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(06/30/06 8:17pm)
When Phil Eskew Jr. wakes up Saturday morning, he'll begin his term as the newest member of the IU board of trustees. In a surprising upset of incumbent trustee Cora Breckenridge, Eskew won the seat, receiving more than 9,000 of the 31,650 votes cast by IU alumni.\n"It came out of nowhere," said Doug McKinney, library statistical data analysist.\nEskew beat out candidate Steve Sanders with 6,555 votes and Breckenridge with 5,503. As Breckenridge and Sanders stood anxiously in the library while 20 students and faculty counted votes, Eskew was nowhere to be seen. He is a physician from Carmel, Ind., who has delivered more than 5,000 infants. \nBreckenridge gave hugs to friends as she left defeated, yet still upbeat and positive about her service. She wished her University well and said she has plenty to keep her busy now that her role as trustee is over.\n"I did the best I could do," Breckenridge said. "I can see my tenure is just about over. It's been a great run. I will remain a loyal and dedicated alumni."\nOnlookers were surprised that the candidate who didn't heavily campaign won the seat so handily. Patricia Steele, interim dean of libraries, said she thought it was amazing that there was such a disparity with seven candidates. \nMcKinney ran the elaborate counting process that involved opening all envelopes, separating votes into separate piles of 50 per candidate, and double and triple counting.\n"Doug has the process fine tuned," Steele said. "This was one of the smoothest elections we've had."\nThe 20 counters had a full day of flipping through ballots that left them rubbing their shoulders by the end.\n"It took forever," said senior Ashley Banter. "My thumbs hurt after awhile."\nAn onlooker who was not directly involved helped shed some light on the importance of the election. The new trustee takes over tomorrow in what is shaping up to be a busy time as IU goes through its presidential search.\n"When you have a board this small, every member has to carry his or her own weight," said Bloomington resident Suzann Owen. "You can not afford to have anyone that doesn't make a contribution"
(06/30/06 8:17pm)
INDIANAPOLIS -- The search for the next president of IU is now underway, with the announcement of the 12-member search and faculty committees Tuesday afternoon at a special board of trustees meeting at IU-Purdue University-Indianapolis. Trustee Sue Talbot was announced chair of the search committee. Two other trustees and representatives from various IU campuses make up the remainder of the committee. \nIU President Adam Herbert said the search would be difficult, but said the two years given to perform it should be effective and that he would do whatever is necessary to smooth the transition. \n"Presidential searches are very difficult," Herbert said. "What this is essentially doing is giving the board two years of total flexibility to choose the next president for Indiana University and I just think that's the optimal situation for the institution." \nTalbot said Herbert will lead the University and that he would be an asset in the transitional period. \n"As a member of the search committee it is to our big advantage to have Adam here as a council for us," Talbot said. "He has a lot of experience in this category. He will continue to lead the University and help us tread the course for the future, which is a part of his responsibility as president. I think it's a win-win situation for all of us."\nHerbert stressed that he was "going full speed ahead" and has no intention of being a lame duck president. He said he is focused on the significant things that need to be accomplished and the importance of preparing the institution for transition. \n"The board has made it clear they do not want me to look, or act, like a lame duck," Herbert said. \nTrustee President Stephen Ferguson said between $150,000 and $200,000 has been budgeted for the presidential search, including around $100,000 for the search firm. He acknowledged that in the past when they brought Herbert in as president, Herbert had to come in knowing IU had debts in athletics, tensions within its own foundation and other internal struggles that forced a lot upon him. This time, he said, they would like to make it easier for the incoming president. \nWhen questioned what he would do if a new president were selected before his contract runs out, Herbert said he would do whatever was best for the University and that he has not given it much thought on a personal basis.\n"I'll continue to serve until a new president is selected," Herbert said. \nTalbot said there is a "deep, rich pool of candidates" and said that in the next 10 days the committee will choose a search firm that will help it establish a more detailed timetable. \n"I don't look at him at all as finishing up his tenure badly," Talbot said. "We're going to take the adequate time and do the best job possible to find the best fit possible for this University"
(06/28/06 9:11pm)
INDIANAPOLIS - The search for the next president of IU got underway with the announcement of the 12-member search and faculty advisory committees Tuesday afternoon at a special board of trustees meeting at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis. Trustee Sue Talbot was announced chair of the search committee. Two other trustees and representatives from various IU campuses make up the remainder of the search committee, and several IUB faculty members will sit on the advisory committee. \nIU President Adam Herbert said the search would be difficult, but said the two years given to perform it should be effective and that he would do whatever is necessary to smooth the transition. \n"Presidential searches are very difficult," Herbert said. "What this is essentially doing is giving the board two years of total flexibility to choose the next president for Indiana University and I just think that's the optimal situation for the institution." \nTalbot said Herbert will lead the University and that he would be an asset in the transitional period. \n"As a member of the search committee it is to our big advantage to have Adam here as a council for us," Talbot said. "He has a lot of experience in this category. He will continue to lead the University and help us tread the course for the future, which is a part of his responsibility as president. I think it's a win-win situation for all of us."\nHerbert stressed that he was "going full speed ahead" and has no intention of being a lame duck president. He said he is focused on the significant things that need to be accomplished and the importance of preparing the institution for transition. \n"The board has made it clear they do not want me to look, or act, like a lame duck," Herbert said. \nTrustee President Stephen Ferguson said between $150,000 and $200,000 has been budgeted for the presidential search, including around $100,000 for the search firm. He acknowledged that in the past when they brought Herbert in as president, Herbert had to come in knowing IU had debts in athletics, tensions within its own foundation and other internal struggles that forced a lot upon him. This time, he said, they would like to make it easier for the incoming president. \nWhen questioned what he would do if a new president were selected before his contract runs out, Herbert said he would do whatever was best for the University and that he has not given it much thought on a personal basis.\n"I'll continue to serve until a new president is selected," Herbert said. \nTalbot said there is a "deep, rich pool of candidates" and said that in the next ten days the committee will choose a search firm that will help it establish a more detailed timetable. \n"I don't look at him at all as finishing up his tenure badly," Talbot said. "We're going to take the adequate time and do the best job possible to find the best fit possible for this University." \nThe committee members, as announced by Trustee President Stephen Ferguson, are: Talbot; Bruce Bergland, chancellor of IU-Northwest; Clarence W. Boone Sr., IU trustee; Marion E. Broome, dean of IU School of Nursing at IUPUI; David E. Clemmer, Marjorie Mann Chair for department of chemistry at IUB; Daniel F. Evans Jr., president and CEO of Clarian Health Partners; Jerrol Z. Miles, IU-Southeast board of advisors member; Theodore K. Miller, senior co-secretary of university faculty council; V. Sue Shields, magistrate judge, southern Indiana U.S. District Court; Thomas E. Reilly Jr., IU trustee; Desmond C. Wong, president and CEO, Sino Strategies Corp.; and a representative of the All University Student Association (not yet named).\nCheck Thursday's edition for more news from the trustee meeting.
(06/26/06 3:43am)
IU President Adam Herbert said he may step down before his contract is up in 2008 if a replacement is found, but he could stay on for the interim in a different role. A 12-member search committee to find a new president will be announced at a special IU board of trustees meeting Tuesday at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis. \nA unique situation could present itself in the coming year. If a new president is found before 2008, Herbert could stay on in a different capacity to finish out his contract. Though this is a possibility, finding a new president is not expected to be an easy task. \n"One possibility is, a new president could be brought on board as soon as next July," Herbert said in an interview with Gerry Dick of Inside Indiana Business. "There are a number of things I could do to be helpful, whether I'm in the president's role or not." \nStephen Ferguson, president of the board of trustees, said Herbert could possibly teach or research in addition to working on special projects and assisting in a smooth transition for the new president. Ferguson said Herbert's role would strongly take into consideration who the new president is and what is best for the University.\nTrustee Sue Talbot said the trustees are starting the search early, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily going to end it early. Talbot was on the committee that had a 60-day period to name Herbert as president in 2003, but Larry MacIntyre, IU spokesman, said the search will take longer this time. \n"The board of trustees does not want to be locked into any time frame," MacIntyre said. "There's no pressure to be done by a certain date." \nThe committee will be helped by a search firm, which Ferguson said will be in place by August 1. Ferguson said the University has already sent out requests for search firms and are receiving replies. \nFerguson said he understands the interview process is a two-way street and that the candidates will be interviewing the University as well. In regards to the salary of the new president, Ferguson said it will not end up at the top of the Big Ten and will not end up at the bottom either, but instead somewhere in the middle.\nThe committee will be made up of three trustees, a chancellor, some faculty members and a student representative. Competition is fierce for the high-pressure job, as numerous schools are looking for a new president, including the University of Iowa, Ohio State University and Harvard University.\nTalbot said Herbert has been fair and helpful in the transition to a new president and that she looks for similar qualities in the next president. She said they're looking for leadership abilities, strong fundraising skills and strong credentials to complement collected student input on the decision. \n"They don't necessarily have to have an IU connection," Talbot said. "We want student input and to engage in conversations with the IUSA contributing a great deal." \nMany factions must come to an agreement on the future president, but trustees are excited about the upcoming search.\n"I always look forward to the challenge of it," Talbot said. "I really enjoy that kind of thing. That's why I signed on to be trustee."\nA presidential search is just one of a number of items on the table for Tuesday's full day of trustee board meetings. Ferguson said some items on the agenda are general education requirements, Ivy Tech matriculation and a life sciences update by Craig Brater, IU School of Medicine dean and vice president of life sciences.
(06/24/06 8:46pm)
IU President Adam Herbert said he may step down before his contract is up in 2008 if a replacement is found, but he could stay on for the interim in a different role. A 12-member search committee to find a new president will be announced at a special IU board of trustees meeting Tuesday at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis. \nA unique situation could present itself in the coming year. If a new president is found before 2008, Herbert could stay on in a different capacity to finish out his contract. Though this is a possibility, finding a new president is not expected to be an easy task. \n"One possibility is, a new president could be brought on board as soon as next July," Herbert said in an interview with Inside Indiana Business's Gerry Dick. "There are a number of things I could do to be helpful, whether I'm in the president's role or not." \nTrustee Sue Talbot said the trustees are starting the search early, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily going to end it early. Talbot was on the committee that had a 60-day period to name Herbert as president in 2003, but Larry MacIntyre, IU spokesman, said the search will take longer this time. \n"The board of trustees does not want to be locked into any time frame," MacIntyre said. "There's no pressure to be done by a certain date." \nThe committee will be made up of three trustees, a chancellor, some faculty members and a student representative. Competition is fierce for the high-pressure job, as numerous schools are looking for a new president, including the University of Iowa, Ohio State University and Harvard University. \nTalbot said Herbert has been fair and helpful in the transition to a new president and that she looks for similar qualities in the next president. She said they're looking for leadership abilities, strong fundraising skills and strong credentials to complement collected student input on the decision. \n"They don't necessarily have to have an IU connection," Talbot said. "We want student input and to engage in conversations with the IUSA contributing a great deal." \nMany factions must come to an agreement on the future president, but trustees are excited about the upcoming search. \n"I always look forward to the challenge of it," Talbot said. "I really enjoy that kind of thing. That's why I signed on to be trustee"
(06/24/06 8:39pm)
It's not grandparents' week that has hundreds of silver-haired students making their way through Ballantine Hall and the Indiana Memorial Union for classes. It's Mini U, the annual summer learning University, running smoothly in its 35th anniversary year. \nA record 468 participants taking up to three courses a day from top IU professors have been busy at night too with a picnic, reception and trip to a play.\nJoan Hall, director of membership for IU Alumni Association, has been coming to Mini U for about 10 years and thinks it's a great program.\n"We have a really fun group," Hall said. "They're mostly retirement age, but an energetic group."\nParticipants have overwhelmingly positive things to say about the program that keeps them coming back year after year. After her sixth time attending Mini, Louray Cain was so enamored with IU and Mini that she decided to move here. Now, in year 19, she still finds the program fresh.\n"There's a bunch of new classes this year," Cain said. "Usually we have more core classes, but there's more new ones this year."\nThis year's variety of classes have given participants a number of favorite moments, with a couple days left to form even more. Karen Davis liked the intellectual stimulation of the stem cell research class and many were enamored with Director of the Choral Ensemble James Mumford's class showing everyone that they could sing.\nLerae Bush said Mumford suggested that next year they put together a choir made up of Mini U participants. She was excited at the prospect, saying that after Mumford showed everyone they could sing, there was a lot of talent in the room.\n"(Participants) here are eager to have some input," Bush said. "It was fantastic, super-outstanding that he would be the one to suggest it."\nMusic classes have been especially popular, with music professor Glenn Gass' night class coaxing participants into singing along with the music. Gass got big laughs when he showed a video of Elvis singing to a hound dog and had throngs of attendees coming up to tell him how much they loved the class afterwards. He said it was a poignant moment for him, considering this is his last lecture at IU for a year as he prepares to go on sabbatical as he is travelling to Hawaii.\n"It was outstanding," said Ann Saar. "I could have sat here another 10 hours. What impressed me most was that he didn't have to look at notes. It came from his heart."\nThe lecture by former CIA operative Gene Coylewas a favorite topic of participants, as well. George and Phyllis Shackelford drove from Texas to be here and George said it's a great place to find interests you can have the rest of your life. Phyllis said she was interested in the Coyle talking about how much more difficult it has become to define an enemy with terrorism and that the professor told great stories.\n"He was in Bosnia with no gun," Shackelford said. "He went to the embassy for a gun, and they said they were all out."\nEd Peckin said he was excited to get his book signed by Coyle and that the weekend meant more than just learning to him. He said it's important that people focus on the idea of an endless learning curve and that he comes to stay mentally healthy and enjoy the social context. In his 14th Mini U, he said the social interaction was just as important to him. \n"There's always something new," Peckin said. "So much time left, my high point may still be coming."\nMargot and David Kling came from Louisville, Ky. for their 10th Mini and said the well-prepared professors gave them something to remember, for a while at least.\n"We just love it," Margot said. "You always learn something. My problem is, at 80 years old, you forget it"
(06/22/06 4:00am)
It was tens of thousands of things for tens of thousands of people. Bonnaroo rose to epic proportions in its fifth year, with immense diverse lineups that rocked attendees all day and all through the night. Not since inward singing has non-stop rocking been possible.\nHighlights included a landmark performance by Radiohead, strong performances by legends Buddy Guy, Tom Petty and Elvis Costello, unique collaborations forming super groups, and dozens more jam, reggae, funk, hip-hop, international and indie-rock bands making their mark. For up to sixteen hours a day festival-goers had a plethora of musicians, comedians, artists, and shopping to keep them busy at what G.Love and the Special Sauce frontman called "The Party o the Year." \nThe scene was a slight change from years past where jam bands dominated the festival. Joel Cummins, keyboardist from \nBonnaroo mainstay Umphrey's Mcgee, welcomed the change.\n"It's always been a part of the scene," Cummins said of the addition of non-jam bands. "It's important to bring in freshness. It's just a bigger deal this year because it's the headliners."\nBonnaroo has traditionally showcased primarily jam bands, but Tom Petty and Radiohead drew the two biggest crowds through Saturday. All day and night, bands competed with up to four or five others for an audience's attention, but giving Petty and Radiohead uncontested stage time proved wise. \nFor Petty's set, masses of fans filled up almost every inch of the enormous venue, pushing practically all the way back to the security checkpoint. The heartland boy had a well received show full of classic hits, "Last Dance with Mary Jane," "Free Falling," "American Girl" and countless others.\n"Tom Petty is great," said fan Scott Kampmeyer. "He's one of those guys that could play for three hours and you'd know every song." \nWhile Jam bands aren't the focus anymore, they still have a major presence at Bonnaroo. A super jam Saturday night and into Sunday morning brought together members from Phish and The Grateful Dead, the unquestionable pioneers of jam music. Those not too exhausted from all day rocking were treated to Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish in addition to Phil Lesh from the Dead. Moe, Phil Lesh and Friends, Medeski, Martin and Wood were among the big name jam bands making their presence felt. \nContinuing their perfect attendance at Bonnaroo was Umphrey's McGee, who put on a spectacular midnight show, with a seamless handoff to fellow jam-band the Disco Biscuits. The two shared the midnight to four a.m. time slot Friday night, coming together for a memorable four song set of covers. The pairing sounded like old friends singing along to the car stereo as they belted out classic rock staples. "Baby You're a Rich Man," by the Beatles was followed by Pink Floyd's epics "Another Brick in the Wall," "Brain Damage," and "Eclipse"\nCover songs gave a further indication of the influences of the bands and allowed fans to hear classics given a new spin. Nickel Creek's well received, blue-grass set was interjected with a version of Radiohead's "Nice Dream," sounding great with a male and female voice harmonizing. \nBeck paid omage to Radiohead with a quick acoustic version of "Creep." It was the first single from Radiohead, which came out in 1994, the same year as Beck's "Loser." Though it's preposterous to think now, the two songs temporarily pigeon-holed the two acts into nineties one-hit wonders, instead of what they've become, two of the most prolific artists of the last decade. \nBeck put on a show in every sense of the word. A minature set with puppets clad in the same clothes as the band mimicked every movement of the band as Beck rocked his half acoustic, half funky incredibly funny, rocking set. Halfway into the set the band sat down at a table on stage and ate dinner, waiter and all, as Beck played acoustic songs from "Sea Change." As the band wrapped up, they used their cups and silverware like kids around a table at camp, banging in perfect percussion. The puppets even ate dinner and banged away as they were displayed proudly on monitors that showed a hilarious video the band had prepared. Comedy aside, the show rocked out for an audience stirring with excitement for the upcoming Radiohead show. \nDozens more favorites put on memorable shows in the non-stop rocking festival. Oysterhead's collaboration of Trey Anastacio from Phish, Stewart Copeland from The Police, and bassist Les Claypool getting rave reviews. Dacning was prevalent throughout Robert Randolph's slide guitar set, and though Death Cab for Cutie gave indie-rock fans their fill of hits, many sat down for the solid set. Damian Marley rocked one stage with his own well received songs and a few covers of his dad as Beck rocked the stage nearby. Buddy Guy had people of all ages getting down to his legendary blues, and growing fan favorite Matisyahu put on two sets that had people "l'chaim-ing" like there was no tomorrow.\nWhile the show was a chance to see some old favorites, it was a big chance to see new ones. Devotchka and Cat Empire kept coming up as surprising break out acts. Devotchka's violin-filled gypsy rock had fans making interesting claims. One fan loved the way they captured the crowds attention.\n"It's the happiest evil polka ever," said fan Jen Powers. "They have good stage presence and they're sweet." \nCat Empire's funky, horn section and rocking set had them hailed as the surprise of Thursday evenings shows. dios (malos) was another break out act from the first night of shows. The singer's voice floated above the rocking band and wild-eyed drummer. \nPerformers saw the festival as a way to check out other acts as well. Robert Randolph was one of many eager to see Radiohead, joking that he'd love to play his trademark slide guitar over their set. Abundant shows at all times made for tough decisions on who to see. Ricky Skaggs even admitted his own kids would be checking out Robert Randolph instead of his show.
(06/21/06 10:27pm)
It was tens of thousands of things for tens of thousands of people. Bonnaroo rose to epic proportions in its fifth year, with immense diverse lineups that rocked attendees all day and all through the night. Not since inward singing has non-stop rocking been possible.\nHighlights included a landmark performance by Radiohead, strong performances by legends Buddy Guy, Tom Petty and Elvis Costello, unique collaborations forming super groups, and dozens more jam, reggae, funk, hip-hop, international and indie-rock bands making their mark. For up to sixteen hours a day festival-goers had a plethora of musicians, comedians, artists, and shopping to keep them busy at what G.Love and the Special Sauce frontman called "The Party o the Year." \nThe scene was a slight change from years past where jam bands dominated the festival. Joel Cummins, keyboardist from \nBonnaroo mainstay Umphrey's Mcgee, welcomed the change.\n"It's always been a part of the scene," Cummins said of the addition of non-jam bands. "It's important to bring in freshness. It's just a bigger deal this year because it's the headliners."\nBonnaroo has traditionally showcased primarily jam bands, but Tom Petty and Radiohead drew the two biggest crowds through Saturday. All day and night, bands competed with up to four or five others for an audience's attention, but giving Petty and Radiohead uncontested stage time proved wise. \nFor Petty's set, masses of fans filled up almost every inch of the enormous venue, pushing practically all the way back to the security checkpoint. The heartland boy had a well received show full of classic hits, "Last Dance with Mary Jane," "Free Falling," "American Girl" and countless others.\n"Tom Petty is great," said fan Scott Kampmeyer. "He's one of those guys that could play for three hours and you'd know every song." \nWhile Jam bands aren't the focus anymore, they still have a major presence at Bonnaroo. A super jam Saturday night and into Sunday morning brought together members from Phish and The Grateful Dead, the unquestionable pioneers of jam music. Those not too exhausted from all day rocking were treated to Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish in addition to Phil Lesh from the Dead. Moe, Phil Lesh and Friends, Medeski, Martin and Wood were among the big name jam bands making their presence felt. \nContinuing their perfect attendance at Bonnaroo was Umphrey's McGee, who put on a spectacular midnight show, with a seamless handoff to fellow jam-band the Disco Biscuits. The two shared the midnight to four a.m. time slot Friday night, coming together for a memorable four song set of covers. The pairing sounded like old friends singing along to the car stereo as they belted out classic rock staples. "Baby You're a Rich Man," by the Beatles was followed by Pink Floyd's epics "Another Brick in the Wall," "Brain Damage," and "Eclipse"\nCover songs gave a further indication of the influences of the bands and allowed fans to hear classics given a new spin. Nickel Creek's well received, blue-grass set was interjected with a version of Radiohead's "Nice Dream," sounding great with a male and female voice harmonizing. \nBeck paid omage to Radiohead with a quick acoustic version of "Creep." It was the first single from Radiohead, which came out in 1994, the same year as Beck's "Loser." Though it's preposterous to think now, the two songs temporarily pigeon-holed the two acts into nineties one-hit wonders, instead of what they've become, two of the most prolific artists of the last decade. \nBeck put on a show in every sense of the word. A minature set with puppets clad in the same clothes as the band mimicked every movement of the band as Beck rocked his half acoustic, half funky incredibly funny, rocking set. Halfway into the set the band sat down at a table on stage and ate dinner, waiter and all, as Beck played acoustic songs from "Sea Change." As the band wrapped up, they used their cups and silverware like kids around a table at camp, banging in perfect percussion. The puppets even ate dinner and banged away as they were displayed proudly on monitors that showed a hilarious video the band had prepared. Comedy aside, the show rocked out for an audience stirring with excitement for the upcoming Radiohead show. \nDozens more favorites put on memorable shows in the non-stop rocking festival. Oysterhead's collaboration of Trey Anastacio from Phish, Stewart Copeland from The Police, and bassist Les Claypool getting rave reviews. Dacning was prevalent throughout Robert Randolph's slide guitar set, and though Death Cab for Cutie gave indie-rock fans their fill of hits, many sat down for the solid set. Damian Marley rocked one stage with his own well received songs and a few covers of his dad as Beck rocked the stage nearby. Buddy Guy had people of all ages getting down to his legendary blues, and growing fan favorite Matisyahu put on two sets that had people "l'chaim-ing" like there was no tomorrow.\nWhile the show was a chance to see some old favorites, it was a big chance to see new ones. Devotchka and Cat Empire kept coming up as surprising break out acts. Devotchka's violin-filled gypsy rock had fans making interesting claims. One fan loved the way they captured the crowds attention.\n"It's the happiest evil polka ever," said fan Jen Powers. "They have good stage presence and they're sweet." \nCat Empire's funky, horn section and rocking set had them hailed as the surprise of Thursday evenings shows. dios (malos) was another break out act from the first night of shows. The singer's voice floated above the rocking band and wild-eyed drummer. \nPerformers saw the festival as a way to check out other acts as well. Robert Randolph was one of many eager to see Radiohead, joking that he'd love to play his trademark slide guitar over their set. Abundant shows at all times made for tough decisions on who to see. Ricky Skaggs even admitted his own kids would be checking out Robert Randolph instead of his show.
(06/21/06 10:12pm)
A Saturday afternoon press conference gave artists like Robert Randolph, Ben Folds, Umphrey's McGee, and Lewis Black a chance to joke around and talk about their impressions of the festival that singer of G.Love & Special Sauce Garrett Dutton called "The greatest party of the year." \nBen Folds, fresh off his set, said it was the second time he'd play for a crowd that size. \n"I heard there were 30-40 thousand people in the crowd," Folds said. "And they all have different color hair. I've only played a crowd that big in Japan and they all had dark hair, so I had a little trouble focusing at the beginning of my set." \nMany artists said a big reason they love the show is that it gives them a chance to check out other musicians. Ricky Skaggs admitted his kids plan to see Robert Randolph's act instead of his. Robert Randolph said he wishes he could play his slide guitar during Radiohead, and many expressed their desire to see Beck. Keyboardist of Umphreys McGee, Joel Cummings, said when they tour all year they don't feel like spending their off days seeing shows, but loved the opportunity at Bonnaroo. \n"Every year I walk away finding a band that I love and end up buying all their cd's," Cummins said. "Bonnaroo is one of the best things out there and I'm thrilled to be a part of it." \nCummins and Umphrey's played a gig in Indiana with The Disco Biscuits a few weeks ago, trading in band members as they went. Cummins sid that he got thrown from stage last time they played together and that he was going to get his revenge Disco Biscuits member Jon Gutwillig, seated a couple seats away. \nIndiana natives, Umphrey's McGee have had a big year, with a new album "Safety in Numbers" out since April, and tours across the country including a stop in Bloomington. Sold out shows and new albums come on the heels of what Joel described as a tough year for the band. \nA drunk driver killed a close friend of the band as he tried to meet up with them after the show. Joel said the band struggled through relationship problems and playing 130 -140 shows a year was wearing on the band. He said it helped playing with the new songs that people really relate to and that he was proud of. \n"Usually, a couple weeks after we put out an album I'm looking with self doubt," Cummins said. "I still feel really positive about this one though, so that's a good thing." \nA packed schedule will keep Umphrey's busy all year. They are playing a couple shows with Dave Mathews in July, and have plans to collaborate with Galactic, Bela Fleck, and Marc Broussard in addition to playing the Bean Blossom Festival in Indiana in August.
(06/17/06 4:00am)
A Saturday afternoon press conference gave artists like Robert Randolph, Ben Folds, Umphrey's McGee, and Lewis Black a chance to joke around and talk about their impressions of the festival that singer of G.Love & Special Sauce Garrett Dutton called "The greatest party of the year." \nBen Folds, fresh off his set, said it was the second time he'd play for a crowd that size. \n"I heard there were 30-40 thousand people in the crowd," Folds said. "And they all have different color hair. I've only played a crowd that big in Japan and they all had dark hair, so I had a little trouble focusing at the beginning of my set." \nMany artists said a big reason they love the show is that it gives them a chance to check out other musicians. Ricky Skaggs admitted his kids plan to see Robert Randolph's act instead of his. Robert Randolph said he wishes he could play his slide guitar during Radiohead, and many expressed their desire to see Beck. Keyboardist of Umphreys McGee, Joel Cummings, said when they tour all year they don't feel like spending their off days seeing shows, but loved the opportunity at Bonnaroo. \n"Every year I walk away finding a band that I love and end up buying all their cd's," Cummins said. "Bonnaroo is one of the best things out there and I'm thrilled to be a part of it." \nCummins and Umphrey's played a gig in Indiana with The Disco Biscuits a few weeks ago, trading in band members as they went. Cummins sid that he got thrown from stage last time they played together and that he was going to get his revenge Disco Biscuits member Jon Gutwillig, seated a couple seats away. \nIndiana natives, Umphrey's McGee have had a big year, with a new album "Safety in Numbers" out since April, and tours across the country including a stop in Bloomington. Sold out shows and new albums come on the heels of what Joel described as a tough year for the band. \nA drunk driver killed a close friend of the band as he tried to meet up with them after the show. Joel said the band struggled through relationship problems and playing 130 -140 shows a year was wearing on the band. He said it helped playing with the new songs that people really relate to and that he was proud of. \n"Usually, a couple weeks after we put out an album I'm looking with self doubt," Cummins said. "I still feel really positive about this one though, so that's a good thing." \nA packed schedule will keep Umphrey's busy all year. They are playing a couple shows with Dave Mathews in July, and have plans to collaborate with Galactic, Bela Fleck, and Marc Broussard in addition to playing the Bean Blossom Festival in Indiana in August.
(06/16/06 8:15pm)
A naked fan falling off the stage scaffolding, an endless sea of music, wild dancing, and top-notch comedy kicked off the first night of Bonnaroo.\nOverwhelming sights and sounds filled the endless acres of Bonnaroo in Manchester before the artists even began. Interactive art projects like drum making, glass blowing, and endless dancing hippies flood the camp grounds. \nNinety-five degree heat and hours of bumper to bumper traffic getting into the venue did little to quell the energy of raging music fans eager to see their favorite acts and check out new ones. \nGood god, dios (malos) rocked. The first night featured many unknown acts which left a lot to explore. dios (malos) rocked with the effortless sounding smooth crooning of their lead singer Joel Maroles backed up by a wild-eyed drummer and . \nAfter an over-zealous fan climbed the scaffolding of the stage only to fall 15 feet, Maroles wished him well and dedicated a song to him. The indie-pop band energized the crowd, ignited by the drummer who constantly flashed wild, sadistic eyes at the crowd as he mouthed the words the other three members sang. Often the band would stop mid-song to isolate Maroles' sweet singing, only to burst back full steam. \nComedian Patton Oswalt reached out and hugged an IU student, while pretending to be on acid, minutes before closing his bit to an immediate standing ovation at the midnight show. The comedian, famous for "King of Queens" and "Comedians of Comedy," killed at the late-night show, by attacking the very hippies there to see him. Telling the crowd that all dread wearing, bongo playing white boys have to die and wandering around the stage like a lost child, hugging audience members had the crowd in hysterics.\nThe opening night bands only give a glimpse of the eclectic, dynamic acts of Friday and Saturday. Keep posted for reviews and stories from Brazilian act Seu Jorge who performed at Lotus Festival this year, Ben Folds, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Death Cab for Cutie, and a three and a half hour show by Tom Petty in addition to updates press conferences from numerous artists.\nRock On.
(06/16/06 4:00am)
A naked fan falling off the stage scaffolding, an endless sea of music, wild dancing, and top-notch comedy kicked off the first night of Bonnaroo.\nOverwhelming sights and sounds filled the endless acres of Bonnaroo in Manchester before the artists even began. Interactive art projects like drum making, glass blowing, and endless dancing hippies flood the camp grounds. \nNinety-five degree heat and hours of bumper to bumper traffic getting into the venue did little to quell the energy of raging music fans eager to see their favorite acts and check out new ones. \nGood god, dios (malos) rocked. The first night featured many unknown acts which left a lot to explore. dios (malos) rocked with the effortless sounding smooth crooning of their lead singer Joel Maroles backed up by a wild-eyed drummer and . \nAfter an over-zealous fan climbed the scaffolding of the stage only to fall 15 feet, Maroles wished him well and dedicated a song to him. The indie-pop band energized the crowd, ignited by the drummer who constantly flashed wild, sadistic eyes at the crowd as he mouthed the words the other three members sang. Often the band would stop mid-song to isolate Maroles' sweet singing, only to burst back full steam. \nComedian Patton Oswalt reached out and hugged an IU student, while pretending to be on acid, minutes before closing his bit to an immediate standing ovation at the midnight show. The comedian, famous for "King of Queens" and "Comedians of Comedy," killed at the late-night show, by attacking the very hippies there to see him. Telling the crowd that all dread wearing, bongo playing white boys have to die and wandering around the stage like a lost child, hugging audience members had the crowd in hysterics.\nThe opening night bands only give a glimpse of the eclectic, dynamic acts of Friday and Saturday. Keep posted for reviews and stories from Brazilian act Seu Jorge who performed at Lotus Festival this year, Ben Folds, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Death Cab for Cutie, and a three and a half hour show by Tom Petty in addition to updates press conferences from numerous artists.\nRock On.
(06/15/06 4:00am)
"You people have had enough. It's time to get funky," lead singer and bare-footed band-leader Josh Suhrheinrich said to the crowd at Uncle Festers last Thursday. His power trio, Boomerang Farm, then launched into an eight minute funky song at their third weekly gig, which will continue all summer long at Festers with a five dollar cover.\nAfter touring the United States and Canada with San Francisco's progressive funk-rock fusion quartet Global Funk, Suhrheinrich found himself in Bloomington. He looked up his old playing buddy, bassist Jeremy Allen, who was back in Bloomington as well after some time in New York.\n"Josh called me and said we should start playing again," Allen said. "It's been good. He has a lot of experience traveling and handling the business side."\nAllen, who is working on his PHD in musicology at the Jacobs School of Music at IU, said the first week was sparsely attended. He and Suhrheinrich attributed word of mouth to the big fan increase at the second show. \n"The crowd was really into it last week," Suhrheinrich said. "People told me they're going to keep coming back. Boomerang Farm connotes work in progress. It's a building process where music can evolve and change each week."\nThere are three drummers in the Farm which will share playing time after the dismissal of the previous drummer over internal band conflicts. The previous drummer found that the little Buddha the band keeps on stage interfered with his religious beliefs and the Farm had to let him go.\nTerrance Dennie, recent IU grad and rhythm section coach at Neal Marshall Center music camp, made his first appearance on drums with the band last Thursday. His R&B and soul background provided an interesting sound to the mix. He practiced with the band the day of, and was pleased with the results despite apprehension from the band on only having a day to prepare.\n"There's only so much you can do the day of," Dennie said. "We're still gonna go out and do our thing though."\nThe Power trio comes from different backgrounds and styles, but fuse together to produce a unique sound. Allen said his bass parts are jazz and funk based and largely improvised. His influences like Bootsy Collins and Paul Jackson who played with Parliament Funkadelic and Herbie Hancock show his versatility in taste and background. \nBoomerang Farm plans on playing mostly original songs with complicated rhythm parts, but was forced to play more covers the first few weeks as the band learns to play together. \n"The covers help the audience," Suhrheinrich said. "To throw them a bone, something they're familiar with to hold on to."\nResponse was strong from the crowd with many dancing and getting down to the farm.\n"They're good funk fusion," said Bloomington resident Noel Niehaus. \n"I love this bassist. He walks."\n"I've known Josh for years and this is the best I've heard him play," said IU graduate Ron Kadish who played with Suhrheinrich in jazz ensembles years ago.\nSuhrheinrich was pleased with Dennie's first showing on drums and learned at rehearsal that Dennie doesn't even consider himself a drummer, having focused on piano and keyboard most of his life.\n"Terrance told me he has cousins that are better drummers than he is, but I thought he sounded great," Suhrheinrich said. "He has a really good ear and he had a feel for what we were doing."\nThere are plans to make a CD at Farm Fresh Studios before the summers over. Suhrheinrich runs the bands business end from booking to recording.\nA 10-month old baby and a dedicated wife have Suhrheinrich feeling the strength to follow his musical dreams with the support of his family.\n"I've worked out a balance looking after the little guy and playing gigs, Suhrheinrich said." "Tonight my wife is at the show and I've got my parents looking after him. It's really helpful to have them around. I love spending time with my son, but sometimes I have to say, OK- this is daddy's music day."\nOne of Boomerang Farm's biggest fans is Suhrheinrich's wife, Sabra Wright, who can be seen dancing at their shows and is responsible for the elaborate set design. Her work includes fuzzy mats and mushrooms, colored hanging boomerangs, and a mini Buddha which liven up the set. \nWright met Suhrheinrich when he was touring with Global Funk in Canada. Wright said she met the band after the show when she was looking for her dog and said should stay and extra day and see all that Canada had to offer. The next morning their drummer said, 'let's call that girl up.' She took them on a hike; made them dinner and said her relationship with Suhrheinrich just took off from there.\n"I guess I'm kind of like Yoko," Wright said. The band broke up and we had a kid, but it's been great. Boomerang Farm is about returning to something. I think having a family has given him a chance to do what he wants- growing something that we believe in."\nWright said Suhrheinrich's sound has evolved a lot over the years as his tastes changed, but that he has been striving to do the music he wants instead of compromising his vision.\n"Originally Josh started out loving Hendrix and Clapton and the guitar gods," Wright Said. "As he got more into jazz and blues he developed his own sound. They do stuff I can really dance to."\nBloomington resident Jim Fischer had a simpler explanation of the band saying solely, "That's some funky shit." \nSuhrheinrich plans to move to San Francisco at the end of the summer, so Boomerang Farm's shelf life is limited to these weekly gigs. Josh said he has been writing some of his best songs recently with the lyrics of a song he played Thursday invoking the spirit of the band.\n"Won't you take us to boomerang farm? The boogie will do you no harm"
(06/15/06 12:34am)
As campus settles into the lull of second summer session and wide-eyed freshmen shuffle through for orientation, a different class of students will arrive this weekend for their chance to experience IU. They don't come to cram in I-Core or retake a class they dropped last semester, but for their own thirst for knowledge.\nFrom Sunday until June 23, IU Mini will mark its 35th anniversary of the annual event Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine called "one of America's nine best learning vacations." It's a week at IU where participants -- ranging from alumni to interested adults -- can take up to 15 lectures from a selection of over 100 diverse topics offered by IU professors.\nJeanne Madison, assistant director for lifelong learning and Mini University at the Bloomington division of continuing studies, said some attendees focus on one of the eight fields of study, while some make a "potpourri" of studies. \nSerious topics ranging from Wal-Mart's impact on the globe, deficits, midterm elections, preventing obesity and human cloning are balanced with lighter classes discussing Elvis, behind the scenes at IU opera, reading music, sex research in the 21st century and games, diversions and amusements. \n"I'm especially excited about this year," Madison said. "We're going to interject some special celebratory things for the 35th Anniversary. It's a celebration of learning and continuing IU's program of excellence."\nRegistration for this year is at an all-time high, with 458 participants signed up, leaving only a couple dozen available spots left. In addition to classes, the $205 entry fee includes a jazz concert, a picnic, films and access to IU's tennis courts and pools. \nIU professor Michael Hamburger, a veteran of IU Mini, broke down the crowd and class offerings.\n"Attendees are mostly over 60," Hamburger said. "A lot of them always wanted to be around a college campus and are excited about finally getting the opportunity. There are some light and fun classes, and some serious and political offerings." \nIU Mini isn't just for alumni, but many past IU grads come back to relive their glory days at IU. 60 percent of attendees are returning IU Mini participants and long distances aren't holding participants back. Madison said attendees are coming from 26 different states for the festivities. \nNumerous lectures looked interesting to Madison, who said she tries to see a different professor every year. She said that this year they have a full schedule of outstanding faculty and speeches lined up. Specifically she noted "A Look Back: The IU campus 35 Years Ago" taught by Dean of Students Dick McKaig and "Elvis' America: All Shook Up!" with music professor Glenn Gass instructing, stuck out in her mind. \n"I always love doing Mini IU," Gass said. "It's one of the best things IU does. People that come really want to be there. I can talk about Elvis and have people who actually remember him. The Beatles and Hendrix back in a big way, but Elvis seems like a lost era. Without Elvis, rock would have just been a fad."\nA concert with Jazz musician and IU professor David Baker titled "David Baker's Quintet Celebrates Mini" is highly anticipated by IU Mini staff. \n"The concert with David Baker will be a huge hit," Madison said. "He's a great, renowned musician, and I can't wait for the show."\nOne of the representatives in the science field is professor Michael Hamburger, who will explain how natural disasters happen and what we can do to protect ourselves in his speech, "Learning from Disaster: Tsunamis, Hurricanes, Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions!" \n"My first message is that disasters are not acts of god, but natural processes," Hamburger said. "We can't prevent most of these disasters from taking place, but we can minimize the loss of life and injury."\nMadison said she likes to sit in on classes when she has the chance and she looks forward to participating more fully when she retires. A number of professors and planners of the event stressed the passion for learning that past IU Mini attendees showed. \n"I like to joke that fourth and fifth graders are my best, most enthusiastic audiences," Hamburger said. "By high school and college their interest goes down, but as senior citizens at Mini, their excitement for learning peaks again"
(06/14/06 6:29pm)
"You people have had enough. It's time to get funky," lead singer and bare-footed band-leader Josh Suhrheinrich said to the crowd at Uncle Festers last Thursday. His power trio, Boomerang Farm, then launched into an eight minute funky song at their third weekly gig, which will continue all summer long at Festers with a five dollar cover.\nAfter touring the United States and Canada with San Francisco's progressive funk-rock fusion quartet Global Funk, Suhrheinrich found himself in Bloomington. He looked up his old playing buddy, bassist Jeremy Allen, who was back in Bloomington as well after some time in New York.\n"Josh called me and said we should start playing again," Allen said. "It's been good. He has a lot of experience traveling and handling the business side."\nAllen, who is working on his PHD in musicology at the Jacobs School of Music at IU, said the first week was sparsely attended. He and Suhrheinrich attributed word of mouth to the big fan increase at the second show. \n"The crowd was really into it last week," Suhrheinrich said. "People told me they're going to keep coming back. Boomerang Farm connotes work in progress. It's a building process where music can evolve and change each week."\nThere are three drummers in the Farm which will share playing time after the dismissal of the previous drummer over internal band conflicts. The previous drummer found that the little Buddha the band keeps on stage interfered with his religious beliefs and the Farm had to let him go.\nTerrance Dennie, recent IU grad and rhythm section coach at Neal Marshall Center music camp, made his first appearance on drums with the band last Thursday. His R&B and soul background provided an interesting sound to the mix. He practiced with the band the day of, and was pleased with the results despite apprehension from the band on only having a day to prepare.\n"There's only so much you can do the day of," Dennie said. "We're still gonna go out and do our thing though."\nThe Power trio comes from different backgrounds and styles, but fuse together to produce a unique sound. Allen said his bass parts are jazz and funk based and largely improvised. His influences like Bootsy Collins and Paul Jackson who played with Parliament Funkadelic and Herbie Hancock show his versatility in taste and background. \nBoomerang Farm plans on playing mostly original songs with complicated rhythm parts, but was forced to play more covers the first few weeks as the band learns to play together. \n"The covers help the audience," Suhrheinrich said. "To throw them a bone, something they're familiar with to hold on to."\nResponse was strong from the crowd with many dancing and getting down to the farm.\n"They're good funk fusion," said Bloomington resident Noel Niehaus. \n"I love this bassist. He walks."\n"I've known Josh for years and this is the best I've heard him play," said IU graduate Ron Kadish who played with Suhrheinrich in jazz ensembles years ago.\nSuhrheinrich was pleased with Dennie's first showing on drums and learned at rehearsal that Dennie doesn't even consider himself a drummer, having focused on piano and keyboard most of his life.\n"Terrance told me he has cousins that are better drummers than he is, but I thought he sounded great," Suhrheinrich said. "He has a really good ear and he had a feel for what we were doing."\nThere are plans to make a CD at Farm Fresh Studios before the summers over. Suhrheinrich runs the bands business end from booking to recording.\nA 10-month old baby and a dedicated wife have Suhrheinrich feeling the strength to follow his musical dreams with the support of his family.\n"I've worked out a balance looking after the little guy and playing gigs, Suhrheinrich said." "Tonight my wife is at the show and I've got my parents looking after him. It's really helpful to have them around. I love spending time with my son, but sometimes I have to say, OK- this is daddy's music day."\nOne of Boomerang Farm's biggest fans is Suhrheinrich's wife, Sabra Wright, who can be seen dancing at their shows and is responsible for the elaborate set design. Her work includes fuzzy mats and mushrooms, colored hanging boomerangs, and a mini Buddha which liven up the set. \nWright met Suhrheinrich when he was touring with Global Funk in Canada. Wright said she met the band after the show when she was looking for her dog and said should stay and extra day and see all that Canada had to offer. The next morning their drummer said, 'let's call that girl up.' She took them on a hike; made them dinner and said her relationship with Suhrheinrich just took off from there.\n"I guess I'm kind of like Yoko," Wright said. The band broke up and we had a kid, but it's been great. Boomerang Farm is about returning to something. I think having a family has given him a chance to do what he wants- growing something that we believe in."\nWright said Suhrheinrich's sound has evolved a lot over the years as his tastes changed, but that he has been striving to do the music he wants instead of compromising his vision.\n"Originally Josh started out loving Hendrix and Clapton and the guitar gods," Wright Said. "As he got more into jazz and blues he developed his own sound. They do stuff I can really dance to."\nBloomington resident Jim Fischer had a simpler explanation of the band saying solely, "That's some funky shit." \nSuhrheinrich plans to move to San Francisco at the end of the summer, so Boomerang Farm's shelf life is limited to these weekly gigs. Josh said he has been writing some of his best songs recently with the lyrics of a song he played Thursday invoking the spirit of the band.\n"Won't you take us to boomerang farm? The boogie will do you no harm"
(06/12/06 3:15am)
The IU board of trustees approved a new $3 million three-story building at 802 E. Third St. during its Friday business meeting. The building will hold 82 offices, three classrooms and two laboratories, said student trustee Casey Cox.\n"There is a tremendous need for academic and research space," Cox said. "It was a pretty uncontroversial bill." \nHuman biology and biotechnology laboratories will be housed on the first floor and communication and culture departments will use the office spaces on the second and third floors, IU officials said. Currently on the site is a two-story office building for mathematics graduate students. \nWhile there was little controversy on the subject at the meeting, there was some resistance from the Bloomington community. The Elm Heights Neighborhood Association opposed construction near Third Street and Atwater Avenue, but Cox said there was no dissent during the meeting. \nAfter previously voting on stricter admission standards at the Bloomington and IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis campuses, trustee Sue Talbot said the board agreed with the standards that campus faculty presented for the remaining IU schools.\n"We're continuing to look at entry standards for IU campuses," Talbot said. "We had the second reading for admission standards and voted unanimously for the increases at Gary, IU-North, IU-South Bend, IU-Kokomo, IU-East and IU-Southeast." \nAnother topic on the agenda was an integrated image project. As trustees met in Kokomo for the meeting, Cox said he noticed that it was one of the IU campuses that varies its image from the standard interlocking IU pitchfork symbol. Talbot said that image unification has been ongoing for quite some time now. \n"I'm excited," Talbot said. "They've come up with a logo design that is going to help all of IU look more unified than it has in the past. It's good to have resolution on the issue"
(06/09/06 3:18pm)
The interfaith Baccalaureate ceremony was tinged with sadness and reflection as graduates and the keynote speaker participated in one of their last events at IU.\n"It's a very nice ceremony for graduates and parents," said Dean of Students Richard McKaig. "It's also a great way to represent the diverse religious beliefs of our University."\nThe stage was adorned with five flags with a symbol representing each major religion -- Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Prayers and songs were accompanied by candles, gongs and music to add to the ceremony.\nFrom a Buddhist gong to a Jewish Shofar and a performance by the African American Choral ensemble, attendees had a lot to see in the 45-minute event.\n"People might see the gong and bells and be kind of confused," said Alumni Association President Ken Beckley. "But hopefully when the ceremony's over they'll come away thinking, 'hey that was pretty cool.'" \nThe Baccalaureate was a commencement for Beckley as well. He plans to retire in January and expressed emotion at his last ceremony.\n"Everything I do in the coming months will be a last," Beckley said. "It's all done with a touch of sadness."\nBeckley's speech touched on all five religions and offered a message of looking to live a full life of goodness. He emphasized how students can make the most of their years by holding on to their morals and living life passionately.\n"This is a wonderful point in your life," Beckley said. "I urge you to treat all persons with respect regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation."\nThroughout the ceremony Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu students offered prayers, songs and customs from each of their religions for graduates. Senior Mohammed Alghbban represented Muslim students at IU and covered his ears with his hands and passionately sang the "Calling of the Adhan," a call to pray. The prayer begins and ends with the phrase, "God is great. There is no god except the one god." \nOne of the main purposes of the service is to help promote cultural understanding between alternative religions. \n"It's good to have understanding from different faiths," Alghbban said.\nStudents read prayers in their language of origin and English to give the full effect. The prayers were all different, but the message was often analogous; thanking God for all he has provided and asking for healthy, blessed lives to come.\n"People often find that the translations to prayers are pretty similar," Beckley said. "It helps bridge the gap between religions."\nAt the end of the ceremony students and their families were asked to embrace and thank each other for their support and say a prayer for the future.\n"Getting a chance to thank my parents and family was really nice," said graduate Brian McCue. "I liked having a chance to thank them for all they've done for me"
(06/09/06 3:16pm)
Bloomington car lovers don't need Xzibit to pimp their rides. They do it themselves. Ten-switch hydraulics, custom paint and window designs, crushed velvet interior and enough bass to wake up Martinsville are featured in rides pimped right here in Bloomington. \nFor more than 10 years, members of Bloomington car club, "The Player$," have been traveling to car shows to show off their rides. Many of them have been obsessed with cars their whole lives, buying their first show car at age 16. The love of bikes started at age five for Doug Smith, 26, manager of Ackerman Auto Detail who rode dirt bikes before he could get a street bike. \nAckerman Auto Detail and Shakespearience Car Audio are stationed next to each other on North Jackson Street, near 17th street, to pimp Bloomington's rides. Shakespearience Car Audio provides amps, security systems, remote start and CD changers in addition to speakers, and Ackerman's flyer advertises itself as complete reconditioning specialists who do interior and exterior detailing. \nBloomington resident Brian Clarke has spent the last decade transforming his '94 Mitsubishi Eclipse into Vegas on wheels. A thorough, vivid paint job on the hood depicts his car on the Vegas strip in front of the fictional "Player$ Hotel" with great detail. Almost every inch of the car is decked out in the Vegas theme, with dice and cards etched into the windows by Visual Alterations' Chris White, who also did the vibrant paint work. The newest addition is a shamrock cut out of canvas on the rear window. \nIt was no surprise that Clarke's self-made, crushed velvet dice design won the trophy for best interior at Phi Kappa Sigma's philanthropy event. The green and black velvet puffs out of the car as it thumps chest-rattling bass and rocks 10 different ways with its custom hydraulics. \nClarke says the car doesn't ride that smoothly because of all the work he has put into it, but loves the way it looks. \n"I've been adding to it whenever I can," Clarke says. "I've been in over 100 shows and I think the car is finally just how I want it." \nEager to get the car back on the road after having been in storage all summer, he blasts the sound system to deafening levels. With two 12-inch subwoofers and two Rockford amps from Shakespearience Car Audio, the car is rocking even when the 10-switch hydraulic system is off. \nBloomington's audio guru Joe Richards, 29, who manages Shakespearience Sound, has given his car the pimping it deserves. His white 1971 Chevy Impala Custom has truly become customized since Richards started work on it when he was 16. A 10-switch, four-pump hydraulic system bounces on wide white wall tires, which he says make the car just right. \nHe used his audio expertise to hook up two 15" subwoofers, two amps and four other speakers hidden throughout the black swirl velvet interior. Richards did all of the paint, stereo and hydraulic work on the Impala himself and says he drives the ride as much as possible. He's had the car for 13 years, and has won a number of awards despite only showing it for three years. \nRichards estimates they do custom work on one car a week at Shakespearience Sound. Just last week he did custom sub and amp work on a Subaru STI and a Mercedes AMG. He enjoys restoring cars so much he plans to completely redo his seemingly perfect Impala this winter. \n"I'm ready for something new," Richards says. "I'm always looking for a new challenge." \nDetailing in Bloomington is fairly common. Smith says they do over 40 details a week in the summer and had a stretch of eight months where they did 500 jobs. \nSmith brought his '03 Suzuki 750 yellow motorcycle to the show and popped wheelies and raced up and down the parking lot, exciting spectators. The thrill of the crotch rocket comes with a couple of setbacks though. Smith says he has had to go to defensive driving class four times and has had driving privileges suspended three times. He wasn't even caught cruising at top speed, claiming he has peaked at 150 M.P.H. \nIU students are part of the "ride pimping" as well. Freshman Neil Mohan has been working on the audio for his 2002 black BMW car for two and a half years. He has created a dynamic sound system, with two 12-inch aluminum subs and 14 speakers all together. \nWhile Richards and Clarke are concerned with flair, Larry Wells is more concerned with what's under the hood. His yellow 1966 Chevelle Super Sport won best in show at the Phi Kappa Sigma auto show due to its power and style. The Super Sport packs around 550 horsepower under the hood, with enough chrome to pimp half a dozen rides. \nHe bought the car in 1977, used it in drag racing in the '80s, and took it off the frame in '97 to do a complete restoration. Wells is protective of his car and wanted to make sure he had someone who shared his passion before he gave him the project. \n"I've been a paint and body guy for 48 years," Bob Lake told Wells. "And if I could go back and do it all over again, you know what I'd be? A paint and body guy." \nWells was convinced Lake was right for the job and allowed the Bloomington resident to be a part of the restoration. He used numerous custom built pieces, a vintage air conditioning system and a custom tri-coat florescent paint job to give the car its flourish. Lake takes on three antique cars a year and is currently working on a '67 Firebird convertible with a '68 Mustang planned next. As summer approaches, the cars will start coming out of storage, cruising the streets of Bloomington. If the hydraulics and sound don't catch your eye, look for the cast metal, brass plated "Player$" signs on a couple of the tricked out rides.
(06/09/06 3:14pm)
With Little 500 quickly approaching, it's time to find the perfect beer for your kegs. To make sure you get your favorite brew, Bloomington Liquors and Big Red suggest ordering it this week. \n"We can get a hold of a keg of just about anything with a weeks' notice," said Galen Pejeau, assistant manager of Big Red on Third Street.\nIt's important to know which beer you want, as prices vary. \nDomestic kegs are easier to come by and are sold at numerous locations around Bloomington. Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite and Coors are available at the smaller locations around Bloomington for $74.99-$79.99 without advance warning. \nFor those without a tap or tub on hand, Bloomington Liquors has deposits of $40 for the tap, $15 for the tub and $10 for the keg, all refundable costs. Big Red charges $50 for the tap, $20 for the tub, and $10 for the keg.\nPrices are current as of today, they may be subject to change at anytime.
(06/09/06 3:01pm)
Bloomington car lovers don't need Xzibit to pimp their rides. They do it themselves. Ten-switch hydraulics, custom paint and window designs, crushed velvet interior and enough bass to wake up Martinsville are featured in rides pimped right here in Bloomington. \nFor more than 10 years, members of Bloomington car club, "The Player$," have been traveling to car shows to show off their rides. Many of them have been obsessed with cars their whole lives, buying their first show car at age 16. The love of bikes started at age five for Doug Smith, 26, manager of Ackerman Auto Detail who rode dirt bikes before he could get a street bike. \nAckerman Auto Detail and Shakespearience Car Audio are stationed next to each other on North Jackson Street, near 17th street, to pimp Bloomington's rides. Shakespearience Car Audio provides amps, security systems, remote start and CD changers in addition to speakers, and Ackerman's flyer advertises itself as complete reconditioning specialists who do interior and exterior detailing. \nBloomington resident Brian Clarke has spent the last decade transforming his '94 Mitsubishi Eclipse into Vegas on wheels. A thorough, vivid paint job on the hood depicts his car on the Vegas strip in front of the fictional "Player$ Hotel" with great detail. Almost every inch of the car is decked out in the Vegas theme, with dice and cards etched into the windows by Visual Alterations' Chris White, who also did the vibrant paint work. The newest addition is a shamrock cut out of canvas on the rear window. \nIt was no surprise that Clarke's self-made, crushed velvet dice design won the trophy for best interior at Phi Kappa Sigma's philanthropy event. The green and black velvet puffs out of the car as it thumps chest-rattling bass and rocks 10 different ways with its custom hydraulics. \nClarke says the car doesn't ride that smoothly because of all the work he has put into it, but loves the way it looks. \n"I've been adding to it whenever I can," Clarke says. "I've been in over 100 shows and I think the car is finally just how I want it." \nEager to get the car back on the road after having been in storage all summer, he blasts the sound system to deafening levels. With two 12-inch subwoofers and two Rockford amps from Shakespearience Car Audio, the car is rocking even when the 10-switch hydraulic system is off. \nBloomington's audio guru Joe Richards, 29, who manages Shakespearience Sound, has given his car the pimping it deserves. His white 1971 Chevy Impala Custom has truly become customized since Richards started work on it when he was 16. A 10-switch, four-pump hydraulic system bounces on wide white wall tires, which he says make the car just right. \nHe used his audio expertise to hook up two 15" subwoofers, two amps and four other speakers hidden throughout the black swirl velvet interior. Richards did all of the paint, stereo and hydraulic work on the Impala himself and says he drives the ride as much as possible. He's had the car for 13 years, and has won a number of awards despite only showing it for three years. \nRichards estimates they do custom work on one car a week at Shakespearience Sound. Just last week he did custom sub and amp work on a Subaru STI and a Mercedes AMG. He enjoys restoring cars so much he plans to completely redo his seemingly perfect Impala this winter. \n"I'm ready for something new," Richards says. "I'm always looking for a new challenge." \nDetailing in Bloomington is fairly common. Smith says they do over 40 details a week in the summer and had a stretch of eight months where they did 500 jobs. \nSmith brought his '03 Suzuki 750 yellow motorcycle to the show and popped wheelies and raced up and down the parking lot, exciting spectators. The thrill of the crotch rocket comes with a couple of setbacks though. Smith says he has had to go to defensive driving class four times and has had driving privileges suspended three times. He wasn't even caught cruising at top speed, claiming he has peaked at 150 M.P.H. \nIU students are part of the "ride pimping" as well. Freshman Neil Mohan has been working on the audio for his 2002 black BMW car for two and a half years. He has created a dynamic sound system, with two 12-inch aluminum subs and 14 speakers all together. \nWhile Richards and Clarke are concerned with flair, Larry Wells is more concerned with what's under the hood. His yellow 1966 Chevelle Super Sport won best in show at the Phi Kappa Sigma auto show due to its power and style. The Super Sport packs around 550 horsepower under the hood, with enough chrome to pimp half a dozen rides. \nHe bought the car in 1977, used it in drag racing in the '80s, and took it off the frame in '97 to do a complete restoration. Wells is protective of his car and wanted to make sure he had someone who shared his passion before he gave him the project. \n"I've been a paint and body guy for 48 years," Bob Lake told Wells. "And if I could go back and do it all over again, you know what I'd be? A paint and body guy." \nWells was convinced Lake was right for the job and allowed the Bloomington resident to be a part of the restoration. He used numerous custom built pieces, a vintage air conditioning system and a custom tri-coat florescent paint job to give the car its flourish. Lake takes on three antique cars a year and is currently working on a '67 Firebird convertible with a '68 Mustang planned next. As summer approaches, the cars will start coming out of storage, cruising the streets of Bloomington. If the hydraulics and sound don't catch your eye, look for the cast metal, brass plated "Player$" signs on a couple of the tricked out rides.