Community Arts

Love your dog: Don’t keep it chained

Have you ever thought about the life of a dog on a chain or in a pen? Actually, they don’t have a life! The only thing they can do all day is sit in dirt surrounded by their feces. They usually get absolutely no exercise, no medical attention, no baths or nail trims, no shade in the summer, no straw in their dog house in the winter (sometimes no dog house) and most importantly, no love! Their water is usually frozen or tipped over by their short, heavy chain. They get the same food every day. Sometimes in the winter they stand, lifting one foot then another, because the ground is too cold to lie down on. Many suffer frostbite.

9/11 Truth group is incorrectly portrayed

Thanks for covering David Ray Griffin’s presentation on 9/11 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Labor Day evening. Unfortunately, your article contained several serious misrepresentations. The worst is the statement that “Griffin contended that no difference exists between evil and patriotism as patriotism means working for one’s own country at the expense of others.”  Griffin’s actual claim was that it’s possible to commit great evil while acting on patriotic motives. In particular, if those responsible for the events of 9/11 include persons within the U.S. government, they could well have been acting on patriotic motives. However, that would not justify their actions or make them good.

IU’s Mitch of all trades

Unlike some members of the IU football team, Mitchell Evans is not an outspoken personality. He just plays the game –  wherever that may be. For the last two years, Evans has essentially played the role of utility man for the Hoosiers, the man who can do just near anything when it comes to football. “He is such a good athlete, you can move him around anywhere on the field wherever your team needs him,” senior wide receiver Andrew Means said. And move him is just what the Hoosiers have done.

Monetary incentives could encourage performance

It’s a tried and true tenet of the business world: Give employees a share in the benefits, and they will work harder. Ah, the magic of incentives. Despite its success in the private sector, such a system of rewards has made education bigwigs wary – that is until recently. Kent State University recently announced that – in effort to improve its status, retention rate and number of alumni donations – it will start paying cash bonuses to faculty members who help the university exceed its goals. The plan is simple: Give educators a share in the spoils that their efforts bring to campus.

Not so super

Last year was just too good. In fact, it really spoiled me. In August 2007, I inaugurated my college career, starting fresh with new academics, extracurricular pursuits and socialization. Don’t get me wrong, this fall has proven to be anything but a downer. I’ve loved my classes and I couldn’t be happier seeing old friends again while meeting new people.

Time well spent (let’s go to Canada)

While I was jumping through hoops for one of my 50 college applications as a senior in high school, I was asked how I was going to spend my time in college. I hadn’t come up with an answer by the time the essay was due, so I went to the sole source of all things right and true in the universe – the Internet – and searched “how to write a college essay.” I was never happy with it, but here I am at IU.

No laughing matter

Watching the Republican National Convention last week was a little like entering the twilight zone. For one, there was almost no mention of President Bush during the proceedings – he actually had to suffer the indignity of an appearance through remote feed. And after all he’s done for them. It also warmed my heart that the party of Rush Limbaugh had suddenly discovered sexism.

Gallery presents new Artist of the Month series

Proud is a word that hardly describes how Wandering Turtle Art Gallery & Gifts store manager Rachel DiGregorio feels about the gallery’s new Independent Artist of the Month series, which is devoted to promoting artists who are not signed with major record companies. Digregorio calls the project her “baby.”

I kissed a trend, and I liked it

This past summer, one could not escape the incessant wails of Katy Perry, whose hit single “I Kissed a Girl” sparked an emergence of cherry ChapStick and homoeroticism for heterosexual girls being cool. Now that autumn is upon us, we have recovered from the single and are wiser with newer, better musical choices. Yet despite the song’s short amount of time in the spotlight, one must realize the song’s historical moment in the larger cultural context and ask, is Katy Perry capable of artistic merit?

Teen mothers are all the rage

Teen mothers are all the rage

The Spears family has done it again. They have topped themselves on the ridiculous scale, and this time, Britney didn’t even have anything to do with it.

Bell, Slatkin concert tickets sold out in less than 3 hours

Leonard Slatkin, Joshua Bell and the IU Philharmonic Orchestra will kick off the Jacobs School of Music orchestral season with a sold-out concert on Sept. 17 at the IU Auditorium.

Gallery presents new Artist of the Month series

Proud is a word that hardly describes how Wandering Turtle Art Gallery & Gifts store manager Rachel DiGregorio feels about the gallery’s new Independent Artist of the Month series, which is devoted to promoting artists who are not signed with major record companies. Digregorio calls the project her “baby.”

Applaud like a professional for any performance

The accuracy of applause during classical performances is crucial. Savvy cheering will separate the barbarians from the civilized. To become an applauding ace, follow these simple rules.

Use proper etiquette at MAC shows

Braving those haughty, classical concerts can be intimidating, but what if your first time happens to be on a date? Don’t fret. Let these tips make your night impressive, and squash those hoity-toity, preconceived notions.

Candidates for County Council hold discussion

Three Monroe County Council democratic candidates addressed voters about environmental issues Wednesday night. Incumbent Warren Henegar, Geoff McKim and Julie Thomas talked for about 45 minutes about issues such as alternative transportation, Lake Monroe conservation and creating a green economy at Karst Farm Park.

Bloomington to hold 9/11 ceremony open to public

Politicians, firemen and police officers will be on hand for a morning ceremony to commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks today.The ceremony is at 9 a.m. at the Showers Common at City Hall, and organizers are encouraging the public to attend, said Daniel Lopez, City of Bloomington communications director.

Election Board adjourns meeting without decision

A City of Bloomington Election Board meeting regarding the number of satellite absentee-voting sites was adjourned with no result Tuesday.

Crowell runs on sex

Sex & Gasoline contains his usual blend of country, folk, and blues, which should interest a nice array of fans. Although his painfully obvious impression of Bob Dylan is at first almost laughable, the aptitude he shows at crafting catchy and even thought-provoking songs demands the respect of the listener.