Community Arts

Jackson lashes out

NEW YORK -- Multiplatinum singer Michael Jackson, already feuding with his record company, charged Saturday that the recording industry was a racist conspiracy that turns profits at the expense of performers -- particularly minority artists. "The recording companies really, really do conspire against the artists -- they steal, they cheat, they do everything they can,'' Jackson said in a rare public appearance. "(Especially) against the black artists."

Singer R. Kelly pleads not guilty to charges

Singer R. Kelly pleaded innocent on Wednesday to child pornography charges stemming from a videotape authorities say shows Kelly having sex with an underage girl. Kelly made no other statement at his arraignment.

'Talk Talk Talk' about the '80s

Drugged out disco decadence

Council OKs funds to seek grant

Plans to convert the McDoel switchyard into part of the city's alternative transportation plan were kept on track last night. The Bloomington City Council gave final approval for the appropriation of $200,000 to help seek federal grants to aid in the development of the project. The McDoel switchyard is currently owned by CSX and has been deemed a "key project" in the city's alternative transportation plan that was passed two weeks ago by the council. The city would like to convert the railyard into a 2.25 mile long bike and pedestrian pathway which would provide a route into the downtown area.

Benson's campaign comes to an end

For former IU basketball star Kent Benson, swishing a jump shot was far easier than being away from his family. Benson put an end to his pursuit of Indiana's Secretary of State office last week, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.

Saying 'aloha' to a leader

The Hawaiian word "aloha" can be used as a greeting, a farewell or to express love. When IDS publisher Dave Adams first came to IU 13 years ago to teach journalism courses and supervise the IDS and the Arbutus yearbook, students and staffers said "aloha" to a man with a strong journalism background. After graduating cum laude in English with a journalism concentration from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., Adams became a high school teacher and student press adviser to award-winning publications.

Around The Campus

Debate cancelled The debate between the College Democrats and Republicans scheduled for 7 p.m. today in Alumni Hall is postponed indefinitely. Chancellor to sponsor campus forum Chancellor Sharon Brehm will sponsor the third forum in an ongoing series exploring methods of prosecution for terrorists in the wake of Sept. 11. The forum, "Bringing the Terrorists to Justice: Where and How Should the Prosecutions Proceed?" will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the School of Law Moot Courtroom.

Police conclude investigation of cause of Korona's death

The freshman who died last month of head trauma struck his head on a metal door frame minutes after performing a keg stand at Theta Chi fraternity, police said. The prosecutor said charges will not be filed. Seth Korona, 19, died Feb. 4 of bleeding in the brain caused by the trauma, Monroe County Coroner David Toumey said. Korona attended a Jan. 27-28 party at Theta Chi, was hospitalized Jan. 29 and was in a coma until his death.

Responsibility, not illegalization

Caffeine, nicotine, THC, ecstasy: Have you had your dose today? It seems like each generation is accused of delving into extreme drug use. But the highest rate of drug consumption was in 1979, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Regardless of statistics, there is no escaping the debate over alcohol and drug abuse, with the dividing line resting on responsibility. Most blame the sellers, but much lies at the steps of our capital. By labeling certain substances legal (alcohol or prescription drugs), the government implies a false sense of security for their use, while preventing helpful drugs like marijuana.

Investors prepare for warnings

This week, investors will look at the National Association of Purchasing Management Index and the Labor Department's unemployment number for March. The NAPM number is scheduled for release Monday and is considered one of the best indicators of the condition in the factory sector. A reading above 50 is considered a sign of expansion, while a number below 50 signals economic contraction. The unemployment figure is scheduled for release Friday. Economists are calling for the unemployment rate to rise slightly to 4.3 percent.

Senior Mack redshirts

It was just a friendly soccer pickup game. On a warm summer night senior midfielder, then National Player of the Year candidate, Ryan Mack was on staff at IU's annual summer camp for high school soccer players.

Jessica

Heading to lay-offs on a good note

The IU men's track and field team was victorious this weekend. The Hoosiers defeated Big Ten foes Ohio State and Penn State at home Saturday. IU is 3-0 heading into a two-week lay-off. The meet had good performances including three more NCAA provisional marks.

Friends remember student at service

A memorial service was held this past Saturday at Whittenberger Auditorium for Helen Walker, who died after being struck by a drunk driver in May. "Don't stop thinking about Helen, or talking about her. If we all do this, the memory of her will live on," said Townsend Teague, close friend and theatrical colleague of the late student.

Björk returns with enchanting album

Björk's iconic image is intrinsic to her art. Prominently featured on the cover of all her albums and most of her singles and videos, the way she presents herself on the outside packaging is usually a good clue to what's going on inside.

Williams shows Axis crowd essence of blues

The Axis Nightclub is not exactly a Mississippi juke joint, but Grammy award-winning musician Lucinda Williams evoked the spirit of a sweaty night on the bayou last Tuesday to a packed house of hardcore fans. Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith opened for Williams, warming up the crowd with his laid-back roots rock. Switching between piano crooner and guitar cowboy, Sexsmith showcased a diverse repertoire. Following his hour-long set, the crowd was forced to wait another hour for Williams' appearance onstage. After a crew member lit the dozen candles and incense scattered around the stage, Williams casually sauntered onto the dimly lit Axis stage.

Delts' national chapter calls for suspension

Delta Tau Delta fraternity was suspended by its National Headquarters Wednesday. A suspension of the chapter by the Interfraternity Council goes into effect today. The Arch Chapter of Delta Tau Delta suspended the IU Delta Tau Delta fraternity chapter yesterday in response to the ongoing investigation into a social function that occurred at the fraternity, located at 1431 N. Jordan Ave., Friday, Jan. 18. Police officers responded to an anonymous phone call complaining of loud music and the presence of alcoholic beverages at the fraternity in the early morning hours of Jan. 18, according to police.

The most powerful nation on Earth

I am reminded of a recent discussion I had with a friend who was deeply concerned about how America was being perceived abroad. At the time, America's activities in Afghanistan were reaching their peak. However, I have had similar conversations with other people since, and not all relate specifically to the so-called "War on Terror."

Zimbabwe farm violence continues

HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe said Sunday that he approves of a Commonwealth-backed deal to end his country's farm seizure crisis. However, there were reports of new violence in the north of the country. Eighteen months of violent land seizures have bought Zimbabwe's economy to its knees. Nine farmers have died in the violence. Mugabe has maintained that Britain, Zimbabwe's former colonial master, must compensate 5,000 whites whose farms he wants to redistribute to black Zimbabweans.