Region

Auto sales drive retail levels up

Many economic analysts are hoping current retail sales levels and falling consumer spending only indicate a stalled economy and not a prolonged recession. But increased retail sales levels might only be a reflection of more aggressive automobile sales.

Junior showing leadership

This is the first time junior Greg Schaefer has wrestled a full season, and he is making the most of his opportunity. After going 17-11 (6-1 Big Ten) last year, Schaefer is off to a fast start. He has put together a 15-2 record as the Big Ten season approaches next weekend. But the Big Ten conference is considered the toughest in the nation, with a majority of the teams ranked in the top 25. Because Schaefer has more experience under his belt, he realizes what lies ahead.

One film to rule them all

If you haven't read the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, you'll be furious when you see the movie. Not because you're confused, as many who haven't read the books worry -- but because the movie leaves you in such suspense you're left wondering how you can wait another year for the next movie.

Limestone mediocre

Limestone GrilleLocation: 2920 E. Covenanter Dr.Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.Ethnicity:American

Sept. 11 defendant could go to Terre Haute prison

TERRE HAUTE -- The federal government's decision to seek the death penalty against the only person charged in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks could lead to Zacarias Moussaoui's imprisonment here at the U.S. Penitentiary. The prison is home to the nation's only federal death row, and was the site of last June's execution of Timothy McVeigh in the 1995 terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City.

Team discovers winning formula

The formula for success at IU last season wasn't an effective one: Score at least 40 points or lose. And that formula seemed to be the case again early this season. The football team won only one of its first six games, and the lone victory was a 63-32 offensive onslaught against Wisconsin.

Searching for the right target

Baseball's postseason began this week, and although the Seattle Mariners tied a Major League Baseball record with 116 wins, the team everyone is gunning for is the three-time defending champion New York Yankees.

Afghanistan strikes should continue

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year observed as sacred with fasting practiced daily from dawn to sunset, begins in just a few weeks. This is the holiday in which the Quran, Islam's holy book, was handed down from Allah. Muslims around the world will start fasting during the daylight hours as in observance of the holy time.

Balancing mind and body

It's all about energy. Whether it's taking a walk, practicing yoga or doing tap dance, Allana Radecki uses her knowledge of body-mind centering to find a union with her energy and the energy around her. Body-mind centering is a body awareness technique using movement exploration and breath work to access different systems of the body. It is the love of this technique that motivates Radecki to help others at IU and in Bloomington to discover the benefits of body-mind centering.

Don't come to Papa

lovehatetragedyPapa RoachDreamworks Records

Purdue upset by Old Dominion

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Hamchetou Maiga's 17 points and 17 rebounds led Old Dominion to a 74-70 overtime upset Monday night of Purdue, last year's runner-up in the NCAA tournament. No. 2-seeded Purdue lost in the second round one day after defending national champion Notre Dame did. Seventh-seeded Old Dominion (27-5) will play No. 3 Kansas State in the Mideast Regional semifinals on Saturday in Milwaukee.

Badgers surprise as top seed

At Big Ten Media Day in October, Wisconsin men's coach Bo Ryan feared he would begin the season with more track and field athletes than basketball players.

Team Major Taylor finishes race in ninth

Despite seemingly constant controversy, protests from other riders, legal action the day before the race and a pulled sponsorship, Team Major Taylor lined up outside the first row of Saturday's Little 500 and raced to a ninth-place finish.

More mediocre Halloween haunts

America's 'Doomsday Device'

My views and way of thinking have now changed after this whole mess. At first, I, like many Americans, wanted to just find out who did it and make them pay. But I really don't know what I want now. I definitely think that the evildoers should be punished, but I have a different view about the possible upcoming war against terrorism. My view has changed after I watched the film "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb."

Major media misuse word 'retarded'

Like many journalism majors, I read The New York Times, Newsweek and Time magazines, a few of the country's top news sources, hoping that over time my writing ability will reach the level of those publications.

Watch this movie and die of boredom

Culture center sparks pride

IU is carrying its dedication to diversity beyond ink on paper, beyond words that fade into silence. A $26 million commitment in limestone, glass and plaster will unite African American culture and the performing arts at IU when the Theatre/Neal-Marshall Education Center is dedicated tomorrow. The 2 p.m. ceremony marks a commitment that should make every member of the IU community proud.

Lawmakers unreceptive to tax hike

Bloomington resident Joel Rennard smokes a pack of menthol lights a day. Dragging away at a cigarette, he bristles at Gov. Frank O'Bannon's plan to raise cigarette taxes to offset a massive revenue shortfall. Speaking before the General Assembly Monday, O'Bannon suggested suspending a 1999 property tax cut and hiking cigarette taxes by 50 cents a pack. "I don't think it's fair," Rennard said while exhaling a cloud of smoke. "And people are going to quit smoking, and they're not going to get their money. It's really a lost cause."

Geriatric revolution in policy

I'm not the wagering type, but I'd bet money that our vice president will be 70 percent prosthetic before the Bush administration is through. First it'll be a hip, then he'll need a kidney. Next thing we know, a robot with remote-controlled facial expressions will air live from the White House.