Community Arts

Energy companies urge conservation

By IDS staff and Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:25 p.m.

Hot enough for you? Residents can expect another sweltering weekend of temperatures hovering near 90, which has caused regional energy suppliers to warn increased electricity consumption is putting a strain on the electric grid. With little relief from the heat until next month, the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator declared an Energy Emergency Alert Tuesday for several states, including Indiana. Duke Energy is asking customers to voluntarily reduce nonessential electric consumption to ensure production remains stable and reliable.

Postal workers to picket post office today

By David A. Nosko · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:22 p.m.

Bloomington is not the only Indiana city that may lose its standard "overnight" same-area postal service, but local postal workers are still concerned with the loss of speedy delivery for local Hoosiers sending and receiving mail. USPS officials revealed a list of 139 American cities -- including Lafayette, Muncie, Kokomo and Gary -- that may lose current postal service standards in the name of the company's bottom line, although Southern Indiana's 474 zip code is still the only area under current evaluation. In protest of the USPS plan, local postal workers are picketing Bloomington's Main Post Office at 11:30 a.m. today on Fourth Street, in hopes of drawing community attention to their plight for maintaining current postal service standards for the hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers they serve.

Impressive lighting, dramatic performance highlight 'Mikado'

By Alyson Brodsy and David A. Nosko · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:17 p.m.

IU Opera Theater's 2006 summer-season production of Arthur Gilbert and W.S. Sullivan's 1885 "The Mikado" is a breathtaking ball of operetta fun, wrapped in colorful threads of Japanese culture and bound by a thick yarn of tongue-and-cheek American laughter. Many audience members left the show last weekend feeling giddy, to say the least, as expressed in smiles glued to their faces and comments to one another like "that was great" and "I had a good time." My partner seated next to me, on the other hand, seemed bored out of her mind throughout the second half as she tapped her foot off-beat to the music and dozed off a few times in her seat, but I could not help join the rowdy standing ovation at the end of the performance to a job well-done. "The Mikado" chronicles the love affair of Nanki-Poo, the son of the Emperor -- or "Mikado" -- of Japan and played by IU graduate student Joshua Whitener, and Yum-Yum, played by IU graduate student Megan Radder. At the beginning of the show both Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum are committed to marry others, but they fight Japanese custom and battle their lovers for the chance to spend the rest of their lives together.

Group celebrates traditions, fine arts of Central Asian countries

By Christina Stigliani · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:15 p.m.

The Bloomington-based Silk Road Ensemble presented its 14th annual Silk Road Festival Sunday afternoon at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The event began in the theater lobby with exhibits from a dozen countries of the Silk Road region, the historical route that connected the East and West from Turkey to China. The event was manned largely by students studying these languages in the IU Summer Workshop in Slavic, East European and Central Asian Languages. Graduate student Eric Schluessel explained the displays of clothing and weapons of the Uighurs, an ethnically Turkic Muslim people of western China. Holding up a small knife he said, "A Uighur man gives this to his wife when he goes away on a trip so she can protect herself in his absence." Other exhibits also included weaponry as well as popular music and art, clothing and jewelry.

ID and egos

By Alyson Brodsy and Jordan DeLong · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:09 p.m.

In Kansas they're still arguing about intelligent design. I thought that this issue had passed -- but here it comes again, rearing its malformed head, and getting idiots judging science based on creationism's flimsy evidence. This battle isn't even really about intelligent design, but it's brought forth because of it. While in power, conservative school board members passed changes in the curriculum specifying that current criticisms to evolution must be taught. While this could have been a useful and intuitive change, the revisions were written by a lawyer for the Intelligent Design Network and pissed off everyone (even moderates) so badly that a backlash is coming.

I do (not)

By Alyson Brodsy and Michelle Manchir · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:07 p.m.

With the help of a course assignment, and the knowledge of the recent engagements of some friends from high school, I've come to realize the existence of one of the most lucrative, fraudulent industries in the United States: weddings. What comes to mind first on this topic is Jennifer Lopez's character in "The Wedding Planner," which I've unfortunately screened more than once (sorry, J. Lo -- more like J. No!). At the beginning of the movie, she talks of her childhood during which she'd have pretend weddings for her Barbie dolls. The plot wants the audience to root for her, so that she experiences her ultimate dream before the movie ends: To be the bride in her own wedding! I can't put into the words the blasphemy that is this culturally-created and media-reinforced concept: That a woman's "happiest day of her life" is her wedding day. Right. Happy. Is it because she gets to spend thousands of dollars (if she can) on food for people she sees yearly and fake pearls for her bridesmaids to wear for a day? Or because she gets to panic about looking beautiful and thin in her constraining white dress? Or maybe because she knows the traditional wedding ceremony places her as a commodity being passed from one man (her father) to another (her husband). Please don't let my feminist jargon scare you. It is the truth, after all. Aside from the cultural implications, the traditional heterosexual wedding ceremony (oh wait ... that's the only legal kind) is unnecessarily expensive. Part of my noted course assignment involved reading "Bridal Guide" magazine and two other wedding planning supplements. The particular issue I had the pleasure to scan was the "Wedding Budget Special." "Gowns Under $1000" was the big story. Finally, ladies! Options you can afford! That is, if you're willing to forego paying for food and lodging for a month in order to purchase a puffball of material. I prefer regular meals to outfits that aren't acceptably worn for more than one day. The magazine also featured very beautiful pink and lacy seat covers for chairs at the reception, and invitations that look like mini holiday gifts with bows. Neat! My sarcasm can be devastating. On that note, I don't think weddings are inherently bad. And I wouldn't chastise my friends or family for holding one in response to their decision to marry -- if that's what they think they really want. I'm just not scared to question and discourage an irrelevant, mildly oppressive and gratuitously lavish tradition. It's interesting how long a person can go through life without realizing the meanings behind the things they do: their customary actions and the traditions they uphold. I feel fortunate to have developed a sense to question convention of wedding ceremonies before I, myself, blow $30,000 partly so Uncle Bill can dance drunkenly to "We Are Family." Maybe I'm too cynical. Or maybe you think I'm completely logical, brilliant and hilarious. I do.

Responsibility on the Rocks

By IDS staff and Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 6:04 p.m.

The National College Health Association released a study last week of more than 28,000 students attending 44 colleges and universities that found that 73 percent of student drinkers engage in "protective behaviors" while drinking. The study claims disciplinary actions in controlling alcohol abuse are largely inadequate, and implies that they are unnecessary. The results of the study were touted as progressive, suggesting that more and more students are practicing self-control and being more responsible in their "partying" rituals, leaving college officials with the mere task of "doing what they can to encourage the protective behaviors." These include determining in advance not to exceed a set number of drinks, choosing not to drink alcohol, using a designated driver, eating before and during drinking, having a friend keep track of consumption, keeping track of one's own consumption, pacing drinks to one or fewer per hour, avoiding drinking games and drinking non-alcoholic look-alikes.

Afghan insurgents attack NATO forces

By Alyson Brodsy and Noor Khan · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 5:59 p.m.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Taliban insurgents attacked a Danish camp in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, seriously wounding one soldier in the third assault on Denmark's contingent since it deployed to the volatile region last week. A Taliban ambush in the same province Tuesday killed three British soldiers and seriously wounded a fourth. They were the first NATO deaths since the alliance assumed military control of southern Afghanistan from a U.S.-led coalition Monday.

Haditha investigation supports accusations against Marines

By Alyson Brodsy and Robert Burns · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 5:59 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- Evidence collected on the deaths of 24 Iraqis in Haditha supports accusations that U.S. Marines deliberately shot the civilians, including unarmed women and children, a Pentagon official said Wednesday. Agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service have completed their initial work on the incident last November, but may be asked to probe further as Marine Corps and Navy prosecutors review the evidence and determine whether to recommend criminal charges, according to two Pentagon officials who discussed the matter on condition of anonymity.

Castro tries to reassure Cubans his health is stable

By Alyson Brodsy and Vanessa Arrington · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 5:58 p.m.

HAVANA -- The Cuban government sought to reassure citizens after Fidel Castro temporarily ceded power for the first time in 47 years, releasing a statement from the world's longest-serving head of government saying his health is stable, his spirits good and the defense of the island guaranteed. His brother and designated successor, Raul Castro, remained silent and out of sight, issuing no statements of his own. Despite the affirmations that all was well, there appeared to be an increase in police patrols in some working-class neighborhoods and coastal areas.

Israeli commandos, Hezbollah clash in northeastern Lebanon

By Alyson Brodsy and Hamza Hendawi · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 5:56 p.m.

BOURJ AL-MULOUK, Lebanon -- Israel pressed the first full day of a massive new ground attack, sending 8,000 troops into southern Lebanon on Wednesday and seizing five people it said were Hezbollah fighters in a dramatic airborne raid on a northeastern town. Hezbollah retaliated with its deepest strikes yet into Israel, firing a record number of more than 160 rockets. Diplomatic efforts faltered, with France saying it will not participate in a Thursday U.N. meeting that could send troops to help monitor a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Drinking games: Serious Bizness

By Alyson Brodsy and Zack Teibloom · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 4:20 p.m.

From the moment the bouncer asks you your middle name and birth sign at the door, the drinking games are on. The earliest known drinking game in literature is from Plato's Symposium in which players fill a bowl with wine, drink it, and pass it on. Games have gotten more advanced, and the rules differ from town to town, even within Bloomington, but the idea is the same: Why not play a game to show off your ping pong ball throwing, cup flipping, and beer pouring skills with a little peer pressure?

Into the great Abyss

By Alyson Brodsy and Zack Teibloom · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 4:04 p.m.

"When we get down there you may be face-to-face with a snake or a dead animal. I'm not scaring you, am I?" IU Outdoor Adventure Trip Leader Matt Lattis asked as we began our vertical descent into the deepest cave in Indiana. He offered to take the IDS staffer who doesn't know how to tie his own tie on a day trip to explore the great abyss of one of 2,000 caves in Indiana. A cave enthusiast since the eighth grade, Lattis is one of the trip leaders at IU Outdoor Adventure. The program consists of specialized classes and individualized trips ranging from day trips in Bloomington to week long trips all over the world. Kayaking in Kentucky, rock climbing and caving in Southern Illinois, and backpacking and whitewater rafting trips are a few of the orientation trips available to freshman in August, but students can plan their own trips year round with help from IUOA.

Get down with the Boogie

By Alyson Brodsy and Michael Reschke · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:58 p.m.

Plastic inflatable penises were plentiful throughout the camp ground, as were signs that requested passers by to expose their breasts. Bike engines revved at all hours of the day and night. Clothing was optional, even for those people whose bodies were fighting a losing battle against gravity. Random and crazy were two words that could be used to describe many of the people in attendance, such as Don Berndt. "Fuck you Bob!" is what he and his T-shirt said. "There's so many fuckin' Bobs in the world you gotta say fuck you Bob," Berndt said. These are the kinds of things that happen when people sentenced to 40 hours of weekly work until the age of 65 are allowed to get down, let loose, and let it all (yes ALL) hang out. This weekend of freedom is called The Boogie.

Sex in the City

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Freiberg and David A. Nosko · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:54 p.m.

There are clubs and then there are strip clubs. Bloomington offers Hoosiers many choices for basking in brews and hearty ha-ha's, but where can community members go if they seek half-naked human beings sliding down poles or sex toys to bring home to share with their partner? Also known as "adult entertainment," the city offers most forms of sensual self-indulgence and perverted pleasure, including topless dance clubs, bookstores with XXX video arcades, and lingerie boutiques offering everything from fluffy handcuffs to nipple clamps.

Lollapalooza's new home

By Alyson Brodsy and Rob O'Connor · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:50 p.m.

One of the summer's biggest concerts is right around the corner and just a short jaunt away. The three day music festival, Lollapalooza, kicks off Aug. 4 in Chicago's Grant Park. This is the second year that the festival has made The Windy City the back drop for their three day party. Last year many people were hesitant to accept the third largest American city as a good location to hold an outdoor music festival, especially one which hopes to host 75,000 concert-goers. However, after last year's success the festival organizers have high hopes for this second time around.

Something to hold you over

By Fryburg 84 · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:37 p.m.

Meet Tommy, the most stereotypical and borderline offensive video game character since Mario. He's a Cherokee who lives on a reservation, hates the old ways of his ancestors and spends his day at a bar playing video poker. But one night his routine of getting hammered and blowing his paycheck gets interrupted when aliens abduct him, his girlfriend and apparently half of Texas. This puts Tommy on a course save the world and rediscover his heritage while kicking approximately 32 different kinds of alien ass (at least I think these things have asses).

Sign O' The Times

By Alyson Brodsy and Warner Sills · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:36 p.m.

What crazy times we live in. 'Tis a time of accidental, "whoops, my bad," international wars, soccer superstars head butting opponents (then again in the game of fútbol hands shall not be used), sniper assholes shooting up pick-up trucks and (if you believe Mr. Gore) a planet that is dying as fast as kooky Tom Cruise's reputation. With politics and the globe aside, the world of entertainment and pop culture is also important to pay attention to. With that said I thought it would be fitting to give you the current state of pop as we venture into the latter half of the '00s.

Powell and Pressburger's pilgrimage

By Alyson Brodsy and Chris Wisner · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:33 p.m.

For too long I've only seen Powell and Pressburger's Technicolor epics such as "The Red Shoes" and "The Tales of Hoffmann" and while they are fun to watch, ultimately they come off very dated and awkward in places. I had begun to think all of the Brit directing duo's films were like this, but then "A Canterbury Tale" came my way. Taking Chaucer's story and adapting it for the then modern times of England, Powell and Pressburger place three journeyers -- an American soldier, a British officer and village girl -- on a quest from Kent to Canterbury during World War II. When they reach Kent though, the chances of them making it to the fabled destination seems grim as they're hopelessly caught up in a series of village crimes that, while not murders, are far from normal criminal activity.

An evolutionary documentary

By Alyson Brodsy and John Barnett · Wednesday, Aug. 2,2006 3:29 p.m.

By the end of Barbet Schroeder's brief 1978 documentary on Koko, a female gorilla being taught sign language and other aspects of human communication on the campus of Stanford University from her birth in 1971 to this very day, I had fallen in love with the noble beast. Filmed in secret as to avoid legal troubles with the San Francisco Zoo (which technically owned Koko at the time of filming), Schroeder's chronicle asks many tough questions, such as if a gorilla being raised in a humanistic environment has any significant rights, or if raising a creature in such a way is ethical.