Region

Political pulpits

By Alyson Brodsy and Patrick Schoettmer · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 7:53 p.m.

Since the time of Richard Nixon and his abuse of the Internal Revenue Service it's a common joke that anyone who angers the president is highly likely to get an audit. It's unfortunate, though, that such a threat doesn't always remain in the land of jest and conjecture.

Time to give

By Alyson Brodsy and Megan Robb · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 7:53 p.m.

For some Americans the holiday season is an excuse to live up to our reputation of materialism and indulgence. The giving and receiving of presents seems to be the focal point of the winter holidays -- at least that's the apparent trend every Black Friday when enthusiastic shoppers kick off the holiday season by sizzling a hole in their wallets. But some families are turning Santa Claus away at the door and sending him where he belongs: to charities in desperate need of funds during any season. They might not think to pat themselves on the back. But we should.

Mascot madness

By Alyson Brodsy and Matt Peyton · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 7:52 p.m.

Call me crazy, but I think it's time IU got a mascot. Matt, this isn't a good time. I mean, the Athletics Department, along with the whole school, is having enough trouble as it is. I know, but my idea is so easy, and the school could use a little positive PR right now; kissing babies, planting trees, not having unrest among faculty, staff and the president, all that kind of stuff. Matt, while that's all fine and good, do you know how expensive it would be to reprint T-shirts, hats and all kinds of other paraphernalia?

Up with rape awareness; down with PeopleSoft

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 7:52 p.m.

The decision to purchase PeopleSoft has hurt IU students once again. This time, the organization hemorrhaging money is not one the University can simply ignore. The IU Student Association Rape Crisis Fund came up $9,000 short of meeting its average donation total, IUSA President Alex Shortle says, and now risks losing its status as a registration check box. This would be detrimental to our University community. The Rape Crisis Fund is the primary source of money for Middle Way House rape crisis services, which include a 24-hour crisis line and an on-scene advocacy program.

Archaeologist suspects Bosnian hill might contain hidden pyramid

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 4:08 p.m.

VISOKO, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- With eyes trained to recognize pyramids hidden in the hills of El Salvador, Mexico and Peru, Semir Osmanagic has been drawn to the mound overlooking this central Bosnian town.

Renowned 'Lord of the Dance' troupe comes to Auditorium troup

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 4:08 p.m.

For those who don't have tickets for the IU-Duke game tonight, there's another show in town that could be just as exciting.

Co-founder of Berenstain Bears books dies at 82

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 30,2005 4:07 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA -- Stan Berenstain, who with his wife wrote and illustrated the Berenstain Bear books that helped millions of children cope with trips to the dentist, the first day of school and getting new siblings, has died. Berenstain, 82, died Saturday in suburban Philadelphia from complications with cancer, said Kate Jackson of HarperCollins Children's Books in New York.

STILL PERFECT

By Alyson Brodsy and Michael Marot · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 6:26 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Pittsburgh's gamble to start the second half failed, and the Indianapolis Colts made them pay for it as they took a 23-7 lead after the third quarter, earning the undefeated Colts their 11th win in a row, 26-7. The Steelers opened the second half by trying an onside kick, but rookie Matt Giordano recovered for the Colts at the Pittsburgh 37. Seven plays later, Peyton Manning hooked up with tight end Bryan Fletcher on a 12-yard touchdown pass, Manning's second of the game. That gave Indy a 23-7 lead and forced the Steelers to abandon their powerful ground game.

Former IU professor, famed Bob Knight critic hits lecture circuit

By Kathleen Quilligan and Kathleen Quilligen · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 6:26 p.m.

About 2,340 miles west of Bloomington, former IU English professor Murray Sperber has recreated his Herman B Wells Library 10th floor faculty study where he wrote four books, down to the pictures of San Francisco he tacked on the walls. "I often wonder why I have pictures of San Francisco," Sperber said, "when I can look out the window and it's right there."

Herbert criticisms few outside IUB faculty

By Peter Stevenson · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 6:26 p.m.

Professors at IU's satellite campuses believe concerns of IU President Adam Herbert raised by IU-Bloomington faculty are important and say the criticisms are far less prevalent on the other campuses. Faculty members at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis, IU-Northwest Gary and IU-South Bend said they have concerns about the dual-role position of Bloomington chancellor and senior vice president for academic affairs, as well as about Herbert's visibility.

Rape prevention funding in danger

By Stephanie Susman · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 6:26 p.m.

Every semester, when students register for classes, the well-known headaches of the PeopleSoft registration program are brought to the surface. But it's not just the students who suffer the pains of PeopleSoft -- at least one optional selection offered at the end of the registration program is hurting as well.

Injured Indy cop has Hoosier ties

By Mike Wilson · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 6:26 p.m.

An Indianapolis police officer and former IU Police Department cop was shot in the face by a suspected drug dealer during Thanksgiving break. Officer Mike Antonelli was shot in the face Nov. 20 during a struggle with a suspected drug dealer, causing the loss of his right eye. Just after 10 p.m. he made a traffic stop for an illegal turn, which resulted in a struggle after the driver got out of the car, according to an Indianapolis Police Department press release. During the struggle, the suspect, 26-year-old Kenya Wright, allegedly fired five shots, one of which struck the two-and-a-half year IPD veteran. U.S. Marshals captured Wright two days later as he was allegedly trying to start a drug operation.

Faculty resolutions officially pass

By Peter Stevenson · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 6:26 p.m.

The IU-Bloomington faculty voted in favor a special review of IU President Adam Herbert by more than a three to one margin. The official results of the vote were announced to the Bloomington faculty Tuesday. The resolution is one of two resolutions to be sent to the IU board of trustees.

Fraternity reports theft

By Audrie Garrison · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:54 p.m.

Seven members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity reported $6,200 worth of electronics stolen from the house early Friday morning. The residents reported two laptops, three iPods, one set of headphones and one cell phone stolen from the house sometime between 2 and 3:15 a.m., said IUPD Lt. Jerry Minger, reading from the police report. They also reported an iPod and an FM transmitter cable had been taken from a vehicle parked outside the house.

300,000 homeless as winter approaches in post-earthquake Himalayan regions

By Alyson Brodsy and Steve Gutterman · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:51 p.m.

BAGH, Pakistan -- The baby boy survived the devastating earthquake in the Himalayan highlands. Then came the cold and the snow. On Monday, the 3-month-old became the first reported victim of what officials fear will be a new disaster for the 3.5 million Pakistanis who lost their homes last month: winter. "This is exactly what we had feared. Our position here is we need to continue to do as much as possible to help mitigate this situation and prevent, insofar as that's possible, any such occurrences in the future," said Stephanie Bunker of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Indiana guardsman begins sentence for Iraqi's death

By Alyson Brodsy · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:50 p.m.

FERDINAND, Ind. -- An Indiana National Guard soldier convicted in the shooting death of an Iraqi police officer has begun serving his 18-month sentence in a military prison at Fort Knox, Ky., an Army spokeswoman said. Cpl. Dustin Berg's sentence was approved last week by Maj. Gen. Robert Williams, said Connie Shaffery, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Army base. Under the universal code of military justice, Berg's sentence had to be approved by a senior military officer.

New Colts license plate to help pay for stadium

By Alyson Brodsy and Mike Smith · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:49 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Beginning Jan. 3, Colts fans can show their support through a new specialty license plate. Gov. Mitch Daniels and Colts President Bill Polian unveiled the new plate at the Statehouse just hours before the team was to play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. The mostly white plate features the Colts helmet and a partial picture of the team's horseshoe logo as a backdrop. The first series of plates will begin with the identifier word 'GO'; other alternatives will follow if the first series sells out.

High-definition radio has sound future

By Roy Maurer · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:49 p.m.

The future of radio is at the door. It's being touted as the most significant advance in radio broadcasting since the debut of FM stereo. There's talk of the new technology "saving the industry." What is it? Say hello to high-definition radio.

California congressman resigns, pleads guilty to taking bribes resigns

By Alyson Brodsy and Elliot Spagat · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:44 p.m.

SAN DIEGO -- Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, an eight-term congressman and hotshot Vietnam War fighter jock, pleaded guilty to graft and tearfully resigned Monday, admitting he took $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors to steer business their way. "The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct, and disgraced my office," the 63-year-old Republican said at a news conference. "I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family."

Saddam lashes out at U.S. 'occupiers and invaders'

By Alyson Brodsy and Hamza Hendawi · Tuesday, Nov. 29,2005 5:44 p.m.

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A combative Saddam Hussein lashed out Monday at his treatment by American "occupiers and invaders" and lectured the chief judge about leadership as his trial resumed in a rambling and unfocused session. Two of the seven other defendants also spoke out during the two-and-a-half hour hearing, complaining of their treatment in detention or dissatisfaction with their court-appointed counsel. The court's tolerance of such comments drew sharp complaints from Shiite politicians who contend the tribunal is trying too hard to accommodate an ousted dictator who should have already been convicted and executed.