Region

Anti-meth task force to become law

Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:39 p.m.

Today a law will go into effect creating the Methamphetamine Abuse Task Force to try to find a solution to the methamphetamine problem in Indiana. Approximately 28 individuals were appointed to the task force, each from a different community, which includes police officers, prosecutors, judges, social service workers, mental health experts, retailers and those in the agricultural community. The law will also give local residents a chance to speak about the problem and offer their solutions.

New bill to help small businesses

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:37 p.m.

A bill co-sponsored by Sen. Evan Bayh could help keep small businesses in Indiana, said Meg Keck, press secretary for the Indiana lawmaker. But state officials are still worried the money won't make it home in time. The Reed-Bayh amendment, which passed last week, would restore $21.8 million to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a nonprofit agency that offers advice and resources to small businesses across the country.

Fourth of July celebrations have evolved over time

By Aaron Cooke · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:33 p.m.

Over the past 228 years, the annual celebration that surrounds our nation's Independence Day has remained rooted in patriotism and tradition. But as America has grown and matured, so have the celebrations. Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, celebration practices have become tradition while the holiday has become a mid-summer highlight for Americans. For Bloomington resident and World War II Navy veteran George Keller, the celebration of this country's freedom is a great way to bring all walks of American life together.

Firework safety tips to avoid accidents, injury

By Nick Pittman · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:26 p.m.

With July 4 approaching, parents and children are rushing to local stores to purchase fireworks. While the Fourth of July can be a great time for fun, there are rules of safety that may help everyone enjoy the holiday more cautiously. "The Fourth of July is a great family time, but make sure you read and understand the warning labels on fireworks," said Tyler Hawkins an employee at Steve's Fireworks of Bloomington.

Bridging the faiths

By Lauren Zaczek · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:22 p.m.

Afriend introduced me to her boyfriend the other day -- let's call him "Adam." After the obligatory hello's and "what are you studying?" questions, the conversation shifted toward extra-curricular activities. I told him I used to volunteer with a Christian organization. He said, "Oh. I'm half-Jewish."

Grabavoy welcomes new challenges of MLS

By Dan Cohen and Daniel Cohen · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:20 p.m.

It will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in IU soccer history. Ned Grabavoy was unsure if he would even arrive in time from his Under-20 National Team flight back from the United Arab Emirates to play in IU's National Championship match in Columbus, Ohio, last December. While fortunate timing may have brought him to the game, Grabavoy's sheer desire did the rest.

Happy 'Fall of Vicksburg' Day!

By Jonathan Blanks · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:20 p.m.

While many of you will be drunkenly commemorating the 228th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I will be at my job, proudly wearing my American flag necktie and thinking about another glorious day in the history of this country: July 4, 1863. On that day, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee began his retreat from the battle of Gettysburg, and Gen. John C. Pemberton surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in the town of Vicksburg, Miss., ending a 48-day siege. These two events marked the turning point of the Civil War.

The first Fourth

By Brian McFillen and Brain J. McFillen · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:19 p.m.

While poking around the library the other day, I found an old parchment stuffed in a book of 18th century customs records. On examination, I realized I had discovered one of the most important documents in American history: a transcript of the first Fourth of July celebration.

Checked and balanced

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:17 p.m.

In a series of three opinions delivered Monday, the Supreme Court rejected the Bush administration's legal argument that the executive branch has the last word in imposing indefinite detentions on those deemed "enemy combatants" by the administration.

Welcoming a sovereign Iraq

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:16 p.m.

Monday's transfer of sovereignty back to Iraq was smart on nearly all accounts. It undermined any attacks planned to disrupt the originally planned June 30 handover. Although attacks may still occur, the transfer at least went smoothly.

Army calls up 5,000 reserve soldiers for duty

By Alyson Brodsy and Robert Burns · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:16 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- For the first time in more than a decade, the Army is forcing thousands of former soldiers back into uniform, a reflection of the strain on the service of long campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army officials announced Wednesday that 5,674 former soldiers will be assigned to National Guard and Reserve units that are scheduled to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan. The first notifications are to be received July 6.

Powell in Sudan to assess Darfur crisis

By Alyson Brodsy and George Gedda · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:14 p.m.

AL-FASHER, Sudan -- Thousands of Sudanese displaced from their homes by ethnic violence emerged from makeshift shelters at a dusty refugee camp Wednesday to give a raucous welcome to Secretary of State Colin Powell in a region the United States has said is veering toward possible genocide. Other than the rows of fragile shelters built mostly with plastic sheeting, there was no overt display of serious humanitarian need among the tens of thousands Powell saw.

Around The Campus

Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:12 p.m.

Acclaimed authors to read works at Writers' Conference The Writers' Conference will welcome acclaimed authors Li-Young Lee and Jean Thompson to read their works at 8 p.m. tonight in the Whittenberger Auditorium. Lee, a world-renowned poet, has been recognized by The American Poetry Review as "one of the finest young poets alive." Much of Lee's poetry focuses on his family's exile from Indonesia. He is the author of three volumes of poetry.

Building proposal rejected

By Sheeba Madan · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:11 p.m.

The proposal for a new utilities plant at IU was recently rejected in favor of renovations for the existing plant. The utilities plant, located on Walnut Grove, provides hot and cold water to campus buildings residence halls. The construction of the new plant was slated for 2006 and estimated to cost $120 million. Utilities Manager Michael McGinnis said cost was a primary concern. "We presented the (IU) board (of trustees) with three alternatives: renovate the existing plant, switch fuels or build a new plant," McGinnis said. "They agreed on the philosophy of fuel flexibility but opted for renovations, which will cost $45 million."

Former IDS food columnist reveals 'Cookie Dough Delights'

By Brittany Terwilliger · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:09 p.m.

Graduate student and former Indiana Daily Student food columnist Camilla Saulsbury recently published "Cookie Dough Delights," which hit bookshelves in June with mixed reviews from critics.

Opera Theater opens summer season with Bock's 'She Loves Me'

By Sheeba Madan · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:08 p.m.

The School of Music's Summer Music Festival kicks off its elite summer opera season next week with Jerry Bock's 1964 musical "She Loves Me." The opera is scheduled for July 9 through 11 at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre. "She Loves Me," the basis for the films "You've Got Mail" and "In the Good Old Summertime," was inspired by 1940 film "The Shop Around the Corner" starring Jimmy Stewart. The film was an adaption of Miklós László's play "Parfumerie," set in Budapest.

Miss Gay IU competes for crown at state

By Jenica Schultz · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:07 p.m.

Glitter, glamour, sequins and makeup consume senior Chris Grooms' life these days as he prepares to compete as Bianca Defy in the Miss Gay Indiana pageant July 7-9. "I always get butterflies during competitions," he said. "I think those butterflies are a signal to me that I'm ready. If I don't have those butterflies, I think something's wrong. They are good, nervous butterflies."

Borromeo Quartet comes to IU archive' to IU

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:06 p.m.

Borromeo Quartet, a world-renowned string ensemble that has been declared "simply the best there is" by The Boston Globe will participate in the Summer String School at the School of Music. Its members, first violinist Nicholas Kitchen, second violinist William Fedkenheuer, violist Mai Motobuchi and cellist Yessun Kim, who will perform in a master's class on chamber music Tuesday and Wednesday, play more than 100 concerts annually and are all on staff at the renowned New England Conservatory.

IU alum pursuing dream

By Bill Meehan · Wednesday, June 30,2004 9:03 p.m.

Tom Brooks ran a personal best of 8 minutes, 36.3 seconds in the 3,000 meter steeplechase last week at the Cardinal Qualifier at Stanford University, allowing him to qualify for the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials. The days before the race, his second to last chance to qualify, Brooks said he was optimistic. "I'm super confident," said Brooks, heading into the twilight meet. "I'm not concerned. My times are coming down."

HIT THE PARKS!

By Karen Yancey · Wednesday, June 30,2004 8:08 p.m.

The car sped down the highway, music blared on the speakers and Chandan Bhatia and his friends yelled at the top of their lungs.