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(11/03/09 5:23am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>At the IU Auditorium on Monday, there was no blaring music, no multimedia video clips, no flamboyant costumes and no special effects – just Bob Dylan’s black fedora hat, raspy vocals, soulful harmonica and classic rock tunes.The crowd’s genuine love for the rock, folk and blues legend was evident as Dylan’s band set the stage. The crowd stood in their seats and cheered. Dylan, in his fifth decade of performing, said nothing to the audience as he walked to the keyboard. His presence was enough.The audience consisted of both old and new fans – fans from the 1960s who wanted to relive the past and fans from a younger generation that had only heard of Dylan’s living legacy.Freshman Brett Byron said although he didn’t listen to Dylan’s music regularly, he knew how much of an influence Dylan had through the decades.“I figured if you get the chance to see Bob Dylan, you get to see Bob Dylan,” Byron said.Dylan sang songs from a variety of his albums, including songs from his latest album, “Together Through Life,” released in May. The album received a four-star review from Rolling Stone magazine and debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart in the first week of its release. He performed three songs from the album.Dylan didn’t speak between songs either. Each time Dylan’s song came to a close, loud shrieks and cheers echoed from the audience. “We love you!” one audience member shouted during a momentary pause.Dylan spoke for the first time when he introduced a guest band member to perform a short solo.Dylan sang hit songs including “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” from 1963’s “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” album, “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” from 1965s “Bringing It All Back Home” album and “The Levee’s Gonna Break” from the 2006 “Modern Times” album.Audience member Lou Stant, a singer-songwriter himself, said Dylan has been a leader in many different musical genres. He said Dylan’s lyrics, which contain political and philosophical themes, still remain unique today.“He’s able to articulate things that we aren’t able to,” Stant said. “He still has his moments. His lyrics are still very relevant.”Local resident Scott Thompson said he first saw Dylan perform in 1974 in Gainesville, Fla. Thompson said he only remembers part of that concert and wanted to build new memories upon seeing Dylan again.“His music reminds me very much of the ‘60s and the days of protest,” Thompson said. “He’s one of the people responsible for rock ‘n’ roll.”
(10/26/09 2:33am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Zombies, Michael Jackson look-a-likes and 1980s music came together to help break the record for The Largest Simultaneous Thriller Dance with the Record Holders Republic.The 2009 “Thrill The World” event Saturday had about 23,000 participants in 32 different countries, beating last year’s record of 4,179 people simultaneously dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”Bloomington’s event took place at the Willkie Auditorium. Event manager Alice Dobie-Galuska, who is also a University Division academic adviser, said there were 42 dancers who participated. She added that she led workshops to teach dancers the choreography for the past few months. Dancers were also part of several “flash mobs” in the community prior to the show. The group arrived unannounced at different local venues and performed the “Thriller” dance. The event raised $229 to benefit Middle Way House, Dobie-Galuska said. “It was really exciting because I knew thousands of people were dancing at the same time,” Dobie-Galuska said. “I’ve never taught dance before, and now I love it.” The almost-six-minute-long song began and was accompanied by signature Jackson choreography including stiff head jerks and numerous zombie walks. Two children dressed as Michael Jackson looked eerily similar, both wearing a replica of Jackson’s red jacket, which he wore in the original “Thriller” music video. Other dancers wore ripped shirts and pants and tacky dresses. They also sported dyed hair with caked-on white face makeup and dark black rings around their eyes. Audience member Tori Loyal, whose children participated, said it was fun to watch the performance. “It was nice to have so many people involved,” Loyal said. “It brought nostalgia. I’m glad I can share this with my kids.” Although “Thriller” was released in 1983, younger dancers born in the new millennium were still able to enjoy dancing to the heart-pumping beats of the song. Nine-year-old Laura Marcum said she had fun dancing but was a little camera-shy. “We were on TV,” Laura said. “I was a little frustrated because I have never been on TV.” During the performance, two cameras on stage recorded the dance to be posted on YouTube.After the performance, dancers continued to groove to a dance-party playlist complete with Michael Jackson hits from his childhood years with the Jackson Five to his chart-topping solo career. Darrelyn Valdez, whose son also participated, said she had wanted to learn the choreography for years. She added that because Jackson died recently, the performance was more meaningful this year than in the past. She said the original “Thriller” video was also unique.“I think it was a pioneer for music videos, in terms of length,” Valdez said. “The costuming and choreography – people enjoy it. It was just awesome. We’re one big family now.”
(10/23/09 3:47am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Michael Jackson fans across the world are preparing to thrill and revive the legend’s legacy Saturday as they simultaneously dance to the 1984 hit single “Thriller.” Thrill The World, an event started in 2006 by Canadian choreographer Ines Markelle, will inspire people in various countries to dance the choreography to “Thriller” on Saturday. Last year, the event broke a Guinness World Record with 4,179 dancers in 10 countries. Bloomington is participating in the event this year, and because of different time zones, the local event will take place at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in Willkie Auditorium. Although there is no cost, a donation of $5 is suggested. All proceeds will benefit the Middle Way House, a program that helps women and children who suffer from domestic violence.According to a Thrill The World press release, the world goal is to have one million people dancing to the song at the same time. In addition, this year’s Thrill The World will celebrate Jackson’s life. Markelle, director of Thrill the World, said she began the event because she wanted to see a large group of people dance together. “‘Thriller’ is the most iconic, popular and best-known and loved music video around the world,” Markelle said. “It crosses boundaries of race, religion and culture. You go to every country and people know ‘Thriller.’” She said people also participate for various reasons, such as for exercise and to raise money, but others do the event to prove to themselves that they can actually do the ‘Thriller’ dance. “They say, ‘I wish I could do that,’” Markelle said. “Now you can.” Alice Dobie-Galuska, event manager for Bloomington’s Thrill The World, said she has been organizing workshops to teach dancers the “Thriller” moves this fall at Panache School of Ballroom & Social Dance. Dobie-Galuska said she wanted to begin the event last year but was not able to follow through. A dancer herself, she said she relates to Markelle’s mission to bring people together. “After reading all the rules, I thought, ‘I can’t do this,’” Dobie-Galuska said. “But after (Jackson) died, I thought, I had to do it.” Dobie-Galuska said there have been 35 people participating in the workshops so far, from school-aged children to middle-aged adults. She said she learned the dance from an instructional video on the Thrill The World Web site and then taught the sequence to the prospective dancers. Besides workshops to teach the dance, participants have been part of Thrill The World “Flash Mobs,” which is when a group of people show up at a public place unannounced and perform.“We had one at the Lotus Festival, one at the Farmers’ Market,” Dobie-Galuska said. “It was pretty well-received from what I could tell, all of us dancing in the rain.”Dobie-Galuska said dancing for Thrill The World is be a great way to bond with others. “Everyone can dance,” she said. “There’s so much joy in dancing, and I think Michael Jackson would agree with that. It’s a common thing that can cross many cultures. It’s a way to connect people with each other.” Junior Meaghan Herstad said she was surfing the Web this summer and found the Thrill The World site. She said she was pleasantly surprised when she saw that there was going to be an event in Bloomington this year. “It sounded kind of silly and a lot of fun,” Herstad said. “It’s for everyone. Anytime you hear ‘Thriller,’ you think of the music video, zombies, and you get this urge to bust a move.”
(10/16/09 3:51pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For the past 51 years, IU has crowned a king and queen at homecoming. This year the tradition continues.IU seniors who have shown leadership and dedication to the Bloomington community will be recognized during the 51st annual IU Homecoming Parade. Ten students have been selected as finalists for the 2009 Homecoming Court, and the king and queen will be announced Friday at the football team’s pep rally at the Sample Gates following the parade. Conor McIntyre, Homecoming Court judge and director of student programs for the IU Alumni Association, said applicants had to answer a variety of questions for the Homecoming Court application. There were 29 applicants this year, he said. McIntyre said students on the Homecoming Court have the chance to look back at their favorite memories from IU. “I think it really gives them a lasting memory, secondly it provides an opportunity for them to represent IU,” McIntyre said. “What’s probably most interesting is the interview process. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on IU experiences.” McIntyre said the application consists of questions about significant personal success and contribution to IU organizations, as well as accomplishments and memorable experiences from the past four years. A committee reviews the applications. This year’s committee consisted of two professors from the Kelley School of Business and representatives from the IU Athletics Department and the Office of Student Affairs. McIntyre said the finalists will be interviewed and will take part in the Homecoming Parade. They will also be recognized at Hoosier Village behind the DeVault Alumni Center and at the pre-game pep rally. “I think it’s tradition,” McIntyre said. “It’s rooted in our past but also I think it still has relevance today and adds a student focus to homecoming. It’s an opportunity for us to express IU’s appreciation for those who have given a lot back to the University.” In addition, the king and queen will each receive a $500 scholarship and will be able to meet the Homecoming Grand Marshals, Anthony Thompson and George Taliaferro, who are the only two living IU football players in the NCAA Football Hall of Fame. Junior Laura Rupel, director of homecoming for the Student Athletic Board, said most of the applicants are involved in clubs and activities. Being a part of homecoming will bring the tradition “home,” she said. “They gain a sense of involvement at IU,” Rupel said. “IU is so big, you feel lost with 40,000 kids. Being a part of homecoming, you can say ‘this is my school. This is homecoming.’” Finalist Andrew Dahlen, this year’s Union Board president, said that in his application he talked about his abroad experience in Tanzania and his time spent with the Union Board. He said it’s an “honor” to be on the court. “It’s really exciting to be a part of the homecoming festivities and an honor to be recognized amongst so quality and incredibly talented, exceptional student leaders throughout campus,” Dahlen said. Dahlen said he remembers watching the pep rally in years past, and it is going to be the highlight of his week. Fellow finalist, senior Brittany Nelson, said she was surprised and humbled to be elected for court. She emphasized the importance of leaving a mark on the University so that future students will benefit. Nelson has been president of the Kelley School of Business Civic Leadership Development and took part in service communities outside of Bloomington. “It’s about creating a legacy,” Nelson said. “For younger students to think about that now, to think about how they’re going to impact their surroundings, to use college as a time to find what they’re passionate about and then to pursue those passions.” Sometimes it’s all about making the most out of the time you have and going for your goals, said finalist and Interfraternity Council President Colin Nabity said. “At the end of it you only have one shot to do it,” Nabity said. “Get involved in the balance to where you’re not spreading yourself out too thin. My best experience has been meeting people through campus activities and organizations ... it’s the relationships you make that are going to last. It’s not going to be about the GPA and the scores you get on a test.”
(10/16/09 4:30am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The children of the Woodstock era, now fully grown, watched and waited for the Beatles. Beatles trivia played on two projectors, while songs from the ’60s, such as “Johnny B Goode,” echoed throughout the IU Auditorium. Right before the show began, video clips of screaming Beatles fans drowned out any other audible sounds.The curtain rose, and there they were in original form – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – dressed in black suits, chili-bowl style haircuts and their smooth signature British vocals. But they weren’t actually the real Beatles.“Bloomington, how are you this evening?” Rain, the tribute band, asked.“Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles” began with the 1963 hit single “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” The audience, mostly over the age of 40, was hooked. The band continued from the early years of “Please Please Me” to the later “Abbey Road” with hits such as “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Yesterday” and “I Feel Fine.”The members of Rain changed costumes throughout the show. After the black suits, they changed into camouflaged jackets and later flamboyant embroidered tunics and slacks. After every few songs, the curtain went down so the band could change costumes, and videos reminiscent of the 1960s pop culture played on the projectors. Commercials advertising old products such as Prell shampoo and Duz panty hose made the audience laugh.During “Twist and Shout,” Rain asked the audience to dance along in the aisles. The crowd, possibly once wild in the ’60s, timidly shook their hips back and forth, mouthing the lyrics to the song.“We have three generations of Beatles fans in the audience,” Jon shouted. They then played “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “A Little Help From My Friends.”During the intermission, audience member 50-year-old Patti Cummings said Rain had surpassed her expectations.“I think it’s wonderful,” Cummings said. “Obviously they have studied the moves.”Once the second half of the show began, it turned acoustic. Rain sang “Blackbird,” from “The White Album,” released in 1968, like the original song, with only with guitars and vocals.Audience member 62-year-old John Cronkhite said he was a huge fan and owns many of the Beatles albums that have never been released in the United States. Cronkhite said he never had the chance to see the Beatles live, but Rain was exceptional as a tribute band.“They had a show on PBS – they do a pretty credible job,” he said.He said he likes Beatles songs because they are simple but memorable.“I think it’s because of their melodies,” Cronkhite said. “They are musical. So much of today’s music is set by rhythm and beat. They get in your mind and stay there.”
(10/16/09 2:37am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A shopper looking for stylish clothing options on Kirkwood may have noticed that one Bloomington competitor, first opened in 1995, has been closed since early August.An electrical fire in Pitaya clothing store that occurred on Aug. 8 destroyed part of the interior of the store and the entire inventory, causing the store to temporarily close. After months of remodeling, Pitaya is ready to take on new customers. It will reopen Friday at its original location on Kirkwood Avenue between Grant and Dunn streets. Katia Kamra, a Pitaya manager, said she was working on Aug. 8 when the fire began. She said she was helping a “rush” of customers in the store, and at 8:30 p.m., something peculiar happened. “All of a sudden I heard popping noises that sounded like popcorn,” Kamra said. “I looked toward the back room and I saw sparks – thank God the back door was closed.” Kamra said once the source of the popping noise was identified – the electrical fuse box – she went straight for the fire extinguisher. Her co-worker told her they needed to help the customers first, so both of them helped evacuate all the people from the store. She said she called 911, and a police officer on a motorcycle, two ambulances and fire trucks arrived at the scene. They then extinguished the fire. “We were in there two hours after it happened,” Kamra said. “I could see the damage but it was so dark outside, there are little things that you don’t recognize that could be damaged.” Michael Mazor, owner of Pitaya, said the actual fire destroyed the back wall and back door, but the smoke did more harm – it damaged the ceiling tiles, AC/AV ducts and all the inventory. Mazor said although there was a large revenue loss and upward of $60,000 in damages to the store, he thought it happened at a good time. “I thought this would be the opportune time to renovate,” Mazor said. “I’m trying to make this into a positive thing. I’m trying to make the best out of it. I’m excited to reopen.” He said the remodeled store will be “totally fresh” with new everything – walls, ceilings, dressing rooms and entirely new inventory.Mazor added that because the store has been closed, regular customers have been driving up to the store’s Indianapolis location to get their fashion fix. IU junior Mauralynne Ford said she usually buys “going-out” clothing at Pitaya and was upset when she passed it on the street and saw that it was empty. “I thought they were just remodeling,” Ford said. “I went to Cha Cha and Urban Outfitters instead.” Ford said Pitaya is appealing because they offer stylish clothes at a cheaper price. “When I shop there, I can buy more,” Ford said. Kamra said the store was supposed to reopen on Sept. 29, but an attempt to get a building permit delayed the whole process. She said it was unfortunate for Pitaya to be closed at such a crucial time, especially during the back-to-school season, but she gained something out of the incident. “I learned more management skills than I thought I could,” Kamra said. Mazor is confident his new store will have not only a new look, but also a new attitude. “This is going to be like a brand new store,” Mazor said. “I think it will be the nicest store in town. It will have the best prices and the best service.”
(10/15/09 3:58am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Cynthia Mahigian-Moorhead was 15 years old in 1964, and and just like her, most of the crowd was made up of young, swooning girls. “You could make out the songs only because you knew them so well,” she said. “It’s like that when you know it by heart, when you’re standing in the middle of screaming people. I think the music was secondary to the experience.” Mahigian-Moorhead, manager of print and web services at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, saw The Beatles perform in Indianapolis in 1964. “I had a mad crush on John,” she said. “I was too excited to see him in person, but it was like a dream come true.” “Rain: A Tribute To the Beatles” will play at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the IU Auditorium as part of it’s national tour. Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said the concert is open to all ages for IU’s Homecoming weekend, and it will add to the festive atmosphere in Bloomington. Mahigian-Moorhead said she went to the concert with her friend, younger brother and mother. Though she said she was embarrassed by her mother screaming “George!” repeatedly, she added that seeing The Beatles perform a 12-song set at the Coliseum was enough to satisfy her. She added that there were more than 12,000 fans at the show. Booher said entertainment host and former CEO of Dick Clark Productions, Dick Clark, recruited members for Rain from the “Beatlemania” Broadway show. “It’s going to be a huge concert,” Booher said. “They’re taking people all the way from the Ed Sullivan days of their music to Abbey Road. What people will see is a replica of The Beatles concerts.” Glenn Gass, IU professor of music, said Beatles tribute bands, as well as other imitators for artists such as Elvis and Led Zeppelin, have been around for a while. Gass specializes in the history of rock ‘n’ roll and teaches a class specifically on Beatles music. “I think you have to be really, really famous to have that kind of following of tribute bands,” Gass said. “Your style has to be so well known that people can connect to it through an imitator or tribute band.” Gass said when seeing a tribute band, it’s best to “suspend belief” for an hour or two, in order to get the full experience. “Or else all you’re doing is concentrating on how it isn’t the band you know and how they sound or don’t sing as well or sound quite the same,” he said. He said most people enjoy tribute bands. For older fans it’s nostalgia, and for younger fans it’s a chance to experience the past. He added the only people that dislike the concerts are those who have a moral objection to tribute bands. He added that while there are a handful of Beatles tribute bands, the ones that are good, such as Rain, have to take it seriously. “Even just learning the music is quite an achievement,” he said. “For them to do anything from the second half of The Beatles career, they’re doing things The Beatles never did on stage.” He said many factors go into creating a tribute band that accurately imitates the original Beatles group. These details include watching videos of the original artists, really “getting into their heads.”He said taking note of the way they move their heads, the way they stand when they sing, and the correct clothing is a big factor. “The most important thing is the music,” Gass said. “After 40 or almost 50 years, it’s clear their music is so followed and likeable. The melodies are so strong and memorable. They have such a wide appeal. There’s something truly universal about their music.” Mahigian-Moorhead said one specific Beatles song brings back memories. “Whenever ‘She Loves You’ comes on, I start smiling,” Mahigian-Moorhead said. “It’s full of joy. It’s vividly being 15, being in love with The Beatles. Life was good.”
(10/14/09 2:41pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The Beatles have released a total of 12 studio albums, 22 singles and 13 EPs. They have been separated since 1970, but die-hard fans and new listeners alike should prepare to feel nostalgic from hearing one the band’s first hits, "Love Me Do," to the later "Let It Be."Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles will play for part of a national tour Thursday and Friday at the IU auditorium. The concert is open for all ages, in time for IU’s Homecoming weekend, and will add to the festive atmosphere in Bloomington.Doug Booher, director for IU auditorium, said Dick Clark recruited members for Rain through the Beatlemania Broadway show. The group appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964 and has remained one of the most prevalent Beatles tribute bands since then. "It’s going to be a huge concert," Booher said. "They’re taking people all the way from the Ed Sullivan days of their music to Abbey Road. What people will see is a replica of The Beatles concerts."Dr. Glenn Gass, IU professor of music, said Beatles tribute bands, as well as other imitators for artists like Elvis and Led Zeppelin, have been around for a while. Gass specializes in the history of rock and roll and teaches a class specifically on Beatles music."I think you have to be really, really famous to have that kind of following of tribute bands," Gass said. "Your style has to be so well known that people can connect to it through an imitator or tribute band."
(10/12/09 4:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>“Knighted by the French government.” “Entertainer of the year.” “Highest total national TV audience.” “Living legend.” The projector at the IU Auditorium read the many achievements of David Copperfield, the world-famous, Grammy-winning magician who began performing professionally at the age of 12.Copperfield performed in Bloomington on Sunday as part of his international tour “An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion.” The show was his first stop at IU since his previous performance in town in 2004.Nine-year-old Dylan Moore said before the show that he wanted to see Copperfield transport himself to Hawaii. Copperfield didn’t get himself quite that far during the show, but he still managed to amaze the audience with his tricks.The performance began with a series of video clips playing from the projector. Celebrities including David Letterman and Oprah and shows such as Family Guy all incorporated David Copperfield either into their plot or the show’s theme.Stage hands dressed in black took the stage and began turning around an empty box.Smoke and adrenaline-inducing music from rap artist Nelly pumped up the audience as Copperfield appeared through the mist with a motorcycle.The crowd cheered, and he told everybody to raise their hands and lean forward and backward – essentially making the audience bow to him. He also brought out his duck, Webster, who was used in a variety of tricks. Copperfield then performed his first trick. He lay down in a closed metal box and managed to get through it. Next, he addressed the female audience members.“Ladies, get your hands up,” he said. He took a volunteer’s wedding ring from her hand and made it disappear. He then turned around and the ring was tied to a small shoe in his back pocket.A video played about Copperfield’s experience with his grandfather disapproving of his career in the arts. Copperfield said his grandfather’s dream was to win the lottery and to buy a 1948 green convertible.Copperfield had a box on the stage, which he said had six numbers in it. He then called on three volunteers, asking each of them different questions involving different numbers as answers. He asked one male volunteer a controversial question.“When was the last time you got busy?” Copperfield asked him. The volunteer paused. “Eight hours ago,” he responded. Copperfield wrote down the numbers for each volunteer, and when he was finished, he opened up the box, which had in it the exact numbers that the volunteers had said, and a voice recording predicting what each of the volunteers would say.He then made the previously mentioned green convertible appear on stage. Afterward he performed a series of short tricks, including making Webster disappear, making a piece of tissue float in thin air and using fire to turn the tissue paper into a real rose.Copperfield shocked the audience when he walked through a metal fan on stage, disappeared, and reappeared in the audience. The crowd went wild.“Do you want more?” he asked.Copperfield’s final trick involved 13 audience members. They were each escorted to a platform on the stage with two benches. They all sat down and received a flashlight that had to be kept turned on. Sheets were then drawn over them.“Don’t worry, we’re gonna send you straight to Hell,” Copperfield said. “It’s like vacation with familiar faces.”The audience waited while eerie music played through the auditorium loudspeaker. All 13 audience members vanished. The show abruptly ended, leaving the audience stunned.Audience member Debbie Baker said the performance was “mind-boggling.”“I would love to find out how he did his tricks,” she said. “He’s a funny guy, too.”Fellow audience member Karen Haldeman said the crowd could have been “jaded because it’s 2009 and people are skeptical.”However, Haldeman said she thought the show was sensational.“I was in awe of his capabilities,” she said. “Some of his magic, he takes it to another level.”
(10/09/09 4:16am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>World-famous magician David Copperfield will mix his wit and talent to create magic and fantasy at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the IU Auditorium.Copperfield, winner of 21 Emmy awards and record-breaking ticket sales, is on an international tour. He will perform “An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion” for IU students and local residents. Copperfield has been practicing magic professionally since he was 12 years old and performs more than 550 shows per year, according to his Web site, www.dcopperfield.com. The Indiana Daily Student asked him about his tricks, influences and achievements. Here is what he had to say:IDS: What inspired you to start practicing magic? Copperfield: I became interested in magic at an early age. Though I did ventriloquism first with my dummy, “Ven” – I know, not the most original of names – at a very early age, and quickly moved on to magic, which I did much better. I first learned a card trick from my grandfather when I was seven involving four aces. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away before he ever got to see me do it public. When I perform that magic, it’s a special tribute to his memory. IDS: Who has been your biggest influences? Copperfield: My influences, unlike what most people think, came largely outside of the field of magic. Although magic greats like (Harry) Keller or the Frenchman Robert-Houdin (who Houdini got his name from) were certainly great for the profession, it was artists like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly who have greatly influenced how I present my show on stage. Also, in an attempt to move my audiences emotionally, I would have to say film directors like Orson Welles, Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola have had a great impact on my career. IDS: What do you think has been your biggest achievement so far? Copperfield: Though it is not a magical illusion or stunt, I am most proud of the lifetime efforts that I have put into Project Magic. When I started it many years ago I had correspondence with an individual that showed a great amount of self-esteem in his letters. Finally, after many months, I met him at a show and, to my surprise, he was in a wheelchair. I was a bit taken aback only because he had never mentioned it. Then I realized he didn’t think of himself as being physically challenged and that his use of magic at home gave him a great amount of self-esteem. From there, I started a program called Project Magic with an occupational therapist that was based in Los Angeles and now it is in 30 countries around the world and more than 1,000 hospitals. The motor coordination required through performance magic gives stroke victims and those with physical impairments a great amount of self-esteem, and it improves their manual dexterity. It is a program I am most proud of. IDS: Do you have a favorite trick or performance you like to do? Copperfield: Though it is not in the current show, I would have to say one of my favorite illusions of all times was “Flying.” That illusion took me seven years to create. I try to have my illusions move people emotionally, and I believed that one would take people back to another time and place, to their youth, when dreams of flight were a common occurrence. IDS: What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? Copperfield: That I actually bought my own island in the Bahamas – check out www.mushacay.com. One day here, and a state of calm is a given, and anyone would feel younger! IDS: What is your advice for aspiring magicians who want to make it? Copperfield: I think it’s about perseverance – never take “no” for an answer. Love what you do, and by all means, live your life with passion. IDS: Do you tell anybody the secrets to your magic? Copperfield: A true student of the art never reveals his secrets! By the very nature of the art, magicians tend to be a secretive society. Even with my own crew, often times only a portion of the actual illusion is revealed to different people, and only then on a need-to-know basis.
(10/05/09 11:42pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Hoosiers are spending less on gaming in Indiana, and the economic recession might be to blame. The Hoosier Lottery proceeds were down 17.5 percent this year, and consumer spending habits will ultimately determine the lottery revenue for the next fiscal year. Andrew Reed, director of public relations for Hoosier Lottery, said although 17.5 percent is the number broadcast to the public, the actual loss of revenue is less severe. “The economy has certainly played a factor in those numbers, and people’s buying habits changed,” Reed said. “Hoosiers are conservative in their patterns, and people are holding on to their entertainment money.” Reed said for the 2008 fiscal year, the Hoosier Lottery went 11 months without being hit, and consequently there was a yearlong jackpot. State lottery revenue was $217 million that year.For the 2009 fiscal year, things were different. There was a winner once a month, so a large jackpot wasn’t generated, Reed said. Taking into consideration the higher number of winners and the reduced jackpot, the revenue loss for 2009 was only down 7.4 percent, he said. State lottery revenue was only $178 million in fiscal year 2009.He said the loss of lottery revenue would not cause cuts in Indiana’s General Fund, and $30 million of the revenue is put into retirement funds for teachers, police and firefighters. The remaining funds go into the Build Indiana Fund, Reed said. He said the change in consumption has also called for a new marketing plan for the lottery – they are offering things to consumers that they can’t buy on their own. “We’re doing research,” Reed said. “We’re asking players what they want, and players are looking for value in the game.” For example, a promotion that started a few weeks ago will allow players to win Indianapolis Colts season tickets, which there is a wait list for. In addition, the NFL just formed a better marketing partnership with the lottery, Reed said. “We think it’s a win-win situation for both organizations,” he said.Rep. Trent Van Haaften, D-Mt. Vernon, a member of the House-Senate Gaming Study Committee, said the group has met twice so far to discuss the gaming issues that surround areas such as casinos and river boating, but they have yet to talk about the lottery. “Dollars are limited in people’s pockets, and they start having priorities on what they spend money on,” Van Haaften said. “It depends also on the amount offered in the lottery, the play involved goes up. I can’t remember the last time there was a big jackpot for people to win.” Van Haaften’s statement is in accordance with Reed’s explanation of smaller jackpots in the past fiscal year. Van Haaften expressed concern that when the economy bounces back, people may still turn to other expenses like restaurant and vacation, rather than gambling. Business economics professor Bruce Jaffee said there are more factors than the recession that change lottery revenue. “There is an increase and expansion of gambling opportunities throughout the state and region,” Jaffee said. He added it would be imperative to look into the issues of lost revenue and to look for any fundamental flaws in the industry. “I think as the economy goes up, the lottery revenue will increase,” Jaffee said. “It’s not going to have that kind of growth that we have seen in the last 10 years. It’s a mature industry. It’s one that’s facing increasing competition.”
(10/05/09 3:46am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Performing in Bloomington, Ind., will be an opportunity for legendary pop, folk and rock legend Bob Dylan to reinvent himself yet again. Dylan has performed and evolved his music for almost five decades.The Golden Globe- and Grammy winning-artist will perform Nov. 2 at the IU Auditorium as part of his 2009 fall tour. Dylan has performed 100 shows a year for the past 15 years, according to a Jam Productions press release. Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said Dylan will bring a new level of fame to IU. He said Dylan gives equal weight to both lyrics and music and that he recreates his lyrics in a way that is virtually unmatched in American music. Dylan performed at Assembly Hall in October 2007 with about 7,900 fans in attendance.“He brings his iconic presence to the stage,” Booher said. “He surrounds himself with highly talented musicians.”Booher also said the career Dylan has sustained is incredible.“He is one of the most famous and beloved performers at the Auditorium,” Booher said.Dylan’s career took off in the 1960s, and he is known for his lyrics infused with political, philosophical and social visions. He has released 54 albums, including a variety of compilations, studio albums and live discs. His most recent album, “Together Through Life,” received a four-star review by Rolling Stone and The New York Times and hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 list within its first week of release. Dylan will also release a holiday album, “Christmas In The Heart,” on Oct. 13. The proceeds from the album will benefit the organization Feeding America.Vice President for Jam Productions Don Sullivan said Dylan always presents a familiar but different sound for all of his performances. “To me, it sounds more blues-based then ever,” Sullivan said. “He’s one of the greatest poets of all time.” Sullivan said because Dylan’s music is a mix of musical sounds, and because he has won awards from different genres, this gives the listener a chance to hear different things at each of Dylan’s performances. “It’s completely different when you have four hundred songs. It keeps things pretty fresh,” Sullivan said. “It’s gonna be a good show – a little bit more intimate.” IU professor of music Glenn Gass said Dylan changed everything about popular music. “He redefined rules of what songs he could play,” said Gass, who teaches courses specializing in the history of rock ’n’ roll. “He’s constantly shedding his skin. He’s still making great records, and they’re always intelligent. It’s so deep you can scuba dive in it.” Gass said Dylan is one-of-a-kind because he has written unique songs about the human condition and the world. Gass called Dylan the “standard” and said students should definitely attend the upcoming performance. “They’ll gain a whole new insight into themselves and how you want to look at the world,” Gass said. “You can do nothing short to change your life, and there’s not many artists you can say that about.”
(10/01/09 4:49am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Robin Williams knows how to make people laugh. At the IU Auditorium on Wednesday night he gave a mature-aged audience, sprinkled with IU students, some immature things to laugh about.The Grammy-winning comedian was supposed to perform at IU last March but had to reschedule because of open-heart surgery. He turned this risky surgery into a part of his comic routine during the show.IU alumna and audience member Lydia Karjaka said she thinks Williams stands out because of his versatile talent.“He’s known for his facial expressions,” Karjaka said. “He likes to move around, and he makes alien voices too.”Williams, also an actor, has starred in various films including “Jumanji,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Flubber,” while also voicing for other movies like “Aladdin” and “Happy Feet.”Before the performance began, funky mood music played while two projectors with Williams’ face hung from the ceiling. He walked on stage, well-prepared to make people laugh with an all-black outfit, bright-colored shoes and a handful of water bottles on a small table.Williams received a standing ovation, and upon receiving applause, he touched his nipples. “Sit down,” he said. “It’s so nice to have an orgasm on top.” Williams proceeded to make jokes about the Kinsey Institute, Bloomington and French Lick. He also mentioned that he thinks it’s funny that some hurricanes have “weak” names. Williams is well-known for his voices and imitations, and for part of his routine he portrayed different animals, such as cats, dogs and deer. Every different voice he used seemed to represent the animal’s personality perfectly.“I don’t know why I make raccoons Irish, but it works,” Williams said.He then delved into talking about the process of open-heart surgery, and how the drugs he took for the pain made him wacky. He discussed political issues, including Obama’s election and the controversy of his name and where he was from originally.“The moment he got elected, Caucasian guilt dropped lower than the stock market,” Williams said. He also mentioned that he thought Michelle Obama was fierce, that nobody would want to mess with her. “She will go from ‘yes we can’ to ‘oh no you didn’t,’” he said.Williams talked about Dick Cheney’s ability to shoot people, as well as Sarah Palin’s sexuality. He said one thing was for sure – Cheney might try to shoot you and miss, but Palin would hit you dead on.“The difference between her and Cheney is if she shoots you, you’re fuckin’ dead,” he said.Williams talked about other controversial issues such as fuel efficiency (“new fuel – fuck green, go brown”), Viagra (“It’s a duel to death between your dick and your heart”) and alcoholism (“Sex with an alcoholic is like pool with a rope”).Williams’ performance sent a universal message to the audience: It’s okay to laugh about serious issues. Audience member Dave Compton said he likes Williams because he is natural.“He sees things through a different prism,” Compton said. “You can relate to him. It’s gut-busting humor.”
(09/25/09 3:52am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Reporter Rachel Krasnow interviewed Ben Folds about his song lyrics. Here is what he had to say:IDS: You’ve been described as a funny, sarcastic guy. How do you explain all of your emotional lyrics? Folds: They come from all over the place. Music is a vocabulary, and you can say basically what you want, but you need to have a vocabulary. I try to make it arranged, try to make it happy and sad, but there’s a limitation on your tools, sort of. I don’t think that there’s anyone interested in just one track. Humor has simultaneously been a feature of my writing. Critics don’t like it. They go, ‘Well, that’s a novelty.’ Songs are a novelty. Songs are often very topical, and it’s satire – it’s funny. IDS: What do you want people to gain from hearing your music? Folds: I have some minor missions. I’ve always felt strongly about people being who they are. Sticking by your guns, what you feel about your intuition, who you are is important, the boundaries of formality – I’ve always been about breaking those down and the ways those are shown in my songs. I always have constant urge to fit quirky words where they don’t belong. But by being yourself and allowing the wisdom in that has always been a part of me. These are lyrics ... What happens when I put printed music to it? I actually always liked that. It’s how you do it. People ask, ‘How did he do it? How much did you put into it?’ I would also say every song I write and perform, you don’t do it like you’re going to get hit by a car.
(09/25/09 3:48am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Ben Folds will bring a sense of humor, profound lyrics and a fine-tuned piano as his only tools to entertain an audience at the IU Auditorium.Folds, a singer-songwriter with more than 15 years of experience in the music business, will play an original set of music solo on the piano Saturday night.Doug Booher, director for the IU Auditorium, said Folds is incredibly talented as a pianist and entertainer. When Folds came to the IU Auditorium in 2006, the show sold out. “What’s funny about his music is that he has a really wide range of content and emotion,“ Booher said. “He can be on stage goofing around and have a great old time and the best song he plays is a beautiful love ballad. To experience that wide range is compelling and makes for an incredibly strong show.” Folds, a North Carolina native, has released a total of six complete albums, both solo and with his platinum-selling band, Ben Folds Five. His most recent solo album, “Way to Normal,” was released in September 2008, and during its first week it became No. 11 on the Billboard 200. It was also Folds’ top-charted album in the U.S.Folds said he has spent a great deal of time working as a musician since he was very young, but he didn’t know what path his career was going to take. “I’ve never really had any idea of what I was going to do with it,” Folds said. “The business came later, and I did the typical making-demos kind of thing playing in the band. This worked, but I didn’t quite care so much about approval, but I was also very stubborn and felt I wanted to change a note on people’s feedback. The getting into the business was a long process.” Much of Folds’ music emphasizes the piano. Phil Sloffer, a piano tuner for the IU Auditorium, said the piano is a simple instrument to pick up and play. This characteristic, Sloffer said, allows piano music to range from very simple to extremely complex.“The reason it’s called a piano is because the original full name is Fortepiano – you can play both loud and soft,” Sloffer said. “It has the ability to play dynamics. That’s why it caught on. It has the ability to play a lot more expression.”Folds said he couldn’t really categorize his music. “Pop music,” he said, adding, “I have a hard time categorizing almost any music.” Folds said a big part of tours have had college students as the core audience. He said it seems that when people grow older, their interest in seeing music entertainment wanes. “They get older, and I think they graduate and go to work,” he said. “Then their little brothers and sisters come, and literally to my surprise become the audience. When you get out of college, you get busy and you don’t stay up on it as much.” Folds said even after decades of working in the music business, he doesn’t see an end to his music career. He said he likes that everything from throughout the years has been recorded on tapes and documented. If he wants to hear something from his musical past, he said he pulls it out and listens to it. Although Folds listens to his past music, he said he prefers not to think too much about the future.“I don’t plan very far out, conceptually,” Folds said. “I have to plan six to 12 months out about what we’re doing.” Yet, he said he doesn’t have a planned repertoire for his performance at IU and added that he’ll end up winging it, which is something he said he has gotten good at throughout the years. “I play spontaneously more than when I’m on tour with the band,” Folds said. “Everyone knows what instrument to play next; I’ll make it sort of loose. When I’m playing solo it’s a whole different animal. Solo is anything could happen. This tour is a whatever-the-hell-goes tour. Anything goes.”
(09/23/09 3:43am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The IU Sports Journalism Center at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis wants to make sports news easily accessible to journalists and sports fans alike. Sept. 15 marked the commencement of the IU Sports Journalism Center Web site, sportsjournalism.org. The new Web site offers sports news stories, links to other news Web sites and insight from three experienced journalists. The site additionally offers information about the National Sports Journalism Center, which opened in January at IUPUI.Tim Franklin, director of the National Sports Journalism Center, said the Web site will help make IU and sports journalism synonymous. “It distinguishes us from other universities that offer sports journalism programs,” Franklin said. “If you want to have the best sports media program in America, you have to have the best Web site.” Franklin said he wants faculty, students and professionals to visit the Web site every day. He said it’s constantly being updated, and he wants the site to be recognized on a national level. John Oehser, who was a writer and editor for the Indianapolis Colts Web site for several years, is the official web editor of the sports site. He will maintain the site each day and pull content from other sites. “We wanted to have a gateway to this new sports journalism center that has been established,” Franklin said. “Let’s build the nation’s most definitive resource for news about sports media in America.” Franklin said the site offers unique features, including breaking news about sports media and a variety of content from other sports blogs and sites.He said that he hooked three top-notch journalists to write columns for the site.David Kindred, a former Washington Post columnist, writes a column about sports writing. Eric Deggans, a media critic for the St. Petersburg Times, writes a column about sports broadcasting. Jason Fry, former writer and editor of The Wall Street Journal Online, writes a column about new sports media. “I feel like we have three of the best in the business,” Franklin said. “It will be a draw for people to read.” Franklin said he wants the site to be a one-stop shop for sports journalists, academics, students and sports fans themselves. He said the base for the site has been made, and it will continue to grow. Jim Brown, executive associate dean of journalism at IUPUI, said the site will hopefully bring more students to IUPUI’s campus.“I think in the future, the program will bring as many out of state students here as IU-Bloomington’s campus,” Brown said. “If you have people coming to the site regularly, the reputation for the program will be enhanced.” Brown said the site isn’t much different from the Chicago Tribune’s Web site, because it reports stories not specifically from IU’s news sources. He added that sports news has also survived through the shrinking of newspapers. Somehow, a sports section remains in even the smallest newspapers. Brown said he is proud that Indianapolis offers a rich environment with various sports resources nearby. The Web site, he said, enhances the environment a little more. “It is advantageous to have a site people recognize, and any current student will find the Web site useful,” Brown said.
(09/22/09 3:49am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Emmy award-winning magician David Copperfield will visit Bloomington next month to show audiences how to make magic.Copperfield is on an international tour, “An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion,” and will give both students and local residents an opportunity to see and feel the complexity of illusions. Copperfield started performing professionally at the age of 12, and by the time he turned 16, he was the instructor of a magic course at New York University. He is also the youngest member to be admitted to the Society of American Magicians. Doug Booher, IU auditorium director, said Copperfield has been to Bloomington several times and each of his national tours takes a different focus. Copperfield last performed at the IU Auditorium in March 2004.Booher said Copperfield’s shows draw strong, supportive crowds that enjoy the thrills.“He’s the main attraction, but he does have assistants and other performers who help him,” Booher said. “In terms of magicians, David’s show is incomparable. He sets the bar for other magicians working today. It’s a great opportunity to be able to see his show live.” According to the Web site www.dcopperfield.com, Copperfield sells five to 10 times more shows than Janet Jackson, U2, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit. He has also won 21 Emmy awards. Booher said Copperfield’s show includes some basic acts and carries some traits of a regular magic show, but his edge is what sets him apart from the rest. “It’s bigger, bolder and better than what you might expect,” Booher said. “The tours he takes are so large, he travels all over the world. He invests a lot of time and effort in creating the best and most astounding types of illusions.”
(09/22/09 2:25am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indiana state representatives in the Interim Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverages Issues met last Tuesday to discuss reversing the ban of Sunday alcohol sales. Current Indiana legislation does not allow beer, wine or alcohol to be sold in convenience, grocery or liquor stores on Sundays. Overturning this legislation will allow all three items to be sold on one of the busiest shopping days of the week. The committee will meet again on Oct. 20 and begin a final report on the issue. The final report will then return to the House and Senate in January for legislators to consider.The 13-member committee was set up two years ago to examine alcohol issues, said Rep. Trent Van Haaften, D-76th District, chairperson of the committee. Van Haaften said both sides of the argument were discussed during the meeting, but at this point he is unsure which way the vote will sway. “They set certain laws many years ago, and we put limitations on the sale,” Van Haaften said. “Over time those limitations have been eroded to the benefits of some segments and to the detriment of others.” Van Haaften said the argument falls on whether legislators want to regulate alcohol or keep restrictions on it. He said the issue has not come before the General Assembly in many years, and it may be tough to change the current legislation. “I really can’t make a forecast,” Van Haaften said. “I do not see a compelling argument made to change the law.” He said in terms of economics, the question is whether the new legislation will increase overall alcohol sales by adding a day or sales will remain the same but be spread out throughout seven days instead of six.Sen. Ron Alting, R-22nd District, committee vice-chairperson, said the meeting exposed a heated atmosphere. “It was like David and Goliath,” he said.Alting said corporate retailers argued it would be vital to be able to sell alcohol on one of the busiest shopping days of the week. But he added that passing the legislation would bring up another issue: an extra day for the risk of selling alcohol to minors. Indiana law states you have to be 21 to walk into a liquor store, Alting said, and this prevents stores from selling to minors. Alting added this could negatively affect package liquor stores. “It would drastically put a lot of liquor stores out of business,” Alting said. “Liquor stores believe they’ll lose to big market stores. The convenience of shopping will bring customers there instead of driving to a package liquor store.” Senator Robert Deig, D-49th District, also part of the committee, is against passing new legislation. He said he also believes it would kill the small liquor stores, except for Big Red Liquors, because their businesses are very close to town. Deig said Indiana is a conservative state, which is a reason current legislation has remained the same for a number of years. Indiana is one of only three states to ban the sale of wine, beer and liquor on Sunday.“I don’t see it going into effect this year,” Deig said. “When you open up Sunday sales, you have more teen deaths and accidents. I think Sundays are a sacred day. Sundays are a day where people go to church and are there with their families. Most people take a break from alcohol and get back to the family atmosphere.”The argument of putting small liquor stores out of business also brings in the question of operating costs. Tim Cowden, who has owned Beverage Shop in Ellettsville for seven years, said legalizing Sunday alcohol sales will increase store expenses but not total revenue; liquor stores will be forced to stay open because of the competition. “I’ve got to be able to compete with large stores,” Cowden said. Cowden said large stores like Sam’s Club and Kroger would be able to succeed with a much lower profit margin than the liquor stores. He said the legislation might work for some states, but not for others. “I think every state is different,” Cowden said. “Every state tries to do what’s in their best interest.”
(09/18/09 3:55am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>They tried again and again and again. Fifteen times and still no name for their band.“Wait ... I got it,” said IU senior Benny Gershman, who said he suggested the name Jip Jop because it’s an onomatopoeia and not an English word, but a sound. And thus the band had a name.Now, two and a half years later, it promises its show will be “intimate” and “full of antics.” Jip Jop is a band founded locally by a group of Jacobs School of Music students. The group has created its own genre – an eclectic blend of hip-hop, jazz, reggae and funk – and will play a mix of covers and original music at their upcoming concert. Group member Gershman said he became friends with Davis Jones his freshman year and met the other band members in his Jazz Listeners class.“We wanted to form an uncategorized genre, something different and distinctive,” Gershman said. “The goal was just to play live music wherever we could.”Jip Jop is an all-male group and consists of six students – Gershman on vocals, Jones on saxophone, Ryan Imboden on trumpet, Ben Bolasny on piano, Bobby Wooten on bass and Matt Margeson on drums. Gershman said although the band was founded in Bloomington, it doesn’t want to be recognized as “local.” Instead, they want to be recognized for their live music, original tunes and talents. “When you have players who know exactly every nook and cranny of their instrument, you can use your musicians,” Gershman said. “We like to show them off.” He added that in terms of artists, the band sounds like a mix of The Roots, DeAngelo and Charles Mingus. Jones said the band has a unique style that doesn’t allow for people to just stand still when watching their live show.“I think overall when you’re watching a band play live, the band needs to be consistently exuding this feeling of innovation,” Jones said. “You want the listener to be captivated by what you’re playing.” Jones said the group is in the process of completing a 10-track EP, which is a CD that is about half of the length of a full album, and it will be released by spring 2010. Jones said the band has already recorded a live album at DePauw University. But Jones said the band is not interested in making money – it’s interested in building a strong fan base.“Come if you’re done just standing watching bands play. It’s going to be a wild show,” Gershman said. Professor of jazz studies Patrick Harbison, who taught members of Jip Jop in his classes, said the group is taking a risk by mixing hip-hop and jazz, but it’s necessary for jazz artists to take these kinds of risks. “I think that’s what every generation has done,” Harbison said. “Take what their elders handed to them, and then you bring in the influences of the creative ideas of your generation. It’s a way to freshen jazz. They bring jazzy elements to people who like hip-hop. It’s not just their grandparents’ music.” Harbison said what makes true jazz music is improvisation and not having every song and note planned out. “There’s going to be this sort of spontaneity every time you hear a band like Jip Jop,” Harbison said. “You’re playing off of the other musicians, and the audience is giving you energy.”
(09/15/09 4:30am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Indiana state legislators will meet today to discuss the possibility of reversing the ban on Sunday alcohol sales.Current legislation does not permit alcohol sales in convenience, grocery or liquor stores on Sundays.Indiana is one of three states that bans Sunday sales of wine, beer and hard liquor.Bruce Jaffee, chairman of the Kelley Department of Business Economics, said the current law reduces competition among stores, raises prices and creates an inconvenience for customers trying to buy alcohol.“Clearly if you had liquor sales on Sunday, I’m not going to say that the total revenue would increase,” Jaffee said. “But this would generate more competition and modestly drive down prices. Bottom line, this is an overdue legislation.” Jaffee said passing new legislation allowing alcohol sales on Sundays would be helpful to supermarkets because many people do their grocery shopping on that day of the week. “Their operation costs wouldn’t change one bit,” he said. “The only support for the current law comes from hazy religious grounds or very small mom-and-pop liquor stores that want to restrict stores for their advantage.” Sue Bays, bar manager for T.G.I. Friday’s, said she does not think that passing this legislation will reduce her business on Sundays. “I think people come to Friday’s for the experience or to hang out in a restaurant atmosphere,” Bays said. “We have quite a few people that come into the bar – it’s one of our busiest days. If you’re going to stay at home and drink, then you’re probably going to buy your liquor on Saturday.” O’Malia’s store manager Steve Hurt said he deals with many customers frustrated with the current legislation. He said out-of-state buyers who visit the store don’t understand why the ban exists in the first place, and locals simply forget to buy their alcohol earlier in the week. Hurt said he foresees incremental sales on Sunday, especially when there are big sporting events and people shop en masse for barbeque supplies. “I think it’s a silly law that you can’t buy beer on Sunday,” Hurt said. “You have to get it prior to Sunday. It boils down to the liquor stores that don’t want to work another day.”