Region

McDonald's, library offer space for math homework assistance

Burgers, fries and math homework help is a combo option twice a week at McDonald's locations in Bloomington and Ellettsville. From 7-9 p.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday, middle and high school students can receive math homework help at the Ellettsville McDonald's or the Bloomington McDonald's at 2910 W. Third St.

Chuck D addresses students

Chuck D, co-founder of Public Enemy, entered Alumni Hall to a standing ovation and catcalls Wednesday. "I don't give lectures, I give conversations … vibe sessions," he said. He spoke to a standing-room-only crowd in the Indiana Memorial Union about topics such as hip-hop, rap, George W. Bush and MP3s. Chuck D has been on the lecture circuit for 11 years, giving lectures at colleges around the country. He is a rapper, writer and social advocate, and is creating a Web site called Rap Station.

Freshman's death remains mystery

The IU Police Department and the family of the freshman whose Feb. 4 death is still unexplained are concerned people with information might not be coming forward. Both are encouraging anyone who knows anything to call IUPD immediately. Seth Korona, 19, died of bleeding in the brain caused by a head injury, Monroe County Coroner David Toumey said Sunday. Korona attended a Jan. 27 party at the Theta Chi fraternity, was hospitalized Jan. 29 and remained in a coma until his death.

Fuel burns red-hot on Indy tour stop

Memorial service honors Earnhardt

As Rev. Dan Cloud of the Free Methodist Church read aloud from a poem, "The Man in Black," there was not a dry eye among those gathered for the Dale Earnhardt Memorial Service Wednesday at the Deremiah-Frye Mortuary Greene & Harrell Chapel, 700 Gourley Pike. Author Robert Ellsworth Stalcup stood quietly in the back.

Various Artists

Café Del Mar's latest compilation album, Volume Seven, could really be looked at as the soundtrack to your day. Full of smooth remixes and funky reinterpretations of songs from both well-known and obscure artists, Bruno compiles a list of songs that make your day go faster.

The Mary Janes

Flame burns with passion and a fitting mix of guitars, violin, drums and lilting vocals. The Mary Janes' second release is more than just smoke.

John Frusciante

There's a perfectly good reason Anthony Kiedis is the vocalist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Frusciante is the guitarist: Kiedis can sing, Frusciante can play the guitar, not the other way around!

Tricky

The critical consensus has been that Tricky has gotten worse with every album since his popular debut, 1995's Maxinquaye. As is so often true, critical consensus is wrong.

Matthew Good Band

Instead of blaming Canada, it looks like there is something to thank the Canadians for in the Matthew Good Band.

With CBA down, now is the time for NBA to step up

The recent mess with the Continental Basketball Association has made this a perfect time for the NBA to step up and take control of the small-city market. It is an old and worn argument, but one that is yet to be resolved, and the NBA is paying for it. While the NCAA might be against it, it is time to set up a minor league.

John Abercrombie

Having only listened to the jazz queens of the '30s, '40s, and '50s, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and of course Billie Holiday, I was skeptical when I popped John Abercrombie's Open Land into my stereo.

Deathray

Few people have heard of Deathray, but its self-titled album is definitely worth a listen. Most often referred to as the band "featuring former members of Cake," the group enlists the help of former guitarist Greg Brown and bassist Victor Damiani.

Prefrab Sprout

Starting out in 1980 as an east England garage band, Prefab Sprout went on to record seven albums, The Collection being the eighth, a "best of" album including seven tracks previously unavailable in the United States. Fans and curious alike should take a look at this two-disc set.

Heaven Sent

XFL continues to excite fans as ratings drop

I like the XFL. I don't think this means that I have a moral dilemma. Whether I am out on a Wednesday night at the Bluebird or just sitting around my house, some people think the XFL is not going to last.

WIUS AM 1570 Pick of the Week

Who thought up the retro thing? I'm not qualified to even make a guess, although I'm sure some cultural theorist has or will discourse on the subject at length.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Simple solutions for vegetarians

SILKY SPICED PUMPKIN BISQUE 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 garlic gloves, minced 3 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin 2 cups canned vegetable broth 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper juice and grated zest of 1 lime 1 11-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Saute until golden, about 10 minutes. Add pumpkin, broth, sugar, cumin, curry powder and crushed red pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot and stir in lime juice and zest. Bring soup to simmer and whisk in coconut milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Makes 6 servings.

Grants send professors abroad

Four professors have been awarded Fulbright Scholar grants to teach or conduct research abroad.