real world problems with information technology," said Matt Hottell, a lecturer and former student of the IU informatics program. "Technology doesn't always make life easier, which is where we come in."
(03/11/05 6:07am)
"Is Black History Month Racist?" \nThat was the big question Thursday, as several IU students waited silently for the start of a forum put on by IU's Community Educator Program to begin. A panel discussion, occasioned by Indiana Daily Student Opinion Columnist Warren Chris Freiberg's column, bearing a headline labeling Black History Month as racist, was led by several IU students of opposing viewpoints.\n"It would be great if we didn't have to do this," said Barry Magee, director of the Community Educator Program. "But these differences are a reality on campus."\nAs the program began the atmosphere quickly tensed as each member of the forum aired their beliefs on Black History Month. All eyes, however, seemed to be on Freiberg.\n"Do we point these people out because they made real contributions, or because they are black?" said Freiberg who stated he was surprised the IDS ran the controversial headline over his column. "Black History Month makes white people look bad. I never owned a slave and I never wanted to." \nHe added that many minority groups, such as the Irish, were hated and they succeeded in America by "going with the flow." \nThis comment quickly generated a response from Eric Love, Director of Diversity Education. \n"Though many immigrants were treated badly," Love said, "those of European descent could easily blend in."\nFreiberg said the purpose of his column was to highlight that focusing on differences further divides America.\n"You can't talk about American history without talking about black history," said Freiberg, "but I think we would still be where we are at without (a) Black History Month."\nFreiberg suggested that his column was meant to be a humorous take on diversity that was inspired by Dave Chappelle and "The Simpsons."\nHowever his humor was lost on several audience members who didn't share his sentiments.\n"What were you thinking?," said graduate student Tahirah Akbar-Williams referring to the column. "Ignorance starts tension, and this is still often a very hostile place for minorities." \nPanelist and president of the Black Student Union Crystal Brown also questioned Freiberg's ideas.\n"When I first read it I said to myself 'He has some nerve,'" she said. "I asked myself, 'What did I do, as a black student, to fail (Freiberg) in terms of education?'" \nHer sentiments were shared by Love, who suggested he has a lot more work to do. \n"The reason for black and other history months is because the information is not taught in mainstream society," Love said. "Part of the problem is perception, some people think IU is very diverse, and others don't. It matters where you're coming from." \nLove also said it seems that whites are threatened when others are being praised. \nSeveral students had problems with Freiberg's presentation of the topic, especially the headline. \n"In his column, he desensitized slavery by making several stereotypical references to mayonnaise and hot sauce," said senior Tyrone Allen. "It's obvious he is loving the attention, it was all done for shock value." \nAs the question and answer session began, several members of the crowd openly stated their beliefs. The topic seemed to generate much emotion out of the crowd as discussion ranged from white history month, blacks in McDonald's commercials and Christmas. However, the main point of contention was Frieberg's column. One audience member questioned a previous column by Freiberg and his stance on Mexicans as the member stated that Freiberg "has a serious problem."\nFreiberg later said "changes in America happened because people fought for them, not because of forced diversity."\n"If we had made the decision not to publish we wouldn't have offended anyone, but we wouldn't be having this discussion either," said IDS Opinion Editor Elisha Sauers. \nAlso IDS Editor in Chief Josh Sanburn was firm in his stance of publishing the article as he stated that the paper should be a market place of ideas. Sanburn realized that the tone was wrong, but stated that the article had valid points. Many on the panel agreed that education is necessary in understanding the issue. \n-- Contact Staff Writer Cordell Eddings at ceddings@indiana.edu.
(11/04/04 5:20am)
Students with the need and desire to create through music have found their way to IU's music composition program. They yearn for creativity and originality, and for finding freedom in their finished products. \nWithout the comforting hum of the television, or the numerous bothersome ring tones programmed into the phone, music composition majors are free to create, to be unique and to bare their souls on paper -- all while doing homework. Musical notes fill pages as composition majors work hard to create pieces they can leave behind as the next genius magnum opus. \nThis desire burns bright for one reason -- self-expression. \n"Once you are bitten by the bug, you're hooked," said Claude Baker, chair of the IU composition department. \nBaker's music is played around the world, but he still suggests composition is one of the hardest things he's ever done. \n"To fill a blank piece of paper with sound is not easy," Baker said. "Students want to stand apart -- that's what gives them satisfaction."\nIU's music composition program is among the most elite in the nation, as it boasts a prestigious staff and several celebrated alumni such as Augusta Read Thomas, composer-in-residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Edgar Meyer, bassist and composer; and Bob Hurst, bassist on "The Tonight Show," among many others. It is a competitive program, and prospective students must be proficient in a musical instrument, as well as music theory. They also must submit a portfolio of previously written pieces in order to be considered for the program. \nDuring the course of their academic career, their work is performed at recitals in front of live audiences and professors that expect a great deal from these budding musicians. \n"Some people get inspiration from their dreams, but it's not that easy for me," said Yoo Mi Paick, a doctoral student studying composition. \nShe, like any author, struggles occasionally with how to express what she is feeling. She is very critical of her own work, as it is often necessary when writing music. \n"I have to search hard for inspiration." Paick said. "My goal is simply to find my voice." \nCreating music is a necessity for Paick, who suggests it comes naturally from her background in piano and the blessing of having perfect pitch. Despite having won the 2004 Dean's Prize in Music Composition for Chamber Music, Paick said she still gets frustrated during the creative process. \n"I might write three pages one day, and then throw it in the trash the next," Paick said. "I feel free when a piece is finished but when I am working it is easy to become blocked up."\nPaick is also being commissioned to write a piece for IU's new Music Ensemble. She said when her friends say she looks tired, she knows she has been working hard.\n"You are competing with all of Western history," Baker said. "Self-confidence is vital." \nThe task of creating a work of substance is often monumental. \n"Coming up with ideas for the music isn't easy," said junior Jeffrey Stanek. "If I can just leave something behind of myself to others then I will be a success."\nStanek, who started composing by "goofing off on the piano" when he was four-years-old, continues, even though he thinks a future in composition is daunting.\n"If you're doing it for the money, you are in the wrong business," said Stanek, who hopes to continue in school until he obtains his doctorate and become a professor. \nStill, there are several career opportunities in the field of composition. One graduate went on to be a music coordinator for the Atari video games and continued working with Sony. Other alumni have become professors, arrangers and commissioned composers. \n"People who want to do it, do it," said Jeffery Hass, director of the Center for Electronic and Computer Music at IU. "In order to create and enjoy music, you have to have an open mind." \nMany composers want to share their music with the world, but the expression is born with an idea. \n"The music has to grow within you," Stanek said.\n-- Contact staff writer Cordell Eddings at ceddings@indiana.edu.