IUPD

'Cecil B. DeMented' a few rewrites shy of great

John Waters has brought us many definitive cult classics such as "Pink Flamingos," "Hairspray" and "Polyester" -- films guaranteed to be extremely campy. While his latest, "Cecil B. DeMented," is unmistakably a John Waters film, it will likely be considered by most as an interesting failure made during the infamous auteur's transitional period.

Repossessed

It has been 25 years since a little girl named Regan was possessed by the devil. Now "The Exorcist" is back, and there are some things viewers haven't seen.

'Urban Legends - Final Cut' as bad as the original

Sequels are usually made because the first movie left the audience wanting more. "Urban Legends: Final Cut," must be the result of trying to get it right the next time around. So much for second chances.

IUPD Blotter

This week in music

This week's concerts.

Kristine W's talent needs to be 'Stronger'

When reviewing an album like Kristine W's Stronger, one must solely concentrate on lyrics and looks. The music, a disgusting blend of pop and dance beats, is a non-factor. Kristine W has a good voice going for her, but whatever DJ is mixing her music should be dragged out of the studio and beaten with a large blunt object.

Fuel's latest doesn't 'shimmer,' but solid

Following-up its platinum, hit-spawning debut, Sunburn, Pennsylvania-based Fuel returns to form with its new album, Something Like Human. Many listeners know little of Fuel, aside from the fact they churned out the heavily rotated hit "Shimmer," in addition to other radio friendly tunes such as, "Bittersweet" or "Jesus or a Gun."

Soundtrack unearths songs that are 'Almost Famous'

For those of us who didn't live through them, decades are often defined by songs from the era that are well-known enough to have stood the test of time on radio playlists and movie soundtracks. For example, "My Girl" by the Temptations represents the '60s, or "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is the trademark of the '70s. But most people never think of songs that maybe have been on the radio every day during their decade but have since fallen into semi-obscurity.

Organization seeks to battle digital divide

Like computers? Like business? Like Tibet? Anyone who answered yes to those three questions has an open invitation from the national outreach organization Students For Change to join a new series of international technology development programs.

Habitat builds 1st house for handicapped

Monroe County Habitat for Humanity and IU Habitat for Humanity are building their first handicap-accessible house.

Group to tackle racial issues

This week marks the beginning of a group that will discuss an age-old problem. A discussion group labeled "Conversations on Race" will come together once a week for five weeks to confront and address racial ties on campus and problems people have faced with racial biases.

Withholding money hurts students

Last week IU alumnus and audio pioneer Mark Cuban told the IDS he offered to write an open-ended check to purchase the extra bandwidth the University would need to bring back Napster, the banned MP3 program, to IU computers.

A turn for the surreal

It has taken more than 21 years. Twenty-one years for me to realize one thing. I know almost nothing about anything. I apologize to anyone looking for insight in this column.

Television imitating life

Call me a sucker if you will. While watching "Survivor" this summer I took notice of promotions for CBS's new television show, "That's Life," a show about a fictional 32-year-old woman who decided to go to college after having had a series of about 58 different jobs in her life.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 more addictive than cigarettes

With the recent release of Sega Dreamcast and the upcoming release of Sony's Playstation II, fans of the original Sony Playstation will no doubt experience a lag in the manufacture of new and exciting games. But one recent Activision sequel has certainly lived up to, if not surpassed, the standard of quality expected from Playstation games.

Fugard's visit left lasting impression

South African playwright Athol Fugard's visit to campus ended Sept. 23, but his presence left a lasting impression on students and faculty alike. During his stay, he explored his work and his life with student audiences, sharing insight about the history of his homeland and the beauty of his craft.

God's new campaign

Rejoice, ye mortal citizens of the earth, for God hath chosen once more to speak unto thee! But fear not, humble humans. This time, the Almighty has opted to skip the burning bushes, flashes of light and rolling thunder of yore.

'Scotland Road' production leads off Waldron season

The dramatic lure of the Titanic has not been lost on the theater world, as is demonstrated by the mystery "Scotland Road," the John Waldron Arts Center 2000-2001 theater series kick-off production.

Gilbert and Sullivan returns to town

Cuban gets the message across

It is important for any person or organization to express his or her dissatisfaction with their management.