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(03/24/10 10:26pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Cream and crimson are IU’s colors. And for the next four weeks, green will be too.The third annual Energy Challenge will kick off today and will last until April 22. This year, all 11 residence halls, 31 greek houses and, for the first time, eight academic buildings will compete to save the most energy and water.The first-place residence hall will win an energy conservation project for the hall and the first- and second-place greek houses will win cash prizes. A traveling trophy will go to the best academic building.“The Energy Challenge is a non-intrusive way to demonstrate to people that it’s easy and quite rewarding to save energy,” said Hutton Honors College Dean Matthew Auer, who is also the academic chairman of the Energy and Built Environment Working Group.“It does not involve a lot of sacrifice. It only demands common sense.”Last year, Teter Quad won the residence hall challenge, while Sigma Alpha Mu was the winner for the greek houses. Campus wide, the competition saw a 59 percent increase in electricity savings and an 83 percent increase in water savings over the previous year’s competition.“In the 2009 iteration of this program, IU saved many hundreds of thousands of kilowatt-hours of electricity and saved more than $40,000 in avoided utility costs,” Auer said.Graduate student Mckenzie Beverage, an intern for the Office of Sustainability Energy Challenge, said the Challenge started as a Master’s Capstone Project for Informatics student David Roedl. “The product of the capstone is the Energy Challenge Web site,” Beverage said.The site, energychallenge.indiana.edu, lists the official rules of the competition as well as provides students with conservation tips and useful links. Students will also be able to track results at any time on the site.“The fact that the Energy Challenge is a competition is likely the largest motivating factor,” Beverage said. “Altruism and the idea of winning a prize probably tie for second.”Because there are more buildings involved in the competition this year than previous years, members of the Office of Sustainability expect even higher results.Auer said the challenge is just one example of how IU is changing to become more green.“The momentum on campus to get serious about energy efficiency is growing steadily each year,” he said. “It’s the students themselves who are the key and have shown such great leadership. Greeks Go Green and many other environmentally focused student groups on campus have really stepped up.”Dean of Students Pete Goldsmith said he thinks the Energy Challenge is a great event. “It helps students see the impact of reducing their energy consumption and also shows how even doing little things can reduce the amount of energy used,” he said.Members of the Office of Sustainability said they hope students apply the conservation skills they learn through the competition to their everyday lives. Beverage said she wants students to implement these skills as they move out of the dorms and live on their own.“The real test is whether the practices instilled during the Energy Challenge become good habits for the long haul,” Auer said. “If everyone who participates in the Energy Challenge continues the practices they learn during March and April 2010, as a group, they will end up saving literally millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity, forgo producing many tons of CO2 and save potentially millions of dollars.”
(03/05/10 7:21am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>If you asked Laura Wilde in elementary school what she wanted to be when she grew up, she’d probably have told you a lawyer.Wilde, whose initials spell out ‘law,’ took a different path from courtrooms and case briefs. Instead, this second-year master’s student in the Jacobs School of Music has become one of the top young opera singers in the country.After placing first in the Tri-State Regional competition of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Wilde earned a spot to sing at the National Semi-Finals on Sunday at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.Although music was always a part of Wilde’s life, she didn’t begin to study opera until halfway through her undergraduate career at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.“I sang and danced around just for fun, but my biggest thing was playing trumpet starting in fifth grade,” she said. “I didn’t even start singing until my senior year of high school.”Wilde started her undergraduate degree studying trumpet performance.“Halfway through I switched to voice, just because it was a better fit,” she said.Wilde said continuing her graduate studies at Jacobs was the perfect next step.“The undergrad program is so small, and there’s not really an opera program there,” she said of St. Olaf. “At a place like IU, with this many productions a year, there are a lot more opportunities and at the same time so much talent. It was a really good next step, a really good fit.”Wilde has performed in several of Jacobs’ productions, including the role of Prince Charming in “Cendrillon” last year.Wilde’s professor at Jacobs is Costanza Cuccaro, who has been teaching at IU for 16 years. Cuccaro’s main focus for her students is strong vocal technique, she said.“Vocal technique is the basis of really healthy and successful singing,” Cuccaro said. “It gives you the freedom to fly vocally. Once you’re technically solid there isn’t much you can’t do onstage.”Along with studying with Cuccaro, Wilde has been researching to prepare for the competition.“I’m watching the operas the arias come from, trying to know the stories and characters as well as I can,” she said. “I’m trying to make sure the least of my worries is essentially the singing.”Wilde will be performing “The Composer’s Aria” from Richard Strauss’ opera “Ariadne auf Naxos.” The second piece will be chosen by the Council members during the auditions.“I don’t really have expectations,” she said. “I just hope it’s a great experience. I’m excited, but it’s also kind of nerve-wracking.”Cuccaro, however, said she believes in her student.“The MAC stage is just like the Met’s — Laura will feel right at home,” she said. “She has a beautiful timbre and color and an extraordinarily good range.”What really sets Wilde apart, Cuccaro said, is her love of performing.“When she gets up to sing, what permeates through the audience is her pure love and joy of singing,” she said. “When she’s on stage, you can tell there’s no place she’d rather be.”
(02/12/10 6:06am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A single utterance of “Valentine’s Day” can make romantics swoon, cynics scoff and the dateless cringe. Fortunately, from restaurants to performances, Bloomington offers a variety of activities for couples, groups and the unattached.For the romantic date, look to several local restaurants that will feature Valentine’s Day menus.On Saturday and Sunday, Scholar’s Inn will be offering a special four-course dinner, including appetizer, soup or salad, main course and dessert, for $65 per person.“It is one of the busiest nights of the year,” said manager Patrick Kitchens. “Reservations are definitely recommended.”Grazie! Italian Eatery will also be serving special dishes. “We’ll be running a limited, upscale menu on Sunday featuring a few new dishes as well as some classics,” manager Maura Davis said Davis said the restaurant sees mostly couples on Valentine’s weekend, largely due to the romantic environment the establishment provides.“We make it a point to make Valentine’s Day special,” she said. “We have a piano player, and all the staff is dressed up. The overall atmosphere is really great for date night.”Another Bloomington dining establishment, The Irish Lion Restaurant and Pub, will be featuring two-appetizer and two-dinner specials 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Hostess Brittany Cergnul said The Irish Lion is a great place for Valentine’s Day because of its quality food and service.“People are seeking a fine-dining experience for Valentine’s Day,” she said. “It’s a nice place to take your valentine out for a nice dinner.”There is also a wide variety of performances and exhibits being offered this Valentine’s weekend, including IU’s annual performance of “The Vagina Monologues.”Dedicated to the female body, this show is part of the national V-Day movement to end violence against women.The opera “Lucia di Lammermoor,” although a tragedy, is filled with beauty through its music, romance and scenic design. And this Friday students can receive $5 off a ticket with any student ID.The Bellevue Gallery’s hanging book exhibition “Standing on the Side of Love” is an unconventional yet meaningful way to spend Valentine’s Day. According to the gallery’s Web site, this exhibit of hanging books “is in celebration and support of love, respect, tolerance, diversity and equality.”
(12/09/09 5:40am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I love to sing. Simple fact, but there it is. If I recall correctly, I was first exposed to singing at age four with my “Sing-along Raffi” cassettes.As the years went on, I found more and more opportunities to sing through elementary school chorus, Christmas caroling with my Girl Scout troop and high school show choir and musicals. After countless performances, I began to dream of one day performing on Broadway.However, my glory on stage has been limited to those high school productions. I am the first to admit I don’t have the talent – let alone the guts – to pursue any sort of vocal or musical performance. Although I’m not afraid to sing in front of others, I feel safest belting out to Taylor Swift, “Wicked” or The Beatles in my car, windows rolled up.That said, I have the highest respect for people who get up on stage and sing to their heart’s desire. Last Friday evening, I was treated to just that.A new developing student theater organization had a performance called “Dream Roles Cabaret” at Rachael’s Cafe to showcase its members’ talents and to raise money for its start-up. These singers performed songs from their dream roles – ranging from “A Chorus Line” to “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to “The Little Mermaid.”As each person got up on stage and performed their dream role, the emotion with which they sang moved me. Show business is hard to break into – a cliche we’ve all heard many times – yet these talented performers’ intent in pursuing what they love is laudable.Shedding all self-consciousness, each singer passionately delved into his or her dream role, showing that performance is an important part in self-exploration and self-expression. Performance allows one to creatively express his or her emotion, and these talented men and women did just that.Perhaps their fearlessness is an inspiration to those whose only “stage” is in the driver’s seat.
(12/02/09 5:07am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As the end of the semester approaches, students are faced with the stress of multiple projects, papers and finals. What better way to unwind from the burden of classes than with holiday performances? These festive shows and concerts will put anyone in the holiday spirit.The NutcrackerWHEN 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and SundayWHERE Musical Arts CenterCOST Tickets $18 to $35Ever since I was little, seeing Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic has been one of my favorite holiday traditions.The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who receives a toy nutcracker from her godfather for Christmas. When she falls asleep, she dreams the nutcracker into life and enters a world of magical characters.IU’s production of this ballet, choreographed by Michael Vernon, is sure to astound audiences with its dazzling costumes, magical set designs and festive music. I can also warn you that you will leave the performance with “The Nutcracker Suite” playing in your head. Chimes of ChristmasWHEN 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9WHERE IU AuditoriumCOST Tickets $11 to $20This annual performance, presented by the Jacobs School of Music, features Christmas favorites for all ages. “Chimes” will showcase the Singing Hoosiers, the IU Wind Ensemble and the IU Trombone Choir – and there might just be a special appearance by the Big Man himself!Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said that “‘Chimes’ has become a true holiday tradition for IU and Bloomington because the caliber of the performance and pure enjoyment that the audience experiences as they listen to favorites such as George Frederic Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, the carol sing-along and of course Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride.’”A Bloomington staple in the holiday season, Booher said “Chimes” will be “a concert packed with holiday favorites and the spirit of the season.” Straight No Chaser – The Holiday ShowWHEN 8 p.m. Dec. 11WHERE Buskirk-Chumley TheaterCOST Tickets $10 to $12Straight No Chaser has been one of the nation’s premier men’s a cappella groups since its founding in 1996. The group will perform its annual holiday show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater the Friday before finals week – a perfect way to unwind from this hectic semester.SNC’s “The 12 Days of Christmas” has topped my Christmas playlist ever since I heard it several years ago. The group shows its musicality and whimsicality in this song, and their other numbers are a delight to hear as well. Straight No Chaser will be sure to put on an enjoyable performance for the holiday season. Cirque Dreams IlluminationWHEN 8 p.m. Dec. 11WHERE IU AuditoriumCOST Tickets $17 to $48 Cirque Productions, developed in 1993, has long entertained and thrilled audiences of all ages with its dazzling shows. Now comes Cirque Dreams Illumination, a new family-friendly spectacle that takes ordinary metropolitan characters and transforms them into urban acrobats.“The show will be a combination of the most compelling aspects of the European circus tradition from acrobatics, clowning and high-wire work to juggling, contortion and original live music,” Booher said. “These incredibly talented performers from around the globe have been assembled to create a cast of artists which will awe the crowd.”Cirque is the perfect performance to relieve your finals anxiety. “As the gray days of winter roll into Bloomington, Cirque Dreams Illumination brings a vivid and vital feeling to the stage,” Booher said. “It truly is a spectacle for all ages.”With an abundance of festive shows, you can be sure to have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the final days of the semester. So grab your friends and head to the MAC, the Buskirk or the Auditorium to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
(11/18/09 5:03am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>We all like to think that today’s society is becoming more open to alternative practices and ideas. And in many aspects, it is.Relationships, fashion and entertainment have all become more cutting-edge within the last decade. I, for one, doubt that Lady Gaga would be able to do half the things she does if people were as conventional as in the 1950s. “Bad Romance” music video, anyone?But there are still social norms that people are afraid to break. Last week’s episode of “Glee” proved just that.As a television show that prides itself on diversity and unconventional standards, Glee fell short of fulfilling this promise. In recent weeks, the show has become a staple among music lovers, and past performances have proved its versatility.But Wednesday’s episode showed a more conservative side by appealing to the Broadway standard of a female lead performance.As the glee club prepares for sectionals, the director, Will Schuester, selects “Defying Gravity” from Wicked for the group to perform. He automatically states that the group’s female lead, Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, will take the solo.Kurt Hummel, played by Chris Colfer, looks crestfallen when he hears this news. As the club’s flamboyant character, it has been his dream to perform the show-stopping number from Wicked. He even has an iPod dedicated strictly to selections from the musical.The conflict results in a “diva-off,” and the two characters battle it out in auditions. In the end, however, Kurt throws the competition because of his dad and allows Rachel to win.Although Rachel does have a strong voice, I was disappointed in the outcome. Having the Idina Menzel look-alike perform the song showed a lack of creativity. I wish the writers of Glee had scripted a different conclusion because I thought Kurt deserved the solo more.Not only did I fall in love with the purity and strength of his voice, but “Defying Gravity” pertains especially to his character.Kurt has struggled throughout the series with his sexuality and coming out to his father. Now that he has the support of the glee club and his dad, he has a stronger sense of acceptance.The lyrics relate directly to him: “I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so. Some things I cannot change, but ’til I try, I’ll never know.”Kurt tried to change the social norm of having a female perform his favorite song. It showed his strength and perseverance, and his performance was truly touching.Entertainment and theater strive to be more cutting-edge, but “Glee” played it safe by preventing Kurt from singing a traditionally female song.I’m not saying everything about “Glee” last week was horrible. In fact, this was one of the few qualms I had about the episode.But the series should aim for showcasing its other stars every now and than. While Lea Michele is undeniably talented and one of the strongest singers, seeing other characters perform gives the show more versatility and universality.Yet one small weakness does not detract from the show as a whole. “Glee” has proved that it’s here to stay – nothing is ever gonna bring it down.
(11/17/09 3:35am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Never have I walked down Kirkwood Avenue or Walnut Street after midnight and seen an empty sidewalk or heard silence from the bars.Bloomington is known for a great night life, and college students feed the party atmosphere of the downtown area. In Monday classes, I usually hear other students talking about their crazy night at Kilroy’s Sports Bar or the fun time they had at Jake’s Nightclub.Am I jealous of the fun my fellow classmates have at the bars? Yes – but not because they can drink legally.Indiana law states that no one under the age of 21 may enter a bar. Coming from Ohio, where you can be 18 to go into bars and clubs, this was a huge shocker my freshman year.I was used to being able to go into such establishments back in Cincinnati and hear bands and musicians play. Yes, it’s embarrassing getting a huge “X” stamped on my hand indicating the fact that I am underage, but hearing local talent is worth it.As a result of my 19-year-oldness, I was unable to see Mason Jennings perform at The Bluebird Nightclub a few weeks ago, and I also have to miss out on Camera Obscura, who is coming to The Bluebird at the end of this month. Many artists play at Bloomington bars, and I always miss their performances.Although Bloomington has Rhino’s All Ages Music Club, the musicians I actually want to see always seem to pass it up. One of my favorite things about Bloomington is the social opportunities and cultural diversity of the city. However, not being able to see artists perform detracts from the opportunities students have.It also forces those who are underage to seek alternatives some might deem inappropriate and, in some circumstances, illegal. These alternatives include obtaining fake IDs or attending house parties where underage drinking takes place.Allowing students who are younger than 21 to enter bars would hopefully decrease attendance at house parties and give them to have fun and see quality music acts.While stricter policies would have to be instigated at bars to allow underage students in, allowing 18- to 20-year-olds into bars and clubs to see shows would benefit student life. With more venues to see their favorite artists and bands, students will have more opportunities to develop cultural and musical appreciation.Can I make it two more years going to house parties? Perhaps the wait to see quality performers will make listening to techno remixes in cramped basements all the more worthwhile.
(11/04/09 3:32am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I’ve always considered my humor to be multifaceted. There’s the more mature side that appreciates witty dialogue, pop culture references and political jokes as well as the college student who loves sarcasm, YouTube videos and collegehumor.com. And then there’s the 5-year-old in me that laughs at bodily noises, slapstick humor and words such as “balls” (I even belong to a Facebook group for that). Needless to say, it doesn’t take much to make me laugh.There are many different genres of comedy. We all love to laugh, but it takes different things to make us. While someone might LOL watching “Saturday Night Live,” someone else might double over with laughter after someone burps.I’ve noticed that whenever I watch a movie with friends, see a comedy troupe perform or witness something that is genuinely funny to me, not everyone laughs or even cracks a smile. Comedy is so open to interpretation that few things appeal to every single kind of humor.On Saturday, however, I was treated to a performance unlike any other I’ve seen. Sarah Ruhl’s “The Clean House,” which closed Saturday at the Wells-Metz Theatre, was a comedy for the masses.“The Clean House” had humor ranging from irony to cheap humor to physical comedy that made every attendee laugh out loud at least once. Sitting with the other ushers in the balcony, I had a bird’s-eye view of the audience. I noticed a middle-aged couple in front snicker at a sexually-explicit joke told in Portuguese; an elderly gentleman give a hearty chuckle at the husband leaving his wife due to Jewish law; a high school student burst into giggles at “a primal moment” during which two sisters fought on stage; and the whole audience shake with laughter as a clean-freak character transformed the stark-white house into a dirty mess by throwing a fake tree.Not only did this show make the audience laugh, but it made the audience think, giving a more profound side to comedy. The depth of the play was shown through the main character, Matilde, whose mother died laughing at one of her father’s jokes. She spends most of the play thinking up “the perfect joke,” and eventually kills another character with it. At the end of the show, she reflects how heaven must be a land of “untranslatable jokes, but everyone laughs anyway.”This level of poignancy is seldom seen in typical comedies. We are used to cheesy romantic comedies that use cliched humor and Judd Apatow-like films that use cheap-shot jokes. The fact that “The Clean House” appealed to all types of humor yet had such profundity is impressive.Ruhl showed that perhaps the greatest comedian is life itself, and sometimes we just have to laugh at it.
(10/28/09 4:52am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Television viewers watched a balloon float in the sky, believing a young boy to be trapped inside.Sound like the pilot of a new TV drama? More like live footage on news broadcasts. This story, nicknamed “Balloon Boy,” turned out to be a hoax, a complete sham cooked up by the boy’s parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene. According to news reports, the Heenes, who met in a Hollywood acting school, came up with the hoax to make themselves more marketable for a reality television show. Is this the depth to which people have sunk in seeking media attention? These parents’ exploitation of their 6-year-old son makes me sick. Yet we ate up their performance, desperate for another sensational news story. Bravo, Heenes, on making us sit on the edge of our seats, sympathizing with your heartfelt act, only to realize it was a media stunt. Does the world really need another “Jon and Kate Plus 8?”No, Heene family, America does not need you clogging up our airwaves when we already have reality show gems such as Bravo’s “The Real Housewives,” VH1’s “Tool Academy” and MTV’s “Parental Control.” But we want you. As ratings show, viewers can’t get enough of reality TV and its “stars,” such as Tila Tequila, Kim Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari and Bret Michaels. Why reality television has survived for so long astounds me. The sensationalism, the exploitation, the drama, the blatant scripting and the ridiculousness of it all is entertainment at its lowest. What happened to quality television? Although several good shows with promising performers have arisen this season, including “Glee,” “Modern Family” and “FlashForward,” I miss the genius of shows such as “The West Wing” and “Gilmore Girls,” which captivated audiences with witty dialogue, interesting plots and dynamic characters. However, as long as people like the Heenes exist, entertainment value will continue to disintegrate. America, keep watching your reality shows on MTV, TLC and VH1. Meanwhile, I’ll be mourning the loss of good television and applauding the Heenes on finally getting their 15 minutes of fame.
(10/21/09 2:21am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>By the third encore, tears came to my eyes seeing every member of the audience standing on his or her feet, swaying back and forth and waving their hands in the air while “Hey Jude” resounded in the IU Auditorium. Earlier this semester, I gave my top five performances to see this fall and listed “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles. As a fan of The Beatles since early childhood, I’ve always wanted to see them in concert. Then I remind myself that it’s 2009 and become thoroughly depressed.Rain promised to give audience members a taste of Fab Four nostalgia through its songs, costumes and old video footage. This show would be the closest to seeing John, Paul, George and Ringo live.Opening with songs from the albums “Please Please Me” and “A Hard Day’s Night,” Rain thrilled older audience members who sat bobbing their heads and tapping their feet. Then they played “Twist and Shout,” and everyone was up and dancing.Throughout the show, the audience cheered and sang along with a plethora of the band’s hits.By the end of the night, I looked around at the audience singing along and was overwhelmed with emotion. The realization that The Beatles are so influential to individuals, to a generation, to the world and to music is powerful.On Friday night, “three generations of Beatles fans,” as noted by the performer portraying John Lennon, were brought together in the IU Auditorium to pay homage to one of the greatest bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.Although no one can reincarnate The Beatles themselves, Rain definitely reincarnated their spirit.Rain didn’t – you knew it was coming – let me down.
(10/14/09 4:08am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I’ve always equated success with happiness. Going into the field of journalism, I received a lot of negativity regarding my potential future income.Therefore, I need to be optimistic about my future. If I’m doing what I love in 10 years, regardless of my financial situation, I’ll consider myself successful.According to my definition of success, Director Joss Whedon did just that with “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog.” When the writers’ strike of 2008 occurred and the entertainment industry was suffering greatly, he and his brothers combined their creative genius to write this online musical-turned-Internet phenomenon.Without Hollywood’s approval or money, Whedon financed his own project and obtained a cast and crew committed to the show for free – all because they were so passionate about the work. The love and dedication they showed to the art of entertainment was ground-breaking as well as inspiring to several individuals.Senior Josh Cohen became a fan of Whedon’s work and began to write his own stage adaptation of “Dr. Horrible” this past spring. After acquiring licensing from Whedon, Cohen set to work, making his script come alive on stage with a cast and crew as dedicated and passionate as he was. His adaptation premiered this weekend at the John Waldron Arts Center. Before each show, Cohen stepped out on stage to deliver a zealous speech about the hard work and the dedication that was put into his version of “Dr. Horrible.” He wanted to commend each person involved for making his dream become a reality and convey to the audience the passion put into the show.Both the original and IU versions of “Dr. Horrible” were successful. Although each show received monetary benefits, the creators set out on their endeavors unconcerned about money.“Dr. Horrible” began as a vision to show the Hollywood community that entertainment can survive without television. Whedon set out to do what he loved, and in doing so inspired the entertainment industry.This is what all performances need – dedication and passion. Regardless of how much money a production will make, the people involved need to care about and love their work. Only then can a performance be truly successful.
(10/07/09 3:38am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Last weekend, I went home to get my wisdom teeth removed. After the surgery, I made the pain bearable with mass amounts of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, prescription drugs and plenty of time sitting in front of the television.I happened to flip through the channels and see that the 2009 “VH1 Divas” show was re-airing. Interested, I stayed tuned to see who would be named VH1’s top female performers.Although I missed the beginning of the show, I knew that Jennifer Hudson and Leona Lewis had performed and was eager to see who would join them.After a commercial break, one of my favorite female artists, Adele, performed. I first heard “Chasing Pavements” last year and instantly recognized her as a talented woman with a powerhouse voice. Yes, I thought, Adele is deserving of this title.Then came Miley Cyrus. Um ... excuse me? Since when is this 16-year-old considered a diva?Yes, she has her own TV show and clothing line, not to mention consistently highly-ranked songs and albums, and I am the first one to admit that I was highly addicted to “Party in the USA” when it first came out.But a diva? The title seems inappropriate for a Disney star.Where were Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera? These females have contributed more to the music and entertainment industry and have demonstrated more versatility in their talent than Cyrus has.What constitutes a performer as a diva? In the past, we have come to associate the term with negative connotations such as “snobby” and “pretentious.” However, we must consider its original definition referring to the divine, the godlike.Personally, I believe women such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Beyonce are goddesses in entertainment. And yes, these women have all been recognized in past VH1 ceremonies. So what changed during the four-year break in airing the Diva concert?While VH1 reassesses its definition of diva and Cyrus continues to nod her head and move her “hips like yeah,” let us take a moment of silence to acknowledge those forgotten female performers who were denied recognition for their incredible talent.
(10/02/09 3:42am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For those of you milling about Ballantine Hall and Woodburn Hall, you might have noticed a man with a guitar strapped over his shoulder preaching the Word of God.While students jeered and laughed, this man strummed and hummed. Well, it was more like shouting over some guitar chords that we were all sinners and were going to burn in Hell.I had my first encounter with this man at 11 a.m. when he was stationed outside of Woodburn. Few students had noticed him, but my friends and I, while walking to class, heard him shout, “God has told me that there are sinners on this campus!” followed by a G chord. Laughing, we shrugged off his statements and headed toward Ernie Pyle Hall, and the thought of Preacher Man, as I so fondly christened him, left my mind. That is, until later in the afternoon.Heading toward the Theater Building, I noticed a significantly larger group of students crowded around the man. Although I was going to be late to class, I decided to stop for a few minutes and take in what this man had to say.What I garnered from his performance was that each and every one of us is a sinner. You’re homosexual. You’re liberal. You masturbate. You attend football games and frat parties. You curse. You breathe. And you’re pretty much guaranteed a spot in Hell.The most natural response for the majority is to laugh at the absurdity of this extreme viewpoint. I certainly got a few chuckles from this man’s demonstration, and, looking around at the other students, I was not alone.Seeing this man preaching to us with his guitar and “songs” made me realize that, under other circumstances, students might have been more hostile toward him or even ignore him all together. However, it was a performance to us, a spectacle to behold.Most of the time, society doesn’t tend to be accepting toward those liberal college students who walk around campus discussing socially taboo topics or radical viewpoints. But convert a controversial issue into a song or a play, and people will be much more receptive to the content. Art, for generations, has been an outlet for citizens to communicate their opinions and ideas without being ostracized from society. Therefore, it is our duty to uphold this tradition of allowing others to express their beliefs, even extreme ones, in order to have healthy communication of these otherwise intolerable topics.
(09/23/09 3:31am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>On Saturday evening, I found myself walking down Kirkwood to do some much-needed shopping with a friend. After stopping at Urban Outfitters, we continued to walk down past Kilroy’s to stop at Cactus Flower.As we began to cross Grant Street, something caught my ear.Louder than the shouting voices and the sloshing beer from Kilroy’s, a banjo accompanied by a violin caught my attention. Curious, I forced my friend to cross the street with me to find the source of the music.We stumbled upon a quartet singing and playing the upright bass and the guitar, along with the banjo and the violin. Their voices and harmonies blended so perfectly, and the song was so captivating that I just stood in the middle of the sidewalk, staring.When they finished the song, I fumbled in my purse for whatever spare change I had. Tossing 50 cents into their guitar case, I apologized for not having more to contribute for the amazing performance I just experienced.What began as a quick shopping jaunt had turned into a free concert. The combination of new clothes and good music made what was already a great night even better.This is not the first time I’ve experienced a musical walk down Kirkwood Avenue. I’ve run into performances ranging from a cappella to bluegrass to steel drums, and each time I’m impressed by how much talent the streets of Bloomington showcases.What impresses me even more is most of these musicians do it for the love of their art. Sure, a passerby’s spare change is always a plus, but they sit on the sidewalks until midnight practicing their passion for free.Lovers of any type of music can appreciate what these sidewalk musicians provide.You don’t have to travel far and pay a lot to hear good music – it’s only a few blocks away.
(09/16/09 2:11am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>My Facebook and Twitter feeds were overflowing Sunday night with angry comments about the “Kanye debacle.” For those of you who did not tune in to the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West grabbed the microphone from Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for “Best Female Video” to say that Beyonce should have won. The audience booed, Beyonce looked appalled and T-Swift ... well, as Katy Perry so eloquently stated in her Twitter: “It’s like u (West) stepped on a kitten.” MTV awards shows are notorious for having stunts scripted in – most recently, the Sacha Baron Cohen/Eminem “feud” at the MTV Movie Awards. This, however, was all West’s doing. Although he apologized later, it made me wonder how MTV allows its performances to suffer such drama and even humiliation. Isn’t there such a thing as performance protocol? Which brings me to my “commandments” of performance. These are pretty much the common law of the theater, the etiquette used at a show. I think we can establish first and foremost, however, that snatching the microphone from someone in the middle of a speech is a no-no. But here are the rules that may be less obvious to those of you who have never been on stage:1. Please, please, PLEASE turn off your cell phone – putting it on vibrate doesn’t count. As a veteran of the stage, I can’t stress enough how distracting it is to hear the Nokia tune go off or to see a face illuminated by their Blackberry screen while performing. Not only are you disrupting the actors on stage, but audience members as well. Therefore, all electronic devices off – it’s just common courtesy, folks. 2. Use the bathroom before the show and during intermission. While this is mainly so you do not miss an important aspect of the show or interrupt other audience members, it’s also because we should do everything in our power to avoid the awkward crawl over other people’s laps and legs. 3. Yes, it is something to be proud of when you know all the lyrics to a show. But please, keep sing-along time to the privacy of your car and not at the theater. 4. Remember the golden rule of roller coasters – keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have had to deal with someone else’s shoe in my face or kicking the back of my chair or an elbow jabbing in to my side because the person next to me decided to commandeer the armrest. There are such things as “personal bubbles.” 5. Finally, the most important form of etiquette – no talking. This, er, goes without saying. So whether you’re seeing a production, are the host of a show or giving an acceptance speech, knowing performance etiquette will always help you stay classy – and avoid being “tweeted” about later.
(09/09/09 3:45am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A room full of people giggled, gasped and guffawed Friday night. At the end of the show, each cast member took his or her bow amidst thunderous applause and cheering as the audience showed their appreciation for the performance they just witnessed. Was this spectacle performed at the Musical Arts Center, the IU Auditorium, the Wells-Metz Theatre or the Buskirk-Chumley Theater? No – it was in the Frangipani Room in the Indiana Memorial Union.For fifteen years now, Full Frontal Comedy has been providing audiences with laughter through improvisation.The Frangipani Room was packed Friday night with fans waiting to see the first Full Frontal show of the year. As IU’s longest-running improv troupe, Full Frontal has built up its fan base to the point where audience members were standing at the back of the room to see the show. While Full Frontal might be the oldest group, it certainly isn’t the only one. Awkward Silence, HoosOnFirst, University tWITS and All Sorts of Trouble for the Boy in the Bubble are other well-known troupes giving aspiring comedians an outlet for their talent. These improv performances are a refreshing change from the huge stage productions one would find in IU theaters. While I do love dressing up to see operas at the MAC or becoming engrossed in the latest drama performance at the Wells-Metz, seeing these improv shows allows me to unwind at the end of the week. From long-form to short-form, improv to sketch, IU’s comedy groups provide laughs for any kind of humor. The casual atmosphere and audience participation also contribute to entertaining performances week after week. They say laughter is the best medicine. So whether you’re stressing from too much homework, roommate troubles or that upcoming test, take an hour out of your weekend to enjoy yourself – and laugh your ass off.
(09/02/09 4:36am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For many years, IU has boasted a reputation as one of the nation’s premier research universities. Throw in its nationally high-ranked business, music and journalism programs, and it’s no wonder Hoosiers hold their heads up high.But IU also provides students with breakthrough experiences not seen in the classroom.Imagine being led through a forest at night. Every sense is heightened. Each movement of wind or snap of a twig makes you jump. The shadows of vampires standing motionless line the trees. When you arrive at your destination, your emotions are stimulated with fear.This haunting experience is what the Department of Theatre and Drama’s “The Vampire Trilogy” offered audience members. A silent trek through the woods near Sample Gates before the show elevated audience members’ responses to the chilling prospect of vampires on campus. In short, “The Vampire Trilogy” gave audience members a memorable performance.Another show dedicated to offering students a unique experience is “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” Director and IU student Josh Cohen said this show will combine elements of film and theater for what is sure to be an entertaining and groundbreaking performance.The Department of Theatre and Drama’s 2009-10 season will also provide edgy, fresh performances. From the musical drama “Blood Brothers” to the romantic comedy “The Clean House,” the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center’s lineup will make patrons cry, laugh and sit on the edge of their seats. These innovative shows offer theatergoers new experiences with fresh outlooks on their topics.The performing arts have always been cutting-edge. Be it controversial topics such as race and drugs or avant-garde plays and musical comedies, the arts allow us to express creativity in different and experimental ways. IU shows strive to give audiences a nontraditional theater experience. Each year, I am astounded at the edginess and the freshness the theater department provides for the community.Whether it’s a walk through the woods or an edgier outlook on family ties, IU’s performing arts programs give students even more reason to be proud of being a Hoosier.
(08/26/09 3:29am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Stepping foot on campus as a freshman last year, I had a vague idea of what “college fun” was all about. IU and partying seemed to go hand in hand from what I had gathered talking to other people. Not having much experience partying, I was worried that I wouldn’t find fun alternatives to the party scene. Then came an excursion to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater one fall night.Last year on a breezy Friday evening, I went to Noodles & Company on Kirkwood Avenue for a quick dinner with some friends before figuring out the night’s plans. One of my friends announced she would be walking down to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to see the student production of “Cabaret.” Although it sounded fun, I didn’t want to spend the money and three hours of my Friday night in a theater. However, I decided to join her at the last minute. With fifteen minutes left until the show started, we scurried down to the box office and purchased our tickets. We took our seats, and the house lights dimmed.Over the next three hours, I was blown away by song after song. The fact that “Cabaret” was entirely student-run impressed me even more. I couldn’t stop raving about it all week. Whenever I saw a cast member roaming around campus, I would congratulate him or her and say how much I enjoyed the show. At times I felt like an obsessed fan, I could’ve given Jonas Brothers admirers a run for their money. The highlight of that week was when the actress who played Sally Bowles gave me a hug for complimenting her.Seeing “Cabaret” broadened my idea about having fun in college. I started spending weekends seeing shows of all sorts. I attended every performance that my schedule and bank account would allow. I would also encourage my friends to attend them with me. When I heard Ben Kweller was coming to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, I kindly coerced them to go with me.While I still have fun attending parties, I enjoy going to shows even more. From improv shows to open mic nights to touring musicals to operas, Bloomington has it all. Performances give students an experience they can’t find at class, at football games or at parties. They give people an escape from reality, a taste of other lives and cultures, a deeper appreciation for the arts and a chance to just have fun. Seeing shows of every variety gives students a well-rounded experience, which is what college is all about.So next time you hear of an interesting act coming, buy a ticket. Most places even give students discounts. You can also volunteer to usher at the IU Auditorium or Wells-Metz Theatre to see shows completely free. And who knows? Maybe you’ll enjoy the next show you see more than your typical Friday night plans.
(08/25/09 7:57pm)
IDS columnist Caitlin Peterkin picks her top must-see performances of the semester.
(04/20/09 2:02am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Balloons, booths and bluegrass filled Third Street Park on Saturday.The Celebration of Families festival, sponsored by Monroe County Step Ahead, was a one-day festival dedicated to providing residents with information about family-oriented agencies in Monroe County, along with free food and drinks, interactive games and live entertainment.“The whole celebration is connecting families with resources in the community,” said Sue Sgambelluri, volunteer for the family selection committee for Habitat for Humanity, one of the organizations at the event. “The festival allows parents to find something for their kids, whether it is an activity, event or camp,” she said.The Habitat for Humanity booth provided information on the organization for parents and coloring for children.Sgambelluri said she had already interacted with several potential partner families. She also mentioned that many kids drew pictures of houses at the Habitat for Humanity booth.“It is interesting to sit and watch different kids interact in different ways,” she said. “No matter what a kid’s gifts are, whether it be physical or creative, there’s something here for them.”Sophomore Alli Webb, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, said she noticed all the children were enjoying the activities, especially dancing onstage with Dora the Explorer and Winnie the Pooh, who made special appearances.“It is nice to see all the families, and it’s nice just to sit out here on such a great day,” she said.Along with coloring at the Habitat for Humanity booth, children could hula hoop with Big Brothers Big Sisters, moon bounce at the Boys and Girls Club area and pet dogs at the Monroe County Humane Association’s booth.The sunny, 70-degree weather convinced many Bloomington residents to make an appearance at the festival. Children roamed around the park carrying balloons and wearing firefighter hats from the Bloomington Fire Department booth. Some climbed trees and the jungle gym, while others danced to music by a local bluegrass band.Kelly Brinkley, a Bloomington mother of three, said this was her first time attending the Celebration of Families festival.“The kids and I are having a really good time,” she said. “They like all of the crafts, and Pooh has definitely been a hit.”Brinkley said although she has lived in Bloomington for eight years, she wasn’t aware of all the organizations that provided family resources.“I’ve enjoyed learning about these programs I wasn’t aware of, and I will definitely use them,” she said.