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Michael Jackson's ex-wife takes stand for 2nd day

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The mother of two of Michael Jackson's children described the pop star as a "good father, great with kids" during tearful testimony in his child molestation trial Thursday that again turned the tables on prosecutors who called her to the stand.

Book focuses on religious tourism

Timothy Beal's epiphany occurred on a drive from Washington, D.C., to Cleveland. Near Frostburg, Md., a hulking assemblage of reddish girders four stories high suddenly loomed alongside Interstate 68. A bold, blue sign said:

Sculptor includes 'flaws' in work

CHICAGO -- Sculptor Ruth Duckworth has been creating and selling art for more than half a century, but each piece still holds a place in her heart.

Musician tries out songs for kids

LOS ANGELES -- Even on an eclectic stretch like the Sunset Strip, it's hard to miss the Mutato Muzika office. The building is squat and round, painted lime green. It looks like a flying saucer about to lift off. Mark Mothersbaugh always had his eye on it, and when the tenant left, he bought the property.

Taking a look back at IU fashion

Around The Arts

Three IU Master of Fine Arts students present their works at 6 p.m. Friday in the Thomas T. Solley Atrium of the IU Art Museum.

Exploring the computer-animated CAVE

Virtual reality lives in Lindley Hall. Its locked room becomes another world inside the 8-foot cubed square known as the Computer Automated Virtual Environment.

IU Auditorium season brings musicals, comedy for 2005-2006

From comedian David Spade to the popular musical "The Producers" to children's favorite "Clifford the Big Red Dog," the 2005-2006 IU Auditorium's season features a variety of performers and productions. The process of choosing the schedule began last September, when Director Doug Booher and the rest of the Auditorium staff began to find out which shows would be available for the upcoming year. People at the Auditorium compiled these options into a list, which was then sent out to students and non-student ticket buyers, who then voted on which shows they wanted to see, Booher said.

Students showcase their Mariachi skills

Mariachi is a traditional Mexican style of music showcased around the world. At IU, 20 students are preparing to perform a free Mariachi de la Flor End of Term Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Grand Hall. They are part of the Mariachi Performance and Culture class in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology. By preparing for the concert, the students have gained knowledge of Latin American culture through mariachi music. Mariachi is most closely associated with the Jalisco region in Mexico, but the term also can refer to the musician and the ensemble that plays it.

Albuquerque prepares for 300th birthday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A yearlong celebration featuring art from Spain, dance from Mexico, Indian culture and a reenactment of a cattle drive will take place Albuquerque, N.M., as the city marks its 300th birthday. "There is something for everybody coming up over the next year or so," Mayor Martin Chavez told residents at a news conference where he was flanked by mariachis and costumed volunteers. "You are going to be so proud to be an Albuquerquean."

Filmmakers near finish with no plan of public showing for film

Adam Carroll and David Mickler now control their own graduation. After nearly four months, numerous weather and scheduling obstacles and a house fire that somehow left all five hours of tape unscathed, "Conversations With the Almighty" is almost finished.

George Lucas appears at convention

INDIANAPOLIS -- Fans of "Star Wars" took advantage of a rare opportunity Saturday to listen to the Jedi Master himself, George Lucas, who took center stage at a convention for the first time in about 18 years. "It was phenomenal. The best thing in the world, better than hearing the president speak," said Nicole Ryker, a lifelong fan.

Miss America fights to stay on air

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- How about Miss Arkansas in a cat fight with Miss Texas? Or Miss Alaska plotting with Miss Tennessee to get Miss Maine voted off the runway? Or a swimsuit contest featuring bikini-clad women walking the runway while covered in leeches? For Miss America, such scenarios would've been unthinkable once, when all it took to win was a fetching smile, a modicum of talent and a tight swimsuit.

Gospel singer performs pre-Passover concert

NEW YORK -- When Joshua Nelson sings the gospel music of his black ancestors, he commands attention. It's not just because of his fire-and-brimstone voice, the comparisons with the late Mahalia Jackson or even his discovery by Oprah Winfrey, whom he counts as a friend. It's the places he sometimes performs (synagogues), the word he avoids (Jesus) and his own faith (Jewish).

Digital IDEAS showcased

Digital art has continued to invade human life since its inception. Saturday, this creativity will convene on Bloomington. The Indiana IDEAS Festival offers students the opportunity to showcase their Interactive Digital Environments Arts and Storytelling or IDEAS and win money for it. They will also get to exhibit their work from noon to 4 p.m. in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center and the Wells-Metz Theatre during the event. Gordon Walton, executive producer at Sony Entertainment, will speak at 5 p.m.

Bugs moves from TV to gallery

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. -- What's art, doc? At the James A. Michener Art Museum, that question is answered with a new exhibit featuring more than 160 drawings, cels, paintings and related items from the golden era of Warner Bros. animation that made Bugs Bunny now officially a senior citizen and his fellow Looney Tuners into pop culture icons for generations of Americans.

Student takes celebrated music video to Cannes

One man stands alone against a black backdrop that sets the stage for a message. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he offers up silent prayers as graphic images of war, Sept. 11 and political leaders collide in the background. A female's voice is heard singing, "This world's a shame, it's time for a change. As time goes on, the hate still remains, so who do we blame? People are dying, the blind lead the blind. And all we say is, 'It's a sign of the times.'"

Free flowing with the wind beneath my skirt

IU composer receives Guggenheim Fellowship

IU professor and composer in residence Don Freund has been chosen to receive a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. The more than $35,000 award will allow Freund time to pursue his artistic endeavors.

Around The Arts

The Asian American Association will present the annual Taste of Asia Friday. The event is divided into two parts -- a talent show featuring performances by numerous student and community groups and the tasting of Asian cuisine from various restaurants in Bloomington. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; the program begins at 5:30 p.m.