Community Arts

Mainstream VMA's reward shameless self-promotion

MTV VMA's unsurprising, uninspired, unfunny.

Graduation advice from a lowly junior

As a mere junior, let me take a moment to express my awe and amazement of you, the graduating senior class of 2001. I humbly congratulate you on all the hard work, late nights, sacrifices and philanthropic deeds you soon-to-be alumni have experienced while at IU.

Burnside on gut-bucket blues

Flying colors important during time of tragedy

I must say that I have found the IU community's reaction to the horribly tragic events of this week disappointing. When I finally managed to pull myself away from CNN and head to class (surprised that classes were even being held), I could not believe that the events were not even mentioned.

Don your kilts

Nigerians caught in the midst of violence

Moses Mbaissa fled his home after an attack by fighters from a rival tribe. He took refuge in another town only to find more bloodshed. Soldiers were gunning down unarmed villagers. A longtime conflict between ethnic Tivs and Jukuns has heated up in recent weeks, with tribal fighters hacking off the limbs of women and children and burning villages.

Thousands gather for celebration

Mardi Gras. That was the consistent description of the gathering of thousands onto Kirkwood Avenue Saturday night after the basketball team's win against Oklahoma.

New colors not needed

At the IU-Purdue football game, there were two athletics directors in attendance. One was dressed in full black and gold, the other was wearing a suit with a Titleist umbrella. No wonder IU's Michael McNeely wants to mess with the colors of IU. It appears he doesn't quite know what they are. Either way, McNeely's decision to "revamp" the colors at IU is a big mistake. Cream and crimson have not been a part of IU athletics for years, and all of a sudden, we're getting a new icon, logo and mascot. It's been years since IU has been cream and crimson, so for many students at IU, the tradition is red and white. Sure cream and crimson is in the fight song, but red and white is what covers the campus.

Dance troupe combines music, motion

Gathered in a tight clump in the center of the dance floor, the 25 members of dance company In Motion press their bodies together, forward, around and sharply back to the front again during a rehearsal. This formation is one of many in the company's opening piece, "Music," which they will perform in an upcoming performance at Willkie Auditorium.

Classification confusion

Despite representing only three percent of the total student population, an IU policy prevents Asian-Americans from utilizing resources available to other minority groups, such as minority scholarships and fellowship opportunities. IU's current policy defines minority status from state ethnic group statistics. Since Asian-Americans comprise only one percent of Indiana's population, the group is considered overrepresented on the Bloomington campus, said Daisy Rodriguez, PhD student assistant at the Asian Culture Center.

Cast enthusiasm saves 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

Do you know what makes me enjoy a performance no matter what? It is seeing the joy of performing on the players' faces. Even if a show is completely mediocre, as long as the actors look like they are having a fantastic time, I'm sold.

Keg tracking near

Next week the Indiana State Senate will vote on a bill requiring identification tags on all kegs of beer, which would allow police to track the keg to the purchaser. If enacted, the new legislation will require all kegs to have individual identification numbers. At the time of purchase, retailers would record the name, address, telephone number and driver's license number of the purchaser. The law would not apply to restaurants or bars licensed to serve alcohol. Under the bill, if police confiscate a keg at a party that is serving alcohol to minors, they would be able to identify and prosecute the purchaser.

Letters to the editor

Little 500 balloon release questioned As some may remember, last spring the Student Environmental Action Coalition expressed their concern about the Little 500 balloon release. Other concerned students and citizens also voiced their opinions about the negative effects of balloon releases.

Hair donations of love

Are you sure you want to do this? Are you sure you want to cut it?" "Yes, I'm sure," I said. As the hairdresser held the scissors underneath the ponytail holder near the nape of my neck, reluctance and fear filled her eyes. She was afraid to cut the 17 inches of hair that covered my entire back.

Brain Surgeons to operate in Bloomington this weekend

You might not have ever heard of the Brain Surgeons, but chances are you know one of their predecessors. The Surgeons are fronted by ex-Blue Oyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard, who also wrote the bulk of the famed '70s arena rock giant's catalogue.

'Vacation' for 'Sims' afficionados only

Staying or going?

Out-of-town music talent reaches Bloomington

As the temperature rises, an array of musical talent from around the country -- and across the Atlantic -- promises to heat up Bloomington even more this week. Music lovers of all ages should find something to strike their fancy, whatever their taste might be.

Hoosiers throttle All-Stars

Sometimes sloppy equals good. In an exhibition game loaded with turnovers and fouls, the women's basketball team pushed aside the Premier All-Stars 89-72.

Snap, Crackle, Pop!

Makeshift wooden shelves are jam-packed with "America's Most Wanted" out-of-state fireworks: The Crater Creator, Big Stick, Grim Reaper, Unleash the Beast, Rock the House, XXX, M70 and Big Bad Ass Break Shell. Obnoxiously enticing primary colors leap out from every package, slicing through bad lighting and creating a dizzying and overbearing task for the retinas. Plastic dime store buckets are pressed together and filled with explosively delightful trinkets. The room is a mouth-watering toy store for pyromaniacs.