Community Arts

Colombia: downed U.S. Government helicopter destroyed

BOGOTA, Colombia -- Colombia's military destroyed a U.S. government helicopter to keep it from falling into the hands of guerrillas who forced it down during an anti--drug mission, Colombian and American officials said Thursday. Five Colombian police officers died protecting the downed UH--1N helicopter aircraft, and three Colombian soldiers were wounded. There were no Americans aboard the State Department helicopter when it was hit by ground fire last week. The crew -- including Colombian police and a Peruvian pilot working for a private American company contracted by the U.S. government for the drug war -- was evacuated unharmed, the officials said.

Storm leaves trail of debris in wake

Severe weather ripped through Bloomington Wednesday, causing power outages, disrupting traffic and causing headaches for residents. After a mild day was a wild night as severe thunderstorms tore through Monroe County and wreaked havoc throughout Bloomington. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said that funnel clouds were reported in Monroe and Greene County, along with reports of wind gusts, torrential rain and large hail. "The worst of this storm passed by 6 p.m.," said John Franks of the National Weather Service. "While very impressive, storms like these are not unusual for this time of year. They may not occur every year, but they should be expected."

Interest in University up since terrorist attacks

The Office of Admissions is filled with bright-eyed high school seniors every year. They wait nervously to go on tours and meet with admissions officers, but more importantly they wait to gain a sense if IU is the right place for them.

Local photographer says activists assaulted him

After 88 days atop a redwood in protest, engulfed in media attention, Tracy "Dolphin" McNeely was ready to come down. Although she'd pledged to remain in her treetop perch until forcibly removed, she climbed down and returned to her normal routine -- a routine that includes hanging out with friends in Peoples Park. When approached by Herald-Times photographer Jeremy Hogan Tuesday, she denied she was Dolphin. She said she didn't want to be photographed. She claimed she was a private individual and of no public interest.

Some advice for the University

The rule of bureaucracy is that, left to itself, it will perpetually grow in size and complexity. Politicians implicitly understand this concept and are painfully aware that bureaucracies must be controlled or circumvented to exact change. Why, then, do the IU trustees not understand this concept?

Beautiful setting can't disguise a wasted plot

Who knows whether the author or the screenwriter is at fault for the poor plot of a novel adapted to fill the big screen. Whoever's fault it is, in "The Golden Bowl," from the novel by Henry James, someone needs to shoulder the hefty blame. Centered around a poorly crafted, knock them in the head with anti-subtlety metaphor, this early-1900s film lacks any sort of punch. Like one of those overdone and formal castles towering in the scenery, "Bowl" boasts a beautiful setting with an too-dramatic and drawn out plot.

The secret's out: 'Ya-Ya' just so so

Select team members to compete at U.S. Nationals

Select members of the men's swimming team begin competition at the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships meet in Minneapolis today through Friday.

Two buildings to be added

Two new buildings, a multi-disciplinary science building and a small building composed of lecture halls, will soon be constructed on campus, while the first stages of development for a humanities building have just begun.

New information in Jill Behrman case

The two-year anniversary of IU student Jill Behrman's disappearance was met with new information from the FBI on Friday. Behrman was reported missing after she was last seen riding her bike on the south side of Bloomington in May of 2000.

State house approves changes in initial tax plan

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana House overwhelmingly approved pro-business changes to a Democrat-drafted tax-increase and tax-restructuring plan Wednesday, clearing the way for a vote on the overall bill Thursday.

Nelms considered for job

Charlie Nelms, IU's vice president for student development and diversity, has emerged as a frontrunner for the presidency of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla.

June brings memories of a friend passed

She is really dirty. I have burn holes on probably every seat and every side panel. Ash fills every crevice and crack. My collections of lip-glosses, birth control and lighters fill the glove boxes and the console. Arby's straws fill the floors and Parliament boxes litter the backseat. My world is in this vehicle and this vehicle is my world away from here, where I sit in it and blast my Vertical Horizon when I am lost. Where I get in it and just cruise, away from everything here.

IU officials avoid the law

Leadership involves more than simply holding a position and making occasional decisions. Leadership demands respect, not only from those empowered, but from those affected by their position. With leadership, honesty and integrity are implied. Without these qualities, how are we supposed to trust those who lead us?

Students indicted in drug bust

Several IU students were among 14 people indicted on charges of conspiracy to import and distribute the party drug ecstasy Tuesday in a U.S. District Court in Detroit. Among those indicted by the Grand Jury are junior Brandon Wackowski, senior Jeremy Slyh, senior Brent Mortara and IU Southeast senior Samuel Cruz.

Samples, Big Wu jam at Axis

Veterans of the music business since 1987, The Samples have remained true to their own style of music, a blend of soothing melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Their sound is mellow and peaceful, yet a little sappy, combining elements of rock, pop, folk and reggae. Drawing a sizable crowd to Axis Nightclub, 419 N. Walnut St., Monday night, The Samples played a set that covered the span of their lengthy career.

Hoosiers to renew rivalry in midweek game

After going 1-3 last weekend against the defending Big Ten regular season champions, the Hoosier baseball team wants to get back to winning before taking its first conference road trip to Ann Arbor to face Michigan this weekend. The team hopes to take that opportunity against Indiana State at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Sembower Field.

Madness aids team in effort to draw in fans

Friday night more than 9,000 fans came to Assembly Hall for Midnight Madness, the first practice for the men's and women's basketball teams. It was the second year the women's team has been included in the festivities, and coach Kathi Bennett said she appreciates the opportunity to play in front of the IU faithful.

Basketball's storied season earns Davis a sizable six-year contract

Last Thursday, men's basketball coach Mike Davis etched his John Hancock on a six-year contract, worth $800,000 a year. Dwarfing last year's contract, the deal, co-signed by Director of Athletics Michael McNeely and President Myles Brand, puts a premium on keeping the Cinderella coach in Bloomington. "It is an honor to know that I will be the head coach at Indiana University for the next six seasons," Davis said in a press release following the signing.

Player able 'to turn it on and off like a switch'

Like a brightly colored flower budding in the spring, 19-year-old freshman Tom Bagnato is blossoming and fitting into the IU men's tennis team (6-6, 0-1 Big Ten). His last victory was a comeback win against Northwestern junior Jackie Jenkins after dropping the first set at the No. 4 position.