40 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(01/12/09 5:22am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The recession won’t be the only thing keeping students out of the bars this semester. Indiana’s state fire marshall’s office could lower the maximum occupancy limits for five Bloomington bars: the Crazy Horse, the Alley Bar, the Bluebird, Upstairs Pub and Jake’s.One local owner said such a change could lead to an increase in local drink prices.The controversy began eight months ago when the Bloomington City Council raised fines for occupancy limit violations, said Patty Mulvihill, an attorney for the city of Bloomington. New occupancy limits were also calculated, and some were cut almost in half.“The occupancy loads were calculated and were questioned by owners if it was the correct load,” Mulvihill said. “The local government then went to the state for guidance.”Occupancy limits are not easily calculated, said Mulvihill. According to state law, all public buildings must be assessed for a maximum occupancy. Bars, taverns and restaurants are all included in the same category and are subject to the same restrictions. Each establishment is held to the code of the year when it was opened.“The code to be followed is based on when the establishment became a bar or tavern, so if it became one in 1962, it would follow the code from 1962,” Mulvihill said.If the bar expanded any time after that, it is then subject to the code of the year it was expanded.Bluebird owner Dave Kubiak said the drop in the limit shocked him. He said his limit was reduced by more than 150 people.“Some places asked for a more accurate assessment,” he said. “We did not expect it to go down.” Bar owners filed an appeal in response to the decision that led to a temporary reprieve of the order on Dec. 30. They also hired their own architect to make an independent assessment with hopes of keeping the higher limits, Kubiak said.Kubiak said he will comply with the limits, but his goal is to have a fair assessment. He said he believed Bloomington has stricter limits than other cities. “I understand that they are trying to make the city safe,” Kubiak said. “All we are asking for is an accurate occupant load similar to other cities around the state.”Bloomington Fire Chief Roger Kerr said fire is not the only overcrowding concern. Even if occupancy limits are followed, some situations can still be dangerous.“With large crowds, there is always a risk of panic,” which could cause serious injury, Kerr said.The Bloomington Fire Department checks the bars regularly and fines to establishments found breaking the rules, Kerr said.Lowering the occupancy limits will likely affect the businesses’ profits. Cover charges are used to pay the bands, and with less people, Kubiak will have to pay lower rates. Drink prices could also jump.“We will have to make judgments based on supply and demand,” he said. “Prices may potentially rise.” The final decision will be made by the state fire marshall’s office after a second inspection Jan. 16, Mulvihill said.Mulvihill said it is not a business issue, but a safety concern.“The fire department is not looking for profits,” Mulvihill said. “It is looking to see how many people can fit safely in a building.”
(01/07/09 9:32pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Just because Indiana had a budget surplus last year does not mean it has money to spend.Gov. Mitch Daniels introduced his new budget plan for Indiana during the Indianapolis Rotary Club luncheon Tuesday. Daniels took office as governor in 2005 and has since worked to balance the state budget.Daniels said Indiana is one of the six states along with Alaska, West Virginia, Colorado, North Dakota and Texas that does not have a budget shortfall. Though the state government has improved its budget, unemployment rates are climbing because of recent problems in the auto industry.Speaking to a crowd of more than 300 Rotary Club members and guests, Daniels emphasized that the actual tax revenues for 2009 will be lower than expected. Daniels called for a change in spending, but not at citizens’ expense. Daniels said many states are cutting corners by letting prisoners out of jail early, citing it posed a danger to society.“There are real human consequences if you mishandle people’s money,” Daniels said.The state revenue for 2010 to 2011 will be an estimated $28.345 billion and will leave $1.3 billion in reserves. Daniels said the state needs to keep that money onhand in case of a crisis.To save money for the state, Daniels proposed to cut agency budgets by 8 percent, eliminate pay raises for sate employees in 2009 and reducing or eliminating programs such as tourism programs, the Fine Arts commission, public broadcasting, waste tire re-use fund and the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System.Daniels also said he wants to postpone state initiatives such as funding for full-day kindergarten, the Hoosier College Promise program, and the Life Sciences Initiative.One area in which Daniels said he does not wish to see cuts is K-12 education. He said plans that work to reform education spending to ensure more money go to the classroom instead of administrative costs. He said he hopes with more efficient spending the state can afford to hire up to 3,000 more teachers.“The education system must be a learning system for children, not an employment bureau for adults,” Daniels said.Daniels added that other funding priorities are public safety, Medicaid and child protection services.Daniels also said while there is a possibility of federal funding, nothing is certain yet.“At this point, we don’t know when, we don’t know how much or under what terms federal money will come,” hesaid.Daniels hopes to use any federal funding toward public works projects such as roads, bridges and sewers and wants to focus aid on long-term investments such as education.During a question-and-answer session after his speech, Daniels addressed the state of higher education funding in Indiana and said a college tuition program to guarantee Indiana students two years at Indiana’s community college, Ivy tech, is a possibility in the future.Concluding his speech, Daniels said he felt that Indiana’s problems were more manageable than most other states’ problems and that Indiana had the possibility to come out of the recession stronger if it managed its budget.Rotary Club member Ron Baker said he was happy with the plan and thought it was straight forward. He said he is still concerned about the recession, which has affected his business.“I don’t think this is going to be over as soon as people think it is,” Baker said. “It is challenging us to work in different ways and restructure.”Matthew Will, Rotary Club member and a finance professor at the University of Indianapolis, said higher education will have to cut costs in the next few years.“We’re going to have to tighten our belts just like everybody else,” he said. “But, luckily, these past few years of financial responsibility are going to make these choices much less painful than in other states.”As for other budget cuts, Will said they are necessary for the state.“I wish nothing would have to be cut, but we don’t live in those times,” Will said. “We have to cut things in order to survive financially.”
(12/23/08 7:24pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For the U.S. auto industry, it is too little too late. President Bush announced a government loan to tide over the Big Three but many fear this will not be enough to save the industry. Representatives from the auto industry met Monday in Indianapolis to discuss the need for government loans to save the auto industry. Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight, and Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold organized the roundtable discussion to raise public awareness of the current troubles of the Big Three automakers. They also wanted to the set the record straight by claiming the new plan was not a government handout, but a loan. Congressman Joe Donnelly spoke at the discussion. He represents several areas including Kokomo, which could be affected by the auto industry collapse. "This is not a bailout. This is a bridge loan," Donnelly said. "There is a public perception that the automakers came begging to Washington without offers or solutions." Officials reached an agreement on the terms of the loan Dec. 19 after several failed attempts earlier this month. The new plan will loan $13.4 billion to tide the companies over, and an additional $4 billion will be available if needed.By March 30, they must present a business plan to show they will be profitable in the future. They must eliminate jobs, close factories and close some dealerships.The loan must be paid back with interest. However, this is not the first time the industry has asked for a bailout. Chrysler was given $1.5 billion in loans that were paid back with interest and helped the company survive another 30 years. Indiana is home to several manufacturing plants that will be affected if the auto industry collapses. GM has four plants in Kokomo and one in Delphi, a company which manufactures auto parts used in GM vehicles, has one. More than 8,000 jobs would be lost if the plants are shut down. The workers will not be the only ones losing an income. "The city collects $16.9 million in property tax from GM and Delphi," Goodnight said. "The city would lose 40 percent of its budget." This is bad news for a city that was recently named one of the fastest dying towns in the United States in a Dec. 9 Forbes Magazine article. Marion has already suffered job losses in the past 10 years with the closing of several factories. Seybold said the city has been able to recover recently by expanding its industries to include software, logistics and other service-based industries. Seybold said he fears a collapse could destroy the recent economic progress. "If the big three were to go down, it would set us back 10 to 15 years," Seybold said. Car dealers will also suffer from the collapse. Rich Burd, owner of Burd Ford in Indianapolis, said dealerships provide "good middle class jobs" and contribute greatly to tax revenues. "A dealer can raise as much as $26,000 in sales taxes in one day," Burd said. "The government cannot afford to lose the money in taxes." One reason the companies might be failing is due to the high labor costs. The average factory employee makes $71 an hour when all benefits are included, compared to the $49 per hour earned by employees at Japanese companies such as Toyota or Honda. High wages, along with rising health care costs and pensions, have also contributed to the crisis. United Auto Workers has negotiated a new contract that will lower pay to $53 per hour starting in 2010. New employees will start at $15 per hour and will have no defined pension or retiree health care program. Maurice "Mo" Davison, director or the U.A.W for Indiana and Kentucky, said though many people blame union members for the three companies' financial woes, he claims that the financial collapse on Wall Street and high gas prices caused to companies' failure. "The big three built what consumers wanted," Davison said, citing the drop in sales due to soaring gas prices. "And now they must adjust." The United States is not the only country where automakers are suffering. Canada agreed Monday to lend more than $4 billion to GM and Chrysler, which operate plants in the country. Japanese-owned Toyota has reported its first loss in 70 years and will operate at a $1.7 billion loss. Talks about astronomical amounts of money have little meaning to the ones hardest hit by the crisis. Factory workers relying on wages, health care and pensions once promised by the big three said they are wondering how they will survive the economic crisis. U.A.W local 23 representative Bill Matthews has worked for GM for 35 years. He said everyone will be hurt by pay cuts and factory closings. "The real question is, can America survive?"
(12/09/08 4:23am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When freshman Brad Stroot went to donate plasma for the first time, the scene looked a little weird.“It was a room full of people sitting at chairs with small bags full of blood,” he said. “It was really bizarre.”Despite his initial hesitance, Stroot is one of the many students who donate plasma as a way to earn extra money.Biolife Plasma Services, which operates a donation center in Bloomington, pays healthy adults for their plasma.While many students and Bloomington residents donate throughout the year, Eric Petty, regional director for Biolife, said donations increase during the holiday season.“We see an increase around November and December. This is also due to the increased need of plasma,” Petty said, citing an increase in accidents.Plasma makes up 57 percent of human blood and blood from clots after a cut or injury. Plasma donated at Biolife is used to make medicine to help burn victims, hemophiliacs and people with primary immune deficiency syndrome. Some of the plasma is also used for researching new drugs and treatments. Petty said that because plasma cannot be made synthetically, there is always a shortage. For their time and plasma, Biolife compensates donors. “If people are willing to donate to us, we are willing to give back,” Petty said.Donors are allowed to give plasma twice a week and are paid $20 for the first donation and $40 for the second. Biolife also offers more money during times when plasma donations are low.Stroot began going to Biolife at the beginning of the school year. Twice a week he donates 880 milliliters of his plasma.While most people should wait 56 days between each blood donation, a person can donate plasma more frequently. Dr. Dan Waxman of the Indiana Blood Center said this is because a plasma donor does not lose red blood cells.“Plasma is replenished readily,” Waxman said. “Someone in good health can donate up to twice a week.”The donation process usually takes an hour. Blood is put though a machine that separates the blood and the plasma. Once the plasma is taken out of the blood, it is replaced with saline and cycled back into the body.Other than the initial puncture of the skin, Stroot said it is usually not a painful process.“The first time I went, they missed the vein and hit a nerve,” he said. “It was the worst pain I had ever felt, but after that it was OK.”There are few side effects to donating plasma. Other than bruising and light-headedness, the process is low risk with minimal side effects. Participants must pass a medical examination prior to donation and sterile equipment is used throughout the procedure.Now that his bi-weekly trips to Biolife have become routine, Stroot has been able to cut down the time it takes to donate to about a half hour by drinking a few glasses of water beforehand. Donors are told to keep well hydrated before and after donating.Sophomore Shea Combs began donating because she needed extra cash.“Basically I was broke,” she said. “And you make $30 an hour.”One other concern is the ethics of plasma donation. Some people wonder if selling plasma is ethical because people are being paid for their body fluids.“Plasma donors are paid because the plasma eventually becomes prescription drugs,” Waxman said. “It is not really unethical.”Stroot said he did not believe it was wrong to get paid for giving plasma as long as there was a need for it. But he said he does not plan to continue donating in the long term.“Honestly,” he said, “I just do it to get by right now.”
(10/27/08 3:53am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Deputy Sarah Jones was remembered as a hero by those who attended her funeral Friday morning at the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.“Sarah lived her life as a hero,” said her childhood friend Eric Wiler, “and she died doing the job she loved.”Jones was struck by a car Oct. 17 while directing traffic on State Road 45 around a wrecker pulling a car out of a ditch. She died two days later from her injuries. SLIDESHOW: Sarah Jones' funeralOriginally from Coldwater, Mich., Jones moved to Bloomington with hopes of joining the police force, a dream she had since childhood.“She knew from an early age she wanted to serve and protect,” Wiler said. “We do not choose this career. God calls us to it.”Wiler also thanked the community for the overwhelming support it has given to the family and friends of Jones and asked that people not forget the sacrifice she made for them while serving.Jones served in the U.S. Air Force for four and a half years before finishing her degree in criminal justice from the American Military University. She first served in the Montgomery Police Department in Montgomery, Ala., before coming to Bloomington with her husband, Chris.More than 800 members of law enforcement came to show support for the family of Jones, said Darren Sroufe, chairman of the Incident/Memorial Committee of the Fraternal Order of Police, which helped organize the funeral for the family. The committee also works with the Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors, an organization that helps surviving family members of law enforcement deal with grief.“Unfortunately we are well practiced,” Sroufe said, who has worked on the committee for 15 years.Officers from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department were in attendance, as well as officers from Texas, Alabama, Kentucky and Michigan and all around the state of Indiana.Sheriff Jim Kennedy spoke at the funeral about the severe loss for the family and the police force.“With the ceremony, we are hoping that it will somehow lighten the collective grief,” he said. “But somehow it never does.”He also spoke of the high level of dedication and passion that Jones showed for her job.“Sarah devoted her life to policing,” he said. “We will miss her, but we will not forget her.”Gene Cobb, pastor of the First Church of Christ from Coldwater, said Jones was not one to stand on the sidelines. Though she knew the job was dangerous, it did not stop her from serving.“Some people will say that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. “But that is not true because all officers are right where they want to be.”Following the funeral, Jones was taken back to the funeral home. A procession took Jones back to Michigan on Saturday where there was a visitation Sunday. She will be buried today.
(10/14/08 4:10am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>By 5 on a Friday night, most IU students are finishing school and making plans for the weekend, but senior Clark Baker, 25, is just starting his day.“The hours aren’t bad,” he said. “But my sleep schedule is weird.”Baker is one of the 25 employees that serve more than 500 customers that come to Kilroy’s Bar & Grill on a typical Friday night. Employees are assigned to either the Happy Hour shift that lasts until 10 p.m. or the later shift from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m.Before the night can begin, the bartenders must set up the bar and restock everything from alcohol to napkin holders. But employees cannot begin serving drinks until they have paid their dues. All potential bartenders must first work as a doorman, server and a bar back.Although Baker has worked each job, bartending has been the most lucrative position. On a busy night he can make $250 to $300 in tips.Bartenders must work at least one weekend night and one weekday, but most employees, like Baker, work three to four days a week.The chaotic environment does not deter students from working at the popular bar, but retaining staff can be a challenge because students eventually graduate, said general manager David Prall. To weed out less serious employees, Prall requires that employees work several other positions before becoming a bartender.“I don’t hire bartenders,” Prall said. “Employees have to work their way up.”Other than retaining staff, Prall said retaining shot glasses has been one of the biggest challenges. Prall said customers often try to steal the shot glasses with the Kilroy’s logo printed on them.“Sometimes it just gets ridiculous,” he said. “We have had customers try to steal 10 or 20 shot glasses at a time.”Prall said about 500 shots glasses are on hand in the bar at all times. Because of theft, Kilroy’s must order new glasses at least twice a month to keep enough on hand. To combat theft, he said some shot glasses do not have the Kilroy’s logo anymore.“We just try to think of it as our advertising budget,” Prall said, noting that the bar does not usually advertise.IU graduate Josh Luft, 24, has worked at Kilroy’s for three and a half years and has been a bartender longer than any current employee. Because he is a senior bartender, he is able to work in preferred areas along the bar. Regulars usually congregate at the back of the bar near the beer pong table, Luft said. The bar is also wider to keep unruly customers at a further distance.“It is better to work farther back because you can be more selective about who you serve, and it is less hectic,” he said.Bartending during busy nights can get chaotic, especially when students get impatient. Luft said he has had customers throw ice and even grab his arm to get his attention.“It just gives you a shock because you are so focused on your job,” he said. “It is difficult when you have so many people yelling at you for drinks.”During special events such as the Little 500 and Homecoming, the bar is especially crowded and bartenders often feel overwhelmed.“At first I would get anxious and try to serve everyone,” Luft said. “But the older bartenders would tell me to calm down. We aren’t saving lives, and no one is going to die if they don’t get a drink.”Bartending can also be confusing at first because of the extensive list of shooters a bartender must learn. Customers often invent their own shooters or ask the bartender to make one up. Even with a wide range of drinks offered, Baker said that one drink, the Long Island Iced Tea, was by far the most popular drink requested.“Learning the shooters is difficult at first,” he said. “But first all you have to learn how to pour is a Long Island. The rest you can learn as you go.”
(10/08/08 9:38pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When senior Jacob Jamili needed more than one energy drink to make it though the morning, he knew he had to cut back.“I couldn’t stay awake during my morning classes without a Red Bull,” he said. “And after a while it wasn’t working as well.”Jamili would also drink beverages with caffeine to stay awake to study late at night. But he eventually found he was not getting enough sleep. Soon Jamili said he would occasionally develop headaches when he needed more caffeine.Though caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world, it is not very strong and does not usually lead to any serious long term problems, said George Rebec, a professor for the Program in Neuroscience at IU. Caffeine does, however, have a profound effect on the brain.Rebec said that caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, preventing them from detecting the real adenosine, a chemical which usually promotes drowsiness. Those who use caffeine are artificially making their brain “stay awake,” he said.Bobbie Saccone, a registered dietician from the IU Health Center, said caffeine has a stimulating effect on the body. Increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, sleep disturbances, anxiety, digestive system disturbances and an irregular heartbeat can be caused by the overuse of caffeine. These effects usually go away once a person ceases consuming the drug.Caffeine, though commonly used to keep a person awake, does not actually give the body “energy.” A calorie is a unit of energy that comes from food or beverages and is what fuels the body, not caffeine, Saccone said. “I recommend just getting more sleep,” Saccone said.Caffeine can be found in a wide variety of food and beverages. Most common in sodas and energy drinks, caffeine is also found in chocolate and over-the-counter pills, Saccone said. She added that the amount of caffeine in a beverage can vary greatly. The average cup of coffee has 75 milligrams of caffeine. But coffee shops usually sell cups that are 16 to 20 ounces and contain as much as three times more caffeine than coffee made at home.Stopping the use of caffeine is possible and does not usually cause too many problems. While there is no standard treatment, stopping intake suddenly may cause headaches.“There have not been too many reports of people having problems with decreasing caffeine use,” said Saccone. “But you should decrease consumption slowly.”Worried students who drink coffee to stay awake occasionally should not be alarmed, Rebec said.“One cup of coffee a day is probably not so bad.”
(10/06/08 5:15am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Candidates for MTV’s “The Real World” were only asked about two subjects during their interviews Saturday: sex and politics.About 200 hopeful candidates attended the casting for the MTV reality show at Jake’s Nightclub and Bar this weekend. Candidates were interviewed in small groups and were asked which presidential candidate they would vote for and why.They were also asked if they had to live on a deserted island with a celebrity and only have sex with that person, who would it be.Candidates first had to fill out an application and then were interviewed for 15 minutes in groups. The casting directors then called a few candidates back for a second interview the following day.Bloomington resident Stephanie Garza said she tried out for the show because it is an unusual opportunity. Though she feels she is outgoing, she was concerned about setting herself apart from other candidates in such a short time.“It takes time to get to know me,” she said.Garza received a call back for a second interview Sunday.“The casting director said he liked my interview and wanted to do another one,” she said. “After that I was given another application with more questions.”Garza must do a taped interview here in Bloomington before she knows if she made it to the next round.Casting director Martin Booker said he was looking for several qualities in the candidates.“We aren’t just looking for people who look good,” he said. “It has to be a combination of personality and what they have to say.”Booker emphasized that the show does not try to cast stereotypes, but hopes to bring together seven strangers from different backgrounds. In the past, the show has had cast members with different racial and economic backgrounds as well as different sexual orientations.“The show is different because it is not a competition, it is more of a documentary,” he said. “We are looking for people who are willing to learn and who want to expand their world.”But living with six other strangers with different backgrounds can be a cause of tension in the house.Kimberly Alexander, a cast member from the 20th season, “The Real World: Hollywood,” said living in the house was an eye-opening experience that made her question her conservative upbringing.“You are living with people that are nothing like you,” she said. “I was changing my views on life and learning so much.”Alexander also said filming eventually became difficult because cameras had to follow her at all times.“They are in your face the moment you wake up,” she said. “At some point we were all exhausted and wanted to be left alone.”But the rewards of being a cast member have outweighed the benefits.“I made so many business contacts, and now I have more job opportunities,” she said.Booker has worked for the show for five years and said castings have changed throughout the years.“Before kids didn’t seem to care about politics,” he said. “But now it is a heated debate in the casting sessions.”The show, while still popular, has attracted fewer applicants in recent years, Booker said. This is due to proliferation of reality television.In the past, he would see about 1,000 applicants in one day, and now it is 250 at most. Even with fewer candidates, Booker still looks for people that will make the show interesting.“We try to get the best possible people from different backgrounds,” he said. “We like to mix and match personalities to create the most ‘real’ situation possible.”
(10/03/08 4:55am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Jake’s Nightclub and Bar will open its doors on Saturday to people hoping to have their lives taped 24 hours a day and broadcast on national TV.From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an open casting call for the 22nd season of the MTV reality show, “The Real World.”Entertainment manager Dan Coleman said Bunim/Murray Productions first contacted Jake’s with the idea to hold a casting call in Bloomington.“Not many people know about it yet,” Coleman said. “This is the first time we have hosted an event like this, so we will play it by ear.”Coleman does not know how many people will show up, but both the front and back rooms will be open for casting to deal with large crowds. Two lines will begin at 10 a.m. and will be cut off at exactly 5 p.m.The casting is done entirely through the Bunim/Murray production company, which has produced the show for 22 seasons. The production company is hosting a nationwide tour to select seven strangers to live and work together in a house.Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24, bring a recent photo and a picture ID. While there are no strict guidelines for who will be selected, the company offered tips.Executive Producer Jonathan Murray said in a press release that the company looks for “characters from real life” and “people with strong personalities who are not afraid to speak their minds.”Applicants who are seasoned travelers, speak Spanish fluently, have leadership skills, have musical ability and are athletic are preferred, but these are not requirements.The open call is not the only way to apply. Applicants can also submit an online application at www.bunim-murray.com and send a VHS tape or DVD to the company.Coleman is hopeful for a large turnout and encourages applicants to arrive early.“It is going to be a long day,” he said.
(09/17/08 6:51pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When getting ready for school, IU junior Keith Loman puts on jeans, a T-shirt, and occasionally, a dog collar.“I used to wear a dog collar,” said Loman, who is part of a small community on campus that participates in BDSM. “Sometimes people would ask about it or classmates would stare, but it wasn’t a big deal.”Loman said many people who participate in BDSM will wear collars or necklaces to signify submissiveness. The image of BDSM that most people conjure when they hear the term involves whips, chains and other forms of inflicting pain. But Debby Herbenick, an assistant research scientist at the Center for Sexual Health, said the term describes a wide range of sexual behavior. “There really is no standard definition for BDSM,” said Herbenick. “It just means there are usually one or more elements of bondage, domination, sadomasochism, submission or power play.”Role playing is the basis of BDSM, Herbenick said. Common scenarios such as “boss and secretary” or “police officer and prisoner” are a part of the act.“There is nothing ‘wrong’ with someone who enjoys BDSM,” said Herbenick. “Domination is about feeling powerful, and that can be exciting to people – even if it is not in the bedroom.”Role play can be used to “spice up” a relationship, Herbenick said, and it is more common among married or committed couples.“There are not as many interesting sexual behaviors among students as among adults,” she said. “This is because many students are not sexually active or do not have sex regularly.”Herbenick said there is no clear line between when “vanilla” sex stops and BDSM begins.To distinguish between levels of BDSM, Loman said there is a scale used in the BDSM community called the “chocolate” rating system.“My friends and I picked up the ‘chocolate rating system’ at a convention,” said Loman. “‘Vanilla’ is for plain, typical sex, ‘milk chocolate’ would be for some bondage, blindfolds and gags. ‘Dark chocolate’ is when people use whips and chains to inflict pain. ‘Pure chocolate’ is with heavy bondage and suspension and would be almost just fetishism and not really about sex.”Sophomore Lillian Feldman-Hill, said BDSM is not as extreme as most people think. “BDSM is mostly role play and a cross between the senses. It is a mixture of pain and pleasure.”The pain aspect of BDSM causes a lot of negative stereotypes, Feldman-Hill said, and sometimes outsiders see it as abuse.“BDSM is not abuse as long as it is between two consenting adults,” she said.Herbenick said the common mantra of BDSM is “Safe, Sane and Consensual.”“BDSM requires good communication. It is not always painful, and a person is in charge of what happens to them,” she said. “BDSM actually focuses on safety.”To ensure that all the activity is consensual, “safe words” are used. “Safe words are important because BDSM involves acting out fantasies,” said Herbenick. “Part of the role might be to say ‘no’ or ‘stop,’ so it is important to know when ‘no’ actually means ‘no.’ The word has to be something that the person would not say during sex, like ‘tomato.’”On campus, BDSM is more openly accepted at the Collins Living-Learning Center, Feldman-Hill said.“It is a very taboo subject in most places, but not in Collins.”Feldman-Hill said that sex and BDSM are topics she can freely discuss with her friends.“I know about seven people that are open about it,” said Feldman-Hill. “But there are more that are not.”Outside the Collins community, the BDSM community has a more subtle presence. While there is no specific dress code, BDSMers wear certain colors or items of clothing to express themselves.“It’s not like everyone is wearing black or has on handcuffs all the time,” he said. “People dress so they know when it is playtime or not.”Eroticon, a BDSM-friendly event, according to its MySpace page, will be held in the spring at Jake’s Nightclub, though no definitive date is set yet. The event features supervised “play spaces,” information on risk reduction and safety and other demonstrations.The annual screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, which occurs near Halloween, is a popular event for students involved in BDSM because of the opportunity to dress in full regalia. Loman attended the show last year.“People who go aren’t necessarily into it,” he said. “But given the nature of the show, I would assume they are tolerant of it.” It is presented by the Cardinal Stage Company and has sold out since its inception in 2005.“The movie has a cult following,” said Danielle McClelland, executive director of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. “People usually dress up in full costume.”Neither Loman nor Feldman-Hill has experienced any negative attention for their BDSM-related attire, and Feldman-Hill said she does not feel threatened in Bloomington for displaying her involvement in the BDSM community.“Bloomington as a whole is more accepting of BDSM culture than a small town,” she said. Though Bloomington has a reputation for being more liberal, Herbenick said that misconceptions toward BDSM are not uncommon.“There is a stereotype that Bloomington is different than other places, but sexually speaking BDSM is more common than people think,” she said.On campus, Herbenick gives lectures to student groups about sexual health and has given lectures on BDSM. Sometimes enacting actual BDSM role playing proves to be a challenge on campus, especially in the dorms, Loman said.“If you want to have harnesses or suspension you would need your own house,” said Loman. “To have an actual ‘dungeon’ would be more of an investment. There isn’t much you can do in the dorms, but supposedly college beds are good because they have four posts.”
(04/16/07 4:00am)
Candy-colored corsets and funky patterns ruled the runway at this year’s Apparel Merchandising Organization annual fashion show.\nThis year’s theme was “Sweet Dreams: A Sugar High Fantasy.” Models walked down the runway to candy-themed music while carrying lollipops and soda bottles as props.\nThe show was divided into eight ‘fantasies’, each with clothing from different Bloomington-area stores Charlotte Russe, Hayley’s Boutique, B Boutique, Cha Cha and Wal-Mart. In addition to clothing from stores, the show featured design students from the Costume Construction Technology and Fashion Design Individualized Major Programs.\nThe show began with clothing from Charlotte Russe and featured the current spring trends such as bright colors, sun dresses and floral prints. \nThe second scene was a presentation of corsets, made by CCT students. Design students updated the usual design with different colors and patterns.\nSenior and CCT student James DiMartino spent the semester designing a navy and red corset for the show. He also designed a pleated skit and two dresses for two other sections of the show.\nStudent designers also made clothing for the business/causal section and the formal gown section. Fashion Design major senior Jessica Tryba designed a full skirted burgundy gown, a pencil skirt for the business section and a yellow corset. \n Fashion design and CCT majors also presented clothing in the business/casual scene, and the formal gown scene. \nIn addition to designing clothing, 26 IU students had the chance to model in the show. \nModels auditioned in February and have been rehearsing for the show all semester, said model junior Ryan Gordon.\n“We have been rehearsing since before spring break.” said Gordon. “I was gung ho from the beginning.”\nModels had to learn to walk with confidence and practice their timing on the runway.\nFreshman and Apparel Merchandising major Angela Beaudion said walking in the show as a great experience.\n“I did this because I want to work in fashion,” she said. “And I wanted to work on my shyness.”\nOrganizer junior Kelsea Foist said the AMO has been planning the show since September. The AMO had to audition models, find outfits and sponsors and find donations for their annual auction. With all of the planning, the show went on with few difficulties. \n“I was happy with the show,” said Foist. “We had a few problems, but it all went smoothly.”\nBefore the show there was a ‘sample sale’ of designer clothing and an auction of items donated to the AMO. Foist said that the show raised more than $5,000 that will go towards scholarships for Apparel Merchandising students.
(04/09/07 4:00am)
With just a piece of sewing thread, Joyce Masih is able to create a perfectly arched eyebrow. This method of hair removal, known as “threading,” originated in India and is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. Masih brought threading to Bloomington two years ago with her store, Eyebrow Style.\nMasih said threading is the most popular method of hair removal in India.\n“Everyone in India uses threading,” she said. “(Indians) never wax.”\nTo remove hair, sewing thread is wound between both hands to create a special knot. It is then used to pull out unwanted hairs from the eyebrow, creating an arch. The entire process takes 5 to 7 minutes, Masih said.\nMasih, a native from India, learned to thread as part of her schooling while she lived there. She said there is no set amount of time needed to learn threading, and it depends on the amount of practice.\nThreading is cheaper and more sanitary than waxing, Masih said, who charges $8 to thread eyebrows. By pulling out only a few hairs at a time, Masih said it is also more accurate. Bloomington resident and IU alumna Jenny Gibson prefers threading because of the accuracy.\n“They are more precise,” she said. “They do a really good job.”\nGibson began threading over a year ago because she felt it was less painful.\n“I used to pluck my eyebrows, but it hurt too much,” she said. “I prefer threading because they don’t use harsh products and I don’t have any breakouts.”\nThough many prefer threading, it does not come without its downside.\n“It does hurt the first time,” Gibson said. “It felt like she was rubbing sandpaper across my face.” \nMasih said customers are frequently impressed with her work.\n“Customers are surprised,” she said. “They ask, ‘How did you do that?’” \nMasih said her business has been growing in the past two years.\n“More and more people come here because they don’t want to wax,” she said\nPain is another reason some women choose threading. IU junior Janelle Page experienced discomfort with waxing.\n“I would always get burned when I waxed my eyebrows,” Page said.\nWhile customers may experience discomfort, the results are worth it,\n“I get compliments every time,” Gibson said. “Even men notice.” \nGibson said she has been sold on threading and said she does not plan to go back to tweezing or waxing her eyebrows. \n“My life is easier,” she said. “I could never stop.”\nIn addition to eyebrows, Masih offers different types of facial hair removal ranging from $8 to $30. Masih also does temporary Henna tattoos. Eyebrow Style is located in a kiosk in the College Mall. Call 323-9885 for more details.
(04/09/07 4:00am)
Mermaids, punk rockers and sequined dresses invaded Bluebird on Saturday night for the fifth annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Prom. Bluebird was transformed into this year’s theme, “Under the Sea.” Supporters were encouraged to dress for the theme, in prom dresses or in rock ‘n’ roll attire. \nAttendee Alissa Jordan dressed as a mermaid in a pink gown covered in seashells, and said she spent five hours creating her costume.\n“I came to benefit the charity,” she said. “And I love dressing up.”\nBloomington resident Matte Weltschmerz followed the theme in a suit with a large stuffed animal octopus on his shoulder.\n“I wanted to support Boxcar,” he said, “And I like octopi.”\nOther attendees were dressed as punk rockers complete with mohawks and red hair.\nIn addition to a disc jockey, three different bands were formed to play cover songs from classic rockers such as The Pixies, Tina Turner and Iggy Pop and the Stooges. The Pixies band member Matt Romy said that said their performance went well.\n“The crowd liked it and I think we played close to our best,” he said. “It was thrown together at the last minute, and we spent a lot of time practicing.” \n Romy also said he and his band wanted to support Boxcar Books.\n“Boxcar is a great place and this was a good opportunity to support it.”\nMembers from the local bands Puppy vs. Dyslexia, Green Fuzz Society and One Reason performed songs from the legendary rockers Iggy Pop and the Stooges.\nTina Tuner songs were performed by The All-Girl Summer Fun Cover Band.\nIn between each set, a skit was performed by three drag queens. \nThe event has traditionally been held in the Second Story Pub but was moved to Bluebird after it closed down. Event organizer Steven Stothard said he hopes Bluebird will draw more people and a more diverse crowd.\n“This is our main fundraising event.” he said before the event. “About 500 people usually attend, but with the bigger venue we are hoping for about 800.” Stothard estimates that about 500 people attended the event Saturday. \nStothard said Bluebird is an ideal place for the fundraiser because of its size and multiple bars. He said that the popularity of the event has grown enough for it to move to a bigger location. \nThe fundraiser was a split benefit for both Boxcar Books and The Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project. The money will help support Boxcar Books, a nonprofit organization with books and other literature about social justice, independent media and fiction for Bloomington residents. The store also provides a place for community groups to meet. The Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project provides free books to prisoners in the Midwest. All of the money raised came from ticket sales and the photo booth, said Stothard. \n“We charge $6 per person, $10 for couples and $15 for a menage trois,” said Stothard, “and for couples, we say ‘gender-schmender.’” \n Stothard said the prom usually raises about $5,000 each year, which is split evenly between the two organizations. This year, Stothard said the fundraiser only brought in about $3,000.\n“It is a fundraiser for both organizations, but all of the money gets funneled back into Bloomington,” he said. “We hope to make it a more radical place.”\nFor more information on Boxcar Books, go to www.boxcarbooks.org and for Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project, go to www.pagestoprisoners.org.
(03/29/07 4:00am)
Sarah Taylor, sophomore, voice, French and Liberal Arts and Management Program\nSophomore Sarah Taylor is serious about music, but she doesn’t let it limit her.\nAlong with voice, she is majoring in French, and is in the Liberal Arts and Management Program.\n“I came to IU because I wanted the full college experience,” Taylor said. “It’s not that I am not serious about music, but now is the time for me to explore other options.”\nTaylor said music has taught her discipline but wanted majors that would give her more real-world preparation. As a sophomore, she’s considered young in the opera world, and most singers to not peak until their 30s, she said.\n“It takes awhile to establish a vocal career,” she said, “and with these degrees, I will be able to do whatever I want.”\nTaylor has been involved in music from a young age. She began singing at home and at church with her family. In high school, Taylor began attending music festivals and entering competitions and decided to pursue music when she was 15 after watching a classical performance.\nBecause of her age, she said that most roles in the operas are given to upperclassmen and graduate students. \n“I was disappointed at first, but this gives me a chance to focus on my technique without having to compete,” she said.\nTaylor has several activities outside of the music school. She is a Wells Scholar, an IU Auditorium student manager and a campus tour guide.\nTaylor enjoys her music classes, but finds theory to be difficult because of the new material. \n“Our homework is a lot different,” she said. “Theory class is like learning a whole new language.” But “if you want to succeed, you have to work. Studying music has made me disciplined in my other areas of study.”\nDespite the difficulties, Taylor remains adamant about her decision to study music.\n“I am passionate about art and human expression,” she said. “(Professors) tell us, if you could see yourself doing anything else, don’t do music.”
(03/22/07 4:00am)
When playwright Sarah Treem wrote “Empty Sky” she asked herself one question: “What kind of god would ask a father to kill his son?”\n“I always start writing a play with a question. I want the audience to leave the theater thinking about the questions,” Treem said. \nTreem’s latest play will cover difficult topics like family, faith and forgiveness. Director Richard Perez said the play covers tough issues that speak to people of all ages.\n“The play speaks in a language that often teeters between the poetic and gritty,” said Perez in a press release. “And it’s (the play) not afraid to ask big questions about our personal search for faith and spirituality and how we come to terms with the mistakes we have made in the past.”\n“Empty Sky” tells the story of a rabbi named Abraham and the turmoil his family faces when a boy shows up claiming to be his son from an affair he had with an Arab woman 20 years earlier. \nThe play is a modern interpretation of the biblical story in which God asks Abraham to kill his only son.\nTreem said this play is also focused the structure of families.\n“This story is about fathers and sons. It is about what makes a family,” Treem said. “It deals with issues of faith. I think it appeals to everyone.”\nPerez said preparation for the play has been both difficult and easy.\n“We didn’t approach it differently than any other play,” Perez said. “But it was challenging because it has such beautiful, poetic language.”\n“Empty Sky” was selected by the Bloomington Playwright’s Project for the Riva Shiner Full-Length Play Contest from more than 300 submissions, said Sonja Johnson, director of development. The plays are from a variety of genres and are read by the selection committee. Johnson said that the committee looks for plays that the audience will enjoy.\n“We accept all kinds of plays,” Johnson said. “We are always looking for a wonderful play.”\nPerez assisted in the selection of the play.\n“I read it three years ago when it was a finalist in the competition. In our old space we did not have room for it. When we moved I encouraged her to enter again.” Perez said.\nTreem, who wrote this play while attending Yale University, has only seen her play performed at a Yale workshop and will be attending Friday’s performance. \nTreem began writing at a young age. She was influenced by the plays she attended with her grandmother.\n“I started writing plays when I was 12; it was a way for me to deal with angst,” she said. “I didn’t make the decision to be a playwright; it is a profession that chooses you.”\nThis coming year Treem’s plays will be performed across the country.\n“Next year will be a big year for me. I have plays opening up in New York, Portland and L.A.” she said.\nPlays selected for the award have never been produced commercially. This will be the first time that the play is performed in a theater.\nPerez is excited about the cast and the play.\n“I think we have a great cast,” Perez said. “I think the play has something for all ages – high school, college and older folks.”\n“Empty Sky” will run at 8 p.m. this Thursday through Saturday, March 29 through 31 and April 5 through 7. Matinee performances will be held at 2 p.m. March 25 and April 1. The Bloomington Playwright Project is located at 107 W. Ninth St. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors. Student rush tickets will be available for $5 five minutes before showtime. For more information, visit http://www.bloomingtonplays.org.
(02/13/07 6:37am)
July 21, 2007, will mark the end of an era for freshman Scott Lillard.\n"I've been a 'Harry Potter' fan since seventh grade," Lillard said.\nThe last book in the "Harry Potter" series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," will be released this July to the joy and sorrow of many.\nAuthor J.K. Rowling announced the release date Feb. 1 on her Web site.\n"I can hardly believe that I've finally written the ending I've been planning for so many years," Rowling said on JKRowling.com.\nMelissa Anelli, founder of the popular "Harry Potter" fan site The Leaky Cauldron, was shocked to find out the release date.\n"We actually had a few e-mails from people who work in publishing, the night before, (who) had been contacted by Scholastic about an impending big announcement." Anelli said in an e-mail interview.\nShe has mixed emotions about the ending of the series.\n"I feel elated that I get to be part of this period of literary history," Anelli said. "I feel horribly sad that this period is ending. I feel like someone who's been given a wonderful gift, but someone who also knows that it's the last gift she'll get."\nThe news is bittersweet for David Oldenkamp, the international studies librarian at the Herman B Wells Library.\n"I am sad that this is the last book," he said, "but then again, I don't want more books just for the sake of more books."\nWith the release of each book, "Harry Potter" fans celebrate in different ways.\nMidnight parties on the release date are popular among fans. Jav Williams of the Borders Books, Music, Movies and Cafe in Bloomington said they will be having a midnight release party. \n"I want to a go to a midnight party," Oldenkamp said. "I think it would be cool to have one here at the library."\nFans from across the nation have already created a midnight-release event on Facebook with 21,367 confirmed guests, as of press time.\nAnelli and the volunteers of The Leaky Cauldron have celebrated the release dates differently,\n"We've never had a big party because we've always been so busy," Anelli said. "For book five, I really didn't think Leaky would explode the way it has; it was still a manageable hobby then. I just had some friends at my house and we read it together. For book six, Jo (Rowling) brought me to Scotland to read the book and interview her. ... For book seven, as long as I get that book and I'm with my friends, the world is as it should be."\nPredictions of Harry's fate have varied among fans.\n"I expect Harry to go after Voldemort, and given the more tragic turn the series has taken so far I'm not sure whether he'll survive." Lillard said.\nOldenkamp believes Harry will survive.\n"I think Harry will defeat Voldemort in a grand battle," he said. "I also think that Snape will come over to Harry's side. And I don't think Harry, Ron or Hermione will die."\nAnelli also believes that Harry will defeat Voldemort and predicts romance for certain characters.\n"Harry will live, Voldemort will die, Ron and Hermione will finally get together and we'll close the book happy." Anelli said.\nEven though the release date is still months away, bookstores have already begun taking pre-orders, selling the books at deep discounts.\nReports that the book will sell for $65 are only referring to a deluxe edition.\nEven with the series coming to a close, Oldenkamp said he is not discouraged.\n"This has inspired so many kids to read and write their own stories," he said. "I've been able to take kids from 'Harry Potter' or C.S. Lewis if they are younger, or J.R.R. Tolkien if they are older."
(02/09/07 7:55pm)
A crowd of shivering students rushes toward a packed red and white bus as it pulls up to the main library. After a few students board, the bus fills to capacity and disappointed students return to the sidewalk to wait for the next one.\nWith the recent drop in temperature and bad weather comes an increase in students who use the Campus Bus Service.\n"Of course the buses are more crowded during the winter -- it is much easier to walk to class when the weather is nice," said Kent McDaniel, IU assistant director of transportation services.\nOvercrowding on the buses is a concern for some students, said sophomore Krystina Neuman, who said she believed such crowds could be dangerous.\nSophomore James Hopkins also said he believes that overcrowding is a problem with on-campus buses, especially at certain times of day.\n"They should have more buses scheduled when classes end so there aren't as many people," Hopkins said. \nWhile students may want more buses, the busing service is already stretched thin, McDaniel said.\n"We already have as many drivers and buses out as we can," McDaniel said. "We don't have enough money for more buses."\nFreshman Kristi Fox said she has to leave earlier for her classes when taking the bus.\n"I haven't had to wait more than five minutes, but I have to leave earlier because there are more people and it takes longer for the bus to get down Third Street," she said.\nThe delays are not surprising for freshman Molly Sinks.\n"The buses are a little late, but the delays are to be expected because it is winter," Sinks said.\nAccording to the campus bus Web site, buses are designed to hold as many riders standing as are sitting. McDaniel said students should not be worried about overcrowding, even in the winter.\n"The buses actually do better in the snow than cars," McDaniel said. "We have a lot of great drivers with years of experience."\nBut with snow and ice on the ground, students might find the bus schedules erratic. Hopkins said the buses he frequents are often not on schedule.\n"When it snows, it seems like everything grinds to a halt," he said.\nSnow can affect bus schedules, but the increased number of cars on the road due to students driving to classes also causes delays, McDaniel said.\n"There is a lot of congestion and traffic on the road," McDaniel said. "Students need to dress warm and be patient."\nThough students may have to wait longer for a bus, they are generally happy with the service, Neuman said.\n"I think that it's great we have the buses, because a lot of other schools don't," she said.
(02/05/07 3:47am)
Playful, active, neighborly, artistic. Bloomington residents are all these things. They will have the opportunity to celebrate such qualities this year with the "Be Bloomington" campaign. \nSponsored by Mayor Mark Kruzan and Bloomington, the campaign will feature a different theme each month, along with activities that support it.\n"I campaigned on the importance of preserving and promoting community character and wanted to follow through on that commitment once I was elected," Kruzan said in an e-mail.\nMaria Heslin, communications director for the city of Bloomington, is in charge of the yearlong program.\n"Be Bloomington was designed to celebrate the unique character of the city. The community is encouraged to participate in the activities," Heslin said.\nEach month's events will be organized by a local nonprofit organization. The Bloomington Animal Care and Control department will be hosting events on pet safety and care to go with February's theme of "Be Compassionate."\nAlong with nonprofit organizations, local businesses will also be contributing.\n"We have CFC Inc. and Irwin Union Bank," Heslin said. "We also have the Tutto Bene wine bar providing space and refreshments for an event this month."\nThe response from the community has surprised the organizers.\n"Some groups have had unexpected results. This past August, the Girl Scouts had a booth at the Farmer's Market and were able to get 50 new volunteers," Heslin said.\nWith the impact of the program, it will most likely be a permanent part of the city's community programming.\n"Given its success and its very low cost, the initiative has earned a permanent spot in our administration," Kruzan said in an e-mail. \nThis past month's theme was "Be healthy." The Monroe County YMCA featured a family night that also featured health and wellness information tables from the Bloomington Hospital.\nAlong with support from residents, local radio station B97 has played a role in promoting the campaign, \n"We support (the campaign) because B97 is Bloomington's radio station," B97 general sales manager Dale Clark said. In addition to promotional spots, the station also conducts on-air interviews. "We want to do anything we can to help the community," he said.\nFor more information on the "Be Bloomington" campaign, call 349-2222 or go to www.bloomington.in.gov/bbbb.
(01/31/07 4:45am)
"Do you hear that? He's playing it backwards!" yells an energetic professor over the blaring rock music at the front of the lecture hall. \nAndy Hollinden, teacher and creator of Music Z403: The Music of Jimi Hendrix, is talking about the structure of the song "Are You Experienced?"\nThe class, first offered in the summer of 2000, is offered by the Department of Music in General Studies.\n"Hendrix is one of those artists, to a young person, they hear older people talk about all the time," Hollinden said. "I want them to experience firsthand what it is people have been talking about for the past 40 years."\nThe class, offered in the spring, focuses on the music and life of legendary American guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Students listen to his music, watch performance footage and hear unique stories about his life from Hollinden.\n"Until you actually listen to the music, discuss the lyrics and watch the performance footage, you cannot fully appreciate him," Hollinden said.\nSenior Heather Bray said she signed up for the course after taking a previous rock 'n' roll music class.\n"I took the Beatles class from Hollinden," she said. "I thought he was a great teacher, and I am very interested in rock 'n' roll."\nThe class fulfills the COAS arts and humanities requirement and also counts toward a music minor. \n"Initially, I wanted to take the Beatles class," said senior Phil McLaughlin, "but they don't offer it in the spring. (This class) is still very interesting, and it fulfills the requirement for my music minor."\nThe class attracts students from various backgrounds who all share an interest in Hendrix's music. There are no prerequisites for the class, and most students are not music majors, Hollinden said. Students are, however, required to obtain Hendrix's music and be able to recognize and discuss his songs.\n"I have to listen to Hendrix repeatedly. When I hear the story behind a song, I want to learn more," McLaughlin said.\nHollinden is enthusiastic about teaching the course since the subject is one that is personal to him.\n"I have been a Hendrix fan since I was 6 years old," Hollinden said. "I most enjoy when people who have little knowledge about him turn into Hendrix nuts"
(01/25/07 4:07am)
The latest trend gracing the runways this season won't be a new Chanel bag or Dolce & Gabanna jeans, but healthier models. \nThe Manhattan-based Council for Fashion Designers of America has proposed a set of guidelines for the upcoming season, which begins in February, to combat the ultra-thin standard for models.\nThere are no weight requirements, but designers are asked to have fittings for younger models during the daytime, provide healthy backstage catering, and identify models who may have eating disorders.\nModel weight is not an issue for the IU Apparel Merchandising Organization when casting models for its annual runway show. The organization's membership officer, junior Kelsea Foist, along with the Apparel Merchandising Association, is organizing a runway show this spring, but size-0 models aren't their focus, she said.\n"We aren't looking for a particular body type or person, just someone with a good personality and who will have fun with it," Foist said. \nThese guidelines are part of a growing movement that the Spanish Association of Fashion Designers began last fall in Madrid.\nRunway models in the Spanish capital will be required to have a body mass index of at least 18. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, adults with a BMI under 18.5 are considered to be underweight.\nModels who have an extremely low BMI are at risk for health complications or even death, as in the case of Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston.\nAccording to an article in the BBC, her death in November sent shock waves through the fashion industry. Weighing in at 88 pounds, she died in a hospital from complications of anorexia.\nIn November 2006, organizers in Milan, Italy, followed suit by requiring underage models to have chaperones and to carry licenses that says they are healthy, according to the BBC.\nThe new regulations have not come without protest, but whether they will have an impact on the fashion industry is still unknown. \nDanielle Drasin, a freshman apparel-merchandising major, is skeptical.\n"The industry is based on a certain body type," she said. "I don't believe it will ever change completely."\nDrasin said the preference for ultra-thin models began in the 1990s with the "heroin chic" look.\n"There was a huge drug craze and everyone wanted to imitate celebrities," she said.\nThe need for thin models is also fueled by the designer's vision.\n"I think that the designers have an idea of how they want the clothes to look," Foist said. "I think that fashion shows should be more about the clothes than what is underneath."\nDoctors and women's groups have been calling for healthier models, saying the ultra-thin models are sending the wrong kind of body image.\n"I think people see models on runways and think that is the ideal and that is what perfection looks like," Foist said, "but in reality it is not"