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(08/03/06 4:00am)
I guess maybe I expect too much from Pharrell. His new album, In My Mind, is full of good beats, great raps and electrifying falsetto singing. Too often, though, these highlights do not occur at the same time.\nIn my mind, Pharrell is the fashionista of our time -- like Madonna, except not annoying -- which might be why In My Mind seems tepid sometimes. Fans should expect every song to be as well crafted as the $200 Ice Cream shoes or $100 Billionaire Boys Club hoodies he crafts when not tending to rap.\nPharrell, responsible for the successes of many, produced beats for Justin Timberlake, Usher, Gwen Stefani, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Snoop Doog, his own N*E*R*D and others. He is probably best known for his work with Jay-Z under the moniker The Neptunes. \nThe first single from In My Mind, "Can I Have It Like That," came nearly one year ago. The delay between single and album annoyed me -- maybe the man's most loyal fan.\nBut the wait could have been worth it if the album was innovative and genre-bending. It isn't. Still, it's not terrible. \nBut the man should stick to his spacey tones and white Ralph Lauren suits -- icons of his innovation and cross-culture appeal. On this album he trends toward proven formulas instead.\nThe first single was just as expected and so was "Angel," which was widely available before the album came out. Both cuts are decent, meant for the masses. And it's always nice to hear Clipse rapper Pusha-T on any track (the less-than-stunning "Stay With Me"). Also, Slim Thug is a wildly underrated rapper.\nPlus, tracks "Best Friend" and "You Can Do It Too" have worthy inspirational raps to match decent beats. And Pharrell pulls off an ode to Jesus by keeping it a sparse, low-key dance song.\nAnd Kanye West, rap's other crowned-prince, throws the chorus in "Number One" from himself to his start his own verse -- something that will stop careful listeners in their tracks. In fact, only one member of rap royalty isn't on the album -- Timbaland. But with a star-studded lineup, I just expect better.\nBut it's no surprise that the Nelly rap relies on his vocal stylings rather than his actual skills. And the Jay-Z rap on the half-track "Young Girl" is surprisingly about as good. \nSnoop Dogg's cameo "That Girl" is bland and played over an annoying beat.\nBut all is well that ends well. The last song "Show You How To Hustle" is the ultimate Pharrell anthem. The Kelis-like singer adds to gang-banging verses and a beat fronted by a baseball game organ.\nMusic critics already took Skateboard P to task for only making a mediocre album. But the only reason to do so is because he can do better. Even so, he stands tall above the crowd in pop music.\nThe lay-low feel and infectious subtleties make In My Mind a gold standard for any 2006 Hoosier party, as with any Pharrell project. But it's just not his greatest work. Maybe he should have saved some of his hit-making beats for himself. But, then, where would artists like Timberlake be?
(08/02/06 7:08pm)
I guess maybe I expect too much from Pharrell. His new album, In My Mind, is full of good beats, great raps and electrifying falsetto singing. Too often, though, these highlights do not occur at the same time.\nIn my mind, Pharrell is the fashionista of our time -- like Madonna, except not annoying -- which might be why In My Mind seems tepid sometimes. Fans should expect every song to be as well crafted as the $200 Ice Cream shoes or $100 Billionaire Boys Club hoodies he crafts when not tending to rap.\nPharrell, responsible for the successes of many, produced beats for Justin Timberlake, Usher, Gwen Stefani, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Snoop Doog, his own N*E*R*D and others. He is probably best known for his work with Jay-Z under the moniker The Neptunes. \nThe first single from In My Mind, "Can I Have It Like That," came nearly one year ago. The delay between single and album annoyed me -- maybe the man's most loyal fan.\nBut the wait could have been worth it if the album was innovative and genre-bending. It isn't. Still, it's not terrible. \nBut the man should stick to his spacey tones and white Ralph Lauren suits -- icons of his innovation and cross-culture appeal. On this album he trends toward proven formulas instead.\nThe first single was just as expected and so was "Angel," which was widely available before the album came out. Both cuts are decent, meant for the masses. And it's always nice to hear Clipse rapper Pusha-T on any track (the less-than-stunning "Stay With Me"). Also, Slim Thug is a wildly underrated rapper.\nPlus, tracks "Best Friend" and "You Can Do It Too" have worthy inspirational raps to match decent beats. And Pharrell pulls off an ode to Jesus by keeping it a sparse, low-key dance song.\nAnd Kanye West, rap's other crowned-prince, throws the chorus in "Number One" from himself to his start his own verse -- something that will stop careful listeners in their tracks. In fact, only one member of rap royalty isn't on the album -- Timbaland. But with a star-studded lineup, I just expect better.\nBut it's no surprise that the Nelly rap relies on his vocal stylings rather than his actual skills. And the Jay-Z rap on the half-track "Young Girl" is surprisingly about as good. \nSnoop Dogg's cameo "That Girl" is bland and played over an annoying beat.\nBut all is well that ends well. The last song "Show You How To Hustle" is the ultimate Pharrell anthem. The Kelis-like singer adds to gang-banging verses and a beat fronted by a baseball game organ.\nMusic critics already took Skateboard P to task for only making a mediocre album. But the only reason to do so is because he can do better. Even so, he stands tall above the crowd in pop music.\nThe lay-low feel and infectious subtleties make In My Mind a gold standard for any 2006 Hoosier party, as with any Pharrell project. But it's just not his greatest work. Maybe he should have saved some of his hit-making beats for himself. But, then, where would artists like Timberlake be?
(04/27/06 6:08am)
On a good day, our newsroom is loud and chaotic -- maybe like Hoosier Courts on Kinser Pike during a normal weekend. But for the rest of this week, our home in Ernie Pyle 120 will be like the Varsity Villas during Little 500 weekend.\nIt feels like state excise police officers are trying to bust down the side door and I think I saw our dirty leather couch on fire. I might have even seen someone try to go photograph Tuesday's baseball game but couldn't get past the copy editors, who were engaged in an "Anchorman"-like bloodfest.\nSo, if today's Indiana Daily Student is a little rough around the edges, please, cut us some slack. And the next day. And the next day.\nThis is the time of year we call "dry runs." We know the jokes about the term (we've made them ourselves) -- it sounds like a medical condition you wouldn't want. I don't know why, but the nights before our final Wednesday, Thursday and Friday papers of each semester have been graced with that awful moniker.\nBut dry run days offer the 2006 summer and fall IDS staffs a chance to learn their upcoming jobs. Since we change editors each semester, it is important to have current editors help the next editors learn the system. Continuity through training is more important at our paper than traditional work places because we turnover our staff each semester.\nSince I was one of this semester's campus desk editors, I help Trevor Brown learn the ropes for summer and fall, as well as his fall co-editor Carrie Ritchie. They must take the skills they've learned at other desks this semester and apply them to our most important news desk -- campus. \nAt the same time, I have to learn my new job, art director. I've worked closely with my predecessor Mark Koenig since we both started here. Now it's my turn to make you want to pick up the IDS and view our Web site, www.idsnews.com. But you shouldn't notice too many seams, even though you're reading the product of our first day on the job. In fact, we hope you will not even notice beyond reading this column. We still believe we can convey the most important news in the most efficient fashion. More importantly, we are excited for the opportunity to do just that. But we need your help to do our jobs well.\nWe need you to tell us about our mistakes, and I don't mean just misspellings. Tell us when your friends, organization or topic deserves coverage. When we fail to cover what you tell us about, let our readers know: E-mail letters@indiana.edu and have your ideas read in our opinion forum every Thursday. \nEven though we might need a little slack this week, we need and expect your input next semester and over the summer. You can let us know how we can improve (or tell us how well we are doing) by calling us at 855-0760 or e-mailing us at ids@indiana.edu.
(04/05/06 9:22pm)
IU junior and Indiana Daily Student Sports Editor Eamonn Brennan paid $15 for courtside seats and locker room access to the NCAA National Championship game in Indianapolis tonight. \nBrennan was chosen from a pool of sports writers from IU and other schools that attended Thursday's U.S. Basketball Writer's Association's Full Court Press Seminar in Ernie Pyle Hall. At the seminar, some of the nation's most credentialed sports writers shared stories and advice with students.\nBoston Globe columnist and ESPN "Around the Horn" regular Bob Ryan told journalists that print media is dead, something other panelists echoed. But The Sporting News writer Mike DeCourcy was quick to point out that good storytelling will survive when journalism switches to an online-focused profession. \nPanelists said good storytelling is what separates writers from fans. Many of them offered advice about how to navigate a changing profession. \n"You always hear people saying George Mason (University) is a 'good story,'" DeCourcy said. "It's not as simple as that -- every team has a 'good story.'" \nPanelist and Chicago Tribune sports writer Avani Patel said labels like "good story" were misleading -- good stories come from Goliaths as much as they come from Davids like George Mason, she said. \nShe told the crowd about University of Memphis basketball stand-out Shawne Williams, whose brother was killed the same day he \nannounced he would be attending Memphis.\n"As soon as he found out his brother was late, he headed straight for the county hospital," Patel said. "He knew that's where they took people without insurance."\nPanelists, with more than 150 years of sports coverage between them, were wowed by Patel's story. Billy Reed, a former writer for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal, said that is the kind of information that separates the good storyteller from the average.\nAfter the panel discussion, students had an opportunity to ask a few questions before meeting individually with the writers.\n"With Malcolm (Moran of USA Today), we talked about techniques for covering the Final Four," Brennan said. "But it was very, very interesting to interact with them, just as one fan to another -- to get that unvetted opinion (from "PTI's" Ryan), complete with swear words and all."\nStudents were excited for the chance to run with the biggest names in college sports and college sports media. Attending the USBWA breakfast before the practice were newly named IU basketball coach Kelvin Sampson, North Carolina coach Roy Williams (named coach of the year), players of the year Adam Morrison and J.J. Reddick, Indiana high school basketball legend Oscar Robertson and members of the '76 and '81 IU NCAA Championship teams. At the open practices, students interviewed players, coaches and staffers. Other students attended a press conference by NCAA President and former IU President Myles Brand and the college all-star game, among other events. \nJunior and IDS sports columnist Ryan Corazza said he was awed by the media swarm around the events.\n"I definitely noticed ... when you get to a big level like the Final Four how many media people are there and how much of a 'circus' it is," he said. "Just being in the George Mason locker room -- I am sure they had just six or seven media people before all this -- but there wasn't room to breathe in there."\nThe more than 50 participating students have until Wednesday at midnight to submit their stories to be entered into competition for a $1,000 scholarship.\nEditor's note -- Campus Editor Sam Nissen attended the USBWA seminar, the USBWA Player of the Year and Coach of the Year breakfast and the NCAA Final Four open practice. Tickets for the breakfast and press credentials for the practices were obtained from the USBWA for a $15 fee, which he paid. A significant portion of the USBWA programs were attended by IDS staffers.
(03/30/06 6:00am)
The pressure is on IU's new coach to revitalize Hoosier basketball tradition. \n"Good or bad -- we're all known for something," said new coach Kelvin Sampson at Wednesday's press conference. "And that something is going to be your identity."\nBut trying to put IU's best foot forward might start with Sampson taking the Hoosiers a step backward.\nSampson and his staff made too many phone calls per week to recruits, he said, violating an NCAA rule. Making such a mistake shocked the coach into evaluating University of Oklahoma basketball program's commitment to complete compliance with the NCAA.\n"I don't know that, as a staff, we took that rule serious enough," Sampson said. "There really is no excuse."\nAn NCAA investigation brought the violations to the attention of Sampson at OU. (The investigation was discovered by the Associated Press.) \nSampson reflected on the changes wrought on OU in the aftermath of lax attitudes toward compliance. He said that he was ultimately happy he and his staff were found out.\n"It kind of shakes you back to reality a little bit," he said. "I make no bones about it ... I made a mistake.\n"We've corrected it and we'll move forward."\nESPN.com columnist Pat Forde told the Indiana Daily Student Tuesday he believes the NCAA has often penalized coaches who work for programs unrelated to their original violations.\nA spokeswoman for the NCAA said she could not elaborate on any specifics about the validity of an investigation into OU's basketball program. But she said coaches issued a citation must appear before the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions if another University wishes to hire them. \nIt is ultimately unclear what, if anything, will happen to Sampson in his first month at IU. The NCAA is expected to address the Oklahoma investigation at its April 21 meeting.\nPressure on Sampson to improve is also coming thanks to OU's graduation rates, which have been among the worst in basketball. Some of that pressure is coming from University administration.\n"There are some aspects of his program where he needs to prove himself at a higher level," said Rick Greenspan, director of athletics, when asked about Sampson's graduation rates.\nBut Sampson took issue with the way graduation rates were calculated. \nHe said junior college transfers, two-year transfers and student athletes who do not begin on scholarship do not count toward the reported rates. He also said freshman scholarship athletes who transfer to another school or enter the NBA draft early count against the reported rate. (Junior college transfers were common to the Oklahoma men's basketball team, \nSampson said.) \nHe said coaches and media everywhere needed to do a better job of informing people how these rates are calculated. \n"It's not your composite or total graduation rate," Sampson said.\nBut he said he will be aiming high at IU.\n"Regardless of our graduation rate, we should not be satisfied with anything that isn't 100," Sampson said.\nHerbert did not equivocate about NCAA violations or graduation. He indicated Sampson would be expected to live up to an IU tradition he felt embodied above-average graduation rates and perfect compliance. \nIU is a place that "plays by the rules and graduates its students," he said.
(03/30/06 2:07am)
Kelvin Sampson might have carried some extra baggage on his flight to Bloomington.\nThe former University of Oklahoma men's basketball coach -- expected to be announced as IU's coach soon -- could be cited for inappropriate recruiting at OU as soon as April, according to The Associated Press. \nThe NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions meets April 21 in Park City, Utah. It could cite the OU athletic administration as having lacked institutional control.\nIn March, the NCAA cited Ohio State for a "Failure to monitor" infraction, according to the report. If Oklahoma is cited for a similar infraction, IU -- through Sampson -- could bear some of the burden.\nThe Oklahoma infractions the AP reported are likely to bring less severe penalties than those imposed on OSU, and would be unlikely to end in Sampson's firing. But they could bring recruiting restrictions similar to those imposed on Thad Matta's men's basketball program at Ohio State.\nAn NCAA spokeswoman told the Indiana Daily Student the association cannot comment on pending infractions and cannot confirm if OU is under investigation. But she did say coaches can carry infractions to another team.\n"If a coach (cited for an infraction) wants to be hired by another school, they have to go before the Committee on Infractions," said Dana Thomas, assistant coordinator of public and media relations for the NCAA.\nESPN.com columnist Pat Forde told the IDS he believes the NCAA has often penalized coaches who work for programs unrelated to their original violations.\n"(Possible sanctions) will undoubtedly be an issue in Sampson's introductory news conference," he said. "We'll see what he and (Director of Athletics) Rick Greenspan have to say about it."\nIt is unclear what OU's recruits will do next year. The class is commonly cited as possibly being one of the best in the country. If any recruits have signed a national letter of intent, they are still bound to attend Oklahoma.\nAt least one recruit who had shown interest in OU, Darrell Arthur, will not be coming to IU. James Mayes, Arthur's South Oak High School boys basketball coach, told the IDS his player is now only considering attending the University of Arizona, Texas, Baylor, Kansas or Connecticut. He also said Arthur will be signing with a school soon. \nRecruiting violations might not be the only area of concern Hoosier fans have regarding their new coach. OU men's basketball graduation rates ranked among the worst in the country, according to documents from the NCAA. The program's rate was in the "zero to 10" percentile during the two seasons before the 2005-06 basketball season, compared to programs in all sports. \nNCAA statistics for the seasons prior (compiled after the 1998-99 season) show that Sampson failed to graduate at least three-fourths of his players during the prior four seasons. A USA Today editorial from 2001 chided OU for a 0-percent graduation rate from 1998-2003 of basketball players who began as scholarship athletes.\nFormer IU standout Dane Fife and IU-Purdue University Fort Wayne said any IU coach would face pressure to graduate many of his students.\n"At Indiana, you are expected to have three things," Fife said in a Feb. 21 phone interview with the IDS. "First, a high graduation rate; second, charisma; and third, win and win big."\nCalls to other OU recruits and Sampson were not returned.\n-- Sports Editor Eamonn Brennan contributed to this report.
(03/28/06 5:12pm)
Larry MacIntyre, director of media relations, said he expects an announcement of the next IU men's basketball coach to be made "within days."\nHe added that the announcement could come as late as the beginning of next week. MacIntyre's expectation, though, was only based on "me reading the tea leaves in front of me," he said.\nIf a new coach is to be announced, IU President Adam Herbert and the personnel subcommittee of the Athletics Committee must approve of the selection of a coach early this week, according to the bylaws governing the committee and subcommittee member Bruce Jaffee, who is also a professor of business economics and public policy.\nJaffee confirmed that a search committee has been set up to advise Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan and that the committee has met more than once. During part of its first meeting, the search committee focused on the desired characteristics of the next coach, Jaffe said. But the committee is only advisory, he said.\n"The ultimate decision is made by the athletics director and the president," Jaffee said.\nKent Benson, member of IU's 1976 national championship team and first pick of the 1977 NBA Draft, told the Indiana Daily Student Monday he was contacted by IU for advice about selecting a coach. He also said several former players have been contacted as well.\n"I think it's smart on the athletics department's part to do that," he said. "(Former players) know the game and the type of coach that it's going to take to bring us back and bring IU basketball back into the top 10 (in the nation)."\nBenson said he was confident Greenspan would make the right choice.\n"The new coach will be qualified -- if not more than qualified -- enough for the position," he said.\nBenson said he expects Greenspan and the committee will wait until after the NCAA Final Four to announce the new coach.\nJaffee said he could not elaborate on the committee's taste in potential candidates, the committee's progress in the hiring process or any financial implications of a hire.\nThe Olympian, the Olympia, Wash., newspaper, reported that search firm Baker Parker and Associates was likely hired to assist Greenspan in finding a new coach. Jaffee wouldn't say if Baker Parker or any other firm has been contracted, but did say hiring such a firm has been discussed at committee meetings.\nIU administrators and alumni outside of the process have expressed different opinions on the validity of hiring such a search firm. Some have said a search firm might be unusual when attempting to hire a coach, while others have said that it would be quite normal. \nClarence Doninger, IU's director of athletics during the '90s, said he did not use search firms during his decade in charge, but said they can be used effectively.\nDoninger said he isn't in the loop on the coaching search, but that he has received many calls supporting and opposing potential candidates.\n"I was a big supporter of (former IU coach) Mike Davis," he said last week. "But there are other individuals who probably have other thoughts."\nJerry Baker and Dan Parker of Baker Parker were unavailable for comment. Greenspan and Herbert have denied multiple interview requests from the IDS through spokespeople. Pete Rhoda, director of athletics media relations, has refused to provide any information about potential coaching candidates.\n-- Sports Editor Matt Mattucci contributed to this report.
(03/27/06 10:21pm)
Larry MacIntyre, director of media relations, said he expects an announcement of the next IU men's basketball coach to be made "within days."\nHe added the announcement could come as late as early next week. MacIntyre's expectation, though, was only based on "me reading the tea leaves in front of me," he said.\nIf a new coach is to be announced, IU President Adam Herbert and the personnel subcommittee of the Athletics Committee must approve of the selection of a coach early this week, according to the bylaws governing the committee and subcommittee member Bruce Jaffee.\nHe confirmed that a search committee has been set up to advise Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan and that the committee has met more than once. During part of their first meeting the search committee focused on the desired characteristics of the next coach, Jaffe said. But the committee is only advisory, he said.\n"The ultimate decision is made by the athletics director and the president," Jaffee said.\nKent Benson, member of IU's 1976 national championship team and first pick of the 1977 NBA Draft, told the Indiana Daily Student Monday he was contacted by IU for advice about selecting a coach. He also said several former players have been contacted as well.\n"I think it's smart on the athletics department part to do that," he said. "(Former players) know the game and the type of coach that it's going to take to bring us back and bring IU basketball back into the top 10 (in the nation)."\nBenson said he was confident Greenspan would make the right choice.\n"The new coach will be qualified -- if not more than qualified -- enough for the position," he said.\nBenson said he expects Greenspan and the committee will wait until after the NCAA Final Four to announce the new coach.\nJaffee said he could not elaborate on the committee's taste in potential candidates, the committee's progress in the hiring process or any financial implications of a hire.\nThe Olympia, Wash., newspaper The Olympian reported search firm Baker Parker and Associates were likely hired to assist Greenspan in finding a new coach. Jaffee wouldn't say if Baker Parker or any other firm has been contracted, but did say hiring such a firm has been discussed at committee meetings.\nIU administrators and alumni outside of the process have expressed different opinions on the validity of hiring such a search firm. Some have said a search firm might be unusual when attempting to hire a coach, while others have said that it would be quite normal. \nClarence Doninger, IU's director of athletics during the '90s, said he did not use search firms during his decade in charge, but said they can be used effectively.\nDoninger said he isn't in the loop on the coaching search, but has received many calls supporting and against potential candidates.\n"I was a big supporter of (former IU coach) Mike Davis," he said last week. "But there are other individuals who probably have other thoughts."\nJerry Baker and Dan Parker of Baker Parker were unavailable for comment. Greenspan and Herbert have denied multiple interview requests from the IDS through spokespeople. Pete Rhoda, director of athletics media relations, has refused to provide any information about potential coaching candidates.\n-- Sports Editor Matt Mattucci contributed to this report.
(03/23/06 5:42pm)
Junior Matt Conroy is embarrassed to be a Hoosier fan right now.\nIU men's basketball fans across the state -- feeling embarrassed by their team or otherwise -- have had plenty of conversation fodder.\nThe discussion stems from IU coach Mike Davis' resignation, effective at the end of the season. Davis cited a desire to allow IU to move on as a program and get "one of their own."\n"I think, now, we are going in the right direction," Conroy said. "But it's sad that fans could hate a coach just a few years after taking us to a national championship."\nConroy is not the only student who feels Hoosier fans have fanned the flames that eventually engulfed Davis.\n"Booing our players and coach was unacceptable," said sophomore John Felts. "Davis seems like a nice guy."\nBut neither Felts nor Conroy are apologists for IU's recent losing skid.\n"The turning point for me was when Davis essentially blamed the fans for (the team's) performance," Conroy said. \nNot all students were so cordial when discussing Davis' legacy.\nSenior Randy DeVaney remained positive about the future of the IU men's basketball program, but held little back about the embattled and resigned coach. \n"I believe Mike Davis is a very bad basketball coach," DeVaney said. "We're not celebrating (his resignation), but after the last few games, we figured he would be fired."\nDeVaney also said IU will land a high-profile coach without delay. However, he added that he believes next year will be a difficult, losing season. The potential for such a season, he said, could be exacerbated by top players and recruits signalling that they go as Davis goes: anywhere but IU.\n"I can't imagine that we will make the tournament (next year)," DeVaney said.\nJunior Betsy Henke approached the news of Davis' ending tenure from a different angle.\nThe IU Student Association presidential candidate (with the Hoosier Party) said she hopes, if elected, to work with the IU Athletics Department so students aren't left paying for the $800,000 IU agreed to pay Davis after his resignation. \n"We, as a ticket, would be open to working with the Athletics Department to find new and creative ways to enhance student experience here," Henke said. "Without (IUSA and the Athletics Department) working together, there will be continuing years of increasing fees." \nHenke also said she was sad to see Davis go, but respected his decision.\n"(Davis) will be missed," she said. "I think he has IU's best interest in mind and that's the root of his decision.\n"I just hope we can win the next few games so we can really dance"
(03/23/06 5:25am)
Despite recent speculation by some media, it is likely only two people know who will become the next IU men's basketball coach: Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan and President Adam Herbert.\nThose charged with shaping the future of much of the University, including trustees, members of the Bloomington Faculty Council and influential, wealthy alumni, said Wednesday they are out of the loop. \nDirectors of the IU Foundation, whose efforts brought in more than $100 million last year for the Bloomington campus (approximately equivalent to one tenth of the operating budget), said they are concerned about who will fill the vacancy, but have no knowledge of the candidates being considered. Many at the foundation said they worry about the next coach's ability to rally alumni and increase donations, but cited a confidence in Greenspan's abilities to choose coaches.\n"I would be surprised if there was an alumni not concerned with who will be coaching here," said Jay Hunt, IU Foundation director and chairman of the California-based Dynamic Details, Inc. "But we've done a phenomenal job of raising money over the last two or three years -- the same time coinciding with concern about the football and basketball coaches."\nHunt and others said the foundation had not taken or suggested any action regarding the search to replace former coach Mike Davis. But board members ceded that the next coach would be critical to the Athletics Department's bottom-line.\n"In the past, the basketball coach has been the driving force in the Athletics Department," said former IU Athletics Director Clarence Doninger. \nBasketball and football coaches shape how people perceive IU, as with other universities, he said.\nDoninger is also on the foundation's board of directors and a lawyer based in Indianapolis. Doninger was athletics director when the embattled Bob Knight was fired as IU's men's basketball coach in 2000.\nHe defended Greenspan's secrecy in choosing the next coach. Potential candidates could ruin their current jobs if it becomes known that they are being considered for another, he said. Recruits would be less likely to want to attend their school.\n"When you are dealing in a high-profile situation, there has to be some sort of confidential procedure," Doninger said. "But you also have to have some institutional control."\nHe said that during his 10-year stint as athletics director, the Athletics Committee, made up of alumni, faculty and students, provided institutional control by overseeing decisions of the Athletics Department.\nBut Alex Shortle, IU Student Association president and member of the Athletics Committee, said he had not met with anyone to discuss the search for the new coach. He said the committee's job was only to approve ticket prices and review the firing of coaches.\n"We do not review coaches' hirings," Shortle said.\nWhile Greenspan might not seek out the advice of the Athletics Committee, the BFC or the IU Foundation, he might be getting plenty of advice - solicited or not.\nIU Trustee Patrick Shoulders said the board of trustees -- the governing body for IU -- has let Greenspan know what they expect of the next coach.\n"It will have to be someone who can hit the ground running, someone who can return us to being one of the top five programs in the nation," he said. \nBut wins are not the only concern of the trustees, Shoulders said.\n"Any new coach will have lots of responsibilities, including contacting alumni and making sure they remain interested in the success of the Athletic Department," he said.\nThe concern about who will become the next coach is not only coming from within the University. Floyd Keith, executive director of the Black Coaches Association, said he has talked to Greenspan about Davis's resignation on three separate occasions, as well as who will replace him.\nMany organizations have hired search firms to assist them in filling vacancies. IU already hired such a firm during the University's original Bloomington chancellor search. Fred Eichorn, former trustee and IU foundation director, said search firms are not unusual in high-profile searches such as this.\nDoninger said independent firms can hurt and help any search process, though he did not employ them during his decade at the helm.\n"I've watched a few cases, not specifically at IU, where search firms were used and I've wondered 'Where in the world did that person come from?'" he said. "The bottom-line is, there is no one right way of doing things."\nHerbert and Greenspan have denied multiple requests from the Indiana Daily Student to be interviewed about either Davis' resignation or replacing him.
(11/17/05 7:49pm)
If the music world were put on a political spectrum… \nThe Dave Matthews Band, The Neptunes or Franz Ferdinand might correspond to liberal politicians, being progressive innovators across genres. Simple Plan, Nelly or Bon Jovi might correspond to middle of the road politicians, being pervasive, well-liked but not really all that good or substantive. Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Cabrera or 50 Cent might correspond to (neo)conservative politicians, being on top of the music business and bad for their respective genres, and the future of the music industry in general.\nThe Mars Volta makes Franz Ferdinand look as progressive as Nickelback. \nNo guitarist can compare to Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez's sense of melody, speed of hand and understanding of guitar mechanics. And Cedric Baxler-Zavala's voice is reminiscent of Robert Plant -- an instrument as important as any other piece of the band. \nThe guys with hyphenated last names staked their claim on the title of "most progressive rockers in decades" on their first two albums, particularly Frances the Mute.\nBut the strangely titled Scab Dates isn't a perfect follow up. \nWhile the performances recorded for the album are simply stunning, the recording quality isn't. Credit is due to whoever mastered and mixed the unending ADD-rock. Perhaps something went wrong from studio to press, but the quality is irritatingly lacking. \nAnd the Mars Volta has, for whatever reason, slipped into dropping annoying background sounds into their albums, which they start this album with. \nIf, like me, you thought Frances was one of the greatest albums you've heard in years, then you understand the work of the Mars Volta enough to tolerate moderately poor sound quality and a few annoying ambient noises. \nThe progressive rock, which seemingly flows without end, is unmistakably brilliant. Based on my experience with three albums, I'll buy the next -- I just hope it's not a live disc.
(11/17/05 5:00am)
If the music world were put on a political spectrum… \nThe Dave Matthews Band, The Neptunes or Franz Ferdinand might correspond to liberal politicians, being progressive innovators across genres. Simple Plan, Nelly or Bon Jovi might correspond to middle of the road politicians, being pervasive, well-liked but not really all that good or substantive. Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Cabrera or 50 Cent might correspond to (neo)conservative politicians, being on top of the music business and bad for their respective genres, and the future of the music industry in general.\nThe Mars Volta makes Franz Ferdinand look as progressive as Nickelback. \nNo guitarist can compare to Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez's sense of melody, speed of hand and understanding of guitar mechanics. And Cedric Baxler-Zavala's voice is reminiscent of Robert Plant -- an instrument as important as any other piece of the band. \nThe guys with hyphenated last names staked their claim on the title of "most progressive rockers in decades" on their first two albums, particularly Frances the Mute.\nBut the strangely titled Scab Dates isn't a perfect follow up. \nWhile the performances recorded for the album are simply stunning, the recording quality isn't. Credit is due to whoever mastered and mixed the unending ADD-rock. Perhaps something went wrong from studio to press, but the quality is irritatingly lacking. \nAnd the Mars Volta has, for whatever reason, slipped into dropping annoying background sounds into their albums, which they start this album with. \nIf, like me, you thought Frances was one of the greatest albums you've heard in years, then you understand the work of the Mars Volta enough to tolerate moderately poor sound quality and a few annoying ambient noises. \nThe progressive rock, which seemingly flows without end, is unmistakably brilliant. Based on my experience with three albums, I'll buy the next -- I just hope it's not a live disc.
(11/10/05 5:00am)
When Blink-182 broke up, every stereotypical hate-it-cause-it's-on-the-air rock listener took their shots at the pop-punk band. In 30 seconds flat they could denigrate any punk band whose lead singer didn't sound like he just finished smoking 60 French cigarettes. \nMe, on the other hand, I nearly cried. Well, not really. But I wasn't happy about it. \nThe high school dropouts produced some of the greatest summer anthems, doing so in great teenage angst style. Which was perfect for me -- I was a teen when all of their albums came out. Not to mention, these were the guys I had seen play amazing shows, always with great company. They introduced me to Mest, New Found Glory and Simple Plan before any of them made it big. They also toured with two bands I love, Green Day and No Doubt, during back-to-back summer concerts. And, if you still hate Blink-182, you must give some dap (read: props, cred) to Travis Barker on drums. He has to be the world's fastest drummer, not to mention creative and technically impeccable.\nSo, it was fitting that I land the Greatest Hits album. But, for a super-fan, the $9.99 was essentially a waste.\nIt's not that they picked bad songs. And the overall package was good. Even the bonus tracks were, well, a bonus. \nBut the tracks were simply a chronological listing of singles -- something I could have made myself with a mix CD on iTunes. Although, I suppose it was nice to hear them grow up ten years in an hour. \nIn the end, if you have their other albums, download the bonus track "Not Now." This album isn't for the converted. Like Bob Marley has Legend to start every frat guy on his exodus from oppression, blink has Greatest Hits to sell a new generation on from their rough, suburban life to Vegas just to spite their parents. \nI just hope the new fans find their way back in the Blink catalogue to Enema of the State or Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.
(11/10/05 1:27am)
When Blink-182 broke up, every stereotypical hate-it-cause-it's-on-the-air rock listener took their shots at the pop-punk band. In 30 seconds flat they could denigrate any punk band whose lead singer didn't sound like he just finished smoking 60 French cigarettes. \nMe, on the other hand, I nearly cried. Well, not really. But I wasn't happy about it. \nThe high school dropouts produced some of the greatest summer anthems, doing so in great teenage angst style. Which was perfect for me -- I was a teen when all of their albums came out. Not to mention, these were the guys I had seen play amazing shows, always with great company. They introduced me to Mest, New Found Glory and Simple Plan before any of them made it big. They also toured with two bands I love, Green Day and No Doubt, during back-to-back summer concerts. And, if you still hate Blink-182, you must give some dap (read: props, cred) to Travis Barker on drums. He has to be the world's fastest drummer, not to mention creative and technically impeccable.\nSo, it was fitting that I land the Greatest Hits album. But, for a super-fan, the $9.99 was essentially a waste.\nIt's not that they picked bad songs. And the overall package was good. Even the bonus tracks were, well, a bonus. \nBut the tracks were simply a chronological listing of singles -- something I could have made myself with a mix CD on iTunes. Although, I suppose it was nice to hear them grow up ten years in an hour. \nIn the end, if you have their other albums, download the bonus track "Not Now." This album isn't for the converted. Like Bob Marley has Legend to start every frat guy on his exodus from oppression, blink has Greatest Hits to sell a new generation on from their rough, suburban life to Vegas just to spite their parents. \nI just hope the new fans find their way back in the Blink catalogue to Enema of the State or Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.
(09/29/05 4:00am)
It's finally fair to compare one of Bob Marley's musically inclined children to him. \nDamian "Jr. Gong" Marley released Welcome to Jamrock -- the first good, major label reggaeton release not intended for preteens and Britney Spears fans. Damian, with brother Stephen, has produced a masterpiece with Jamrock. This album captured a piece of the fire their dad brought to his music. Of course, Damian will never be Bob's equal: it's not fair to ask him to be. \nBut Jamrock introduces a new generation to what you know the Black Eyed Peas or the Roots could be -- and wish so bad they would be. \nThe militant-Rastafari-meets-"One Love" swagger is back in the way only a Marley could do it. With "Confrontation," Damian brings audio clips of Marcus Garvey to hype up a revolutionary sound. This 20-second clip of crowd-speak makes it easy to understand the power of his speech. The title track carries a similar feel, bringing reggae up to par with modern gangster rap, Talib Kweli-style. \n"Welcome To Jamrock" is easily the best song on the CD bearing the same title. While the rest of the CD wanders through musical genres, it doesn't disappoint. "Move!" features a sample of his papa's "Exodus," which could have gone awry all too easily, but flows seamlessly in and out of the song's chorus. And "All Night" is brilliantly recorded, making it sound like a 50s club jazz-swing hit.\nNot all tracks are so grand: the Bobby Brown collaboration "Beautiful" sounds dumb, to say the least. And the track splitting up "Confrontation" and "Welcome To Jamrock" is the inane "There For You."\nBut Damian brings a social conscious to music that it needs so desperately. He disparages tourists visiting Jamaica, pretending children aren't killing each other just a few miles inland. And it's nice to hear prophetic reggae that matters once again.
(09/29/05 12:45am)
It's finally fair to compare one of Bob Marley's musically inclined children to him. \nDamian "Jr. Gong" Marley released Welcome to Jamrock -- the first good, major label reggaeton release not intended for preteens and Britney Spears fans. Damian, with brother Stephen, has produced a masterpiece with Jamrock. This album captured a piece of the fire their dad brought to his music. Of course, Damian will never be Bob's equal: it's not fair to ask him to be. \nBut Jamrock introduces a new generation to what you know the Black Eyed Peas or the Roots could be -- and wish so bad they would be. \nThe militant-Rastafari-meets-"One Love" swagger is back in the way only a Marley could do it. With "Confrontation," Damian brings audio clips of Marcus Garvey to hype up a revolutionary sound. This 20-second clip of crowd-speak makes it easy to understand the power of his speech. The title track carries a similar feel, bringing reggae up to par with modern gangster rap, Talib Kweli-style. \n"Welcome To Jamrock" is easily the best song on the CD bearing the same title. While the rest of the CD wanders through musical genres, it doesn't disappoint. "Move!" features a sample of his papa's "Exodus," which could have gone awry all too easily, but flows seamlessly in and out of the song's chorus. And "All Night" is brilliantly recorded, making it sound like a 50s club jazz-swing hit.\nNot all tracks are so grand: the Bobby Brown collaboration "Beautiful" sounds dumb, to say the least. And the track splitting up "Confrontation" and "Welcome To Jamrock" is the inane "There For You."\nBut Damian brings a social conscious to music that it needs so desperately. He disparages tourists visiting Jamaica, pretending children aren't killing each other just a few miles inland. And it's nice to hear prophetic reggae that matters once again.
(09/20/05 5:54am)
Bloomington police arrested four people on charges related to a stabbing that occurred late Saturday night near the Lake Griffy boathouse north of the city.\nThe 36-year-old male victim was admitted to Bloomington Hospital with a partially collapsed lung, according to Bloomington Police Department reports. The unidentified male sustained two stab wounds to the back and was last reported to be in critical condition. The hospital declined to search their records without the victim's name, noting they were not legally allowed to do so. BPD has not released the victim's name.\nAccording to BPD reports, Amy D. Boyce was charged with attempted murder. Brandon S. Sloan was arrested on the charge of battery causing serious bodily injury. Katharine L. Lewis and Jessica N. Stanger were arrested on the charge of conspiracy to commit battery causing serious bodily harm.\nA confrontation arose between the victim and suspects in People's Park, according to police reports. The victim and suspects are acquaintances, though they are not friends, said BPD Sgt. David Drake. The suspects were allegedly angered by comments the victim made about a deceased friend. \nThe police claim the suspects and victim went to Lake Griffy together, and the victim went willingly. According to BPD reports, the suspects went to the lake with the intention of injuring the victim. Sloan, Lewis and Stanger said in the report that they did not intend for the victim to be stabbed. \nThe victim was left where he was stabbed. He made a 911 call from the Lake Griffy boathouse, thinking he had only been beaten. Officers discovered the stab wounds after arriving at the scene.\nAll four suspects were found at the hospital after the fight. Boyce sustained a cut, which she attributed to a knife she was washing with other dishes. Sloan complained of a hand injury he attributed to punching a brick wall.\nThe four suspects were transported to the BPD headquarters, where Boyce admitted to stabbing the victim. Boyce contends she was forced to commit the violence by another individual who threatened to harm her if she did not, according to BPD reports. Sgt. David Drake said he believes that is untrue. \nThe Monroe County Dive Team searched for the knife used in the stabbing after Boyce reported throwing it in Lake Griffy, according to police reports. The dive team failed to locate it after hours of searching.\nBoyce said in a police report she knew the victim wouldn't die because it "takes a while for someone to die from a stabbing."\n-- Staff writer Matt McMullan contributed to this report.
(09/15/05 4:00am)
I first heard Seu Jorge the way I imagine most Americans were introduced to the Brazilian answer to Jack Johnson: via "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." His covers of David Bowie hits were brilliant -- and not just for the face value of hearing Ziggy Stardust acoustic and in Portuguese. The remastered songs shined as mellow and intricate. \nFor his new release, Jorge followed with similarly great material -- deceptively complex, samba-influenced wonders.\nThe approach I took to this album was a strange one for me -- I knew I would respect it, even if I hated it. And I don't hate Cru.\nI don't love it either: The things that turn me off about Jorge's music are small. \nWhat I guess are likely cultural influences and musical norms elsewhere are disaffecting. For example, "Chatterton" features a back beat full of instrumentations intended to sound jungle-esque and Jorge nearly chokes to death during the album version of the song.\nBut don't let nuances stop you from picking up Cru. This is an erratic album, but when it shines, it shines in any culture.\n"Fiore De La Citta" finds Jorge doing his best Sinatra, and "Tive Razao" -- likely "the single" -- is just an enticing song. \nJorge also covers Elvis Presley's "Don't" in perfect English, though the song is haunted by similar jungle-like instrumentations. \nThe great thing about Jorge is the cross-genre appeal. While I don't think meatheads will be supplanting their daily dose of bland rock with the wonderful croonings of this musical master, Jorge appeals to my like of blues, jazz, pop and worldbeat stylings.\nI look for an album to inspire me to do one of a few things: make my own music, make love or simply chill (think: Slim Thug's Already Platinum, M.I.A.'s Arular). Cru, like only a few other albums, does all three.\nThe accomplishment of this album seeps out of the speakers. For the consistent world-music junkie or jazz connoisseur this album is an obvious A+ purchase. For the musically inclined and generally interested, Cru should find its way to your shelves eventually. \nFor the iTunes inclined, check out "Tive Razao" and "Mania De Peitao" if you want to sample Cru before a potential purchase.
(09/15/05 1:23am)
I first heard Seu Jorge the way I imagine most Americans were introduced to the Brazilian answer to Jack Johnson: via "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." His covers of David Bowie hits were brilliant -- and not just for the face value of hearing Ziggy Stardust acoustic and in Portuguese. The remastered songs shined as mellow and intricate. \nFor his new release, Jorge followed with similarly great material -- deceptively complex, samba-influenced wonders.\nThe approach I took to this album was a strange one for me -- I knew I would respect it, even if I hated it. And I don't hate Cru.\nI don't love it either: The things that turn me off about Jorge's music are small. \nWhat I guess are likely cultural influences and musical norms elsewhere are disaffecting. For example, "Chatterton" features a back beat full of instrumentations intended to sound jungle-esque and Jorge nearly chokes to death during the album version of the song.\nBut don't let nuances stop you from picking up Cru. This is an erratic album, but when it shines, it shines in any culture.\n"Fiore De La Citta" finds Jorge doing his best Sinatra, and "Tive Razao" -- likely "the single" -- is just an enticing song. \nJorge also covers Elvis Presley's "Don't" in perfect English, though the song is haunted by similar jungle-like instrumentations. \nThe great thing about Jorge is the cross-genre appeal. While I don't think meatheads will be supplanting their daily dose of bland rock with the wonderful croonings of this musical master, Jorge appeals to my like of blues, jazz, pop and worldbeat stylings.\nI look for an album to inspire me to do one of a few things: make my own music, make love or simply chill (think: Slim Thug's Already Platinum, M.I.A.'s Arular). Cru, like only a few other albums, does all three.\nThe accomplishment of this album seeps out of the speakers. For the consistent world-music junkie or jazz connoisseur this album is an obvious A+ purchase. For the musically inclined and generally interested, Cru should find its way to your shelves eventually. \nFor the iTunes inclined, check out "Tive Razao" and "Mania De Peitao" if you want to sample Cru before a potential purchase.
(09/09/05 6:11am)
Hoosiers are blazing the trail for workers aiding devastated residents of southern Mississippi. \nRegistered nurse and state Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington, is one of many Hoosiers working as a part of Operation Hoosier Relief in and around Biloxi, Miss. The operation is the first group from Indiana with medical personnel, she said in a phone interview, and follows Indiana's immediate emergency response team Task Group One. \nThe group is not limited to nurses from the private sector, like Welch. According to an executive order from Gov. Mitch Daniels, Operation Hoosier Relief is composed of health and environmental workers, workers from the Family and Social Services Administration and the state police, among others.\nIndiana State Trooper Kevin Getz is currently working out of Biloxi with the operation. Getz said in a phone interview he is one of 10 underwater search and recovery specialists from the Indiana State Troopers based out of Biloxi. \nGetz spends his days patrolling the bayous and bays, enforcing the current ban on local boat traffic in the area affected by the hurricane. But the most important and touching part of his job is the simple act of meeting residents, he said.\n"We've been sent down here to lend support," he said. "That can be as simple as just talking to people.\n"When I tell them I am from Indiana, they just look at you with relief. The gratitude they express is amazing."\nMany sectors of the Gulfport, Miss.-area community -- an area laden with bodies of water, devastated by Hurricane Katrina -- are in need. Welch said a significant part of her job will be discovering the immediate needs of the residents. \n"People have not had access to mental health drugs ... blood sugar medicine," she said. "We are waiting on supplies; there's not been a lot of hands-on stuff to do."\nIndiana State Trooper First Sgt. Dave Bursten is working around the Biloxi area to stabilize Mississippian lives. \n"We are acting as law enforcement here," he said in a phone interview. "We are basically doing the same thing here as we would at home.\n"The public safety officers have been victims, too. We are trying to help them normalize their lives."\nBursten said Operation Hoosier Relief sent 200 people to the area. Daniels' executive order confirmed what Bursten and Welch both said: the Indiana aid workers are to be in Mississippi for no longer than 60 days. \nAmong the Hoosiers in the area, an estimated 95 are law enforcement. The remaining 105 are fire officials, doctors, nurses and mental health professionals, Bursten said. \nEspecially important is the care for the mentally ill, Welch said. Some were stuck in the area during the hurricane and now have been with out medication for days.\n"Of course we are blazing the trail as far as finding out what needs to be done," Welch said. "We are trying to assess what the residents of Mississippi need now"