Community Arts

'New World Rhapsody'

The Reva Shiner Full-Length Play Award-winning production "New World Rhapsody" packed the house Friday during its run at the Bloomington Playwrights Project theater, 312 S. Washington St. The crew had to add another row of folding chairs just to accommodate the incoming audience. "New World Rhapsody" is a coming-of-age story about a boy who grows up in the exotic Far East and sees his American home as a strange, new land, ripe for exploration. Playwright Adam Kraar admits the story is not autobiographical, but he writes that it was inspired by his experiences of returning to America after spending many years overseas.

Corporations keep America running

I was very intrigued by the column "Why I Hate Corporate America" by Brian Zell (March 19). Certainly, Zell feels strongly about the evils of corporate America, but I wonder if he has ever worked for one, or if he even knows what a corporation is?

Go scuba, get tanked

President speaks to nation

WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Tuesday night that tens of thousands of terrorists still threaten America, like "ticking time bombs, set to go off" and promised to stalk them across the globe. In his first State of the Union address, he pledged a battle of equal vigor to revive the ailing economy. "We will prevail in war, and we will defeat this recession," the commander in chief said, standing before Congress and the public with heroically high approval ratings. Nearly five months after the Sept. 11 attacks that shocked the world, Bush pledged to push the war on terrorism beyond Afghanistan to a dozen countries that are believed to be harboring terrorist camps.

Same-sex partners defend their parental roles

When Mark* was 21, he began volunteering at a homeless shelter and befriended a family of a single mother and three boys. The mother was addicted to prescription drugs and was in danger of losing her home. The boys had been in and out of foster homes most of their lives. Mark saw the trouble these boys were in. They had been emotionally and physically abused. After one particular abusive incident, Mark decided to take on the role as caretaker of the children. "I promised them I would never let anything bad happen again," he said.

Zoning initiatives lure home buyers

In order to decrease the number of rental units in three Bloomington neighborhoods, the City of Bloomington will push forward with a new Homeownership Zones initiative

'Theater for the people'

A farcical romp through a storybook Naples awaits audiences at "Scapino! A Long way off Moliere" this weekend. A comedy of love, "Scapino!" is based on the 1671 Moliere production "Les Fourberies de Scapin." Adapted in 1975 by Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale, "Scapino!" tells the tale of two wealthy young Italian men who have fallen madly in love with women whom their fathers would never allow them to marry. To solve their heartache, the two enlist the aide of the witty servant Scapino.

Campus must welcome all

Omega Delta Phi, a national Latino fraternity is claiming a place in the IU greek community. The new organization provides an excellent opportunity for members of a shared ethnicity to embrace brotherhood. The need for the opportunity, however, may point to a problem on campus. It should lead us to ask: Is this a campus where all are brothers and sisters, regardless of race, ethnicity, beliefs and sexuality? While the IDS welcomes the new fraternity to campus, it is important to recognize the gap between a truly accepting campus and one where people feel most comfortable among people of their own race, sexuality or background.

IU alum steps up in FBI

An IU alumnus has been appointed to a significant position in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as the bureau undertakes an increased effort to fight terrorism. John Pistole, a veteran agent, began last week in his new role as the deputy assistant director for the FBI's counterterrorism division, which has tripled in size since Sept. 11, he said.

Mural decision is in

The mural stays, but a slew of programs to go along with it. In a press conference in the Maple Room of the Indiana Memorial Union this morning, Bloomingotn Chancellor Sharon Brehm announced the controversial mural featuring images of KKK members will remain in Woodburn Hall 100, but professors using the room must have a team of trained specialists visit their classes at the beginning of each semester, or that professor cannot use the room. Another initiative that will begin next fall is the One for Diversity Fund, a fund dedicated to financing the commission and or placement of multicultural artwork around campus.

United Way kicks off 2001 season

A community is facing poverty, homelessness, hunger and unemployment. And the city is Bloomington. United Way launched its kick-off for the 2001-2002 campaign Thursday afternoon, hosting a lunch at the Hoosier Room of Memorial Stadium. Molly El Mouhajir, IU United Way Campaign Coordinator, said she hopes the campaign will expose social problems in Bloomington that are usually seen as urban issues.

No need for a follow-up 'Interview'

Alou shows few signs of rust in eighth exhibition game

MESA, Ariz. -- Now this is what Moises Alou had in mind for spring training. Sidelined for much of the spring with a strained muscle on his left side, Alou played for the first time in more than a week Tuesday. It was only his eighth exhibition game.

Motivational speaker inspires leadership in minority program

Associate professor Gary Sailes leapt to his feet last Tuesday to motivate 54 students who had every reason to succeed but might have needed a little push. "You guys represent a very elite group of individuals here in America," Sailes told the group of freshmen in the room. All were members of IU's Minority Achievers Program.

Report ranks Indiana counties' income

The Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) recently released information ranking Indiana's suburban counties highest in the state, as measured by median household income in 1999.

No quit in these Hoosiers; No real hope either

IU isn't quitting. After losing its ninth Big Ten opener in 10 years, the Hoosiers are hell bent on pushing past their 0-3 record, heading to Wisconsin and righting the ship. Same old (expletive). Different Saturday. Quitters never win and winners never quit. IU isn't quitting, but will it ever win?

Corleones capture race

Team Corleone won the 2002 men's Little 500 Saturday behind the riding of team members captain Daniel Burns, Luke Isenbarger, Clint Seal and Chris Irk. The team won by a full 27 seconds, posting a 2:04.58 time. Gafombi finished in second place, followed by Dodd's House. Team Major Taylor finished the race ninth overall. Check Monday's IDS for more coverage.

Flags return to full staff

A solemn President Bush returned the American flag to full staff Sunday as the United States promised to lay out evidence making Osama bin Laden's guilt in the terrorist attacks "very obvious to the world." The administration scoffed at Taliban claims that he cannot be found. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the government would "put before the world, the American people, a persuasive case that ... it is al-Qaida, led by Osama bin Laden, who has been responsible."

Poet speaks about history and the world's future

As the cold rain pounded on the roof of Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union Friday night, hundreds of students and faculty gathered to be warmed by the motherly voice of Nikki Giovanni. A mother, daughter, poet, civil rights activist and critic of criticism, Giovanni spoke about the struggles of the African-American community and of the world's future.

Congratulations Coach Davis

Administrators were right to say Mike Davis earned his new title of head basketball coach, removing the "interim" label he's been carrying all year. Davis' performance in this more-than-difficult time for IU's basketball program showed he has what it takes to launch it to a new level.