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(03/27/08 4:25am)
Former Senate Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., hoped to inspire HIV/AIDS activism through a PowerPoint presentation Tuesday in the IU Auditorium. He said he wanted to make students realize they are all the same. \nFrist explained to a crowd of about 100 people how medicine can be used to obtain peace and how the HIV/AIDS issue has followed him through his experience as a surgeon and in the Senate.\nAs a surgeon, Frist said he encountered ethical and moral questions when HIV/AIDS first became an issue in the 1980s. He said he was unsure if a heart surgery should be performed on someone who was already diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. \nAs a senator and majority leader, Frist helped pass legislation that increased the budget for HIV/AIDS research.\nWhile in Sudan, Frist said he was able to treat people by providing services on both sides of the ongoing war. By doing so, people were able to form a bond with him and the other doctors.\nProviding medicine will also help build global popularity for the United States, as was proven after the nation responded to the tsunami in Indonesia in late 2004 with the tsunami relief effort, Frist said.\n“If we are a wealthy country, we should reach out to those who aren’t,” Frist said.\nFrist, who has been traveling to Africa since 1998, said he has seen firsthand how medicine can help bring people together. \nBloomington resident Niki Van-Alstine said she thought the most insightful part of the presentation was how he connected creating peace and trust with medicine. \nThe former senator said students should put themselves in others’ shoes by going on missionary trips or joining a global organization. Frist gave students a detailed list of organizations they can join to help make a difference in the world, such as the Survive to 5 Campaign to promote children’s health, the ONE campaign against poverty and the RED Campaign against HIV/AIDS. \nAndrew Dahlen, director of Union Board’s lectures, said he thought this information was the most helpful for students.\n“(I liked) probably the little things that we can do as citizens to create change and impact legislation,” Dahlen said. \nThe presentation ended with Frist reminding students that “we are all one.”\nAfter the presentation, Frist tackled questions from audience members that ranged from how to get over being scared of going to a Third World country to how he would solve the American health care problem.\nIU junior and ONE Campaign member Emma D’Arcy said she enjoyed how Frist talked to the students like an average person. \nBefore audience members left, Frist showed the crowd a Coke commercial in which he participated, where he and a Democratic senator stopped bickering and became friends when they started drinking Coke together. \nFrist said life is not as easy as a Coke commercial but encouraged students not to give up hope on peace. \nDahlen said he thought the whole presentation went well.\n“He touched on a lot of issues on global heath,” Dahlen said. “Students came away with a lot of important insight.”
(03/25/08 4:18am)
A former Republican senator will discuss medicine’s potential to improve U.S. foreign policy at IU today. \nFormer Tennessee Sen. Bill Frist will present his lecture “Global Medicine as a Currency for Peace” at 7 p.m. today in the IU Auditorium. He will discuss global health care, as well his work with U2 singer Bono in Africa and his involvement in the ONE campaign, which aims to end poverty.\nAccording to the U.S. Congress Web site, Frist was a heart and lung surgeon before serving as a senator for 13 years. He was also the majority leader in the Senate from 2003 to 2007.\nCharlene Brown, associate director of the Wells Scholars Program, said Frist’s lecture is expected to interest students who want to learn how to solve social problems.\n“Our program, as a whole, is one which has a strong interest in international affairs and the well-being of people around the world,” Brown said.\nDahlen said Frist was chosen to come to IU after the Union Board began searching for a speaker who would be well-informed in either domestic or foreign health care.\nWhen the board came across Frist, who has a background in medicine, they decided to bring him to IU, Dahlen said. Frist has also gone to Africa several times and has worked on these issues firsthand, she said.\n“We hope that (students) come away with a global understanding,” Dahlen said. \nA question and answer session will follow the lecture.\nThe lecture is free and open to the public.\nThe Union Board, the IU School of Medicine, the Wells Scholars Program, the Timmy Foundation and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs are sponsoring the event.
(03/22/08 7:23am)
INDIANAPOLIS – Judges heard oral arguments from both sides yesterday regarding an appeal of the conviction for the slaying of IU student Jill Behrman. \nJohn R. Myers II was sentenced in 2006 to 65 years in prison for slaying Behrman in May 2000. \nPatrick Baker, Myers’ lawyer, filed the appeal because he believes Myers received an unfair trial.\nBaker said one of the main reasons for the appeal was because of the jury’s behavior.\nBaker said the jury did not take the case seriously. He said many members violated rules by consuming alcohol during the trial, sneaking a television into their quarters and using a cell phone, and one jury member was said to have painted her toenails. \nJudges Carr Darden, Michael Barnes and Cale Bradford questioned where this behavior had been recorded. Baker said it was not recorded, but a few jury members said this occurred.\nDeputy Attorney General Joby Jerrells said the jury did not conduct themselves inappropriately.\nJerrells said the jury did drink, but were limited to two alcoholic beverages, for which the state did not provide funds. \nThere was a television around the jury members, but it was only connected to a DVD player, which meant they did not have access to any television shows, he said. \nJerrells also said one jury member did use a cell phone, but the call was moderated. \nHe added that the jury was sequestered and members were randomly searched to make sure they did not have access to the media. \nStill, Baker said, jury members might have overheard comments that were made by Behrman’s parents on the footsteps of the courthouse four days into the trial.\nThe judges asked Jerrells why the case was based primarily on circumstantial evidence, including allegations that Myers sexually assaulted Behrman before killing her.\nJerrells did not think this circumstantial evidence lead in any way to a mistrial.\nOne of Baker’s arguments for why Myers received an unfair trial was because one of the most damaging witness testimonials came from Myers’ grandmother. Baker said Myers’ grandmother may have misinterpreted statements that led her to go to the authorities.\n“We believe this was an unfair trial from the beginning,” Baker said. \nJerrells said authorities had received a tip about Myers as early as June 2000, before Myers’ grandmother told the police anything.\nThe judges said the case is a difficult one, especially because much of the case is built on circumstantial evidence. \nAfter today’s oral arguments, Jodie Myers – John Myers’ mother – and Baker said they would not stop until Myers was out of jail.\n“I think they will correct the injustices,” Jodie Myers said. “We have done a lot of research; there is a lot of things that we couldn’t bring up.”\nTeary-eyed, Jodie Myers said it has felt like her family has been in jail right along with her son.\nThe Behrmans said they will accept whatever the judges \ndecide.\n“We will take it one day at a time,” Marilyn Behrman said, “and await the judges’ decision.”
(03/21/08 3:40am)
Despite a rainy day, students and faculty members came together Wednesday in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center’s Grand Hall to talk about the status of minorities on campus. \nThe panel discussion “Going Beyond Numbers: The Recruitment and Retention of Black and Latino Faculty and Graduate Students featured various IU diversity officials, a sociology graduate student and a visiting lecturer. The talk focused on how IU can increase the number of minorities at the graduate level and among faculty, including mentoring new black and Latino students. \nIU alumna and research analyst Susan Johnson, said she attended the discussion to hear just that.\n“As a former African-American student, I’m interested in seeing what the University plans to do to recruit and retain students of color,” Johnson said.\nKim Stanley, a member of the Black Scholars Collective, began the discussion by explaining how the group created the event to start a dialogue on increasing diversity.\nBefore the event, Stanley said the discussion would focus on graduate students because minority undergraduate students have more outlets for help.\n“We don’t have the mentorship or representation of enough faculty of color,” she said. \nEach panelist had a chance to say what he or she thought was the best way to increase and keep the number of black and Latino faculty and graduate students. \nOverall, the consensus of the group was that the University needs a plan to recruit more minorities. \n“Diversity is new knowledge in action,” said visiting lecturer Maritza Quinones-Rivera. \nDepartment of Folklore and Ethnomusicology professor Portia Maultsby said one way to have a successful recruitment plan is to begin identifying scholars when students are at the undergraduate level. Special assistant to the chancellor at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis Sherree Wilson said teachers should also start encouraging students at a younger level, such as middle school, to begin thinking about future education.\nThe discussion also focused on ensuring that faculty members know what their expectations are. \nGraduate student Melissa Quintela said she came to the panel discussion to get ideas on how to become a good faculty member when the time comes.\nInterim director of the Latino Studies Program Arlene Diaz and Maultsby agreed that many faculty members have to “publish or perish.” This means many of them are required to do a great deal of research. This commitment to research makes it difficult for them to accomplish other goals, such as mentoring said Edwardo Rhodes, associate vice president for the Office of Academic Support and Diversity.\nIt is important for minority students to see someone who has a similar cultural background, Rhodes said. He added that he believed he wouldn’t have gotten through his doctoral program if it weren’t for three other students that were from his same cultural background.\nEdwin Marshall, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, agreed with Rhodes and thought it was important, especially for minority students, to have a support system.\n“It’s key that one has the support mechanism in place,” Marshall said. “There has to be a passion around that dedication and commitment.”\nAlmost everyone agreed that before any of these changes occur, the culture of IU has to change in order to accept a diverse graduate student body and faculty. \nUniversity Graduate School Dean James Wimbush discussed various times he felt uncomfortable because of racial slurs that were said around him when he first came to IU.\nWilson suggested that each department conduct a cultural audit before any major change comes.\nRhodes said IU has a plan in place to double the minority population on campus by 2014. Still, all panelists agreed more deliberate action has to occur to reach this goal. \n“We can create change,” Marshall said, “but it is not going to come easy.”
(03/20/08 7:35am)
Penalties for underage drinking will become more severe in Indiana now that the Indiana General Assembly passed House Bill 1118.\nThe act states minors will be charged with a class C misdemeanor when they present false identification or lie about their age while purchasing an alcoholic beverage.\nThe bill also enables law enforcement officials to charge people over the age of 21 with a class B misdemeanor for consciously selling or providing an alcoholic beverage to a minor.\nLisa Hutcheson, director of the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, helped lobby for the act and thinks it will help reduce underage drinking.\nThrough the organization Hutcheson directs, she testified at meetings and wrote in to various media outlets in support of the act.\n“Laws and policies change the environment,” Hutcheson said.\nHutcheson said she thinks many minors consume alcohol because they do not understand the consequences. She hopes the more severe punishments will change this.\n“Underage drinking is a community problem and we have a collective responsibility to address it through education, enforcement and legislation,” Hutcheson said in an Indiana General Assembly press release.\nHowever, both graduate student Quinton Smith and freshman Sarah Ricker believe the act will not change underage drinking.\n“Spend money on education for smart drinking habits instead of trying to stop it,” Smith said.\nRicker said she knows people who have been caught drinking while underage, but it still has not changed their decision to continue doing so.\nSophomore Drew Gardiner agreed with Smith and Ricker.\n“They’re kind of pointless because there are 13-year-olds drinking,” Gardiner said.\nDespite contrasting views, the act will go into effect in July.\nOne of the act’s co-authors, Rep. Trent Van Haaften, D-Mount Vernon, said he understands that people will always try to get around the law. However, he said the state’s job is to regulate how alcohol is sold and tighten access to it.\n“Part of the message that we have to put forward is that if alcohol is not handled, it cannot become a problem,” Van Haaften said.\nThe act also explains at length who can and cannot sell alcoholic beverages and when they can sell.\nVan Haaften said a large portion of the act is dedicated to defining the requirements for an establishment to be classified as a grocery store because people were confused about what types of grocery stores could sell alcohol.\nThe act also raises the age for cashiers to be able to handle alcoholic beverages at a grocery store to 19, Van Haaften said.\nThe act was co-written by Albion Representative Matt Bell, Hutcheson said. Sens. Thomas Weatherwax, R-18th District, and Marvin Riegsecker, R-12th District, also contributed to the act.
(03/20/08 5:05am)
La Casa Latino Cultural Center and Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority will host a free screening of “Yo Soy Boricua, Pa’Que Tu Lo Sepas (I’m Boricua, Just So You Know)” at 7 p.m. today at La Casa. \nThe movie, which was directed by Rosie Perez, will focus on the history of Puerto Rico and its relationship with the United States. The screening is part of the women’s history month events on campus.\nSenior and Gamma Phi Omega member Adrienne Garcia said the movie explains how U.S. experiments have damaged the beauty of Puerto Rico.\nGarcia said one of the experiments that unfolds in the movie is the testing of birth control on Puerto Rican women, many of whom later became sterile.\n“Overall, it displays their history and the core of what they are,” Garcia said. \nGamma Phi Omega and La Casa decided to screen the movie because both said they think Puerto Rico is underrepresented. \n“Cultural awareness is one of our goals,” Garcia said. “(We) often strive to show new things that haven’t been talked about.”\nLa Casa Director Lillian Casillas said members of Gamma Phi Omega approached her about it and thought it would be a great movie and a good way to celebrate women’s history month. \nBoth Garcia and Casillas said Puerto Ricans are forgotten under the huge Latino umbrella. \nSophomore Heydi Correa said she thinks no one really represents Puerto Ricans.\nCorrea, who previously saw the documentary, plans on attending today’s screening.\n“Hopefully once people see it, they will understand where I am coming from,” Correa said. \nCorrea, who is Puerto Rican, said she wants people to understand why she is so proud of her cultural background after watching the movie.\nAccording to the Internet Movie Database Web site, the movie is in English and is an hour and 26 minutes long.\nGarcia said there will be a discussion on the topic after the movie, if time allows.
(03/17/08 2:33am)
Students used their mouths and different breathing techniques to make music with PVC pipes on March 6, the Thursday before spring break, in Collins Living-Learning Center.\nThe students were participating in the “Do-It-Yourself Didgeridoo Workshop.” The workshop gave students the opportunity to learn how to make and play their own didgeridoos, long, narrow instruments played in Australia. \nAt the beginning of the workshop, Australian musician and storyteller Paul Taylor played his didgeridoo for the group. \nTaylor then talked about the history of the didgeridoo and the different tones the instruments can produce.\n“The land gives you the instrument,” Taylor said.\nMost didgeridoos, including the ones Taylor played that night, were made from trees in Australia. \nTaylor spoke about the symbolism of the paintings on his didgeridoo and explained that they represented his family.\nTaylor encouraged the participants to pick up one of the PVC pipes and “go with the flow.”\nThe participants laughed as they attempted to play the didgeridoo in the relaxing setting.\nThis was the first time sophomore Emil Ridout played \nthe instrument.\n“I think getting your lips to relax so it resonates is the hardest thing,” Ridout said. \nThe students then tried to play with the bigger PVC tube, which was meant to imitate a D note. \nWith the smaller pipe, the students just had to sand down the mouthpiece. With the larger tube, they had to mold beeswax around the mouthpiece. \nWhile students were playing, Taylor went around the room and gave them advice on playing.\n“Blow, rest, blow, rest,” Taylor said.\nHe also told participants to put a finger to their ears while playing. \nAfter all the participants got adjusted to playing, they all sat around a circle with Taylor.\nTaylor further explained different rhythms that are used for playing the didgeridoo.\nHe led the group with playing different rhythms and showed them how to play using circular breathing. Taylor then showed them how to imitate animal noises by playing. Traditional Australian music imitates different animal noises, \nhe said.\nAs the night progressed, students had the choice to keep playing, start painting their didgeridoo or eat pizza. \nJunior Ben Gibson decided to keep playing. He said he came to the workshop because he always liked to hear the sound of the didgeridoo.\n“I’m sure now that I have my DIY didgeridoo, I will keep on playing.” he said.\nBefore everyone left, Taylor showed the group how to practice breathing by blowing bubbles into a straw in a cup of water.\nFreshman Nathan Wells painted his instrument to reflect his individual style.\n“My personality is most like a monkey,” Wells said. “So that’s what I’m going to put on (the didgeridoo).”\nThe Collins Arts Council and the Lotus Blossoms program put the workshop together because both parties thought it would be beneficial for the Collins community, said Lee Williams, director of the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation.\n“They learn how to create something from nothing and learn about culture all at the same time,” Williams said.
(03/07/08 3:25am)
The Brown Bag Series has been helping students and faculty get an insight into Latin American research and Latinos around campus.\nThe series has been going on for a long time, but it was not until recently that La Casa, The Center for Latin America and the Caribbean Studies and the Latino Studies Program collaborated to improve the program.\n“It has been perfect, we all have different resources that we can pull into,” said La Casa director Lillian Casillas. \nCasillas said the program is meant to highlight anyone who is doing research about Latinos here or abroad. The series also intends to introduce Latino faculty into the community.\nArlene Diaz, an associate professor in the Latino Studies program, said the environment of the program is very informal and open. She credits this environment for making people feel more open to ask questions and get to know the speaker and his or her work.\n“I think some students \nattend because their professors are showing their work,” Diaz said. “It’s important for \nthem to see and engage at a different level.”\nThe series occurs every \nsemester. This semester, \nthere are three remaining speakers scheduled to present on various topics.\nArchana Sridhar will speak on April 24 about research she did in Guatemala.\nHer program, “The Uncertainty of Death and Taxes: Tax Evasion and Nonprofit Regulation in Post-War Guatemala,” will focus on tax reform and the role of nonprofit regulation in Guatemala’s economic development. \nSridhar said she first heard about the series after she andher husband went to the Latino Cultural Center to introduce themselves. \nAlthough she has not been able attend the series because of scheduling conflicts, she thinks the series is positive thing.\n“It looks like great topics and people doing really great research,” Sridhar said.\nBoth she and Casillas said it’s a great and brief way for people to learn about what is going on in Latin America.\n“(The series has) given them a taste without having to take the classes,” Casillas said.\nThe upcoming series, which is held at La Casa, will have speakers lecturing on music, fine arts and Guatemala.\nErick Carballo, the series’ next speaker, will discuss music on March 27. He was the first Latin American to win an award at IU for his dissertation, Diaz said.\nCasillas said that while the name of the series refers to the time of day it takes place, only a few people actually bring their lunch.
(03/07/08 3:17am)
Come this summer, Bloomington students will be making their mark on one Guatemalan town, literally.\nTwelve students from Bloomington elementary, middle and high schools are planning on traveling this June to San Juan la Laguna, Guatemala, to paint murals with locals. The group, Art Across the Americas, was founded by Gracia Valliant and Sarah Irvine after they had traveled to a small Mayan community in Guatemala, Valliant said. \nValliant and Irvine were impressed by the Mayan community and their artistic murals. Both thought it would be a great idea to have Bloomington students travel to the small Mayan town and learn from the Mayan locals. A couple of years later, Valliant and Irvine are finally making their vision into a reality. The women selected 12 students from various age groups to make the trip. \nThirteen-year-old Jackson Creek Middle School student Mariza Grudman became involved in the program after Valliant approached her about it.\n“It’s (an) amazing opportunity,” Grudman said. “We can learn a lot from (the people in Guatemala).”\nGrudman said all of the students have been involved throughout the entire process of the trip. The students have been learning the customs of the Mayan culture as well as researching Guatemala, Grudman said.\nJamil Moore, a 12-year-old student at Templeton Elementary School, is also going on the Art Across the Americas trip. He said he heard of some conflicts going on in Guatemala, but is not scared.\n“I’m excited about going to another country and learning about culture,” Moore said.\nValliant said while on the trip, the children will paint murals with local artists and learn about Mayan culture by participating in their traditions, such as fishing.\n“(I want the students to) come away with a very rich culture,” Valliant said, “and understand the difference between a developed and developing country.”\nWhile on the trip, students will keep a digital diary of their experiences, Valliant said. There will also be a welcome reception where students will share their experiences with all of the people who have contributed money to the trip.\nValliant said the group plans on bringing students from San Juan la Laguna to Bloomington in June 2009. Currently, 12 Bloomington students and five chaperones are scheduled to go on the trip, said Dena El Saffar, Moore’s mother. El Saffar was planning on going on the trip as a chaperone, but has recently volunteered not to because of the group’s lack of funds.\nThe group has raised about $12,000 so far by having all the participants contact local businesses and friends to donate money, Valliant said. Still, the group must raise an additional $5,000 to $7,000 in order to go on the trip, Valliant said. She said the money does not include how much it will cost to bring students from Guatemala to Bloomington. Donations for the group can be made through the Bloomington Area Arts Council, which is serving as the group’s fiscal agent.
(03/06/08 5:35am)
Wellesley College professor Katharine Moon talked about the effect U.S. bases overseas has had on local politics and international activism in South Korea during a lecture Tuesday at the Indiana Memorial Union.\nThe lecture, “Localism in Foreign Policy: Protesting U.S. Bases in South Korea,” focused on the backlash against U.S. bases in South Korea.\nThe lecture was part of a series that reflects on the U.S. image abroad, said IU associate history professor Nick Cullather. The series goes along with the “Images of America” course he teaches. He said he thought Moon would provide insight on a hot topic – U.S. military bases.\nMoon started off by talking about the relationship between the U.S. military and South Koreans, which is the reason junior Shawna Ryan and senior John Sauter attended the lecture. Both said they will be traveling to South Korea with a class. \n“I really don’t know what to expect,” Sauter said. “(I came) to learn what to expect over there.”\nMoon spoke about the history of the tension between the U.S. and South Korea in the 1970s, when American soldiers went on a violent rampage that led to a strong reaction from locals. \nLater, protests in South Korea between 2002 and 2003 were triggered by the death of two Korean girls who were run over by U.S. military personnel, Moon said.\nMuch of the animosity between the U.S. military and South Korea occurred locally. \n“Local politics matter in foreign policy,” she said. “Local governments and communities aren’t living in a little fish tank.” \nMoon said the tension grew as South Korea became more decentralized and democratized, which then led to the formation of activist groups. \nAs technology expanded, the activist groups began to form alliances abroad with other groups protesting against the presence of U.S. bases abroad, Moon said.\nThe Internet led to an unlikely alliance between South Korea and Puerto Rico, both of which had experienced tension between U.S. bases and the locals, Moon said.\nJunior Desma Jones said she thought this connection was the most interesting part of the lecture. \n“(It) was interesting in how local politics are important,” Jones said. \nMoon argued that although many could consider this movement anti-American, it is not. Instead, South Korea is just learning about activism, she said. \nIn the question and answer session that followed, Moon said she is not sure how the problem will be resolved. She said the U.S. military is currently stretched thin, and she thinks Iraq will play a role in what happens in South Korea. \nAfter the lecture, Moon said it was important for people to understand the tension created by U.S military bases abroad.\n“The U.S. military is such a powerful presence,” Moon said. “We always think they are doing good. As much as they are, the presence creates tensions.”
(03/03/08 5:16am)
Students were exposed to 10 diverse organizations through performances and displays on campus Sunday as part of the multicultural fair in McNutt Residence Center’s Flame Room. \nThe free event, organized by CommUNITY Educators, included performances from Hip Hop ConnXion – the Sequel, an a cappella group from the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, the IU Tae Kwon Do Club, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, the Filipino Student Association, IU Soul Revue, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, IU Aikido Club and the African Gumboot Dance Group. \nThe event started at about 3:30 p.m. with an introduction by Foster CommUNITY Educator Radley Alcantara explaining why the event was created.\n“To create diversity awareness and show students what different resources (are) here on campus,” Alcantara said. \nThe event then kicked off with a choreographed performance by Hip Hop ConnXion – the Sequel. The 17-member group danced a variation of its routines. Although one member was injured during the performance, the group finished its routine. \nSophomore dancer Wesley Owens said he thought the performance went well despite the injured dancer. \n“Basically we are trying to get our name out there,” Owens said. \nAfter the first performances, attendees served themselves ethnic foods provided by Chow Bar, Mandalay Restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill, La Torre and Turkuaz Turkish Café.\nStudents were then able to eat and enjoy the rest of the night’s performances. Along with the performances, each organization had a display with information about its organization. Other organizations that did not perform but had displays were Sigma Lambda Beta, OUT! GLBT Student Union, the Office of Mentoring Services and Leadership Development, Sigma Lambda Upsilon sorority and Theta Nu Xi sorority.\nFirst-year graduate student Chloe Risto said she came to the event to learn about IU culture. \n“Call me a general fan because I love seeing everything and anything,” Risto said. \nWhile the hungry crowd ate free food, four members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity managed to get the attendees’ attention. They proudly gave their fraternity’s history and stepped-danced four different routines in which they made percussive sounds with their feet and hands. \nThe IU Tae Kwon Do Club also got the crowd’s attention with martial arts defense and board-breaking techniques.\nSenior Edward Pak said he hoped the event would expose him and others to diversity around campus. \n“IU always says IU is such a diverse campus, but if you think about it, they don’t really discuss it,” Pak said. “Hopefully events like this raise awareness and hopefully open some eyes.”
(03/03/08 5:15am)
The Filipino Student Association livened up the Willkie Auditorium Friday night with traditional Filipino dances and martial-arts performances. \nThe second-annual Filipino Night began with the US and Phillipine National Anthems. \nThe two hosts, IU students Jeff Capati and Jon Ramos, introduced each act and gave a little bit of history behind the performances.\nThe first act included four male IU students who danced and made rhythms with coconut bras. \nThe second performance was a choreographed hip-hop dance by 10 students. The hosts said although the performance may have appeared non-traditional in Filipino culture, hip-hop is very popular in the Phillipines.\nIU student Courtney Amelia sang two traditional Filipino songs, one about a mother and child, the other about being in love.\nThe crowd then watched a rare traditional rhythm and bamboo performance. \nFive IU students then performed a traditional dance called Binasua, which consists of each woman dancing while balancing small glasses filled halfway with rice wine on her head and each hand. \n“We’ve been practicing since the beginning of February,” freshman Trisha Kathlyn Castor said before the event. “We practice almost everyday in the evening (from) seven to ten o’clock.”\nThe next act included three staged martial-arts fights by the IU Filipino Martial Arts Club. The fights involved techniques with the fighters’ hands and the use of small sticks.\n“(The martial-arts performance is) something new that we are adding to IU exposure,” said Filipino Student Association Vice President Paul Ramos. “Not a lot of people think of martial arts when they think of the Philippines.”\nThe night ended with the performance of “Singkil,” a dance Capati said is based around the legend of “Darangan,” in which a princess is saved by a prince during an earthquake. \nJerry Wilkins, a volunteer at the Leo R. Dowling International Center, said he attended the event because of his growing interest in Asian cultures. \n“(I came) to learn a little more about their culture,” Wilkins said. “I’ve never met (any Filipinos) in the International Center and hopefully I (will get) to meet some.”\nIU employee Justin Glass agreed with Wilkins about the importance of getting to know more cultures.\n“I think its good to learn the roots of people around you,” Glass said.\nAfter the performances, traditional Filipino food, which included rice and chicken, was served, Magno said. \nCapati said he thought the night included a lot of variety and hoped the audience was able to enjoy at least one thing.\n“Hopefully this will get some recognition for the Philippines, one of the lesser-known Asian cultures,” Capati said.
(02/29/08 4:38am)
“Judges follow the law, not the cross.” \nJudge Marc Kellams quoted a colleague Thursday in a story he told at a panel discussion on religion and law to express his opinion on combining the two concepts.\nLaw students gathered in the Moot Court Room in the law school to discuss with lawyers and judges the connection between their religion and profession. \nLegal Christian Fellowship and the J Reuben Clark Legal Society, two law school student organizations, brought together a panel of professional lawyers and judges with diverse religions.\n“(Religion and law) has always been important to me,” said Legal Christian Fellowship member Zac Kester. “Just seemed like (it) would be relatively fun.”\nThe panel included four members from various Indiana organizations: Kellams, a Catholic and Monroe County Circuit Judge; Iraqi Ambassador to the United Nations and visiting professor Feisal Istrabadi, a Muslim who helped draft the Iraqi Transitional Constitution; Abigail Kuzman, an Evangelical Christian who is the founder and executive director of the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic; and Christopher Newton, chief judge of the Vigo County Indiana Courts who is a Mormon.\nThe discussion began with moderator and professor Daniel Conkle asking participants to state their stance on religion in law. \nLaw students Leslie Ransdell and Eric Smith both said they attended the event to hear what each panelist had to say about the topic.\nKellams said although his values and religion have molded who he is, he would not talk about religion in court.\nIstrabadi said at times, it is hard to keep religion out of practicing the law, but ultimately people who practice the law must follow the rules and keep religion out of their profession. \nIstrabadi said he wished religion would have been put into the Iraqi constitution. \nThe Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic was founded through a church to give people legal advice. Thus, Kuzman said her situation is a bit different. \nKuzman said she sometimes prays with her clients, but always asks beforehand. However, Kuzman said that overall, religion should be left out of law.\nNewton said religion was a big part of his life, but like the rest of the panelists, he agrees it has to be kept out of the law.\nThe moderator then asked panelists if they believe lawyers should only give legal advice or if they should also give moral advice. \nNewton admitted that it has been hard not to give moral advice. Still, all of the panelists agreed there must be a boundary line between lawyers and their clients that includes limitations on giving personal advice.\nKellams said lawyers and judges should not try to eliminate their religion completely from their lives. He gave examples of how he still fulfills his religious needs outside the courtroom. \nAttendees were able to ask questions for about half an hour. Many people asked about theories or if the judges have personally dealt with discrimination after people knew their religion. \nLaw student Meaghan Klem said she was relieved to hear what the panelists had to say.\n“Overall, I thought it was good,” Klem said. “And liked that things (are) secular, but you can still bring your religion to the profession.”
(02/29/08 4:36am)
Students and Bloomington residents will have the opportunity to dance the weekend away during workshops in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center and the Indiana Memorial Union.\nFriday and Saturday, students will have the option of taking workshops that will focus on Afro-Cuban dances, modern dance, jazz dance, salsa and traditional dances from Africa, said Iris Rosa, who created the workshops. Registration will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. Registration will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Center, said African American Dance Company road manager Deara Ball. \nRosa said there is a fee for all of the workshops. Participants can pay $90 for the whole weekend or $20 for just one workshop.\nThe workshops, which are being put together by IU’s African American Arts Institute, the African American Dance Company and the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, will mark the 11th year of the dancing tradition, Ball said.\nRosa, who is also director and choreographer of the African American Dance Company, said the goal of the workshops has always been the same.\n“The workshops (are) an opportunity (for) students to engage in dance techniques in African Diaspora,” Rosa said. \nExperts in these dance techniques, including Elana Anderson, Rogelio Kindelan-Nordet, Silfredo La O Vigo and Ronne Stone, will come from around the country to teach these workshops, Rosa said.\nBall said all of the workshops are unique. \nA free panel discussion, “The Black Dance Experience: The Use of Culture of the Diaspora to Shape Performance,” will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in Woodburn Hall 101. A free dance performance will be put on by various youth dance groups at 7 p.m. Saturday in Willkie Auditorium, Rosa said. \nThese events will occur in conjunction with the workshops, Ball said.\nThe panel discussion will feature all of the guest dance instructors discussing all of the different dance styles, Ball said.\nKim Morris-Newson, pre-college program coordinator, said the performance on Saturday is one she always looks forward to. \nMorris-Newson said the Office of Community and School Partnership is funding students from Emerson High School for Visual and Performing Arts and a GI dance troupe from Gary, Ind.\nThe high school students and the dance troupe will be able to participate in all of the workshops and will perform their routines during the performance Saturday night. \nMorris-Newson, who has previously participated in the workshops, encourages people from all levels to participate.\n“I like learning different cultural dances,” Morris-Newson said. “But I know they are going to be challenging.”\nRosa said people should come out to learn about diversity and culture through dance.\n“We rarely get to see dance from other perspectives ... (that) the student population can find interesting,” she said.
(02/28/08 6:41am)
The Hoosier Lawyer team out-smarted nine student organizations Wednesday night in the Black Knowledge Bowl despite some early confusion about the rules of the game.\nThe annual event started at 7 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center with Interim Director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Audrey McCluskey introducing all the student organizations that participated in the event. \nAlpha League, the Black Student Union, Black 365, Delta Sigma Theta, Hoosier Lawyer, Kelley Emerging Leaders, Omega Psi Phi, Threat to Injustice, Voices of Hope and Zeta Phi Beta all participated in the bowl. \nJunior Krystal Lowe said she was most excited to see how much knowledge each organization had about black history.\n“(The Black Knowledge Bowl) encourages the students to learn more about their culture in a relaxed setting,” Lowe said. \nThe bowl started out with Alpha League, Delta Sigma Theta and Kelley Emerging Leaders competing against each other. The first round raised questions over details of the rules, but by the second round, new rules were put into place to make the bowl run more smoothly. \nThe questions in all of the rounds were similar. The questions covered a variety of topics, from science to politics to religion. All of the questions had the common theme of black history. \nRound one winners included the Alpha League, Voices of Hope, Hoosier Lawyer and Threat to Justice.\nIn between rounds, intermission leader Monique Hill asked the audience questions about historical black figures. People who answered the question correctly received a free shirt.\nThe second round placed Alpha League against Voices of Hope and Hoosier Lawyer against Threat to Injustice. \nUltimately, Hoosier Lawyer proved to be victorious against Threat to Injustice and Voices of Hope.\nLaw student and Hoosier Lawyer member Christal Coakley said the organization got involved with the bowl because members like to interact with the community.\n“I think (the Black Knowledge Bowl) is a good opportunity for people to learn something new,” said Hoosier Lawyer member Phyllisia Gant. \nIU provost Karen Hanson handed all the winners their trophies. The Hoosier Lawyer team received $500 and a trophy for winning the entire competition. Second place winners, Voices of Hope, received $300 and a trophy. Third place winners, Threat to Injustice, received $200 and a trophy. \nMcCluskey encouraged all of the attendees to think of the event as more than just a game. \n“One day you might be an answer,” McCluskey said, “for a Black Knowledge Bowl question.”
(02/28/08 5:57am)
Audience members danced in their seats as they felt the spirits of Havana Tuesday night at the John Waldron Arts Center. \nThe non-profit group, Jazz from Bloomington, celebrated ArtsWeek Tuesday night with performances by the Grammy-nominated Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana. A crowd of about 40 people attended the show.\nJohn Lawson, Jazz from Bloomington’s treasurer, said the Canadian musician was chosen to perform because her performance tied in well with the political theme of ArtsWeek. \nFour members of the Spirits of Havana are originally from Cuba and had to relocate in order to continue playing, said Monika Herzig, founder of Jazz from Bloomington.\n“(They are an) example of how politics can prevent art from flourishing,” Herzig said. \nThe group played six of its lengthy numbers, most of which were traditional African-Cuban songs.\nAll of the songs featured vocals by every member of the group. Band members encouraged audience members to sing along, but they were reluctant to do so. \nBunnett traded off between playing on the flute and soprano saxophone. In between songs, she provided background information about the music.\nBloomington resident Matt McConahay said he liked the song “Carnival.” The upbeat song is based on a traditional party in Cuba. \nThe group mixed jazz and traditional Cuban musical elements together in its songs, which sophomore Nick Halgren said was his favorite part of the show. \n“(I liked) seeing these incredible musicians playing jazz and mixing in traditional Cuban elements,” Halgren said. “Great to see jazz that makes you want to dance.”\nBunnett first began mixing jazz with Cuban rhythms after she took a trip to Cuba in the early ’80s. Bunnett soon started playing with local musicians in Cuba. Before she knew it, she began to incorporate Cuban rhythms into her music. \nHalgren said he is jealous of Bunnett for having the opportunity to travel to Cuba. Because of the U.S. and Cuba’s strained relations, Halgren said he will not be able to play in Cuba any time soon. \nThis is why IU faculty member Gergana May decided to attend Tuesday’s concert.\n“I like to hear artists from around the world,” May said. “Especially visiting artists that we otherwise would not be able to hear.”
(02/26/08 5:40am)
IU ArtsWeek kicked off Friday with an opening ceremony for the exhibit “A Change is Gonna Come: Black Music and Political Activism” in the Mathers Museum of World Cultures, which included an a capella performance by the AcaBella Ensemble. \nThe exhibit features album covers from music that inspired the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement that followed. Printed screens with text and pictures also showed the connection between music and the civil rights movement. \nSunni Fass, former project coordinator and administrator for the IU Archives of African American Music and Culture, said each piece of the exhibit was chosen carefully.\n“We just tried to choose pieces that illustrated the notion of black pride,” Fass said. “And that really embodied the movement.”\nIU Archives of African American Music and Culture director Portia Maultsby said the exhibit is meant to help connect the music and politics that surrounded the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement.\nMaultsby said soul music from artists such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown was derived from the Black Power movement. \n“The music was instrumental in galvanizing the black community in the struggle for racial equality,” Maultsby said.\nThe IU a cappella group AcaBella performed six songs that tied in with the exhibit’s theme. The songs varied from the Black National Anthem to a song from Bob Marley. \nFounding Director of AcaBella Delia Alexander said she picked the songs she loved and thought would work well with the exhibit’s theme. \nSenior Kristen Marchetti said the a capella performance was her favorite part of the ceremony.\n“I think it serves as an example that music is a good medium to discuss politics,” Marchetti said. \nSenior Kelsey Botne said music has always been a way for people to express themselves. Botne also said music helped bring people together during the civil rights movement. \nFass said the exhibit, which was sponsored by the Archives of African American Music and Culture, ArtsWeek and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, will stay open until April 27.
(02/20/08 7:32am)
Author and Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson spoke about black identity, hip-hop, Sen. Barack Obama and Bill Cosby Tuesday night inside Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union. \nDyson started the lecture by personally greeting attendees and acknowledging faculty at IU, then talked about why it is important to talk and learn about black history. Dyson discussed important black figures throughout history, such as basketball player Michael Jordan, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. and rapper Nas. \n“When we look at black America, we’ve got to look across the board,” Dyson said.\nDyson said that just like black history, hip-hop and the culture that goes along with it is complex because it is trying to define some sort of black identity, involving several generations and dealing with black migration. Dyson rapped verses from artists such as Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg to illustrate his points. \nDyson said the complexity involved in understanding hip-hop is why so many people misjudge it and are quick to criticize it. \nDyson also criticized actor Bill Cosby’s comments denouncing hip-hop culture. Dyson said he disagrees with Cosby’s views and thinks the comments were an attack on the lower economic class in America. \nDyson also discussed the problems following Hurricane Katrina, which he said had been building in Louisiana for awhile because there were already so many poor people there. \nOverall, Dyson said Hurricane Katrin, as well as hip-hop, have taught us to come together as a whole.\n“Let’s not be pinned against one another,” Dyson said. “Let’s not let the captains of capitalism pin us against each other.”\nThroughout his lecture, Dyson referenced Obama and said the Illinois senator is an example of how and why being black is so complex. He said people have asked him if “Obama was black enough.” Dyson said there is no such thing, as being black is much more complex than such questions would suggest. \nSophomore Michelle Craig said she found the information about the complexities of black identity informative. \nDyson ended his lecture with by saying that although hip-hop does not always embrace black women, it is only a reflection of American culture as a whole. Dyson encouraged everyone to embrace strong black women, such as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.\nAudience member and Bloomington resident Geoff Hing said he liked how Dyson linked so many aspects of culture to come up with one assessment of the world.\n“I really liked how he complicated culture understanding of race,” Hing said. “It’s rare to get someone to talk about popular culture.”\nAndrew Dahlen, a Union Board member, said he thought attendees came away from the lecture with great points.\n“I thought the event went really well, (with) a great turn out,” Dahlen said. “And the audience came away with a terrific message.”
(02/20/08 5:40am)
The third annual Native Film Series will focus on contemporary Native American life.\nRebecca Riall, co-chair of the Native American Graduate Association, said the film series is meant to show students the history and contemporary lives of Native Americans through visual means.\n“Most of the movies depict the lives of Native Americans,” Lamenti said. “You’re just not going to find these kind of perspectives (anywhere else).”\nThe film series will kick off at 6:30 p.m. today in Morrison Hall 007 with a screening of “Unnatural and Accidental” and a question and answer session with actress Tantoo Cardinal. \n“I think (the movies) are very important for understanding Native American culture and something that people need to (know) more about,” said Mary Connors, program assistant for the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center.\nThe Native Film Series is sponsored by the Native American Graduate Students Association, American Indian Student Association, First Nations Educational & Cultural Center, the Office of Multicultural Initiatives, La Casa and the Office of the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, Riall said. A reception will be held before the film featuring traditional Native American food, she said.\n“I am looking forward to (today’s) movie because it’s an interesting portrayal of Canadian Indian women’s lives,” Riall said.\nThe Native Film Series will continue at 7 p.m. every Thursday in room 150 of the Student Building for four weeks, said Dennis Lamenti, co-chair of the Native American Graduate Association.\nThe second movie, which will be shown at 7 p.m. Feb. 28, is “Miss Navajo.” The movie shows how Native American beauty pageants differ from regular beauty pageants, Lamenti said. \nAdditional movies cover issues of blacks integrating with Native Americans and reservation life. The series will end with a documentary about a famous poet and activist, Lamenti said.\nBoth Riall and Lamenti said people should come watch the movies to break stereotypes that they might have about Native Americans.
(02/19/08 4:43am)
Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson will lecture on hip-hop, Hurricane Katrina and Bill Cosby at 7 p.m. today at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.\nDyson, who has authored 14 books, is best known for his insight into hip-hop culture and race relations, said Andrew Dahlen, a member of the Union Board, which is sponsoring the event.\n“Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is one of the leading black public scholars in the nation,” said Eric Love, director of the Office of Diversity Education. “And he is an excellent culture critic.” \nDyson’s lecture is expected to focus on his latest book “Know What I Mean?” Dahlen said. The book focuses on hip-hop culture, according to Dyson’s Web site.\nDyson has also appeared on “The Today Show” and National Public Radio, Dahlen said.\nAlong with the Union Board, the event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Education, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, Black Scholars Collective, Delta Sigma Theta, IU Voices of Hope Gospel Choir, Hudson and Holland Scholars and IU Hip Hop Congress.\nNathan Click, Union Board public relations representative, said Union Board chose the speaker to continue to expand cultural experiences at IU. Dahlen said Union Board also chose Dyson as a lecturer because of his unique point of view.\n“(He) is known as the hip-hop intellectual,” Dahlen said. “(He) brings an interesting perspective to the cultural dilemmas in America.”\nDahlen said he hopes all students will take advantage of the rare opportunity they have to hear Dyson speak. He said he hopes to fill up all 600 seats in Alumni Hall.\nAfter the lecture, students will have the opportunity to ask questions.\nDahlen said many of Dyson’s books will be sold during his lecture. Dyson will also be available after the lecture to sign books.