Region

O.A.R. to play Bluebird

When asked to classify their music, Chris Culos and Jerry DePizzo of O.A.R. describe their music as "island vibe roots rock," a sound that will fill the Bluebird Saturday night. Members of O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) began playing together in high school in Maryland. Culos, the drummer, said their only intention was to have a good time playing music for their friends.

University limits construction

There will be no more 7 a.m. wake-up calls for students living in residence halls near campus construction, thanks to efforts of the IU Student Association. IUSA members met Dec. 1 with the University architect, the director of the bureau of facilities and the director of administration to discuss a proposal to limit construction hours. The plan focused on construction near residence halls, said sophomore Justin Barnes, IUSA University Division representative and sponsor of the bill.

ISTEP scores remain low across the state, slightly higher locally

ISTEP scores released last week brought sobering results to educators statewide. Scores remain low again this year, with third and sixth grade students performing the poorest.

Bill proposes tax exemption for textbooks

The Indiana General Assembly is again considering a sales tax exemption for college textbooks. The bill is a response to a campaign led by the IU Student Association.

True North by Fisher

Fans of the "Great Expectations" soundtrack might have caught Fisher's brief but amazing performance of the song "Breakable." With her major label debut, Fisher proves she is more than a one-note samba. The album starts off with "Hello It's Me," a strong opener that is a mixture of Fiona Apple and Tori Amos. In the title track, Fisher sends her love a message in a bottle, begging for forgiveness. The result is a dark and truly lovely song about longing and love. Fisher asks her listener to feel with each of her songs, and the listener is mysteriously compelled to do so.

Studies examine problem of underage alcohol use

At the ages of 11 and 12, kids are being exposed to alcohol, said Lisa Hutcheson, director of the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. According to a new study by the IPRC, binge drinking in Indiana is higher than the national average. Almost 35 percent of seniors in Indiana high schools reported binge drinking in 2000, compared to 30.8 percent nationally.

Yoga

Hoosiers hope for revenge

The odds are stacked against the women's basketball team when it takes on No. 15 Penn State 7:30 p.m. today in Assembly Hall. Not only are the Hoosiers 0-3 against ranked teams this season, that list includes Penn State. The Lady Lions handed IU its worst defeat of the season, 89-68, 11 days ago. "Penn State is the best team I've coached against," coach Kathi Bennett said after the loss. "We played hard, but their size really hurt us."

Ritchie cooks up laughs in 'Snatch'

• Directed by Guy Ritchie • Starring Benicio Del Toro, Brad Pitt • Rated R • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

Jumper brings spirit, substance to IU

One thing was missing from IU's indoor track meet Saturday against visiting Ohio State. That missing factor was one of the biggest sparks the Hoosiers rely on to build momentum.

'Grounded For Life:' A right-wing conspiracy

Looking for the way in

Hoosiers gear up for first dual meet

After a rigorous fall individual season, the men's tennis team will begin its spring season at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Notre Dame. It is the first dual meet of the year for the Hoosiers, ranked No. 25 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and the team is eager to begin competitive play.

Super Bowl anyone's game

With two weeks to prepare for the NFL's premiere event, the media has been able to dig up several stories about players' backgrounds on and off the field. Writers are reopening the Ray Lewis murder trial and focusing on the past of each team's quarterback.

Wrestlers look to tame conference

The wrestling team will carry an overall record of 10-2 into this weekend. It's a record with which even the most pessimistic of college athletes would be happy. But you won't find any Hoosiers gloating about their winning percentage. They know numbers mean nothing in the Big Ten, by far the top conference in college wrestling.

The Gift

• Directed by Sam Raimi • Starring Cate Blanchett, Keanu Reeves, Katie Holmes • Rated R • Now playing at ShowPlace West 12

Emperor's New Groove

• Directed by Mark Dindal • Starring the voice talents of David Spade, John Goodman • Rated G • Now playing at ShowPlace West 12

Ritchie cooks up laughs in 'Snatch'

• Directed by Guy Ritchie • Starring Benicio Del Toro, Brad Pitt • Rated R • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

Looking for the way in

Enter the dragon

• Directed by Ang Lee • Starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi • Rated PG-13 • Now playing at ShowPlace West 12