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(11/12/03 5:20am)
At first glance, last Friday in the IU Art Museum was no different than any other day. Tours followed their docents or tour guides with close attention as they explained the history of the IUAM and its extensive collection.\nBut if you followed a certain 15-person group you would have noticed something very different; their tour was conducted entirely in German.\nThe German House, in conjunction with IUAM docent Helga Keller, sponsored the language tour as one of many activities it offers students. The German House regularly sponsors events celebrating German culture and language from a weekly Stammtisch -- an hour of speaking German held at Soma -- to regular screenings of German historic and popular cinema.\nSome events, like the tour, require proficiency in German, while other events -- like the annual Oktoberfest -- do not. The group primarily communicates through an e-mail list, and members attend events that strike their interest. \nNikole Langjahr, coordinator of the German House, said she was excited to offer this tour to students.\n"Helga approached me about offering this tour to the German House students," she said. "I was concerned that the students would not respond, but the response has been overwhelming. We are offering another tour of the first-floor gallery on Nov. 21, and we hope to offer another next semester that covers more of the museum."\nThe tour of 12 people was lead by Helga Keller, a 10-year volunteer docent with the IUAM. A native of Germany, she said the tour presented her with new opportunities.\n"Though I am a native German speaker all of my museum work is in English," she said. "It was a totally new way of thinking."\nSenior Anne Gill, who attended the tour, said she was delighted when she heard about the tour of the museum. As a student enrolled in 250-level German class, she heard about the tour through her instructor.\n"I studied abroad before," she said. "I miss being around German all of the time. I am a singer, and knowing German is really helpful; I would love to be fluent some day."\nAll tour members listened with attention as Keller delineated the history and stories behind some of the IUAM's most prized pieces. The collection of German artists ranges from Renaissance art to modern and post-modern pieces, all held within the first-floor gallery.\n"Ms. Keller gave us an excellent overview over several schools of painting, starting with the Middle Ages and ending in the present, with a focus on German artists," Langjahr said. "She made us aware of various interesting details in the paintings she showed us and also interspersed her tour with anecdotes from the artists' lives."\nSenior Jennifer Wangerin said she was glad to attend the tour. \n"Even though I am a senior, this has been my first time in the library since my tour of campus before I was a freshman," she said. "I've always wanted to come and check it out. When I heard about the tour I wanted to come and see what is inside; the fact that the tour was in German was an added bonus."\nFor more information about German House events, or to be added to the German House e-mail list contact Nikole Langjahr at nilangja@indiana.edu.\n-- Contact staff writer Brittany Ausmus at bausmus@indiana.edu.
(11/03/03 5:20am)
The Christmas season began a little early at Binford Elementary School, 315 North Drive, Saturday morning.\nCheerful gingerbread-man signs led the way as the scent of pies, cookies and spices filled the air. People cheerfully shopped for seasonal decorations and the gifts from local crafters at the eighth annual Tri-Kappa Annual Arts and Crafts show.\nThe show is an annual fundraising event held by the members of Tri-Kappa, a service sorority with roots in Bloomington.\nAngie Martin, chairwoman of the event and Tri-Kappa member, said the event is aligned with the organization's history and goals. \n"Tri-Kappa really has its roots in Bloomington," she said. "It was started in Bloomington in 1901 by 12 women who joined together to form a sorority that supported the local arts, education and culture."\nProceeds from concessions and admission to the craft fair contribute to the Tri-Kappa coffers, which in turn supports various local philanthropies. Some of the beneficiaries of the funds include two scholarships for high school students; donations for the theater, music, and art departments at Bloomington High Schools North and South and a continuing education scholarship at IU. \nOne of Tri-Kappa's hallmark fundraising events, the craft show is an eight-year tradition in the community and among crafters and has been growing in popularity. What started as a small fair has bloomed into a craft show that overtakes the elementary school gym and fills the hallways with handcrafted treasures.\nCrafter Jackie Hall has been with the Tri-Kappa show since its beginning. Delving into the crafting world with inspiration from her mother's now defunct Nashville, Ind., store, she offers authentic Russian nesting dolls along with wreaths decorated with seasonal themes.\n"I continue working the Tri-Kappa show primarily out of loyalty," she said. "Besides, it is a wonderful organization that does a lot of good in the community. I see some of the same customers here every year. Even though it's been a year, it seems like you're just where you left off. It really helps build a following."\nLoyalty from the crafters is one area that Tri-Kappa prides itself on.\n"We attract our crafters with word of mouth," Tri-Kappa member Aggie Sarkissan said. "We strive to treat the crafters well and make it easy on them."\nAssisting Tri-Kappa with the crafters were several Girl Scouts of the Tulip Trace Council, a regional organization spanning 10 surrounding counties.\n"The Girl Scouts are a great help," Sarkissan said. "They help set up and relieve crafters, so the booths are never empty. They also go around taking lunch orders. The service helping our crafters also helps them achieve some badge requirements."\nMost who volunteer at the craft show are there to raise funds for Tri-Kappa's causes.\n"My favorite cause is the continuing education scholarship," Martin said. "It helps out women who are trying to restart by getting an education while still juggling the demands of a family and job. I wish we could raise more money, just so we could donate more to this scholarship."\nThe local application of funds is what drives many of the members of Tri-Kappa to succeed in this annual event.\n"The great thing about Tri-Kappa is I can see the money working in the community," Sarkissan said. "It helps my neighbors, the people I can see every day. It's really great to be able to see the results so well."\nFor more information about the Tri-Kappa sorority or to make a donation contact Angie Martin at 824-2200.
(10/22/03 5:22am)
As college students, we all can probably use some advice on how to live fabulously on a budget. Between paying for classes, books, groceries and entertainment, many of us live a broke existence. Many dinners of ramen noodles can attest to that. It's fine. We're in college, right?\nNina Willdorf, a self-described urban girl, offers savings tips while still living large in her first book, "City Chic." Hidden between the neon pink covers are some ingenious cost-saving tips for everything from decorating your first apartment to throwing a dinner party without breaking the bank.\nUnfortunately, this hand-to-mouth existence doesn't always end once the books close, and we're on our way into the real world. While most entry positions are new and exciting, many won't be paying enough for us to live out our champagne tastes; life after college still involves the beer budget. \nEven though dinner parties may not be at the top of every college student's to-do list, the advice contained within the book is worth the $12.95 price tag. The advice on decorating is particularly useful; with limited budgets and a somewhat vagrant existence, most students don't put a whole lot into decorating. But with a few dollars and a little elbow grease, the tips inside can have your apartment looking fabulous in no time. \nIn fact, Willdorf will have all of you fabulous with her budget-saving tips. There are sections on painting, furniture purchasing, flowers and plants, fitness, hair care, makeup tips, bar-hopping, grocery and clothing shopping. While not all of the tips may be doable for everybody, she does give plenty of ways to save a dollar or two on the things that eat away at our wallets. \nTired of spending hundreds of dollars on a gym membership? Just buy a pair of running shoes and trot around your neighborhood instead. Four dollar lattes at Starbucks breaking your bank? Grind your own coffee at home and drink out of a travel mug. Is your enormous bar tab eating away at your wallet? Go to happy hour, or drink whatever is on special at the bar you frequent. While some of these tips are almost so simple they should be self-evident, it does sometimes take someone else to remind you how to save a few bucks.\nThough Bloomington may not be a big city, the cash-saving tips inside can apply here, too. Besides, what student couldn't use a few extra bucks in his or her pocket? If you're interested in being amazing on a budget, look no further than "City Chic." Good advice on trimming your budget paired with cheeky humor makes this one advice book that's easy to swallow.
(10/08/03 5:43am)
Michael Crichton, one of the modern masters of science fiction, has once again bent the laws of reality to create an engrossing tale of corporate greed and scientific irresponsibility. This time the heroes of his novel "Timeline" are faced with sword-wielding ancestors of medieval times in the search to rescue one of their own. This novel, the latest of Crichton's work to be adapted to film, is certainly worth the read before the movie hits theaters in November.\nThe novel begins with a family discovering a dying man on the side of the road in the desert. When he is taken to the hospital, the attending physician notices something strange: it seems as though the veins and arteries in his body are not aligned with each other, causing his death. \nFrom this opening sequence we are taken to the headquarters of a high-tech firm headed by the intimidating, tech-savvy billionaire Robert Doniger, who makes Bill Gates look downright cuddly in comparison. Doniger wants to create a theme park based on the past -- a recurring theme for Crichton -- using futuristic technology to make people realistically experience the distant past. Unfortunately, the time traveling technology has a fatal flaw -- some of the things sent through it do not come back aligned properly, like the dead man's veins.\nThis is all well and good until one of the historians who was researching the proposed site for the park sends a distress signal from the 14th century. While the researchers are puzzled in present-day, the time travel technology is revealed by Doniger. A team of historians go back in time through the use of "quantum foam wormholes," quite unaware of the danger that lies ahead of them. \nOh yeah, and the rescue squad has only 37 hours to collect the missing historian and return to the exact spot they were beamed to, or they are stuck in medieval France for the remainder of their natural lives.\nArrogant and convinced they can manage themselves in the distant past, the rescue team comes into close call after close call. They have to avoid offending the bloodthirsty knights controlling the area they are searching, brave a battle, and outwit a rogue scientist from the future who has assimilated into the past. \nWhile the beginning of the novel is very heavy on science, once the rescue team is in the 14th century, "Timeline" turns into a swashbuckling old-fashioned adventure full of intrigue, romance and some really cool battle scenes. Crichton makes the past come alive as vividly as if the reader were also transported back to medieval France. It is an engrossing page-turner that begs to have just one more page read. I highly recommend "Timeline" to anybody looking for a good, quick read.
(09/23/03 5:03am)
Tom Clancy has taken his devoted readers across the globe with his tales of military intrigue and political sparring. In most of his fictional works, we see the world through the eyes of Tom Clancy's answer to James Bond: Jack Ryan. Clancy once again weaves a torrid tale of ego, politics and religion in "Red Rabbit," deftly trapping his hero in the middle.\nFor those who are not avid Clancy readers, John Patrick Ryan is the every-man American hero who happens to be in the right -- or wrong, depending on your view -- place over and over again. Not only has Jack's character survived a helicopter accident as a marine, assisted the defection of a Russian submarine and been elevated to the office of president, but he has also managed to save several members of the British royal family, earning an honorary knighthood. Did I forget to mention that he is fabulously wealthy -- self-made, of course -- happily married and extremely well-connected?\n"Red Rabbit," the latest addition into the Jack Ryan saga, places him in the near-beginning of his long, illustrious career. For those who are diehard fans, "Red Rabbit" occurs squarely between "Patriot Games" and "The Hunt for Red October," or for those who aren't, somewhere in the late 80s. Ryan, who has been stationed in London by the CIA, stumbles upon a powder keg situation in the Soviet Bloc. \nThe Soviet government is having difficulty curtailing the dissent in Poland over labor disputes; the heavy-handedness of the Soviet response has created a new problem for the Russians. Pope John Paul II, himself a native of Poland, has threatened the Warsaw government with an unprecedented situation. The pope has threatened to resign his papacy, which will cause irreparable harm to the Russian communist cause.\nThe story hasn't even begun to get complicated yet. Enter the CIA and its Russian counterpart, the KGB. Both agencies are evaluating the situation, but the KGB has decided to act by assassinating the figurehead of the Catholic Church. The communications within the KGB are transferred through a man with a conscience, the "Red Rabbit."\nIn exchange for the information that could possibly save the life of the pope, he wants himself and his family to be extricated from the Soviet Union. Tricky operations ensue, and the plot becomes even more convoluted with the daring escape from behind the Iron Curtain. \nThough it sounds overly complicated, therein lays the true beauty of Clancy's novels. He has managed to take a bizarre, far-fetched story and make it a character-driven masterpiece. As you read the novel, you root for the Red Rabbit and his family, and Jack and his family. \nWhile "Red Rabbit" is an enjoyable addition to the Tom Clancy library for the devout fan, perhaps new readers cannot delve into "Red Rabbit" without being a little lost. Many of the novels build on recurring characters, and some are not adequately explained for new readers. Fans of Clancy should pick up "Red Rabbit." If you haven't been converted, I suggest you start with his first novel, "The Hunt for Red October"
(07/24/03 1:31am)
Jon Krakauer, an outdoor writer and journalist-turned novelist, has struck gold with his fourth book, "Under the Banner of Heaven." In his previous works, Krakauer has explored the relationship man has with nature; "Into the Wild" illustrated the unforgiving nature of the wilderness, and "Into Thin Air" showed the dangers of commercializing treacherous outdoors expeditions. Instead of focusing on man and nature, Krakauer is focusing on man and God in his latest work.\n"Under the Banner of Heaven" is a novel recounting the horrific murders of Brenda and Erica Lafferty. The mother and daughter were ritualistically slain in their home by members of Brenda's husband's family. The reason behind the senseless murders was something astounding; the culprits, Ron and Dan Lafferty, believed they were sent an edict from God to kill the mother and daughter. What drew attention to this case nationwide was not the brutality of the murders, but rather the violent faith that led these men to murder. When asked about the crime, Dan Lafferty admits to killing the pair, but also insists he committed no crime. He was on a mission from God.\nBoth murderers are part of a Mormon Fundamentalist sect. Members who proscribe to this faith believe the mainstream Mormon Church has strayed badly by renouncing polygamy to gain acceptance within its home country. The modern Mormon Church has nothing to do with the fundamentalists and denounces the violence of which many are capable. Krakauer interviewed excommunicated Mormon Fundamentalists who were willing to share the secrets of these little-known religious fanatics in America's west.\n"Under the Banner of Heaven" is a fabulously written tale that uses the brutal murder of two innocent people to explore the basis of religious fundamentalism. Krakauer attempts to answer why people proscribe to violent, domineering religious dogmas and does so in a sensitive, insightful manner. \nThis book is in no way a condemnation of the Mormon Church as a whole. The Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints is the world's fastest growing religion, with over 11 million active Saints worldwide. There are currently more Mormons than Jews worldwide, and it is the first major world religion to emerge since Islam. It is also a uniquely American religion; Mormonism was born and flourished in the American West.\nI commend Krakauer for not only his insight into religious fundamentalism, but also his choice of example with which to explore it. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, much focus has been placed on the fundamentalism of Islam. However, the fact remains that each faith has extremists, and murder has been committed in the name of God, whether it were Christians, Jews, Muslims or Buddhists drawing the blade.\nBy choosing an American story and an American faith, Krakauer is able to explore the radical edge without drawing the immediate conclusion of the reader. The people he writes about aren't half a world away, rather they are in America's backyard. "Under the Banner of Heaven" is a well-written, probing tale of religious extremism and exploration into what makes it happen.\n"Under the Banner of Heaven" is published by Doubleday Books. It is available at Borders, Barnes & Noble and other local retailers. The list price is $26.
(07/21/03 1:33am)
By now most of us have heard of "The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook" series. Offering sage advice on perilous, life-threatening or embarrassing situations, these books have given hope to the people who live dangerously while traveling, golfing, home for the holidays and even at work. \nWhile all of these volumes have protected the prepared, the authors have delved into the most dangerous area of human relations: dating. Their introduction says it all: Love hurts. Love is a battlefield. \nWhat better way to help out your chances than a guide to help you through all of the mishaps that can occur along the way?\nWritten by Joshua Priven, David Borgenicht and Jennifer Worick, "The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex" can help you save a date from the clutches of disaster. Priven and Borgenicht are the creators of the series, and this time around they have added a female member to the team to cover their bases. The authors have assembled a team of experts to help solve the sticky situations people manage to get themselves into every day.\nThe authors help you endure the wilds of dating with a wide range of survival skills. Not only are detailed instructions for spotting breast implants included, but also tips on how to determine if your blind date is really an axe murderer, con artist or a cross-dresser.\nI found the instructions on escaping bad dates particularly funny. At one time or another, many of us have found ourselves on dates with people so boring or incompatible with us we would rather chew off our hand than sit through it for another minute. Rather than attempting an at-home amputation, the authors suggest an escape plan that borders on James Bond-like intrigue. From altering your appearance to sneaking out the kitchen, escape routes are clearly marked for people who abhor their blind date. \nHowever, the advice isn't simply about dating; appearances and sex are covered by the intrepid authors. Advice on how to easily join the "mile high" club are included in this handy book, but also the warning that having sex in an airplane lavatory is a violation of federal law, so sneakiness is the key.\nWhat if your zipper gets stuck? The answer is here. What if you have excessive gas? Also here. In fact, most foreseeable -- and many unforeseeable -- dating mishaps are covered in this book. What to do if you don't remember last night's conquest's name is here, but that's a situation I'd strive to avoid. From meeting the parents to faking an orgasm, the safety net for your dating life is here. This book, while a tad on the humorous side, does in fact hold some practical advice for anyone out there who is braving the wild world of dating.\n"The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex" is published by Chronicle Books. It is available at Greetings, Barnes & Noble, Borders and several other local retailers for $14.95.
(07/17/03 1:42am)
Life with sex, innuendo and Buddhist sensibilities, "Bangkok 8," the latest novel from established writer John Burdett, is a gripping mystery set in the pulsating city of Krung Thep -- more commonly known as Bangkok to us. While focusing on the seedy underbelly of the city, Burdett is careful to note that the sex trade in Bangkok, while world famous, is actually smaller than that of Taiwan, the Phillipines or the United States. \nThe first trek into Bangkok is on the tail of a detective, Sonchai. Born a half-caste -- half Thai and half white -- he is a "monk" cop with the corrupt Royal Thai Police, meaning he is one of the few Thai cops who won't accept bribes. His partner, also a "monk," is killed in a spectacular manner after they both witness the murder of a monolithic U.S. Marine, William Bradley, with a most unusual weapon -- pythons and cobras drugged with yaa baa, the Thai name for methamphetamine. \nSonchai vows revenge on his partner's death and begins to investigate the unusual killings; he immediately associates the style of killing with the gangs that run unfettered in the city. Now the question posed is why would a U.S. Marine, who is fabulously wealthy by Thai standards, be killed by a Thai gang?\nThe FBI cooperates with Sonchai's investigation, providing him with a partner who appears to have been shunted to the unfavorable posting. However, they balk when he uncovers evidence that an extremely wealthy and powerful American has more to do with the murder than meets the eye. \nWhat the FBI doesn't know is Sonchai's new partner is actually in Bangkok to find out what precisely the prime suspect is involved in.\nStanding in the way of the investigation into the murders are Bradley's brother -- a formidable drug dealer -- the corruption of the Royal Thai Police, the stonewalling of the FBI and the elusive identity of the exotic consort with whom Bradley kept company. Sexual perversion enters the mix; Bradley emerges as the complete opposite of a clean-cut marine. Twists and turns lead Sonchai in different directions, and the conclusion of the novel is the last thing you would expect. \nI thoroughly enjoyed "Bangkok 8." While set in a foreign land, Sonchai is very accessible as a character. While wild, the twists and turns of the mystery are feasible, making the story exotic and enjoyable. The reader is constantly peppered with reminders of Buddha and Eastern philosophy, making the trips into the Thai mind easier for the Western reader to understand. "Bangkok 8" is a murder mystery of the first order, and anybody who is interested in tales of police and mystery should consider picking it up.\n"Bangkok 8" lists for $24, but is available on Amazon.com for $16.
(07/03/03 12:38am)
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth installment in the popular Harry Potter book series, is guaranteed to entertain fans of the pint-sized wizard. With entertaining adventures, intrigue with the Dark Arts, house rivalry and a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a 870-page long trip into the magical world author J.K. Rowling has created.\nWith the hoopla that surrounded the release of "Order of the Phoenix," I was a bit skeptical of the book. Expectations were high for the follow up of "The Goblet of Fire" because it was released nearly three years after its predecessor. Worldwide Harry Potter fans anxiously awaited the fifth volume; the manuscript was the target of thieves and intrigue. The precautions surrounding the contents of the book were astounding, with security for the books seeming tighter than that for world leaders. While the hubbub around the release was at times a tad ridiculous, "The Order of the Phoenix" is a solid entry into the Harry Potter lore. \n"The Order of the Phoenix" has a decidedly darker tone than its predecessors. While maintaining the tradition of beginning at Number Four Privet Drive, this time we begin to see a more rebellious Harry bucking the poor treatment he receives at the hands of his aunt, uncle and cousin. When Harry and Dudley are attacked by Dementors in the alley, Harry violates wizard laws of secrecy. The Ministry of Magic tries Harry for crimes, but Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster at Hogwarts, manages to vindicate Harry.\nThe Hogwarts sorting hat warns the students against dividing the houses against each other; in the time of the return Lord Voldemort -- the most evil Dark wizard to ever live -- the students must reunite. However, many in the wizarding world don't believe that Voldemort has returned and Harry, who dueled with the Dark wizard at the end of "The Goblet of Fire," is one brick short of a load. \nI promise I won't give away any more of the book, but there are plenty of surprises in store for the reader. The new Professor of Dark Arts is a real piece of work and makes Harry's least favorite teacher, Severus Snape, seem like an absolute angel. The enmity between Harry Potter and his arch-nemesis Draco Malfoy escalates further this year, with the two attempting to curse each other at every turn. The end of the book has an intense battle in the very heart of the wizarding world.\nOh yes, and to confirm some rumors, a major character does die. I'll give you a hint: it's not Harry.\n"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is a great continuation of the Harry Potter series. While a bit on the hefty side, it does maintain the magical world Rowling created very well. While I would not recommend reading "Order of the Phoenix" before reading any other Harry Potter books, it is a great investment for the dedicated fan.\n"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is available at several local retailers. It lists at $29.99 but is discounted at many locations.
(06/23/03 1:37am)
Witches, wizards and Muggles engulfed local bookstores Friday night in hopes of being the first to own the fifth installment in the popular Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Borders, Barnes and Noble and Howard's Bookstore all stayed open to celebrate the release of the children's book, which officially was released Saturday at 12:01 a.m. Bookstores were celebrating the release of the book all day Friday with craft sessions, Harry Potter trivia and other games.\nThe scene at Borders Books and Music was that of organized chaos. Jubilant Harry Potter fans were socializing with each other, comparing their wit while Borders' employees, dressed as witches and wizards, distributed tickets that guaranteed the holder a spot in line; these tickets began being distributed at 9:01 a.m. on Friday. Recent IU graduate Sarah Jacobi was the first in line to receive a copy at Borders.\n"I was here in the morning to get my ticket," she said. "I waited for the store to open."\nJacobi said she chose to wait in line at a bookstore instead of ordering online because Borders had the best available price. The book, which is listed at $29.99, was selling at a 40 percent discount at both Borders and Barnes and Noble.\n"Waiting here is part of the fun," Jacobi said. "It's really exciting that everybody is realizing what good books these are. When I first started reading them, people wondered why I was reading a kid's book; I was embarrassed to buy them. Now everybody sees why I love these books."\nResplendent in his crimson velvet robes and hat topped with a peacock feather, Bloomington resident Brian Morton was waiting in line about 100 people back. Dressed as Gilderoy Lockhart,the ill-fated Defense Against the Dark Arts professor of Hogwarts from Harry's second year at the school, he entertained onlookers with his elaborate garb. Waiting with his wife and 16-month-old son, he said he was ecstatic about receiving the new book.\n"Our son likes having the Harry Potter stories read to him," he said. \nMorton said he and his family had been at Borders since 7 p.m. enjoying the atmosphere, games and other entertainment. \n"Its our first time going to something like this," he said. "We really didn't know quite what to expect, but this has been great."\nBorders employees could not comment on the number of people in attendance or their expected sales of the book.\nAcross the street at Barnes and Noble, the scene was much more subdued. Those who pre-ordered the book before June 1 waited patiently in line to receive their books bespectacled in the Harry Potter look-alike glasses distributed by costumed Barnes and Noble employees. \n"We didn't give out more tickets than we have copies of the book," said Rebecca Guest-Scott, a department manager. "We started giving away tickets at 9, but we, of course, give the people who pre-ordered the book preference in line."\nShe said the Barnes and Noble celebration officially began at 9 p.m., but the store started filling up after the dinner hours.\n"We put a lot of time and crafty effort into preparing for this launch," Guest-Scott said.\nScholastic, Inc., the U.S. publisher of the Harry Potter series, said it was too early to determine the level of sales for the book; the first U.S. printing was set at 8.5 million copies. Amazon.com delivered over 1.3 million copies of "The Order of the Phoenix" to customers Saturday, making it the largest single item distribution in e-commerce history.\nCopies of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" are available at several local retailers. Its list price is $29.99, but it is discounted at many locations.
(06/16/03 12:41am)
Ad Nauseam," the complete thirteenth edition news archive of the nationally known humor newspaper The Onion, is one book you simply must purchase -- as long as you have a sense of humor and are not easily offended. This 13th archive of The Onion's biweekly newspaper is a humorous look back at 2000 and 2001, highlighting the ups, downs and everything in between.\nThe satire runs from national news and headline-makers to the doldrums of everyday existence. There are also 'syndicated columns,' featuring the likes of Jim Anchower, a local stoner, Smoove B, a love man, Jean Teasdale, a repressed housewife and Herbert Kornfield, a ghetto-talking accounts receivable supervisor. These columns are a scream; Kornfield's columns are particularly amusing. The mug shot of a thin, nerdy-looking white man juxtaposed with the ghetto trash talk of an accountant make for one funny read. Who knew the world of accounts receivable was so rough and tumble?\nThe horoscopes and advice columns are also amusing. The Onion astrologer is a retired mechanic, and the advice comes from such diverse places as a guy getting yelled at by his wife, an upscale catalog and a cheat guide for a video game. \nThe national news headlines of The Onion make this book a must-have. I was particularly amused by the "Starbucks to begin sinister 'Phase Two' of Operation" story. Many people believe Starbucks has world domination in mind, but certainly not to the level of which The Onion is accusing it. \nOne area I have to applaud The Onion on in this volume is their handling of the Sept. 11 attacks. While most were afraid to joke about the events of that day, The Onion took it on with a deft mix of humor and respect. From the tag line of "Holy F*ucking Sh*t: attack on America!" it dealt with many of the questions posed by the attacks. Much of what The Onion points out about the attacks can be seen as true; for a while life did turn into a bad Jerry Bruckheimer movie. It also reflected on how the Pentagon attacks didn't receive nearly as much press as the attacks on the World Trade Center.\nAll in all, the thirteenth complete news archives of The Onion is well worth the time. It's not a book you have to read in one sitting. Look at it as a large bowl of candy -- if you eat too much, it won't taste as good. The scathing humor is written with such wit that it really needs to be appreciated in installments. Otherwise, how would you fully appreciate accountants packing Times Square and partying to ring in the new fiscal year?
(06/06/03 5:05am)
Now that Adam Herbert has been announced as IU's next president, what exactly is his job and what authority can he exert while in his new position?\nThe official announcement of the position opening, released in November, 2002, lists a myriad of qualities the IU president should possess, as well as the president's multiple duties. These duties include fundraising, increasing diversity, leading the chancellors and faculty of the regional campuses and communicating the values, mission and accomplishments of the University.\nTrustee Stephen Ferguson, who headed the search committee, closely followed the posted description when describing the qualities of candidates the committee reviewed.\n"We sought candidates who could raise money, promote academic and cultural excellence, and serve as an advocate and champion of diversity," he said.\nKelley School of Business Associate Dean Bruce Jaffee said he views the job of president as an exercise in multitasking.\n"Some of the key duties for the president include providing strategic leadership for the University, including developing and communicating a vision that promotes academic excellence, while recognizing our resource constraints and the special mission of being Indiana University," Jaffee said. "The president needs to assure that the various units are coordinated and to be the key face of the University with major constituencies."\nBut how will Herbert execute these duties? IUB Chancellor Sharon Brehm said it is unclear how the new president will choose to execute his position because each president has chosen a different focus.\nFor example, Herman B Wells drastically increased the enrollment at the Bloomington campus, while Myles Brand chose to focus on academics, deemphasizing the role of sports.\n"It's going to be an exciting and productive time as our new president learns about IU and develops his leadership agenda," Brehm said.\nOne important focus for Herbert will be the management of all eight of IU's campuses. While it is essential that the president be aware of what is going on at each, Jaffee said he believes that delegation is key.\n"The president should not -- and cannot -- micromanage lots of issues on eight campuses," he said. "The president and all of the campus chancellors need to be on the same page and work cooperatively towards the same aims."\nWhile all campuses are important to the workings of IU, Jaffee adds the president may take a more active interest in the issues of the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses.\n"The reputation and impact of the University rests primarily on what happens, or does not happen, on the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses," he said. "These chancellors report to the president, and the president has final authority. However, both the chancellors and the president need to be in basic agreement about goals and strategies to effectively advance the University's missions"
(06/05/03 12:51am)
From the introduction/disclaimer that opens the book, it was clear that "The Nanny Diaries" is a different type of book. The authors, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, are both former nannies turned sophisticated socialites in Manhattan. The intro makes it clear that the family described in the book is purely fictitious; for their sake I am glad this is the case.\n"The Nanny Diaries" follows the life of Nanny, a -- you guessed it -- nanny to the sophisticates of Manhattan. She uses the job just as a way to pay the rent for her tiny studio apartment and life at New York University, but instead gets drawn into the messy personal lives of her employers, all while trying to save the sanity of her tiny charge.\nNanny begins working for the X family accidentally, when she chances upon them in the park. Hired as a replacement for the current nanny, she quickly learns what a hectic life a privileged 4-year-old lives.\nWhat begins as a job shuttling little Grayer X from French lessons to tennis to various play dates becomes an all consuming job. Her responsibilities shift from being the caregiver of Grayer to the ombudsman of the X household. Not only does Nanny begin taking on the role of chef, but she also helps Mr. X conceal his extramarital affair and Mrs. X maintain her sanity.\nAll of this time she now spends with her family is at the expense of her family, new boyfriend -- lovingly dubbed Harvard Hottie -- and studies. All of the sacrifices she makes, however, seem to be ignored by the X adults, who are so self-absorbed they do not notice the effort and time Nanny puts forth.They treat her like furniture, paying her erratically and requiring services above and beyond the call of duty.\nThe frustration that builds during the entire novel comes to a head when Nanny 'accompanies' the family on a vacation to Nantucket. What is supposed to be a family trip turns into a clash between Mr. and Mrs. X, who are both tiptoeing around their anger over the affair. While Nanny is nothing but helpful, she ends up being dismissed at the end of the trip because Mrs. X feels that her heart is no longer into her duties.\nMcLaughlin and Kraus have created a diabolically funny novel laying the follies of the rich and idle out on the table. You want to cringe every time you see a note from Mrs. X, who has the audacity to think about getting a studio to get away from the son she never cares for. "The Nanny Diaries" paints an incredibly unflattering portrait of the rich who cannot be bothered to take care of their own children.\nThough incredibly funny, you cannot help but to feel pity for the children the nannies are charged with. They cry and scream for their parents, and instead of being rewarded with a hug from their mom they get shoved off onto hired help, a move Nanny aptly calls "The Spatula." The kids aren't disciplined and behave in ways that would get an ordinary child sent to their room for months.\n"The Nanny Diaries" is a page-turner that is perfect for a lazy day on the beach or in your favorite chair. You can't wait to see what audacious things the X's have done to each other, their child and Nanny. It is an excellently written novel with characters that I can only hope are caricatures of the idle rich; if there really are parents out there like Mr. and Mrs. X, I feel for their children.
(05/09/03 4:26am)
Engrossing, romantic and exotic are just a few words that can be used to describe the debut novel of Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha." From the first page to the last the reader is engrossed in the memoirs of the heroine Sayuri, a classically trained geisha who endured the process of becoming a geisha, suffered through World War II and moved to America, starting a new life for herself in her twilight years. The story is earthy and ethereal at the same time; from the first word reality stops existing; the reader is transported to Japan in the days when geishas were commonplace.\nThe tale begins with a poor fisherman's daughter being brought into the closed world of the geisha. From her home in a tiny fishing village, Sayuri is transported to Kyoto, where she embarks on her lifelong journey to transmute herself from a base peasant girl to the sparkling gem of a geisha. In Kyoto, Sayuri begins her training in the art of being a geisha; not only is her appearance paramount, but she must also become skilled in the arts of dance, music and conversation. Her life becomes a quest to be the ideal woman, beguiling to powerful men. \nAfter years of training, Sayuri becomes a full-fledged geisha, but her learning is far from over. The auction of her mizuage, or virginity, sets a record price in Kyoto, spreading her name over Japan, making her a well-known and sought-after geisha. However, being a geisha was much more than the sexual side; Sayuri was skilled in dance, conversation and poetry. She gained many supporters, mainly the businessmen she entertained. However, she also drew the ire of other geishas, who often fell short when compared to Sayuri. Sayuri's most poisonous enemy was Hatsumomo, the geisha she lived with while training and former top geisha in Kyoto. Sayuri learns the world of intrigue that is behind the kimonos of the geisha world; discretion and rumors are as important as pleasing the men who seek their company.\nSayuri becomes the mistress of her true love, a wealthy businessman she met as a child. Her love for him is what supported her through the agonizing training to become a geisha. After World War II geishas became less common in Japan and few men requested their services. Sayuri adapted to the change and moved to New York City to establish a tea house, making herself a new life in a new world. In her twilight years she captured her life as a memoir, telling the world what her life was like as a woman of the pleasure quarters.\nI was absolutely enraptured by "Memoirs of a Geisha." The book is full of innuendo and intrigue, impossible to put down until it is completed. It is both lush and spare, full of nuance and beautifully written. "Memoirs" is a marvelous debut novel, displaying the years of research Golden put into the novel; it reads as an actual memoir of a geisha, not the work of fiction that it is. I highly recommend "Memoirs of a Geisha" to anyone who is looking to escape from the world in a few minutes. It is a beautifully executed work of fiction and a haunting tale of a life lived to different expectations.
(05/05/03 4:58am)
Lee Strobel, a respected journalist and the former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, pursued an investigation into one of the most debated religious matters of the modern era: Was Jesus of Nazareth Christ, the promised messiah for the Jewish people? In his compelling book "The Case for Christ" Strobel interrogates New Testament experts, archaeologists and other religious scholars in the search for the truth regarding the divinity of Jesus. \nIn the introduction, Strobel said he began his investigation into the divinity of Christ after his wife converted to Christianity. He noted the change in her demeanor and outlook on life was so profound, and he said he had to understand what made his wife shift subtly, but so significantly. Strobel then decided to investigate the claims of Christians with the same interrogative stance he used while reporting, setting aside his own skepticism in the name of the truth. He interviewed Craig Blomberg, a noted New Testament scholar at the Denver Seminary, Bruce Metzger, a scholar at the Princeton Seminary, and other luminaries in the theological field. \nStrobel recounts the interviews with the scholars in "The Case for Christ." The questions he asks are tough, to the point and did not leave the scholars with any leeway in their answers. Strobel pursued weaknesses doggedly, pursuing a question until he believed the answer was satisfying. Not only was the theological consistency of the four Gospels questioned, but also the collaborating evidence of Christ. Secular proof of the existence and works of Christ does exist, but the author was concerned with tampering by fanatical early Christians who were bound and determined to prove that Jesus of Nazereth was Christ. However, the scholars were able to defend their positions to the satisfaction of the author. \nI know this isn't the normal book to just pick up and read, but despite my reluctance it was extremely interesting. I simply took what I was taught in Sunday School as what it was presented to me; I never doubted what I have been taught since my youth. While some have a faith in what is taught, this book is a great suggestion for skeptics of Christianity or religion as a whole. I respect the circumspection that Strobel treated the topic with, but also that he refused to quit questioning until he was fully satisfied with an answer. The most stunning part of the book, however, is that Strobel leaves the reader to draw his or her own conclusion. Since he is now a teaching minister, it is obvious what his conclusion was; however, he makes no judgements on what was being said by the scholars, even when he was still a skeptic.\nI recommend "The Case for Christ" to readers who are searching for an understanding of Christianity, people with an interest in the topic or those who are considering conversion. It is not a quick read, but Strobel was incredibly thorough in both his research and preparation. The book reads well and presents compelling arguments for the historical authenticity of the four Gospels, in addition to other corroborating evidence of Christ's existence and deeds.
(04/29/03 4:34am)
Attention aspiring artists: you MUST buy a copy of this book. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. "Bullsh*t or Fertilizer," a portable pep talk written by Pierre Bennu, a self-described artist, painter, teacher, deejay, and filmmaker, is an amazingly succinct and well-written guide for self-supporting artists to get out there and make a name for themselves. Though some of the advice is evident, many times we need others to point out the obvious. "Bullsh*t" provides the reader with practical, step by step ways to get out there, do their craft, and make a living doing it. It doesn't matter what you do; Bennu just wants you to go out there and do it.\n"Bullsh*t or Fertilizer" begins with the leap: the point in your life when you decide to be an artist. I strongly agree with Bennu's sentiment that you are what you do. Unless you have a product from your craft, whatever it may be, you are your day job. Go out there and do what you love; plenty of people can and do every day. Bennu says the reader should not be afraid of failure. Even if people are unwilling to accept your art, whatever it may be, you had the courage to put it out there. Bennu's advice: "Buy a Superman T-shirt. Rock it."\nThus begins the second main point of "Bullsh*t:" you have to be confident in yourself and the work you produce. Nobody will buy what you make and sell if you don't believe in it yourself. Bennu believes the first step in changing the outcome of your work is changing your vocabulary. No longer should you say "I'm going to do something." Instead, Bennu says you should just do it. Instead of saying you're broke, say your funds are currently tied up in other investments. It's simply a different way of stating the same thing, but the difference is in the outlook. \n"Bullsh*t or Fertilizer" also provides the starving artist with some common sense. The book preaches that you should take care of yourself, live for yourself, and be happy with yourself. Bennu suggests avoiding fast food, and he has a humorous measure of fitness; if you can't get up and dance, you should have a burger without cheese. \nI found "Bullsh*t or Fertilizer" to be a common-sense guide to making it in this world. Though geared towards artists, it certainly can apply for business people, manual laborers, and everybody else who has a job and needs to make a living. Bennu preaches happiness: happiness with your life, what you make, and how you see yourself. "Bullsh*t" gives you all the common sense advice; we all know what Bennu is saying to us, but sometimes we need to be reminded. This book would make a great gift for a graduating senior, or anyone else, who is a little unsure of their role in the real world. "Bullsh*t" may give them the impetus to go out and rock their Superman T-shirts.
(04/22/03 4:50am)
One True Conflict," the first novel by IU graduate Austin Driscall, is a dismal attempt to draw more international intrigue into the Middle Eastern conflict. I ordinarily read new authors with an open mind. However, after about 50 pages of this disastrous excuse for a novel, I could hardly force myself to finish it. Not only does the plot borrow liberally from the skillfully executed Tom Clancy novel "Executive Orders," but it is also rife with blatant grammatical and structural errors. An apparent lack of research went into the military intrigue of the book, and the unrealistic characterization made the characters static and unsympathetic. If this hasn't turned you off to "One True Conflict," read on; I'm sure you won't dare to pick up this catastrophe of a book afterwards. \nThis disaster begins by introducing the readers to four college roommates. All are exaggerated, cartoon-like characters with no ability to draw the reader's rapport or sympathy. There's Jack Teller, the remote genius, Linny Thompson, the arrogant scientist, Butch Campbell, the patriotic military man, and Frank Osborne, the dumb jock turned reporter. All are combative with one another; it is difficult to believe that they shared a house in college, let alone maintained close ties after graduation. \nAs the world took the characters along different paths, it brings them back together after Jack makes a horrifying discovery: the atmosphere will become unbreathable if there are any nuclear detonations.\nThis is a problem for the United States, whose entire missile defense system is based on hyper-accurate nuclear weapons designed by Linny. Butch is in charge of a large portion of the military, and Frank is a journalist who discovered parts of an international plot to destroy Israel.\nI know, I know. A little far-fetched to begin with, but it gets even worse. The book reveals an international plot for the demise of Israel ten years in the making. An American who feels wronged by the U.S., a Russian mobster, a Chinese general, and a Syrian government official have been plotting for years in to destroy Israel and bring the United States to its knees. The four roommates discover the plot and try to prevent global destruction and world war. They are successful after a trying few months of intrigue, and the United States emerges as a stronger and more powerful nation.\nThis book proved to be a painful exercise. Not only did poor characterization and editing take away from what could have been a serviceable story, it is a story that has been done before. Not only has the story been done before, but it has been done before much better. \n"One True Conflict" is a book that plays shamelessly on the fears Americans have concerning Arab nations, as well as reinforcing negative stereotypes about Russians and Chinese. It is unfair to classify all Russians as corrupt mobsters and Chinese military men as warmongers who are willing to be at the beck and call of money. I strongly advise everybody to avoid "One True Conflict" at all costs. There is no reason to punish yourself by reading this book.
(04/15/03 4:31am)
Gentlemen, you may stop reading this now. I don't want to waste any of your time, and I honestly would be shocked to see a man read "The Boy Next Door," a delightfully campy trip through the mind of a single gossip columnist and her quest to find love in the big city with, you guessed it, the boy next door. A book written by a woman for women, it is an extraordinary example of Meggin Cabot's ability to write a novel in an unusual format and still keep the reader wildly entertained. "The Boy Next Door" is Cabot's first attempt at an adult novel; she is best known for writing the "Princess Diaries" series under the nom de plum Meg Cabot.\n"The Boy Next Door" introduces the reader to Melissa Fuller, a gossip columnist for The New York Journal, via an e-mail about her apparent problem with arriving to work on time. However, in a series of e-mails to her boss and coworkers, she reveals that her elderly neighbor Mrs. Friedlander was attacked during the night and is now in a coma. Melissa, being the Midwestern transplant and quite neighborly, volunteered to walk the animal-loving Mrs. Friedlander's Great Dane until her only living relative, her nephew Max, can come to her aid.\nEnter the problem. Max, being the selfish boor he's reputed to be, decides to put his friend John Trent (of the Park Avenue Trents) up to the task of caring for the animals, while he's too busy with a supermodel in Key West to be bothered with caring for his wealthy aunt, but still doesn't want to be written out of her will. John, playing his part, moves into Mrs. Friedlander's apartment and immediately is taken with Mel. \nWith her friends and family opining at every available juncture, the plot thickens to reveal a sinister plot and some unsightly details about Max. But revealing the ending would spoil the surprise ending.\nWhat made this book so charming was the format; the entire narrative is written in e-mails back and forth between the characters. It took the tired plot of girl meets boy in big city and breathed new life into it. The e-mails allowed enough characterization, but left a little mystery. The conversational tone of the e-mails allowed for a voyeuristic look into Melissa Fuller's world, from her broken dates to breaking hearts. The plot turned quickly this way and that, making for an enrapturing read that is easily read in one sitting. \nBy no means a substantial book, "The Boy Next Door" is a bit of delightful fluff that should be taken as such. I highly recommend the book for anyone who has a few hours to kill and a few laughs to spare.
(04/14/03 4:15am)
"Into the Wild," a stunning nonfiction work by renowned outdoors writer Jon Krakauer, is an engrossing chronicle of the last days of Christopher McCandless. McCandless was a recent college graduate when he decided to donate his savings to charity, renounce worldly possessions and delve into the wilderness, first in California, then Alaska. \nWhat was supposed to be a harmless road trip and Jack London fantasy turned into the demise of a promising young man and a mystery of the highest order. Krakauer expertly weaves an engrossing tale of an idealistic young man and the unforgiving reality of the Alaskan wilds; once you open "Into the Wild" you will not be able to put it down until the final sentence.\nKrakauer documents the last years of McCandless's life wandering through the American West. He draws a portrait of a stubborn, idealistic young man who was determined to shed his old identity and become a wild man, one with nature. McCandless, who grew up in the affluent suburbs of Washington, D.C., was always a high achiever and attended Emory University. When his parents suggested he use his $25,000 savings to attend law school he scoffed at them; he then donated the entire sum to charity. Abandoning all of his possessions and burning the remainder of his cash and identification, McCandless left civilization, trying to free himself of the requirements thrust upon him by society.\nMcCandless survived all of his forays into the wild until his fateful decision to live in the Alaskan back country for four months with minimal supplies. Krakauer draws the portrait of a young man with enough knowledge to survive in the bush, but lacking the respect necessary. When nature's fickle heart turned against McCandless he was doomed because he didn't take the necessary precautions. In the grips of starvation, McCandless never knew that he was within five miles of three cabins, and there was a way to cross the river blocking him from civilization.\nKrakauer investigated the death of McCandless more carefully than the government because he felt akin to the boy. When he was a youth, Krakauer tried to climb a massive mountain without proper equipment, nearly paying with his life. Krakauer draws a parallel between himself and McCandless; the only difference between them is that Krakauer survived his follies. He discovered that McCandless was done in by eating the seeds of a plant. The plant, while edible, had toxic seeds that caused the poisoning and starvation of McCandless.\nI thoroughly enjoyed "Into the Wild." It is a gripping and cautionary tale about the capriciousness of Mother Nature. One mistake in the wilds is the difference between life and death, and Krakauer expertly shows how McCandless toed that line his entire life. "Into the Wild" is a marvelous, engrossing read that is easily read in one sitting; the pages turn themselves. For anybody interested in reading a great nonfiction work, I highly recommend "Into the Wild"
(04/03/03 5:39am)
After reading "The Darwin Awards II," I am convinced that Darwin's theory of evolution is entirely correct, and it is actively in effect for the human race as well as the animal kingdom. This book is a collection of the most hapless, reckless and just plain dumb members of the human race. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of the Darwin Awards, it is a dubious honor for the person who has removed himself from the gene pool in a clueless or hapless manner; by removing himself he has ensured the long term survival of the human race.\nBy no means are the Darwin Awards intended to make fun of people whose luck has just run out. It's not to make fun of people who were involved in an unforeseeable accident. Key term: unforeseeable. It is not unexpected that grievous bodily harm will occur when you attach a Jet Assisted Take-Off unit rocket to the top of your car and go speeding through the desert. The Darwin Awards reward the clueless among us and show common sense is anything but common.\nTo qualify for the Darwin, a candidate must fill certain criteria. The candidate must no longer be in the gene pool; elimination can be accomplished with death or sterilization. The event must be a verifiable event, and the person in question must be able to make sound decisions. Finally, the victim must cause his own demise.\nUnfortunately for the human species, there seems to be no shortage of people who can fulfill the requirements. From the person who drowned while practicing walking on water to the owner of an equipment safety training facility who did not surviving the making of his own video, there are people who act so stupidly they accidently cause their own deaths.\nThere were some stories so ridiculous in this collection that I could not believe them. \nHow many experienced construction workers would cut out the floor they are standing on and fall eight stories to their deaths? \nWhat trombone player would put a lit firecracker in his instrument while playing? \nSome seem to be asking for their death and dismemberment through their incredibly stupid actions. \nAs a side note, one of the stories in the book has a special place in my heart. In "Fast Food Fatality," two night managers of a Burger King arranged a fake robbery/arson that went awry when the intended fire never erupted. One of the culprits was loosely bound in the freezer, and the fire would summon the fire department to rescue her, leaving her and her accomplice to spend the money without suspicion. However, the fire never erupted, and the loosely bound manager waited in the freezer until she died; she was bound so loosely she could have escaped at anytime.\nWhat makes this award stand out in my mind is that I remember reading this story in my local newspaper two summers ago. The women, who committed this miscalculated caper in Valparasio, Ind., were ridiculed by the press for their ridiculous plan and lack of common sense. \nI highly recommend "The Darwin Awards II" for any reader who can appreciate the humor of it. People who are overly sensitive or offended when ill is spoken of the dead should avoid this book; all it does is ridicule the hapless actions that resulted in the deaths of their perpetrators. It is harsh and unforgiving of stupidity, but so is evolution. Though the people honored in the book have passed on, they unwittingly made life a little safer for the rest of us.