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Food industry confusing customers

In free market mythology, the entrepreneur humbly offers his or her product to the customer, who might or might not buy it, for whatever reason. The reasons don't have to be rational -- advertising often appeals to the irrational ("Drink Bigbutt Beer and skinny blondes in tiny bikinis will fight over you!") That's the theory, anyway: consumer choice.

Not with a whimper, but a bang

Let voters decide

The Congressional Budget Office has projected a $4.6 trillion surplus for the next decade. With the upcoming November election, it comes as no surprise that candidates have made proposals on what to do with the money.

Lotus Music Festival features world music

The best in the world come together every year at the Lotus Music Festival for a celebration in social, cultural, and musical diversity. This year's festival began Wednesday with a kick-off concert at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., and will continue through Sunday.

Receivers dedicated to improve from last season

Randle El has connected with just three wide receivers in the early stages of the season: Gaddis, Graham and Dorsey. But every day in practice a battle wages between IU's three established receivers and less established players such as junior college transfer Henry Frazier, redshirt freshman L.J. Parker and sophomore Glenn Johnson.

'Bait' suprisingly hooks an audience

What would happen if some random editor decided to splice pieces of "Beverly Hills Cop," "Blue Streak," "Bad Boys" and "48 Hours" together in hopes of having a substantial, worthwhile film on their hands? Viewers would either wind up with a nonsensical clip reel or something similar to the newly released and surprisingly entertaining flick "Bait."

BPD steps up bike patrols

The Bloomington Police Department is sending out officers to control the use of bicycles on streets and sidewalks. Special enforcement units have been patrolling on mountain bikes from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight, for the first two months of classes to uphold bicycle operation laws and encourage safe, responsible riding.

Staff shortage causes early closings of food courts

Students living in the residence halls have noticed changes in the two food courts on campus: The Wright Place and Foster Gresham food court. Many of these students have complained that these food courts have not had enough food to satisfy their needs by the end of the evening.

Events empower women, call for healing

Late on any given night, a woman walks alone across a dark campus. But she doesn't fear for her safety. She feels empowered. She knows the facts about violence against women. She knows the chances of a stranger attacking her are slim. She knows the real danger lies in her comfort zones with people she already knows.

Taking back the night

Showalter Fountain was the scene of another protest Wednesday night. But this time the cause was much larger than any celebrity. Students and members of the community stood around the barren fountain and huddled under umbrellas to honor victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Boyz II Men back with new LP

After a three year hiatus, multi-platinum group Boyz II Men returns to the music scene with very little fanfare. Certainly, a lot has changed in the last three years. The male vocal groups, now also known as boy bands, are no longer being judged based on their musical abilities as in the heyday of Boyz II Men. Instead, poser groups like the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC are achieving record-breaking album sales.

Union Underground provides good 'slasher flick' music

What the rock scene has been lacking lately is another band like White Zombie - music that sounds like the soundtrack for a cheesy horror flick. Here comes the Union Underground. Prepare to be educated.

WIUS Pick of the Week

Damien Jurado fits snugly into the category of the ultra-personal singer/songwriter. His songs are filled with the minute details of serious depression that make listeners want to turn off the lights and hide under the covers until the sadness goes away. And all this makes Jurado's Ghost of David a wonderfully haunting listen for those who can brave its murky waters.

LL Cool J 'back with a vengeance'

Watch out, Jamie Foxx and Canibus -- L.L. Cool J is back with a vengeance. On his latest album, G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith -- The Greatest of All Time, the multi-talented L.L. returns with his most fierce and clever album in recent memory. Although the album does not necessarily prove he is indeed the greatest of all time, it does prove that L.L. is certainly not to be messed with.

Political Organizations work together to register voters

Although junior Emily Sonenshine doesn't belong to a campus political party and doesn't work for any candidate's campaign, she took a few hours Tuesday and Wednesday to register a few hundred fellow students to vote.

Lecturer to discuss assault

The terms "sexual assault" and "rape" have dominated bulletin boards across campus advertising several events scheduled for this week that deal with those topics.

Rally to put a face on rape

Today victims of sexual violence from all across the Bloomington area will gather to reclaim what was once theirs. Supported by the community, these victims and their supporters will march and rally together to "Take Back the Night."

Volleyball team improves with new swing offense

Sophomore outside hitter Hillary Toivonen tried to explain the volleyball team's new "swing" offense, but she kept laughing and shaking her head. "It's so confusing," she said. It might be hard to put into words, but the Hoosiers have broken a school record with the new offense, and three players now lead the Big Ten in offensive categories.

Men's soccer takes on Louisville

Coach Jerry Yeagley doesn't plan on letting his men's soccer team make the same mistake twice. IU defenders lost the ball to opposing strikers and forwards couldn't get the ball past the faster, stronger opposing defenders in a 4-1 loss to Creighton last Friday.

BNL exposed

They've come a long way since the days of "If I had $1,000,000." Following the success of Stunt two years ago, the original boy band Barenaked Ladies are millionaires.