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(09/06/07 4:00am)
"Year of the Dog" is an endearing movie, but just how endearing you find it depends on how much you like animals.\nIf you love animals, it will probably be your kind of movie. If you're ambivalent about animals, you'll probably be ambivalent about the movie. While "Year of the Dog" has its charms, most of its "heartwarming" factor is wrapped up in its furrier characters.\nThe plot revolves around awkward spinster secretary Peggy (Molly Shannon), a reliable woman who everyone takes for granted but who has no real soul mates except for her dog Pencil. When Pencil dies after eating poison in the neighbor's yard, Peggy tries to cope with the loss by deepening her relationships with people. None of them, however, are her cup of tea. \nShe finally finds shelter volunteering with a dog adoption. There she also meets a charming vegan named Newt (Peter Sarsgaard), who turns out to be celibate, but who nonetheless convinces her too to give up the "murder" of animals and pursue the valiant cause of animal rights activism. \nThe plot might be relative to your affection for smaller mammals, but the movie's characters are its saving grace. They are quirky, slightly detached from reality and interact in hilarious ways. \nBut even the appealing plot and fabulous characters can't save the movie from its awful ending. It's sappy, none of the plot points get any closure and I would have felt completely cheated had it not been for the movie's witty interactions.\nThe special features, however, are better. There are interviews with Molly Shannon and Director Mike White and features on the making of the movie and on the group that trained the animals for the movie. \nOverall, "Year of the Dog" is worth seeing if you're an animal lover. If not, it's just decent.
(08/23/07 4:00am)
n 2007, the formula for a successful rap album looks something like this: One "chopped and screwed" song, two "snap" tracks and three appearances by Akon. Southern greats UGK abandon this mold for one of the year's most refreshing releases, Underground Kingz. Kingz is an uncompromising effort that reunites members Pimp C and Bun B for their first album since 2001 for more tales of pimping, crime and extravagance that fans have come to expect over the last two decades.\nThe album's excellence lies in UGK's ability to showcase equal parts of past, present and future in their songs. The music is deeply rooted in '60s and '70s soul, sounding like a lost album from the Stax/Volt label. \n"International Players Anthem" is a song-of-the-year candidate and the most complete example of what Kingz is about. Flawless verses by UGK and a fantastic rap from OutKast's Andre 3000, coupled with an outstanding Willie Hutch sample, create the most enjoyable anthem since since Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner." The only downside is that it's the second track on the album, making every other great song pale in comparison. \nKingz is not without flaws. UGK recycles several lyrics throughout its 29 tracks and they spend too much time calling out "MySpace haters." Furthermore, clocking in at more than two hours, it's hard to ingest in one sitting. Finally, outside producers like Lil Jon are clueless about working with these slow-speaking, drawling MCs. As is, it's a great album best listened to in chunks that will leave a lasting influence on future generations of pimps, pushers, hustlers and those who rap about them.
(08/22/07 2:01am)
In the trying times following the death of Dave Adams, longtime director of student media, the Indiana Daily Student has announced veteran journalist and IU visiting professor Nancy Comiskey as interim director of student media. \nIn her new position, Comiskey will act as the key adviser and publisher of the IDS and Arbutus yearbook. The former Indianapolis Star managing editor is no stranger to advising student media. From January 2002 until May 2003, Comiskey served in the same role when Adams went on sabbatical to teach in Hawaii. \nComiskey, a 1974 IU graduate and former IDS staffer worked at the Indianapolis Star and News for 14 years before her IU professorship. She was also an editor at Indianapolis Magazine . \n“Dave was a personal friend of mine,” Comiskey said. “He was a great man – such an advocate for student journalists. I am one of the many people who has benefitted from his kindness over the years.”\nShortly before his unexpected death June 2 , Adams wrote: “We have been so blessed by Nancy’s presence in Ernie Pyle Hall the past five years. She remains a dear friend to our students and our program.”\nComiskey described her passion for the newsroom. \n“I’ve always loved the energy in the newsroom,” she said. “As much as I enjoy teaching, that’s something I’ve missed. I’m glad to be back.”\nComiskey said that unlike the managerial role she held at the Indianapolis Star, her role as student media director is to function as a “sounding board” for student journalists.\nSenior Trevor Brown, IDS editor-in-chief, said Adams’ death would leave “a big hole that will be hard to replace.” But Brown expressed confidence in Comiskey’s ability to successfully work with the IDS staff.\n“(Comiskey) will be very personable, very open to people because that’s what she has done as a faculty member here,” Brown said. “A large number of staff already knows her and feels comfortable with her.” \nAdams was discovered unresponsive in a backyard pond at his Bloomington home. His death was later ruled an accidental drowning. His partner, Chunming Chou, said the two had been drinking alcohol earlier in the night and that he thought Adams had been drinking too much, according to the police report. \nBonnie Brownlee , associate dean for undergraduate studies at the School of Journalism, said she was “optimistic” about the upcoming search for a permanent director. She said an ideal candidate would be someone who, among other qualities, cares about students and First Amendment issues while sharing Adams’ business savvy. \nComiskey will serve as the student media’s interim director through the spring semester. By then, the search committee intends to have selected Adams’ permanent replacement. That committee has already formed and plans to hold its first meeting Aug. 31.
(08/04/07 4:00am)
As ESPN wraps up it's summer-long, sure-to-be Pulitzer Prize-winning "Who's more now?" special, WEEKEND decided to come up with an equally arbitrary breakdown for the best in entertainment. Our factors to determine greatness were similar to the brilliant sports guys in Bristol. We analyzed hype, commerical appeal, sales and "what have you done for me lately." Sure, we know Lil' Wayne is the best rapper around, spitting out sick mix-tapes faster than professional sports can pump out villains this summer. We told you "Knocked Up" would be the sleeper hit movie of the summer (until "Super Bad" drops) and yes, we're sure HBO Sunday nights are the best thing on TV when our "Planet Earth" DVDs aren't spinning. Thanks to "Entourage" making a mid-season rally and two shows we're addicted to (The twisted, surfing drama "John From Cinicnnati" and two singing New Zealanders capturing our hearts on "Flight of the Conchords.") But do any of them have laser, rocket arms or have cool nicknames like King and Tiger? Not so much. These aren't necessarily the best movies, products and epic battles of the summer, but they are indisputably now. Join us as we take you through a bracket of eight to determine the nowest of the now.\nRound 1\nHarry Potter vs. Movie Trilogies\nDid you dress up in a ridiculous costume, plug your ears and avoid internet spoilers like the plague all weekend so you could have an unadultered "Spiderman 3" experience? Didn't think so. How bout for the last Potter book? If you're like most of us, you put life on hold for one weekend to see how Harry ended up. It was a big year for trilogies, with Emo Spidey and Pirates bringing in over $300 million each, but Potter had us reading again. \nHarry Potter Advances\nWhite Stripes vs. The Police\n"Icky Thump" takes the cake as song and album of the year, but the real story was The Police becoming a touring giant again. The White Stripes have made better albums before and will again, but this may be one last hurrah for a band that had been forgotten except for "Roxanne" drinking games.\nThe Police Advance\niPhone vs. Facebook\nHey there, zombie -- we both know you infected 35 chumps and your BFF threw sheep at you while you graffiti'd their wall, but how did you find out? On your iPhone, of course. It'll cost you a month's rent and the internet sucks unless you're on a wireless network, but it's the new big boy toy on the block. You better be the first to have it (obvi). Not convinced? Two words, two syllables: YouTube. \nThe iPhone advances\nSimpsons vs. Transformers\nAfter 18 years of build-up, "The Simpsons Movie's" expectaions were higher than Otto Man and, thank Jebus, it delivered. "Transformers" made bank and it should have fun toys, but it's all about marketablility, baby. 7-Eleven's going Kwik-E was the promotion of the summer.\nSimpsons advance\nRound 2\nHarry Potter vs. The Police\nThe Police are pretty great and we're happy to see classic rock band reunite, but we left their show an hour early to get in line for The Flaming Lips. And they're old. Harry Potter is alive and the suspense of the summer was, how will the story end? "The Deathly Hollows" is the fastest-selling book of all time, with 8.3 million sold in the U.S. in the first 24 hours alone. Harry Potter cast a spell on the world and ended in a way that most fans are calling "the only way it could have ended." Even the new movie was extraordinarily well recieved. This one's no contest. \nHarry Potter Advances\niPhone vs. Simpsons\nThe Simpsons are pretty "now." I mean, the movie did just pull in $72 million in its first weekend, but you can download the Simpsons movie, watch it on your iPhone, put the soundtrack on there and the only thing to interrupt would be your Simpsons ringtone. Hello, it's the Naught's.\nThe iPhone is still just a toy for that friend of yours whose dad buys them whatever they want, but once you get past your jealousy, you know you want one. It pretty much does everything but your taxes.\niPhone advances\nFinal Round\nHarry Potter vs. iPhone\nIt comes down to technology vs. classics. A battle as old as motorcycle vs. horse. The iPhone is the future of portable electronics with an all-in-one package that can do anything. The iPhone came out, like, a month ago, which makes it so not now. That's probably why Peyton lost in the semifinals of "Who's More Now." His superbowl win was, like, last semester. Old news. As badly as we wanted to give this to the iPhone, nothing compares to poring over the pages of a moving book. That's right, Harry Potter and friends have won! And won is now backwards. So it wins again. Now.
(07/12/07 4:00am)
n"Secret Weapon", its eighth full-length album, MxPx sticks to its guns-- for the most part. The album overall has a "poppy-er" feel than in the past, but the result of the music doesn't stray too far from the group's roots.\nIt's amazing that Mike Herrara's voice has barely changed after 13 years as the frontman of punk-rocking MxPx, but safe to say that the consistency of Herrara's voice and the niche that the group's sound has filled has kept the group afloat and allowed the trio to produce accessible punk-rock music (a difficult task) throughout its career. \nThe lyrics, however, have changed. While the topics of MxPx tracks are generally geared towards the teen-angst crowd, "Secret Weapon" could be the sound track to an assembly on self-esteem at a junior high school. The humor of the early albums and the darker feel of more recent albums are both missing, leaving the album with a cheerful feel -- but also the desire for something more.\nThere are a few surprises on the album. "Sad Sad Song" is pop-punk meets "That Thing You Do." A track with the name "Punk Rock Celebrity" gets an unexpected boost with horns. The best track, "Drowning", might not come across as a hit, but it combines MxPx's older punk-rock sound with its poppy-er attempt with ease.\nAlthough the album could be characterized as "over-produced," it's difficult to criticize a group for taking advantage of sound-perfecting technology; however, a group that is known for a raw sound - especially in the punk-rock genre -- should be a little more cautious so as not to isolate fans who relate as much to the unprocessed sound of the music as they do to the lyrics.\nThis is not MxPx's best album but fans will find there are enough so-fast-your-head-can't-keep-up-so-your-body-has -to-do-the-work tracks to make up for the so-so lyrics.
(06/28/07 4:00am)
"The man is hurting! He's alone, tired, and he hasn't seen diddly-squat from anybody down here ... If he makes it out of there alive? Why don't you wake up and smell what you're shoveling?" - Sgt. Powell in "Die Har"
(06/07/07 4:00am)
Punk fundamentally changed the course of rock music. By placing individual expression and authenticity above technical skill and studio wizardry, it unleashed a flood of creative expression that continues today. And while The Ramones invented punk's sound, and The Sex Pistols its image, it was The Clash that created a true artistic revolution by combining punk's values with big ideas, both political -- for example, by organizing social activism -- and aesthetic -- by exploding punk's boundaries, most notably in London Calling.\nThat's why it's not surprising that "The Future Is Unwritten," a documentary about late Clash frontman Joe Strummer, has a far-ranging soundtrack. Combining songs from Strummer's bands (including the pre-Clash 101'ers, and the post-Clash Latino Rockabilly War and Mescaleros) with ones from his 1999-2002 stint as a BBC world service DJ, it seeks to connect his work to his creative inspirations and heterogeneous musical taste.\nOn the plus side, this means several stone-cold classics are included -- MC5's "Kick Out The Jams," Bob Dylan's "Corrina, Corrina," Nina Simone's "To Love Somebody" and fine tracks from Elvis Presley, Tim Hardin, Eddie Cochran and Woody Guthrie. And the Clash tracks are solid (although being three unreleased demos and a B-side, they'll hardly replace your favorites), as are The 101'ers' "Keys To Your Heart" and Mescaleros' "Johnny Appleseed." \nOn the downside, the soundtrack feels more educational than fun. The world music from Strummer's DJ period is more exotic than entertaining -- excepting Colombian troubadour Andres Landeros' fun "Martha Cecelia" -- and Strummer's own "Omotepe" and "Willesden to Cricklewood" are downright dull. Strummer's DJ identifications, peppered throughout, feel gimmicky, and the soundtrack's sheer breadth makes it hard to get a feel for what Strummer was really like. \nC'mon folks, we want to read his diary -- not his resume
(05/17/07 12:16am)
Eliminating herself as a possible candidate for the vacant IU provost position, Astrid Merget, dean of the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs, announced her intent to become executive vice chancellor and provost of Louisiana State University at the end of the summer. \nMerget, who has served as SPEA’s dean since 2000, arrived at IU after serving as director of Ohio State University’s School of Public Policy and Management and associate dean of the College of Business. \nAfter a provost search that had lasted almost 10 months, Merget was selected for the position from a pool of about 60 candidates, said Bill Daly, chair of LSU’s Provost Search Committee. The selection pool was later narrowed to four finalists. Along with Merget, Purdue University’s Dean of Science Jeffrey Vitter also made the final four. \nDaly described an immediate connection between Merget and the LSU faculty as a cause for optimism. \n“In general, she was very well-liked by the faculty who got to interview her,” he said. \nAlso, her experience as both a university dean and “extensive experience in administration” served as deciding factors in her selection. \nPrimarily, the executive vice chancellor and provost position at LSU will require Merget to lead many of the school’s internal operations. \nSimilar to how IU conducts a provost search, the LSU search committee requested candidate nominations. Following her nomination, Merget was contacted with a request that she submit an official application for the position, Daly said. \n“Initially, she was a little concerned whether she should apply or not,” he said. \nIn February, Merget participated in an initial round of off-site interviews. Then, in early April, she visited LSU and was interviewed once again, Daly said. \nDuring her tenure at IU, Merget was praised by University leaders for recruiting minority faculty. Under her leadership in 2005, SPEA was also named the nation’s third best school for public affairs by “U.S. News and World Report.” \n“As she leaves the deanship of IU SPEA, Astrid can be proud of leading one of the largest and best public affairs schools in the country,” IU President-elect Michael McRobbie said in a news release.\nAssuming her appointment is approved by LSU’s board of supervisors, Merget will start her new job Aug. 1.
(05/04/07 4:00am)
IU President Adam Herbert was given a hero’s farewell during a public ceremony Wednesday, being awarded the University’s highest non-academic award – invoking tears from the congenial leader. \nHerbert, who will depart July 1 after four years of University service, accepted the University Medal during festivities meant to commemorate achievements during his tenure. He is the 5th person to receive the honor since its creation in 1982. \nUniversity Chancellor Ken Gros Louis presided over the ceremony, where several speakers, including Stephen Ferguson, president of the IU board of trustees, and Charlie Nelms, vice president for institutional development and student affairs, reflected on Herbert’s successes. In addition to highlighting some of his institutional achievements, the speakers concentrated on Herbert’s dedication and sincerity as a leader. \n“Warm and humane. That is what I treasured then and what I treasure now about Adam Herbert,” Gros Louis said, speaking to more than 200 IU notables and a sprinkling of students. \nTaking the podium, Herbert thanked the crowd deeply for all the kind comments he received throughout the day, adding that the words “reinforced the fact that this really is a special place.” \n“(Karen Herbert and I) have enjoyed so much having the opportunity to be part of this family,” Herbert said, addressing the crowd. \nBefore the ceremony, a line to greet and chat with Herbert stretched at times beyond the doors of the IU Auditorium. Situations like these have been Herbert’s opportunity to shine over the past few years. He appeared altogether more upbeat than the president who presided over a March 1 trustee meeting, where Interim Provost Michael McRobbie was selected as his successor. \nAt that meeting, Herbert smiled little and appeared pensive. His head hung at times as the controversy surrounding his tenure translated into the election of his close colleague. \nBut Wednesday, Herbert appeared relaxed. He took his time to warmly embrace those whom he had worked closest with and, equally, those he had never met. \nAdmittedly, Patrick Smith, director of IU’s Faculty and Staff for Student Excellence mentoring program, does not know Herbert very well. But when the president came and spoke with students at an annual Men of Color Leadership Conference, Smith said he was “thoroughly impressed” by Herbert’s ability to connect with others. \n“He didn’t hesitate,” Smith said. “He hung around and talked with the students and it was just fantastic.” \nWitnessing the interaction between administrators and faculty members at these and similar events opens a small window into the University’s politics. Some have argued that contention and disunity among groups over the past four years hindered Herbert’s tenure. Still, all indications Wednesday suggested that University leaders were simply ready to move past the disagreements and adversity of the past two years. Even Herbert spoke lightheartedly of the disagreements he and faculty members encountered – signaling that a University leadership transition was indeed well under way. \n“(The trustees) did tell me I was going to be a change agent. I didn’t realize how true that was,” Herbert said, referring to the array of the lasting, if contested, decisions he encountered over the past four years. The audience responded in laughter several times to these comments, with a ringing applause following his speech. \n“We’ve worked so well together during some very good times and ultimately have come together following periods of adversity,” he said.
(04/30/07 4:00am)
In defense of his widely criticized decision-making ability, IU President Adam Herbert consistently had to overlook public opinion over the past four years to remain true to his core values, he said, reflecting on his turbulent tenure.\nThe leader indicated he will remain in Bloomington for at least a year after handing the reins July 1 to his well-groomed protege, Michael McRobbie. Along with spending greater time with his family and easing the wounds of a nearly concluded yearslong battle, Herbert said he will decide whether he wants to again become a university professor in the next year.\nHerbert might, as the saying goes, hope the grass is greener on the other side. While University power seems increasingly divided and desired among administrators and faculty, the IU leader was constantly contested by rowdy professors. Their objections, heightened by controversy surrounding an ultimately doomed 2005 chancellor search, led to the leader’s downfall. If Herbert were to hop the fence and join the University faculty, he would precariously find himself among the hundreds of professors who so hotly opposed him.\nThroughout his almost 40 years in academia, Herbert said, public opinion has never played a critical factor in his leadership. Rather, he said he has relied on a set of core values and a belief that he can always do what is best for the institution. Regardless, he acknowledged his leadership style did poorly to avert controversy.\n“My view is that in any family, you are going to have differences of opinion,” he said, referring to instances of controversy during his tenure. “We are a family, and we had differences of opinion.”\nIn retrospect, however, Herbert said he would have done nothing differently as the family’s father. He maintained that the University’s administrative restructuring – one of the most disputed plans – will prove valuable in both the near and distant future.\n“Sometimes you have to be a profile in courage,” he said. “You have to bite those bullets.”\nPerhaps the bullet biting was not only for him but also for McRobbie, who could benefit from some of Herbert’s controversial decisions.\n“He will not have many of the controversial issues that I had to address,” Herbert said. “I think that argues for a much greater potential for success.”\nShould McRobbie find withstanding success, he will break a streak of four IU presidents who have faced strict scrutiny in their decision-making. Herbert addressed this at a January 2006 board of trustees meeting, when he also announced his intent to resign.\n“There is something about the structure, the culture or the people that creates this kind of circumstance,” Herbert said. “What I have tried to do is deal with structure.”\nBeginning July 1 and presumably continuing for about the next decade, lasting memories of the Herbert legacy will formulate. When the fiery passions and subjective sentiments subside and only the facts remain, then the IU community can begin to handle Herbert’s legacy.\n“He was probably one of the best PR presidents we have ever had,” said IU trustee Sue Talbot, referring to Herbert’s public relations skills.\nHerbert’s openness and sincerity with students are positive indicators of his legacy, she said. Herbert’s work with financially stabilizing the athletics department, his development of the University’s life-science plans, and his skill in working with legislators would be actions that will be remembered well, she said.\n“He has been multifaceted in so many ways,” Talbot said.\nPaul Rohwer, moderator of the IU Graduate and Professional Student Organization, said Herbert will be most remembered for his athletics contributions rather than his work to increase research capabilities.\nAs competing University factions tugged Herbert for attention – and money – throughout his tenure, Herbert said the job forced to him to act as a “political animal.” With such politicking, Herbert acknowledged that everyone won’t always be happy. But that was the nature of the job.\n“My view is you have an obligation to be true to your core values and to always do what is right for the institution,” he said. “I will not back away from that during my last two months in the job, just as I haven’t up until now.”
(04/19/07 4:00am)
THE RIDER
(04/19/07 4:00am)
Yellowcard is taking time out from putting the finishing touches on their latest album, Paper Walls, to come to IU on Friday. Ryan Key, guitarist and vocalist, said the band has "finally got the sign off" for one of their best friends to design the artwork for their album cover.\nKey lives four houses down from the friend in Los Angeles, but he said he's not going there until the design is done.\n"We'll be most proud of this artwork," Key said. "I don't want to give anything away, but it's gonna be killer."\nSo in the mean time, they're packing their bags and jetting cross-country to experience part of Little 500 weekend. Because of the band's busy performance schedule, they will arrive at about 8 or 9 p.m. today, perform Friday night and head back to the hotel to leave the next morning. The band's performance will include older songs, newer songs and songs from their latest album, which they said also displays their range.\nThe band's time in Bloomington is limited, but Key said he will likely stay for the party after the show.\n"You could probably count on seeing us out at that shindig," Key said. "I'm the only single one in the band, so it's hard to get people to stay."\nKey said his favorite part of performing is taking it all in and appreciating it. He said the band has put together a set of "full-on Yellowcard rocking" for their concert at IU.\n"Hopefully everyone's into that," Key said.\nAnd the same kind of mix is on their new album, due out this summer. The new album incorporates the best of Yellowcard's old and new sounds.\n"People are gonna be genuinely stoked with how we melded the two song styles," Key said.\nKey said he likes it when bands change with every record, even though younger fans may not. He said the obvious difference between the band's newest album and their last album, Lights and Sounds, was what was driving them to make the record.\n"It was such a personal experience for the band coming off of all this touring," Key said referring to the consequences of the band's most successful album, Ocean Avenue. "It was so insane what happened to our lives all of a sudden."\nThe success of Ocean Avenue caused Key to become more introverted when he was working on Lights and Sounds, he said. Key said he has learned a lot about who he is supposed to be since then and that the new record is more about the "end of finding yourself."\n"The new album is closer to the end of that search for who you are and who you love and who loves you," Key said.\nKey said what he loves about Lights and Sounds is that it makes him remember how it felt to be lost and confused.\nKey said that his longest relationship ended as Ocean Avenue began to do well. He said not having someone to share his experience with makes him feel alone.\nKey said the new record is what got him out of feeling the way he did while writing Lights and Sounds during the winter months. Now, with a summer release, Key said the most important thing is for the band to "put out a high-energy record" and "have it feel good for people." He said a lot of people fell in love with Yellowcard because they "lifted you up and took you out of that dark place," and their latest album does just that.\n"It will be fun to put all three records into your disc changer and listen to the ride of what it's been like to be Yellowcard for the past five years," Key said.\nKey said adding all the bells and whistles to an album at the end of production is the most fun, even though he has been working 12 hours a day in the studio.\n"You lose track of time in there," Key said. "It's like being in a casino in Vegas."\nKey said he puts such a large amount of passion and personal energy into his work he can't provide the same amount for a relationship.\n"I'm a workaholic," Key said. "I hardly sleep at night because my brain is constantly turning."\nOne of the things Key's workaholic personality helped him with was performing on stage. Key said he found a way to be more comfortable with himself and who he is on stage. He said he loves being on stage now because he feels like he is spending time with the people who are there to see the band.\n"It's finally a real genuine good time," Key said. "There's nothing better than being from Jacksonville, Fla., and coming to Bloomington and having thousands of people singing the words to a song you wrote a couple of years ago"
(04/19/07 4:00am)
Doug Bauder marched behind about 60 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and supporters during events for the Day of Silence.\nBut with fewer participants this year, Bauder, IU’s coordinator of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Office of Student Support Services, reticently questioned the event’s future. With IU’s reputation as one of the nation’s most GLBT-friendly campuses, several students said they no longer felt society’s suppression. For some of these Indiana natives, progressive Bloomington’s gay tolerance is a far cry from home. \nThe National Day of Silence began in 1996 at the University of Virginia and has since grown to include tens of thousands of participants nationwide. These include organized efforts at both high schools and colleges. Many participants took a vow of silence throughout the day, symbolizing the shushed culture many GLBT students experience. \nHardly seeming the case at IU today, activists received widespread support as they marched through campus toward IU’s Sample Gates. Many drivers sounded their horns in support while some pedestrians shouted in approval. \nHowever, beyond the community’s seeming acceptance, Bauder said he was more encouraged by the lack of negativity that sometimes accompanies similar events. A few passers-by voiced disapproving messages, but Bauder said this negativity has been reduced from previous years – a sign of progress in the minds of some GLBT students and supporters. \nA sea of green, short-sleeved T-shirts caused the marchers to appear like a disorganized army – out of step, but seriously in tune with an ultimate mission of proving legitimacy and gaining acceptance. Multicolored flags symbolizing GLBT activism blew in the breeze. Near the herd’s front, a man and two women held hands, faces stoic. \n“I’m hoping we are going to be able to change things for future generations,” said freshman Kadie Dunkel, one of the hand-holding friends. Focusing more on their activism’s future implications, the three friends did not expect immediate results. \n“We are willing to take whatever we can get,” freshman Logan Traylor said. \nBut if today and recent political decisions are any indication, GLBT acceptance might not be so far distant as once thought. \nFewer attacks due to students’ sexualities kept Bauder positive.\n“We’ve made some progress, but you’re the ones who have also made the progress in your young lives,” Bauder said, addressing a small group of supporters. \nBeyond activists’ work, a recent political happening has also indicated a potential shift in Indiana’s traditional limiting of GLBT rights. Earlier this month, an amendment to ban same-sex marriage failed to receive sufficient support in a House committee. For some, this was an encouraging step as they predicted same-sex marriage would be legalized for the next generation of Hoosiers. \nCurrently, however, the most active work seems to occur on the ground level. \n“I’ve been able to open the minds of tons of people this year, even more than last year,” said sophomore Ben Zamojski, adding that he is still unsure if political change was on the horizon. \n“(The disrespect) just kind of numbs you after a while.”
(04/17/07 4:00am)
Following the nation’s deadliest shooting spree, the IU Police Department said increased vigilance would occur both immediately and in the near future in Bloomington, acknowledging that similar situations could occur at IU.\nIUPD Capt. Jerry Minger expressed empathy Monday after learning that an unknown gunman killed 32 people and himself at Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Va. Describing the university setting as “similar” to IU’s, Minger said the tragedy was something that would have “a global impact.” \nThe gunman first opened fire in a university dormitory Monday morning before tearing through a student-filled classroom building about two hours later, according to The Associated Press. \n“We realize that if something can go on at one place, it could go on at another,” Minger said. In order to combat this possibility, the IUPD captain said far-reaching emergency plans have long been in place – covering issues of severe weather to situations involving \n“hostile intruders.” \nMinger would not detail specifics of the emergency plans due to the information’s sensitivity. However, he said these plans constantly evolve based on staffing, the amount of emergency services in the area and the police department’s communication capacities. \nWith the police department’s reactionary role – taking action in response to specific threats – Minger said tragedy aversion was typically based on the community’s prevention efforts.\nIU freshman James Kim seemed to lack faith in both community vigilance and current University safety procedures. \nAlthough University regulations prohibit guns on campus, Kim said someone could easily sneak a weapon into the residence halls or classroom buildings. \n“If someone had a gun by Ballantine Hall when everyone gets around there, they could kill easily 50 people,” he said. \nVirginia Tech’s dormitories were not locked at the time of the shooting and the gunman had easy access to them, according to officials. This differs from security measures at IU, where access to residence halls is restricted to residents. Still, previous occurrences where criminals have easily accessed the residence halls have demonstrated University \nsecurity lapses.\nWhile a rampage of this magnitude has never been experienced, campus shootings have occured at IU and other institutions around the country. In April 1992, a female IU student was murdered and another male student was critically injured in Eigenmann Hall. \nMore recently, at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, a man was killed while several others were injured after a heavily-armed gunman took about 75 hostages at that university’s business school. \nGun-control activists have already voiced desire to reopen the legislative debate over regulating weapons, while politicians on both sides expressed their grief and concern for the situation Monday.\nDespite the situation’s senselessness, the shadows of the massacre will likely glow for years to come. But for some IU students, they will not change their daily routines.\n“I just go with it,” Kim said. “There is nothing I can really do about it.”
(04/13/07 4:00am)
After a full day to regroup since news broke nationwide of a controversial University building name, IU trustees gave scant insight into an official course of action, but expressed concerns in line with much of the University community.\nThe controversy centers on an Indiana Daily Student column that ran Tuesday, charging former IU officials with naming a University gymnasium after a former president of the IU board of trustees who wrote letters advocating segregation.\nIDS columnist Andrew Shaffer demanded a dialogue among campus leaders and urged renaming the Ora L. Wildermuth Intramural Center after discovering letters from him to former IU President Herman B Wells that disparaged African Americans. \nNo University officials have defended the longtime IU servant, whose legacy extends far beyond Bloomington’s borders. Several have called his remarks unacceptably racist and not befitting a 21st century university.\n“There’s no place for that in our society. Period. The end,” said IU trustee Sue Talbot. \nIf IU leaders choose to follow a path toward change, Talbot will act as one of the deciding votes. She would not give definitive indication that she would support the possible name change, but called the column a “red flag of caution.” She said it would be important to continue examining all of the facts involved in the case.\nMost leaders around campus have remained carefully political when speaking on the situation – walking a tightrope between steadfast decidedness and avoiding rashness.\nHerbert made clear in a statement Tuesday his desire for an open dialogue about “issues of race in the context of Indiana’s history and identification with less progressive views on the topic.” Whether this dialogue brings the change Shaffer demands will be seen, but as citizen activists across the nation now eye the University, leaders feel the forthcoming decision could send ripples coast to coast.\nTrustees have said it is not yet decided whether a discussion of the gym will arise at their regularly planned business meeting, which is slated to begin May 2. Further, Talbot said she had not yet heard any plans from her colleagues to convene in special session prior to the business meeting.\nStill, there is a presumable possibility that a discussion on the issue will not occur with the same immediacy that Shaffer, along with some students and faculty, have already demanded. Clarence Boone, an IU trustee from Gary, Ind., said that he does not necessarily expect the issue to come up at the May 2 meeting, citing that this type of decision will likely first receive consideration in a previously assembled on-campus naming committee. \nThe Ora L. Wildermuth Branch of the Gary Public Library will likely have to open a similar discussion after the discovery of the man’s racist sentiments. \nAlthough there has not yet been any indication from Roma Ivey, interim director of the Gary Public Library, that an immediate judgment of the branch’s name will occur, she said the board who governs the library would not appear rushed in any potential decision. She expressed, however, her expectation that activists would demand a change. \n“I’m sure there will be some protests at our next board meeting,” she said.
(04/11/07 4:00am)
Both students and University administrators expressed disappointment Tuesday in response to a provocative Indiana Daily Student column charging former IU leaders with naming one of its buildings after a segregationist.\nThe article, written by IDS columnist Andrew Shaffer, revealed that Ora L. Wildermuth, a former president of the IU trustees, expressed his racist views of blacks in letters to former IU President Herman B Wells. Shaffer’s column, published Tuesday, demanded the University consider renaming the Ora L. Wildermuth Intramural Center, located within the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation building. \n“There should be a discussion before the destruction of this sign,” Shaffer wrote in reference to the nameplate outside the building. “But there must be a change. There has to be a change.”\nShaffer’s column examined letters between Wildermuth and Wells. These letters, in both Shaffer’s and some administrators’ minds, proved the trustee was a racist. \n“I have no objection to affording colored people every opportunity possible for their own intellectual and cultural advancement as well their economic betterment,” Wildermuth wrote in a letter. “But I am and shall always remain absolutely and utterly opposed to social intermingling of the colored race with the white.”\nBased on initial University response, that change may be well within the realm of possibility. President Adam Herbert released a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing his concern. \n“I am disappointed, but not surprised, that such views were promulgated by a leading Indiana citizen at that point in history,” Herbert said in the statement. \nIn an earlier version of the release, Herbert said he had already asked Interim Provost and president-elect Michael McRobbie to\ninitiate a dialogue about the issue with the board of trustees. However, the statement’s latest version did not speak of any specific initiative, but suggested a dialogue could \nhelp leaders decide how to best handle the situation. \nContrasting Herbert, IU Dean of Students Dick McKaig expressed surprise at the racist revelations. Although he agreed that a discriminating society dictated many people’s views during Wildermuth’s era, he said the trustee held opinions beyond the typical population.\n“You can’t believe they were the mainstream views in that era either,” he said “That seems to be a more strident view than I would have thought the majority would have taken.”\nMcKaig did not defend the longtime IU servant. \n“There are mistakes, and then there are views that are not very consistent with what you would call the core values of the University,” McKaig said. \nHe went as far as to say renaming the building would be a “worthwhile step,” but the decision would not be left to him, he said. \nThe process of naming buildings is left to an on-campus committee, McKaig said. Following the committee’s recommendations, the trustees must approve.\nAs of 8 p.m. Tuesday, an unscientific poll on idsnews.com found that 65 percent of the 338 votes cast desired the building’s name changed. \nSeveral students interviewed Tuesday seemed to parallel the poll’s results.\n“It’s an important issue, because for IU they are practically endorsing racism by keeping the building as this name,” said junior Wes Alford. Although he did not expect a large student outcry as a result, Alford said he thought IU administrators would commit attention to the situation because it “would look bad on the University” if they did not.\n“Now that it’s out there,” Alford said, “you have to take action.”
(04/09/07 4:00am)
IU trustees approved a plan Friday to raise room and board costs by 5 percent for the 2007-08 academic year, during a business meeting at IU-South Bend. \nWhen implemented next year, the increase will be a blend of a 9 percent jump in housing fees and a 1 percent increase in dining fees, according to an IU news release. For students living in a double room and subscribing to the most common meal plan, Meal Plan C, their fees will jump from $6,356 to $6,676 per academic year, according to the news release. \nIt is not unusual for residence hall fees to slightly increase each year to compensate for inflation or the rising costs of living. \nAmong Big Ten schools, IU ranked the ninth lowest for on-campus living, said Pat Connor, executive director of Residential Programs and Services. He said he expects that ranking to remain the same despite the increase this year, according to the release. \nThe decision to raise costs was made with significant student input, IU trustee Sue Talbot said. She said the rise in cost was part of a five-year plan between the University and RPS, which would transfer utilities’ payments from the University to RPS. \nTalbot agreed the vote to increase residence halls fees was in-line with president-elect Michael McRobbie’s intentions. Immediately upon his confirmation last month, McRobbie said one thing he would consider – with assistance from students – was the improvement of the University’s residence halls. \nMcRobbie, the interim provost, was confirmed March 1 as IU’s next president. He will begin his tenure July 1, when current IU President Adam Herbert is slated to step down. \nAfter his unanimous confirmation by the trustees, McRobbie said he saw a need to improve some of the University’s aging residence halls. Still, he said the fate of these improvements would likely be left to what student committees deemed necessary.
(04/05/07 4:00am)
Back in 2005, Sony unleashed "God of War" on the masses. The blood-soaked tale of Kratos, a Spartan warrior raging against the god Ares, was voted by many as one of the best Playstation 2 games ever, and its newly released sequel surpasses it on almost every level. Kratos now seeks to change his fate by confronting Zeus himself, and with the help of the Titans (a race once greater than the gods themselves), he's got a shot.\nThe game commences with one of the most epic boss battles I've ever tackled, but before long Kratos' effort to change his fate finds him on the Isle of Creation, a massive rock crawling with a population of ravenous baddies to kill and intricate puzzles to solve. The controls are more fluid than in the first game, and Kratos' signature weapons, the Blades of Chaos, are as formidable and combo-friendly as ever. The massive locations and difficult challenges Kratos encounters on the Isle of Creation are often nothing short of jaw-dropping, and best not spoiled here; suffice it to say the sense of accomplishment you'll feel after beating the game will rival any PS2 game since "Shadow of the Colossus."\nSony's decision to release "God of War 2" exclusively on the Playstation 2 was a smart one, given the Playstation 3's slow start out of the next-gen console gate. The graphics are stunning, but depending on whether your television supports Progressive Scan, there can be some minor issues with frame rate when Kratos is covering a lot of ground quickly. My tube TV fell victim to this, but anyone with a newer TV shouldn't have a problem. As with the first "God of War," the game's orchestral and choir score complements the grandiose scope of the game and kicks in at all the right moments.\n"God of War 2" comes complete with a ton of extras and rewards, such as different costumes for Kratos, the impossibly difficult Challenge of the Titans mode and, for those who manage to beat the game on the highest difficulty setting, a customizable battle mode that provides hours of extended fun. Also included is a bonus DVD chronicling the games production, development and testing. The DVD also features a slew of lost level demos and unused game element concepts that fans will find themselves wishing were made part of the finished product.\n"God of War 2" is simply one of the best third-person actioners in the Playstation 2's catalog, surpassing its predecessor in terms of visuals, music, controls and challenge. The game's earth-shaking final scene promises that the upcoming "God of War 3" will be even more epic than this installment, which at first seems like an insurmountable task, but if the developers could top the first game this thoroughly, I wouldn't put it past them to top the second.
(04/05/07 4:00am)
Even as initial efforts to obtain a new trial for convicted murderer John Myers II have failed, his mother Jodie Myers has watched a team of supporters multiply along with a growing national interest.\nUpon first glace, the Myers family appears to be in shambles. With a son in prison, a father recently dead of cancer and an estranged grandmother’s unexpected departure, formidable preparations for what Jodie Myers sees as the coming national fight over her son might seem impossible. Jodie Myers, however, would have it no other way.\nHer son was convicted in October for the 2000 slaying of IU sophomore Jill Behrman. Although John Myers and his family have maintained his innocence, Morgan County Superior Court Judge Christopher Burnham has denied initial attempts for a new trial. The defense argued jurors had behaved improperly during the trial – citing alleged instances of excessive alcohol use and outside communication during the trial by jurors. Burnham outright denied the defense’s request, writing in his report that there was “absolutely no evidence” jurors have misbehaved. \nA group of about 15 people, all fighting for Myers’ exoneration, has formed. They have continued sifting through mounds of evidence, following up on leads and interviews with potential case-changing witnesses. Most exciting, Jodie Myers said, a supposed witness has come forward. Myers would not reveal the witness, but said this took their private investigation in a new direction.\nThe defense team has almost obtained enough new evidence where they will appeal to alternate national law enforcement agencies, she said. Already, Jodie Myers said she has written to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, requesting their assistance.\nThe defense filed on March 13 their intent to appeal the case, this time based on evidence, Jodie Myers said. Legally, Morgan County now has 90 days to provide the defense with a transcript from the trial before the appeals process continues.\nSuch ongoing efforts have surely dismayed the Behrmans, who have maintained they are content with the verdict and a desire for closure. The Behrmans’ eagerness for finality will likely only be diminished by the Myers’ ongoing pain. And often that pain is felt even in the smallest hearts.\nDaughter of a convicted killer, Stephanie Myers might be one of the family’s youngest members. Relatives, however, said her pain parallels the family’s older members.\n“She misses her dad,” Mary Baldwin, John Myers’ Aunt said. “She has lived with (Myers) all her life. She knows that he would never do that.”\nBoth the family and the court have tried to protect the young girl from media exposure throughout the ordeal. In school, however, court gag orders are rendered quite useless. Baldwin said she thinks the girl has been teased by other children about her imprisoned father. \n“She is a strong, tough little girl,” Baldwin said of the 11-year-old.\nDespite the tormenting, family members said Stephanie Myers’ feelings for her father have been unshakable. About once a week Jodie Myers sends Stephanie’s schoolwork to her imprisoned son, hoping that he can still feel like a part of the family, Baldwin said. \n“(Stephanie) just doesn’t understand why they took her father away from her,” she said.\nWith losing her dad, Stephanie Myers also lost a great-grandmother. Myers grandmother, Betty Swafford, gave a largely incriminating testimony against Myers during the trial. Family members have spoken out against the woman, calling her testimony unfair. Regardless, the woman has become estranged by her family. The 80-year-old recently put her house up for sale and left town. Family members said they do not know her location and have expressed a general unconcern for her.\nAlthough the family has been regularly allowed to visit Myers since his imprisonment, seeing “daddy” recently became more difficult. A few weeks ago, Myers was transported to the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, Ind. Because of the almost 230 miles that separates Myers and his family, visits have become both physically and economically burdensome.\nFor Jodie Myers, only two things about her son’s case seem certain: Her belief in his innocence and its near-crippling costs.\nMyers recently filed for a public defender after firing his attorney Patrick Baker in February. Although Jodie Myers had said then that she hoped a different attorney would take the case in “a new direction,” Myers later rehired Baker after he offered his services pro bono.
(04/05/07 4:00am)
The student-led Committee for Fee Review released a report Wednesday with recommendations through 2009, focusing heavily on health center and transportation fee increases. \nStudent fees decreased this year, primarily a result of ending a $15 athletics fee. However, under next year’s proposal, they will increase by 5.2 percent and another 3.7 percent in 2009. This follows University trustees relinquishing a student fees increase cap. \nThe area likely to witness the highest fee increase over the next few years could be the IU Health Center. This year, students pay about $93 annually for health center fees. By 2009, those fees will have increased to more than $112. Although this increase will amount only to about a $19 difference per student, the committee calculated that this could bring more than $1 million extra each year for the health center. \nSuch increases could mean much needed help for the \nhealth center, which has experienced inadequate funding over the past several years, said Paul Rohwer, the Committee’s \nco-chair. \nLow funding at the health center has meant below-average pay for nurses and doctors at the health center over the past several years. Because of this, Rohwer said the center has had trouble hanging onto \nneeded employees. \nCoupled with rising salaries, Rohwer said the increase, which is only about half of what the health center had initially requested, will combat steadily rising health care costs. \n“This is the committee recognizing the need to have the health center,” said \nsophomore Anthony Smith,a member of the Committee.\nWith rising health center costs at the forefront of Committee discussions, another area to receive a more thorough review by the students was campus transportation. With about a $4 increase per student by 2009, the Committee encouraged hiring more student bus drivers, while at the same time increasing the wage of current campus bus drivers. Rohwer said the Committee was “surprisingly concerned” about University bus services – citing examples of bus drivers simply not \nshowing up for scheduled driving shifts.\n“It’s unacceptable for students not to get to class in the morning because someone did not show up to work,” he said. \nFor the first time next year, a portion of student fees will be allocated to financially reviving the struggling Indiana Memorial Union. The IMU will still receive less than $3 from each student by 2009 under the recommendation, but Smith called these modest allotments a test period for \nthe IMU. \nThese new fees will come nowhere close to working the University sector out of the red zone, Rohwer said, but will allow the IMU to keep rent for space reserved in the building’s Student Activities Tower at about $1 per square foot.\nRecommendations from the Committee for Fee Review will next face scrutiny by the University Dean of Students Dick McKaig, IU President \nAdam Herbert and finally the IU trustees. \nSmith, the IPFW sophomore, said that University administrators or trustees rarely \nquestion the Committee’s decision. Still, Rohwer seemed worried that trustees would attempt to nix the proposed fee increases. These concerns might be validated by some trustees’ \nrecent desire to limit student service spending. Smith said a belief by trustees that much of this spending was wasteful was the root of this desire. Rohwer saw this spending rise \nnot as glut, but rather necessary.\n“We have a responsibility to ensure that student services stay at similar levels or improve,” he said.