IUSA

The split screen

During the most recent presidential debate, viewers across the nation might have felt as though they were seated in the audience of a dramatic theatrical performance. I came away with the impression that neither candidate should quit his day job. Acting is not either man’s strong suit. Networks that aired the debate managed to capture the essence of both of these amateur actors via split screen. This allowed us, the voters, to sit at home and watch the candidates’ failed attempts to mug their way to the White House.  

Mindless indulgence

After an exhausting few days of midterms, I found myself lying on my couch channel surfing one evening. It is something that used to be a cherished pastime of mine, but just isn’t an activity that fits into my daily schedule anymore. In fact, unless it is some form of news hour (the Daily Show and Colbert Report not exempt) I just have not watched it. This all changed one evening as my tired brain sought out something mindless and non-stimulating. I found myself watching “Rock of Love: Charm School.”

There’s a battle to be fought

In response to “Don’t support the troops, don’t support the war,” I would like to say that Jack Killen’s article was offensive to anyone who has ever served or knows someone who has served in the military. The likening of today’s troops to those put on trial in Nuremburg is completely uncalled for. What genocides have American troops committed?

Pride School does not pass

If you are even the slightest bit different, high school can be a terrifying place. In an attempt to respond to reports that gay, lesbian and transgender students often miss school because they feel unsafe, Chicago Public Schools leaders announced last week that they recommend the creation of a school to address the needs of these students. The data suggest there remains a lot of room for this kind of solution. According to the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, out of 6,000 gay and lesbian middle school and high school students, almost 90 percent reported being harassed at school, and about 61 percent felt unsafe. In addition, a 2003 survey of the district shows that gay and lesbian students are three times more likely to miss school than their heterosexual peers because they feel unsafe. A new school that aims to address these issues could go a long way in assuaging these fears, but we are not completely sold.

What about ‘She’?

In 1992, a Saturday Night Live sketch changed the world with two lines: “Hey, are you done yet? I’m getting tired of holding it.” “Yeah, that’s what she said.” And so it began. Now, I hear it everywhere.

Worry grows as GM-Chrysler talks drive forward

In the doomsday scenario raising anxiety around the Motor City, General Motors Corp. makes a deal for Chrysler LLC, keeps Jeep and the minivans, and vaporizes the rest of the company.

Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama for president

Colin Powell, a Republican who was President Bush’s first secretary of state, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president Sunday and criticized the tone of Republican John McCain’s campaign.

Officials say Taliban kill 30 after stopping bus

Afghan officials say Taliban militants have killed about 30 Afghans after stopping a bus on a highway and taking the passengers hostage.

Abducted boy found alive in Las Vegas

A 6-year-old boy kidnapped from a Las Vegas home by alleged drug dealers posing as policemen has been found alive in a neighborhood northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, police said early Sunday.

Palin smiles as ‘SNL’ mocks her anew

After watching “Saturday Night Live” make fun of her from afar, Sarah Palin witnessed it first hand this week as Tina Fey engaged in fiction by depicting her at the news conference the Republican vice presidential nominee has yet to hold.

Hilltop Garden holds 1st annual Great Pumpkin Party on Saturday

The Hilltop Garden and Nature Center was abuzz Saturday afternoon as dozens of children and adults made seasonal collages, decorated cookies, painted masks and watched as apples were squeezed into cider.

Beer Festival supplies opportunity to taste beers from around the world

Hundreds came to the Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center to file into a room full of brews from around the world.

Cougar helps celebrate release of beer

Despite some criticism last year, Upland Brewery still managed to bring in a mountain lion to help celebrate the release of its annual fall beer Saturday.

Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama for president

WASHINGTON – Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president Sunday, describing the Illinois senator as a "transformational figure." Powell said both Obama and Republican candidate John McCain are qualified to be commander in chief. But he said Obama is better suited to handle the nation's economic problems as well as help improve its standing in the world.

Hoosiers fall in 5th straight

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The IU football team was outplayed in seemingly every facet of a football game possible Saturday, as they dropped their fifth straight contest. This defeat came at the hands of border rivals Illinois (4-3, 2-2), a 55-13 drubbing. The Hoosiers (2-5, 0-4) were outgained 563 total yards to 313. It is the fourth time on the skid IU allowed more than 40 points, while it has scored only 29 total in their last three games. The Hoosiers were without starting quarterback Kellen Lewis who suffered a high-ankle sprain against Iowa last weekend. Replacing him was sophomore Ben Chappell. In his first collegiate start, Chappell was 12 for 29 with 172 yards and no scores. The Bloomington native was sacked 4 times.

LIVE: Indiana vs Illinois

The IU football team kicks off against Illinois at 8 p.m. Follow the game as IU football reporter Ryan Gregg and columnist Dave Leno provide continuous updates at Under the Rock.

Alaska Gov. addresses speculation about Obama and ACORN

NOBLESVILLE, Ind.- In a venue typically reserved for rock stars, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin held her own Friday, addressing nearly 20,000 supportive Hoosiers at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Campaigning for presidential Republican nominee John McCain, the vice-presidential candidate spent just as much time sh

Hoosier Hysteria kicks off Crean era Friday

Montages, surf boards, hula hoops and yes, even a little basketball were all part of Hoosier Hysteria in Assembly Hall on Friday night. About 8,500 fans came to greet their brand new team – 12 players donned the Cream and Crimson for the first time in front of a crowd Friday – as well as pay tribute to Hoosier basketball legends of the past seven decades.

IUSA proposes “tax free holiday” to Senator Vi Simpson

Want to save money on textbooks and school supplies? The IU Student Association met with Indiana Sen. Vi Simpson on Friday to propose a tax-free weekend near the beginning of each semester of school in Indiana in order to help decrease the cost of school supplies.

Undefeated Hoosiers look to go 6-0 after pair of games with Redhawks