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(06/07/06 9:25pm)
It's always nice to listen to something that isn't like everything else that is out there, which usually happens to be popular. British hip-hop, at least in the states, is one of those things that sounds silly at first, but it's damn addictive, let me tell you. The Streets broke out on the scene in 2002 with Original Pirate Material, and are back with a new album entitled The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living.\nThis album is a direct autobiography of the bloke in charge, musical mastermind behind the Streets, Mike Skinner. It is a tale of sex, drugs, and violence, and Skinner's fame; he writes about his current life, unlike some rappers who write about being hard when they are from the suburbs (cough, cough Kanye West). The UK's a rough place, ever seen "Lock Stock" or "Snatch?" The album opener, "Prangin' Out," is all about paranoia and panic from doing drugs, and reminds you (or introduces you to) why the Streets are great. The tempo is a little slower, but things pick up with tracks like "War Of The Sexes," which you can infer what the subject matter is. And this song also includes the cheesiest line on the entire disc: "And remember not to get hammered either. 'Cause people who get hammered don't get to nail…" Stunning… \nSkinner tries his hand at slow, R & B-esque jams, and falls on his face. "All Out The Window" is a love song, and it's just annoying, I'm sorry. "Never Went To Church" is Skinner lamenting over his dead father and about him finding God. While very personal and heartwarming, it didn't do anything for me. \nWhere Skinner shines though is when he's being clever, damn clever indeed. "Can't Con An Honest Jon" is reminiscent of his track "The Irony Of It All" on Original Pirate Material (where he played two men: a drunkard and a weed enthusiast, who battle it out, defending their respective addiction). It describes in detail how to pull off a con, in a story-telling sort of way: quite possibly the best song on this album. And it's catchy.\nCompared to the latter two albums, this outing is the weakest one, but it's not necessarily a load of Von Trappe (that's crap in cockney if you didn't catch it). The beats are kind of weak, and Skinner is a little more conceited then in his previous efforts, where he talks about the common man and everyday life.\nBottom line: The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living is an enjoyable outing, and even if it's a little weak in places, it's better than anything you'll hear on MTV (even if you hear this on MTV). My advice would be to check out Original Pirate Material first (or even Skinner's second album, A Grand Don't Come For Free, which is a concept album about Skinner's travels through everyday life in search of love). But if you're into hip-hop, or just like obscure music, pick this up, oi.
(06/01/06 4:00am)
So you're finally done with classes, or maybe you're not. Regardless, it's summer whichever way you look at it. Sure, you could occupy these hot summer days sitting on your ass, sleeping, playing video games. But, if you're feeling nimble, and have a little cash, you might want to look into taking a road trip. The open road awaits you, and there are plenty of big cities that are within driving range (1-5 hours away). This guide will take you through seven states and a dozen or so cities, so get out your map and follow along as you plot out your destinations for this summer.\nIndianapolis\nLet's start with the closest of the locations, a city that's just a hop, skip, and a short drive away from good ole Bloomington, Indiana's state capital. That's Indianapolis for those of you who failed Geography in high school. Indy, while one of the smaller cities in our guide to summer travel, is still home to some good sites and great fun. Feeling like a kid? Then check out the Indianapolis Children's Museum. If you want to spend some money, go shopping at Circle Center Mall. Indy is also a great place to see a show. If you're over 21, check out the Vogue, if not, the Emerson Theater is a great place for local and national acts alike. Indy is a great place to spend the day if you you're feeling bored and want a quick trip.\nCincinnati\nHeading east, we arrive in Ohio, the Buckeye state. You can zip over to Cincinnati, a three hour drive from Bloomington. If you're into sports, check out a Red's baseball game. If you're into music, check out a show at Bogart's. Feeling a little nerdy? Visit one of Cincinnati's many museums, including the Taft Museum of Art and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. \nLooking for some thrills this summer season? You can always trek up to Mason, Ohio, home of the Midwest's best theme park Paramount's King's Island. They have some great roller coasters, as well as a water park to cool off at on a hot summer's day. Just a mere 3 hour drive from Bloomington, so it's a fairly inexpensive outing, and it's great fun for a group of friends.\nLouisville, KY.\nOur next two destinations have us going south. Our first stop is Louisville, Ky. Senior Susanna Schneider loves visiting Louisville whenever she can. Her family lives in Lanesville, Ind., just minutes away from the Kentucky border and Louisville. \n"When I'm in Louisville, I like to go down to Bardstown Road, there are lots of cool shops and restaurants there," said Schneider. \nShe also likes to go downtown and stroll down Waterfront Park and take a look at the Ohio River.\n"Louisville has lots of places to see bands play," said Schneider. \nHeadliners, Jillian's and Bulldogs are popular places to stop by and see some bands rock out. She also likes to stop by the famous Ear-Xtacy Records store and pick up a CD from her favorite bands. Louisville is only two hours away from Bloomington, so it's a great place to take a trip to, and if you've never been there before, it's worth the trip.\nNashville, Tenn.\nIf you like country music, you should head down to Nashville, Tenn., not to be confused with the town just south of Bloomington of the same name. Nashville is home to country music, they even harbor the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville is also a great place for state parks, if you want to see some beautiful nature.\nProbably the biggest happening going on in Tennessee this summer, is the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester. Freshman Bruce Murray plans on attending the event with a few of his friends. It won't be a cheap experience though. \n"I think it will cost me around 300 to 350 dollars total for the show, gas, food, and anything else that might come up," said Murray. \nThe drive will clock in at a little under six hours (yeah, I know…we're shooting for 1-5, but hey, this is Bonnaroo we're talking about!). The festival will feature well over 75 bands, but Murray is mainly interested in Radiohead.\n"Yeah, mainly Radiohead. But there are many others, like the Streets and Tom Petty that I will be checking out," said Murray.\n Murray views Bonnaroo as a three day vacation/relaxation session. \n"Bonnaroo for me will be an odyssey," said Murray. "Besides the music, and a few friends, I am going to use it as an opportunity to be by myself, without the distraction on family and mindless entertainment, like TV and videogames. I have pictured a sort of reflective-heavy holiday."\nSt. Louis\nWe whip back up to St. Louis, roughly a four hour drive from our beloved Bloomington. St. Louis is, of course, home to the famous Gateway Arch. In addition, St. Louis is a land of nature. Bordering the city is the great Mississippi River, where you can cruise in a paddlewheel riverboat. See a Cardinals baseball game if you're into sports. And beer, did I mention beer? St. Louis is home to the world's largest brewery, Anheuser-Busch. Looking for music? St. Louis is the home to the blues, and there are plenty of live music clubs to check out. St. Louis is an interesting city, and it's worth the drive if you're willing to make it.\nChicago\nOur final destination will take us to the Windy City, Chicago. Sophomore Emily Mnichowski plans on taking her friend from the big west coast, California, to downtown Chicago this summer. \n"She's never been there before, and I think she'll love it. When we are there, we are going to see McSmokerson play (a punk rock band from none other than Bloomington) and do some shopping," said Mnichowski. \nChicago is a great place to do just about anything. The city is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, so there's plenty of beach fun to be had. \nChicago is a town of sports. The White Sox and the Cubs for you baseball fans, and if you're a soccer hooligan, check out a Chicago Fire game in the brand new Ridgefield Stadium. Music is also a huge part of Chicago, and there isn't a lack of venues: the House of Blues, the Metro, the Bottom Lounge, the Beat Kitchen, just to name a few. \n"In my opinion, Chicago is the greatest city in the world because a lot of great bands play there and they have the best pizza. If I have time, I will probably go to a few museums, and bookstores," said Mnichowski. \nSo if you're looking for something to do this summer, something beyond the realm of Bloomington, you don't have to drive too far to find something to do beyond sitting around watching the shit on MTV or going to the bars all summer. Get out, travel, explore the world. It can be as inexpensive as you want to make it, except for gas maybe. But if you've got the transportation, there are thousands of things for you to find in the greater Midwest area that won't drain you of your limited funds.
(06/01/06 1:01am)
So you're finally done with classes, or maybe you're not. Regardless, it's summer whichever way you look at it. Sure, you could occupy these hot summer days sitting on your ass, sleeping, playing video games. But, if you're feeling nimble, and have a little cash, you might want to look into taking a road trip. The open road awaits you, and there are plenty of big cities that are within driving range (1-5 hours away). This guide will take you through seven states and a dozen or so cities, so get out your map and follow along as you plot out your destinations for this summer.\nIndianapolis\nLet's start with the closest of the locations, a city that's just a hop, skip, and a short drive away from good ole Bloomington, Indiana's state capital. That's Indianapolis for those of you who failed Geography in high school. Indy, while one of the smaller cities in our guide to summer travel, is still home to some good sites and great fun. Feeling like a kid? Then check out the Indianapolis Children's Museum. If you want to spend some money, go shopping at Circle Center Mall. Indy is also a great place to see a show. If you're over 21, check out the Vogue, if not, the Emerson Theater is a great place for local and national acts alike. Indy is a great place to spend the day if you you're feeling bored and want a quick trip.\nCincinnati\nHeading east, we arrive in Ohio, the Buckeye state. You can zip over to Cincinnati, a three hour drive from Bloomington. If you're into sports, check out a Red's baseball game. If you're into music, check out a show at Bogart's. Feeling a little nerdy? Visit one of Cincinnati's many museums, including the Taft Museum of Art and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. \nLooking for some thrills this summer season? You can always trek up to Mason, Ohio, home of the Midwest's best theme park Paramount's King's Island. They have some great roller coasters, as well as a water park to cool off at on a hot summer's day. Just a mere 3 hour drive from Bloomington, so it's a fairly inexpensive outing, and it's great fun for a group of friends.\nLouisville, KY.\nOur next two destinations have us going south. Our first stop is Louisville, Ky. Senior Susanna Schneider loves visiting Louisville whenever she can. Her family lives in Lanesville, Ind., just minutes away from the Kentucky border and Louisville. \n"When I'm in Louisville, I like to go down to Bardstown Road, there are lots of cool shops and restaurants there," said Schneider. \nShe also likes to go downtown and stroll down Waterfront Park and take a look at the Ohio River.\n"Louisville has lots of places to see bands play," said Schneider. \nHeadliners, Jillian's and Bulldogs are popular places to stop by and see some bands rock out. She also likes to stop by the famous Ear-Xtacy Records store and pick up a CD from her favorite bands. Louisville is only two hours away from Bloomington, so it's a great place to take a trip to, and if you've never been there before, it's worth the trip.\nNashville, Tenn.\nIf you like country music, you should head down to Nashville, Tenn., not to be confused with the town just south of Bloomington of the same name. Nashville is home to country music, they even harbor the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville is also a great place for state parks, if you want to see some beautiful nature.\nProbably the biggest happening going on in Tennessee this summer, is the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester. Freshman Bruce Murray plans on attending the event with a few of his friends. It won't be a cheap experience though. \n"I think it will cost me around 300 to 350 dollars total for the show, gas, food, and anything else that might come up," said Murray. \nThe drive will clock in at a little under six hours (yeah, I know…we're shooting for 1-5, but hey, this is Bonnaroo we're talking about!). The festival will feature well over 75 bands, but Murray is mainly interested in Radiohead.\n"Yeah, mainly Radiohead. But there are many others, like the Streets and Tom Petty that I will be checking out," said Murray.\n Murray views Bonnaroo as a three day vacation/relaxation session. \n"Bonnaroo for me will be an odyssey," said Murray. "Besides the music, and a few friends, I am going to use it as an opportunity to be by myself, without the distraction on family and mindless entertainment, like TV and videogames. I have pictured a sort of reflective-heavy holiday."\nSt. Louis\nWe whip back up to St. Louis, roughly a four hour drive from our beloved Bloomington. St. Louis is, of course, home to the famous Gateway Arch. In addition, St. Louis is a land of nature. Bordering the city is the great Mississippi River, where you can cruise in a paddlewheel riverboat. See a Cardinals baseball game if you're into sports. And beer, did I mention beer? St. Louis is home to the world's largest brewery, Anheuser-Busch. Looking for music? St. Louis is the home to the blues, and there are plenty of live music clubs to check out. St. Louis is an interesting city, and it's worth the drive if you're willing to make it.\nChicago\nOur final destination will take us to the Windy City, Chicago. Sophomore Emily Mnichowski plans on taking her friend from the big west coast, California, to downtown Chicago this summer. \n"She's never been there before, and I think she'll love it. When we are there, we are going to see McSmokerson play (a punk rock band from none other than Bloomington) and do some shopping," said Mnichowski. \nChicago is a great place to do just about anything. The city is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, so there's plenty of beach fun to be had. \nChicago is a town of sports. The White Sox and the Cubs for you baseball fans, and if you're a soccer hooligan, check out a Chicago Fire game in the brand new Ridgefield Stadium. Music is also a huge part of Chicago, and there isn't a lack of venues: the House of Blues, the Metro, the Bottom Lounge, the Beat Kitchen, just to name a few. \n"In my opinion, Chicago is the greatest city in the world because a lot of great bands play there and they have the best pizza. If I have time, I will probably go to a few museums, and bookstores," said Mnichowski. \nSo if you're looking for something to do this summer, something beyond the realm of Bloomington, you don't have to drive too far to find something to do beyond sitting around watching the shit on MTV or going to the bars all summer. Get out, travel, explore the world. It can be as inexpensive as you want to make it, except for gas maybe. But if you've got the transportation, there are thousands of things for you to find in the greater Midwest area that won't drain you of your limited funds.
(05/18/06 4:00am)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back after a four year hiatus. In their first release since 2002's By The Way, Anthony Kiedis and the gang bring you a double-disc effort titled Stadium Arcadium, which may at first sound like the name of a live album. This is far from what you will get. Two discs boasting 14 tracks each, for a grand total of 28 tunes for those of you too lazy to do the simple addition. \nStadium Arcadium is separated into two parts entitled Jupiter and Mars respectively. These titles really have nothing to do with the content of the album, but alas, they are there whether you like it or not. The first disc starts out with "Dani California," which sounds like it could be something from Tom Petty's archives. Jupiter swings back and forth between mellow, funky, and rockin'. "Hump de Bump," is a funky number that could be the brainchild of George Clinton. "Especially in Michigan," while trying to solicit the greatness of the 26th state in the Union, is a stand-out track, featuring a guitar solo from none other than Omar Rodriguez of Mars Volta fame. Jupiter has its slow parts as well, such as in the title track and the jazzy "Hey."\nMars is not much different from its counterpart. There tends to be more mellow tracks on this disc, but there's nothing exclusive to this disc that is left out on the previous one. "Desecration Smile" and "Hard To Concentrate" have a pop-ballad sound, but are still notable tracks. On "Readymade" guitar solos prevail from John Frusciante like something that Audioslave might put out, and "Storm in a Teacup" takes us back to something that you might find on Blood Sugar Sex Majik. This disc is softer in some areas, but there are still some pretty sweet Frusciante guitar solos to even out the mix.\nThe Red Hot Chili Peppers are extremely talented \nmusicians. This album does nothing less than showcase what they are capable of. Produced by Rick Rubin, it doesn't sound overproduced at all, which can be a downfall for popular bands like the Chili Peppers. Lyrically, the songs range from beautiful and poetic, to downright silly. I'm still trying to figure out what a rockapotomus is. Oh, and did I mention the artwork is cheesy?\nStadium Arcadium is a solid release. Twenty-eight tracks may be overwhelming, and there isn't any filler, so it's like you're getting two CDs, wait… actually you are. There is a little bit of overlap in material, but I didn't find myself bored at any time. This album collects the best elements of the Chili Peppers last four releases (Blood Sugar Sex Majik, One Hot Minute, Californication, and By The Way for those of you who have forgotten), puts them into a blender, and tosses them onto a lengthy, but rewarding set. This is possibly the best thing these guys have put out in the 23 years they have been a band. Definitely worth picking up this summer. Also, check out the Red Hot Chili Peppers at this year's Lollapolooza festival in Chicago.
(05/17/06 11:16pm)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back after a four year hiatus. In their first release since 2002's By The Way, Anthony Kiedis and the gang bring you a double-disc effort titled Stadium Arcadium, which may at first sound like the name of a live album. This is far from what you will get. Two discs boasting 14 tracks each, for a grand total of 28 tunes for those of you too lazy to do the simple addition. \nStadium Arcadium is separated into two parts entitled Jupiter and Mars respectively. These titles really have nothing to do with the content of the album, but alas, they are there whether you like it or not. The first disc starts out with "Dani California," which sounds like it could be something from Tom Petty's archives. Jupiter swings back and forth between mellow, funky, and rockin'. "Hump de Bump," is a funky number that could be the brainchild of George Clinton. "Especially in Michigan," while trying to solicit the greatness of the 26th state in the Union, is a stand-out track, featuring a guitar solo from none other than Omar Rodriguez of Mars Volta fame. Jupiter has its slow parts as well, such as in the title track and the jazzy "Hey."\nMars is not much different from its counterpart. There tends to be more mellow tracks on this disc, but there's nothing exclusive to this disc that is left out on the previous one. "Desecration Smile" and "Hard To Concentrate" have a pop-ballad sound, but are still notable tracks. On "Readymade" guitar solos prevail from John Frusciante like something that Audioslave might put out, and "Storm in a Teacup" takes us back to something that you might find on Blood Sugar Sex Majik. This disc is softer in some areas, but there are still some pretty sweet Frusciante guitar solos to even out the mix.\nThe Red Hot Chili Peppers are extremely talented \nmusicians. This album does nothing less than showcase what they are capable of. Produced by Rick Rubin, it doesn't sound overproduced at all, which can be a downfall for popular bands like the Chili Peppers. Lyrically, the songs range from beautiful and poetic, to downright silly. I'm still trying to figure out what a rockapotomus is. Oh, and did I mention the artwork is cheesy?\nStadium Arcadium is a solid release. Twenty-eight tracks may be overwhelming, and there isn't any filler, so it's like you're getting two CDs, wait… actually you are. There is a little bit of overlap in material, but I didn't find myself bored at any time. This album collects the best elements of the Chili Peppers last four releases (Blood Sugar Sex Majik, One Hot Minute, Californication, and By The Way for those of you who have forgotten), puts them into a blender, and tosses them onto a lengthy, but rewarding set. This is possibly the best thing these guys have put out in the 23 years they have been a band. Definitely worth picking up this summer. Also, check out the Red Hot Chili Peppers at this year's Lollapolooza festival in Chicago.
(05/11/06 4:00am)
"Hoot" is a film about a couple of kids who are trying to stop a big corporation from building a pancake house to save some burrowing owls. Does that sound like something you'd like to spend your Saturday night indulged in? Maybe if you're eight years old.\n"Hoot" is at it's core, a generic kid's film. Based on the novel by Carl Hiaasen, it is a typical story of kids taking on the man to save the environment. Every cliché element is present: Roy, an adolescent from Montana, moves to Florida with his traveling parents. The new kid at school, he gets picked on by the chubby bully, who ironically, has a lisp and is named Dana. He sees a strange kid running by the bus everyday, and decides to check it out. As well as pissing off the bully, he agitates the school's jock blonde, nicknamed "Beatrice the Bear", by running into her while getting off the bus. \nMeanwhile, plans are set in motion to build a pancake emporium called Mother Paula's that will disrupt Florida wildlife. The mystery kid, Beatrice's rebellious brother, is trying to stop the construction by vandalizing the property in anyway possible because a breed of endangered burrowing owls is already occupying the territory. Roy eventually gains Beatrice's respect, and they team up with the kid, known only as "Mullet Fingers," to stop the pancake place from taking out all the owls. \n"Hoot" is a yawn, nothing strikingly funny at all. Luke Wilson plays the clumsy police officer in charge of staking out the vandals at the site. This is the only hope of redemption the movie has but he fails to deliver. \nI was weary about watching a movie produced by Jimmy Buffet, and my expectations were correct. Buffet also includes some of his own songs in the film, and plays the role of Roy's Marine Science teacher. Throw in some pretty shots of Florida's wildlife, and you have a light-hearted film that just doesn't excel in drawing you in at any point.\nBottom line: if you have young kids or just want to get a dirty look by the girl selling tickets (personal experience), then check out "Hoot." I'm tempted to add a lame joke about how this movie isn't funny, and relate it to the title, but I'll spare you ... this time.
(05/10/06 7:05pm)
"Hoot" is a film about a couple of kids who are trying to stop a big corporation from building a pancake house to save some burrowing owls. Does that sound like something you'd like to spend your Saturday night indulged in? Maybe if you're eight years old.\n"Hoot" is at it's core, a generic kid's film. Based on the novel by Carl Hiaasen, it is a typical story of kids taking on the man to save the environment. Every cliché element is present: Roy, an adolescent from Montana, moves to Florida with his traveling parents. The new kid at school, he gets picked on by the chubby bully, who ironically, has a lisp and is named Dana. He sees a strange kid running by the bus everyday, and decides to check it out. As well as pissing off the bully, he agitates the school's jock blonde, nicknamed "Beatrice the Bear", by running into her while getting off the bus. \nMeanwhile, plans are set in motion to build a pancake emporium called Mother Paula's that will disrupt Florida wildlife. The mystery kid, Beatrice's rebellious brother, is trying to stop the construction by vandalizing the property in anyway possible because a breed of endangered burrowing owls is already occupying the territory. Roy eventually gains Beatrice's respect, and they team up with the kid, known only as "Mullet Fingers," to stop the pancake place from taking out all the owls. \n"Hoot" is a yawn, nothing strikingly funny at all. Luke Wilson plays the clumsy police officer in charge of staking out the vandals at the site. This is the only hope of redemption the movie has but he fails to deliver. \nI was weary about watching a movie produced by Jimmy Buffet, and my expectations were correct. Buffet also includes some of his own songs in the film, and plays the role of Roy's Marine Science teacher. Throw in some pretty shots of Florida's wildlife, and you have a light-hearted film that just doesn't excel in drawing you in at any point.\nBottom line: if you have young kids or just want to get a dirty look by the girl selling tickets (personal experience), then check out "Hoot." I'm tempted to add a lame joke about how this movie isn't funny, and relate it to the title, but I'll spare you ... this time.
(04/20/06 4:00am)
Little 500 weekend is coming up, and many students will have the honor to host a slew of guests at their houses, in the dorms or at their apartments. But along with that comes a frazzled state of mind on how to accommodate them. Having guests can be quite an overwhelming thought, but some careful last minute planning could help ease the stress of having Little 500 squatters at your house. \nThere are essentially three main components that guests are going to need from their hosts: food, a place to sleep and entertainment. Let's start with eats. House guests are certainly going to be hungry, and hosts are going to have to come up with something to cook or a place to take them out to eat somewhere around Bloomington. \nThere are many fine dining establishments around Bloomington including the Irish Lion, the Trojan Horse and Scotty's Brewhouse, as well as many fast food restaurants and pizza joints to check out. But with the nice weather, grilling out might be a better option. Senior Lisa Silvestri, who hosted a very large house party last year for the Little 500 weekend, decided to have all the food at her place. \n"We barbecued most of the weekend ... it was BYOM (bring your own meat), so people got theirs from different groceries all over Bloomington," Silvestri says. \nSenior Hashim Hathaway plans on having a fairly small gathering at his apartment at the University Commons. Somewhere between one and four of his friends will be coming down from Fort Wayne for the race weekend. Hathaway would like to grill food outside, but he is uncertain that this will actually be the case. \n"While it would be ideal to have cookouts, I am fairly positive that we will all be drunk for the majority of the weekend, so I imagine that we will be getting food from fast food joints and if not that we will be eating at the bars," Hathaway says. \nHe and his friends also might stop by Hathaway's fraternity to eat at one of the house's gatherings throughout the weekend. \nOut-of-town visitors are going to need a place to sleep, one way or another. And Hathaway plans on having some of his guest stay at his place for the weekend. \n"Yeah, probably a combination of my couch and the floor," he says. "Some of my friends will opt to get a hotel room, which I am sure will present its own problems being that so many people will be in town for the weekend."\nHotel rooms will surely be hard to come by since Little 500 is a pretty big event. Silvestri's guests, who were from around Indiana and a few of them from as far as New York, ended up crashing at her place last year and she plans on doing the same for this year's race.\nBut if there isn't enough room to accommodate everyone in your house, apartment or dorm room, hosts always have the option of renting tents and sleeping bags from the Indiana Memorial Union's Outdoor Adventures services. Leisure programs coordinator for the IMU, David Calvin, says they have tons of people rent tents and sleeping bags for the Little 500 weekend. \n"In the past, IUOA has rented out all the sleeping bags and tents we have for Little 500," Calvin says. \nTents come in three sizes: fitting one, three and five people and cost $8.40, $9.80 and $11.20 per night respectively for students. A sleeping bag will run you $5.60 per night, or you could have your guests bring extra blankets and pillows.\n"IUOA accepts equipment reservations up to 48 hours prior to the event," he says.\nDue to the nature of the weekend, and all it is known for, guests might expect a little extra entertainment over the weekend, in addition to watching the race. The Little 500 weekend is known more for drinking and festivities, rather than watching a bike race for some people. Hathaway plans on attending the race, but his friends do not. \n"Bars and parties for the most part," Hathaway says about what they will be doing this weekend. "I don't expect my friends to actually attend the race, despite the fact that I will be in attendance, so I imagine that they will keep busy drinking and visiting the various parties that I am certain will be taking place in and around campus."\nSilvestri entertained several guests at her place last year, which turned out to be a rather interesting experience for all who attended. \n"Lots of music on the stereo, the race (of course) and there was a drunken "Fight Club" scenario that broke out in the basement," she says. "It was all fun though, no actual malice between fighters."\nIf guests like music, take them to see a concert at local Rhino's All Age Music Club, or if they're into art, take them to the IU Art Museum on campus. Bloomington is filled with cultural things to do, so there will be something for everyone to do this weekend.\nEven though there are several duties as a host for the Little 500 weekend, don't forget to have fun yourself. Having guests can sometimes be quite a chore, and cleanup afterwards is never a fun thing. But with a little planning, and maybe a little help from friends and roommates, things should run smoothly and guests will want to come back next year for another fun Little 500 weekend. If you'll have them.\n"Little 500 is always a fun weekend," Silvestri says. "Certainly it is about the bike race, but it also becomes a celebratory weekend in general ... a final push into the last week of classes. It brings an air of euphoria to Bloomington."\nSo as the Little 500 weekend takes off and the school year winds down, have fun this weekend with whatever you may do.
(04/20/06 3:07am)
Little 500 weekend is coming up, and many students will have the honor to host a slew of guests at their houses, in the dorms or at their apartments. But along with that comes a frazzled state of mind on how to accommodate them. Having guests can be quite an overwhelming thought, but some careful last minute planning could help ease the stress of having Little 500 squatters at your house. \nThere are essentially three main components that guests are going to need from their hosts: food, a place to sleep and entertainment. Let's start with eats. House guests are certainly going to be hungry, and hosts are going to have to come up with something to cook or a place to take them out to eat somewhere around Bloomington. \nThere are many fine dining establishments around Bloomington including the Irish Lion, the Trojan Horse and Scotty's Brewhouse, as well as many fast food restaurants and pizza joints to check out. But with the nice weather, grilling out might be a better option. Senior Lisa Silvestri, who hosted a very large house party last year for the Little 500 weekend, decided to have all the food at her place. \n"We barbecued most of the weekend ... it was BYOM (bring your own meat), so people got theirs from different groceries all over Bloomington," Silvestri says. \nSenior Hashim Hathaway plans on having a fairly small gathering at his apartment at the University Commons. Somewhere between one and four of his friends will be coming down from Fort Wayne for the race weekend. Hathaway would like to grill food outside, but he is uncertain that this will actually be the case. \n"While it would be ideal to have cookouts, I am fairly positive that we will all be drunk for the majority of the weekend, so I imagine that we will be getting food from fast food joints and if not that we will be eating at the bars," Hathaway says. \nHe and his friends also might stop by Hathaway's fraternity to eat at one of the house's gatherings throughout the weekend. \nOut-of-town visitors are going to need a place to sleep, one way or another. And Hathaway plans on having some of his guest stay at his place for the weekend. \n"Yeah, probably a combination of my couch and the floor," he says. "Some of my friends will opt to get a hotel room, which I am sure will present its own problems being that so many people will be in town for the weekend."\nHotel rooms will surely be hard to come by since Little 500 is a pretty big event. Silvestri's guests, who were from around Indiana and a few of them from as far as New York, ended up crashing at her place last year and she plans on doing the same for this year's race.\nBut if there isn't enough room to accommodate everyone in your house, apartment or dorm room, hosts always have the option of renting tents and sleeping bags from the Indiana Memorial Union's Outdoor Adventures services. Leisure programs coordinator for the IMU, David Calvin, says they have tons of people rent tents and sleeping bags for the Little 500 weekend. \n"In the past, IUOA has rented out all the sleeping bags and tents we have for Little 500," Calvin says. \nTents come in three sizes: fitting one, three and five people and cost $8.40, $9.80 and $11.20 per night respectively for students. A sleeping bag will run you $5.60 per night, or you could have your guests bring extra blankets and pillows.\n"IUOA accepts equipment reservations up to 48 hours prior to the event," he says.\nDue to the nature of the weekend, and all it is known for, guests might expect a little extra entertainment over the weekend, in addition to watching the race. The Little 500 weekend is known more for drinking and festivities, rather than watching a bike race for some people. Hathaway plans on attending the race, but his friends do not. \n"Bars and parties for the most part," Hathaway says about what they will be doing this weekend. "I don't expect my friends to actually attend the race, despite the fact that I will be in attendance, so I imagine that they will keep busy drinking and visiting the various parties that I am certain will be taking place in and around campus."\nSilvestri entertained several guests at her place last year, which turned out to be a rather interesting experience for all who attended. \n"Lots of music on the stereo, the race (of course) and there was a drunken "Fight Club" scenario that broke out in the basement," she says. "It was all fun though, no actual malice between fighters."\nIf guests like music, take them to see a concert at local Rhino's All Age Music Club, or if they're into art, take them to the IU Art Museum on campus. Bloomington is filled with cultural things to do, so there will be something for everyone to do this weekend.\nEven though there are several duties as a host for the Little 500 weekend, don't forget to have fun yourself. Having guests can sometimes be quite a chore, and cleanup afterwards is never a fun thing. But with a little planning, and maybe a little help from friends and roommates, things should run smoothly and guests will want to come back next year for another fun Little 500 weekend. If you'll have them.\n"Little 500 is always a fun weekend," Silvestri says. "Certainly it is about the bike race, but it also becomes a celebratory weekend in general ... a final push into the last week of classes. It brings an air of euphoria to Bloomington."\nSo as the Little 500 weekend takes off and the school year winds down, have fun this weekend with whatever you may do.
(03/23/06 5:00am)
Tired of walking to class and wondering about the shiny things that speed past cars everyday down 10th Street? Wish your bicycle had a motor? Motorcycles are becoming an extremely popular form of transportation on campus. There's the tough-guy Harley; the street-racer crotch-rocket, which is a type of sports bike; and then the casual-riding Vespa, a type of motor scooter that originated in Italy. All can be seen on campus zipping around while other students walk. \nFreshman Kyle Lewis owns and operates a black 2002 Yamaha-600R. He bought it off an individual for $4200 in mint-condition. He says that it is a comfortable ride and perfect for long trips, while also quick. \n"It has been the perfect beginning bike, but I'm ready to step up to the Yamaha R6 very soon," Lewis says.\nGetting Started\nRiding a motorcycle requires a license, just as a license is required to operate a vehicle. A learner's permit and a helmet are required to ride during the daylight hours with no other passengers. At the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, there is a motorcycle operation and safety manual to read through before taking a written test. To receive a permit, which is good for a year, riders must miss less than five questions. A road test is also a part of obtaining a permit.\n"The road test required me to maneuver around various cone obstacles, make different turns and speed up and stop along certain distances," Lewis explains. \nAlthough a helmet is not required, Lewis says he wears a helmet on long trips or when he knows he's going to be on the interstate or in areas of heavy traffic.\n"I ride my bike as much as possible," Lewis says. "As long as the temperature is above 55 degrees, I ride it everywhere."\nThere will always be tough-guys who will ride their motorcycles in the snow and the 20 degree weather that is prevalent throughout Indiana winters. Because there is a downside to riding in the winter, riders have to stick out the cold weather or find another form of transportation.\nRiding a motorcycle can be dangerous, and many people are steered away by the thought. Sophomore Nick Hoff-Hvale says he prefers foot travel to motorcycles because of his fear of them.\n"First of all, I'm a coward; I've never ridden on one in my life," Hoff-Hvale says. "I prefer to walk. I don't like transportation that involves paying money. That's why I don't have a driver's license." \nParking on Campus\nIU's Parking Operation's manager Doug Porter says motorcyle riders need to have a motorcycle permit and then they can park in a motorcycle space or a car space with the corresponding letter that is on their pass. For example, if an "A" motorcycle permit is purchased, riders can park in any motorcycle space or any "A" permit car space. \n"The motorcycle spaces are in odd spots of the parking lots, usually in the corners perpendicular to the car spaces," Porter says. "This is the perfect spot for them. People would just as soon not park in a car space because their motorcycle might get hit by a car, they would prefer their own spot." \nThe biggest area where motorcycles can park is the lot across from Ernie Pyle Hall, located at the corner of Seventh Street and Woodlawn Avenue. Motorcycles are also allowed to park in any of the parking garages on campus and more importantly, motorcyclists don't have to pay the hourly fee. \nPorter says the amount of motorcycle permits purchased this year is relatively low. Only around 230 motorcycle permits have been sold so far. \n"Once the weather gets better we'll have more sales," Porter says. \nGenerally speaking, a motorcycle is usually the second form of transportation for many of the students and faculty at IU, so this may be a factor in the slipping of sales, he adds.\n"It's a great way to get around," Porter says. "It's a lot easier and quicker than a bike or walking. Unofficially, people go places that they shouldn't on a motorcycle, such as take shortcuts on the sidewalks of campus or cut through the grass to avoid traffic. We don't like them to park or drive on the sidewalks."\nSometimes, Porter will get complaints from people who call Parking Operations to tell them that they've had problems with motorcyclists who are out of control. \n"Personally, I don't trust a lot of the drivers in town, they are crazy and careless, but they've been pretty good so far," Porter says.\nThe motorcycle business is fairly strong in Bloomington, but not from students says Boyd Fox, owner of Fox's Cycle Sales, located at 332 W. 3rd St. \nBut the cold Indiana winters don't seem to hurt the motorcycle businesses either. \n"Our business runs strong all year long," Fox says.\nSome other places that sell motorcycles and scooters in Bloomington are Harley Davidson of Bloomington, located at 522 W. Gourley Pike and Bloomington Power Sports, which is located at 1006 S. Walnut St.\nSo looking for a quick, convenient way around campus? Try checking out a Harley, a Vespa or a crotch-rocket, whichever suits your style. Motorcyclists save money on gas, and get around more quickly than riding a bike or walking. Also, parking spots are a lot closer to campus for motorcycles than for cars, especially since motorcyclists can park in the specially designated motorcycle spots and any corresponding car spot all across campus.
(03/23/06 5:00am)
There are a lot of underground bands that hail from Bloomington. One band that is quickly rising to the top in popularity is Sentinel, it's a metal band that is turning heads and slashing its way through town, consistently playing shows everywhere it can. \nSentinel was formed out of the ashes of a band called Section 8, which was a four-piece band for about two or three months. The band started by vocalist Zach Norris and guitarist Cody Burgess. They then picked up Jacob Benson on bass and Caleb Caudill on guitar. The group was finally completed by adding and Wilbur Price on drums. \nAll of the musicians are connected to IU in some way: some have graduated, some are part-time students and some are full-time students. \nThis has been the line-up for Sentinel for about a year now, and the band has played at almost every venue in Bloomington including Uncle Fester's, Rhino's All Age Music Club, The Bluebird and Second Story.\n"We've played at about every place in Bloomington that has a venue that's capable of sustaining what we're doing," Norris says. \nRhino's is a hot spot for Sentinel. \n"They've played here maybe four times now," says Brad Wilhelm, director of Rhino's. "They are a very good band with a lot of potential." \nSentinel has also played in Indianapolis at the Emerson Theater and all around the state. It has yet to play out of state, but it is definitely a plan of Sentinel's in the future. \nMusic has been a part of these guys' lives since they were young. Their collective experience ranges from five years to 19 years. The band Metallica has also played a major role in shaping the band that it is today. All the members of the band list Metallica as one of their main musical influences. \n"For me, like, I was playing football, and one day Enter Sandman came on," Norris says. "I was like this is really cool, and then I went out and got Megadeth and was like this is cooler."\n"A lot of Limp Bizkit," jokes Burgess, the guitarist. \nThe band also lists Pantera as an influence as well as more recent metal acts such as Tool, Shadows Fall and Killswitch Engage.\nSentinel practice at a small music store on Kirkwood Avenue called Smith-Holden Music Company. \n The guys recently recorded an EP, a shorter version of a CD, in November. The EP was recorded in Price's basement using computer software with Dave Chale. A full-length CD is in the works, although the official date is still up in the air.\n"We kind of differ on our views of what we want to do, some of us want to wait to make a full-length till we're a little more established and also get looked at by a couple labels," Norris says. "Others of us want to do it as soon as possible. But we're definitely going to make a full-length album." \nThe group's live show is known to be brutal.\n"I did not hear about Sentinel 'til I saw a flyer for their show last week," says Nate Stubblefield, a fan of Sentinel. "I went to see them play Friday and it was great. I really enjoyed the lyrics and the instruments as well. It was really great music to thrash out to."\nAs for the future for Sentinel, it's definitely looking bright. \n"We want to get signed, go on the road, make a record," Burgess says. \n"Dominate," Norris adds. "Yeah, I wanna play. I want this to be a real job wherever we go. You know, we either make bands not want to play with us again or they make us not want to play with them, and people are diggin' it, so that's what I want to do. And we do that now."\nSentinel says its sound is a unique mix of metal with harsh and smooth vocals colliding, thundering drums and an onslaught of guitars. \n"I think with Sentinel, and every band's biased of themselves obviously, there's a large element of singularity to us," Norris says. "There really isn't another band like us in the mainstream. There may be a band in the underground that I don't know about, but when you get down to it, the mix of the vocals and the mix of the list that we play, nobody out there is in any way like us."\n"I guess the bottom line is that they are a great band and I do not see why they don't have a label yet," Stubblefield says.
(03/23/06 3:08am)
There are a lot of underground bands that hail from Bloomington. One band that is quickly rising to the top in popularity is Sentinel, it's a metal band that is turning heads and slashing its way through town, consistently playing shows everywhere it can. \nSentinel was formed out of the ashes of a band called Section 8, which was a four-piece band for about two or three months. The band started by vocalist Zach Norris and guitarist Cody Burgess. They then picked up Jacob Benson on bass and Caleb Caudill on guitar. The group was finally completed by adding and Wilbur Price on drums. \nAll of the musicians are connected to IU in some way: some have graduated, some are part-time students and some are full-time students. \nThis has been the line-up for Sentinel for about a year now, and the band has played at almost every venue in Bloomington including Uncle Fester's, Rhino's All Age Music Club, The Bluebird and Second Story.\n"We've played at about every place in Bloomington that has a venue that's capable of sustaining what we're doing," Norris says. \nRhino's is a hot spot for Sentinel. \n"They've played here maybe four times now," says Brad Wilhelm, director of Rhino's. "They are a very good band with a lot of potential." \nSentinel has also played in Indianapolis at the Emerson Theater and all around the state. It has yet to play out of state, but it is definitely a plan of Sentinel's in the future. \nMusic has been a part of these guys' lives since they were young. Their collective experience ranges from five years to 19 years. The band Metallica has also played a major role in shaping the band that it is today. All the members of the band list Metallica as one of their main musical influences. \n"For me, like, I was playing football, and one day Enter Sandman came on," Norris says. "I was like this is really cool, and then I went out and got Megadeth and was like this is cooler."\n"A lot of Limp Bizkit," jokes Burgess, the guitarist. \nThe band also lists Pantera as an influence as well as more recent metal acts such as Tool, Shadows Fall and Killswitch Engage.\nSentinel practice at a small music store on Kirkwood Avenue called Smith-Holden Music Company. \n The guys recently recorded an EP, a shorter version of a CD, in November. The EP was recorded in Price's basement using computer software with Dave Chale. A full-length CD is in the works, although the official date is still up in the air.\n"We kind of differ on our views of what we want to do, some of us want to wait to make a full-length till we're a little more established and also get looked at by a couple labels," Norris says. "Others of us want to do it as soon as possible. But we're definitely going to make a full-length album." \nThe group's live show is known to be brutal.\n"I did not hear about Sentinel 'til I saw a flyer for their show last week," says Nate Stubblefield, a fan of Sentinel. "I went to see them play Friday and it was great. I really enjoyed the lyrics and the instruments as well. It was really great music to thrash out to."\nAs for the future for Sentinel, it's definitely looking bright. \n"We want to get signed, go on the road, make a record," Burgess says. \n"Dominate," Norris adds. "Yeah, I wanna play. I want this to be a real job wherever we go. You know, we either make bands not want to play with us again or they make us not want to play with them, and people are diggin' it, so that's what I want to do. And we do that now."\nSentinel says its sound is a unique mix of metal with harsh and smooth vocals colliding, thundering drums and an onslaught of guitars. \n"I think with Sentinel, and every band's biased of themselves obviously, there's a large element of singularity to us," Norris says. "There really isn't another band like us in the mainstream. There may be a band in the underground that I don't know about, but when you get down to it, the mix of the vocals and the mix of the list that we play, nobody out there is in any way like us."\n"I guess the bottom line is that they are a great band and I do not see why they don't have a label yet," Stubblefield says.
(03/23/06 3:05am)
Tired of walking to class and wondering about the shiny things that speed past cars everyday down 10th Street? Wish your bicycle had a motor? Motorcycles are becoming an extremely popular form of transportation on campus. There's the tough-guy Harley; the street-racer crotch-rocket, which is a type of sports bike; and then the casual-riding Vespa, a type of motor scooter that originated in Italy. All can be seen on campus zipping around while other students walk. \nFreshman Kyle Lewis owns and operates a black 2002 Yamaha-600R. He bought it off an individual for $4200 in mint-condition. He says that it is a comfortable ride and perfect for long trips, while also quick. \n"It has been the perfect beginning bike, but I'm ready to step up to the Yamaha R6 very soon," Lewis says.\nGetting Started\nRiding a motorcycle requires a license, just as a license is required to operate a vehicle. A learner's permit and a helmet are required to ride during the daylight hours with no other passengers. At the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, there is a motorcycle operation and safety manual to read through before taking a written test. To receive a permit, which is good for a year, riders must miss less than five questions. A road test is also a part of obtaining a permit.\n"The road test required me to maneuver around various cone obstacles, make different turns and speed up and stop along certain distances," Lewis explains. \nAlthough a helmet is not required, Lewis says he wears a helmet on long trips or when he knows he's going to be on the interstate or in areas of heavy traffic.\n"I ride my bike as much as possible," Lewis says. "As long as the temperature is above 55 degrees, I ride it everywhere."\nThere will always be tough-guys who will ride their motorcycles in the snow and the 20 degree weather that is prevalent throughout Indiana winters. Because there is a downside to riding in the winter, riders have to stick out the cold weather or find another form of transportation.\nRiding a motorcycle can be dangerous, and many people are steered away by the thought. Sophomore Nick Hoff-Hvale says he prefers foot travel to motorcycles because of his fear of them.\n"First of all, I'm a coward; I've never ridden on one in my life," Hoff-Hvale says. "I prefer to walk. I don't like transportation that involves paying money. That's why I don't have a driver's license." \nParking on Campus\nIU's Parking Operation's manager Doug Porter says motorcyle riders need to have a motorcycle permit and then they can park in a motorcycle space or a car space with the corresponding letter that is on their pass. For example, if an "A" motorcycle permit is purchased, riders can park in any motorcycle space or any "A" permit car space. \n"The motorcycle spaces are in odd spots of the parking lots, usually in the corners perpendicular to the car spaces," Porter says. "This is the perfect spot for them. People would just as soon not park in a car space because their motorcycle might get hit by a car, they would prefer their own spot." \nThe biggest area where motorcycles can park is the lot across from Ernie Pyle Hall, located at the corner of Seventh Street and Woodlawn Avenue. Motorcycles are also allowed to park in any of the parking garages on campus and more importantly, motorcyclists don't have to pay the hourly fee. \nPorter says the amount of motorcycle permits purchased this year is relatively low. Only around 230 motorcycle permits have been sold so far. \n"Once the weather gets better we'll have more sales," Porter says. \nGenerally speaking, a motorcycle is usually the second form of transportation for many of the students and faculty at IU, so this may be a factor in the slipping of sales, he adds.\n"It's a great way to get around," Porter says. "It's a lot easier and quicker than a bike or walking. Unofficially, people go places that they shouldn't on a motorcycle, such as take shortcuts on the sidewalks of campus or cut through the grass to avoid traffic. We don't like them to park or drive on the sidewalks."\nSometimes, Porter will get complaints from people who call Parking Operations to tell them that they've had problems with motorcyclists who are out of control. \n"Personally, I don't trust a lot of the drivers in town, they are crazy and careless, but they've been pretty good so far," Porter says.\nThe motorcycle business is fairly strong in Bloomington, but not from students says Boyd Fox, owner of Fox's Cycle Sales, located at 332 W. 3rd St. \nBut the cold Indiana winters don't seem to hurt the motorcycle businesses either. \n"Our business runs strong all year long," Fox says.\nSome other places that sell motorcycles and scooters in Bloomington are Harley Davidson of Bloomington, located at 522 W. Gourley Pike and Bloomington Power Sports, which is located at 1006 S. Walnut St.\nSo looking for a quick, convenient way around campus? Try checking out a Harley, a Vespa or a crotch-rocket, whichever suits your style. Motorcyclists save money on gas, and get around more quickly than riding a bike or walking. Also, parking spots are a lot closer to campus for motorcycles than for cars, especially since motorcyclists can park in the specially designated motorcycle spots and any corresponding car spot all across campus.