IUSA

American voters aren’t kindergartners

I know celebrities have obscene amounts of influence. I also know that influencing the public to go to the voting booths on Nov. 4 is a wonderful idea. Many actors, musicians and other American celebrities are smart about targeting first-time voters in an effort to inspire citizens to participate. However, the way that Leonardo DiCaprio and his celebrity friends are going about promoting voter registration is patronizing, condescending and offensive.

A divisive disaster

We live in fascinating times. Seven years ago we were told that the attacks of Sept. 11 would define a generation. It was our Peal Harbor. Our Kennedy assassination. We would remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that morning for the rest of our lives.

In Dow we trust

The Lord’s Prayer. Hail Mary. Kol Nidre. When it comes to prayers, there are a few standard names that have stood out for untold ages as the staples of religious liturgies. But when we reach a point where we’re invoking the “blessed Master of credit derivatives,” have things gone too far? Late last month the Church of England, in an attempt to provide the faithful with some sense of direction and hope in midst of the worsening financial crisis, published a “Prayer for the Current Financial Situation,” or as the Times Online has dubbed the piece, “Lead Us Not into Liquidation.”

I’ll drink to that: losing my tolerance for an American lifestyle

I expected I would learn a lot about the new culture I am now living in by studying abroad.

Lee Hamilton to stump for Obama

Lee Hamilton, former U.S. Representative from Indiana will stump for Barack Obama on Oct. 16.

Hoosiers drop fourth in a row

For the fourth straight week, the IU football team found itself leaving the gridiron on a sour note as the Iowa Hawkeyes stormed into Bloomington and downed the Hoosiers with ease. Last year, playing a team like Iowa was business as usual. But as evidenced by the half-empty Memorial Stadium in the third quarter, the deflated IU sideline and the 45-9 loss, the promise Lynch instilled in the program last year continues to slowly fade away.

LIVE: Indiana vs. Iowa

The IU football team kicks off against Iowa at Memorial Stadium at noon. Follow the game as IU football reporters Lee Hurwitz and Ryan Gregg and columnist Dave Leno provide continuous updates at Under the Rock.

Legislative panel: Palin abused authority

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state's public safety commissioner.

Daniels makes Bloomington stop

Gov. Mitch Daniels had lunch with about 300 people Friday during a lunch break from a charity motorcycle ride at the Bloomington Harley-Davidson dealership.SLIDESHOW: Daniels in Bloomington

Hoosier Courts Nursery School to celebrate 60th anniversary

Hoosier Courts Nursery School opened its doors in Bloomington in 1948 to accommodate the families of World War II veterans. Sixty years later, it has a reputation of raising successful 3- to 5-year-old children by embedding life skills in kids through play. Hoosier Courts alumni, parents and staff will attend the 60th anniversary celebration Saturday.

Kulintang ensemble to perform Friday

Eight bossed gongs ring out in smooth traditional tones and melodies that are reminiscent of the Orient, accompanied by drums. This instrument, hailing from places such as Cuba and the southern Philippines, is a kulintang. To help celebrate the Asian Culture Center’s 10-year anniversary, the band Electric Kulintang will perform songs from its new record “Dialects.”

Friends of Art store turns 40

Turning 40 can bring people down, but the founders of the Friends of Art Bookshop say they have many reasons to celebrate their 40-year anniversary of supporting art education and students. The Friends of Art Bookshop will open the School of Fine Arts to the community this weekend to share in the celebration.

‘Bridging the gap’ takes research, thought

I have to admit I was a little daunted taking on this role. I usually look first for similarities between myself and the character and then go from there. The thought of finding commonalities with a murderer and rapist was a little strange, and not something I looked forward to, to say the least. I would have liked to think that there are not that many. However, it soon became apparent that the best and worst really do exist in all of us. Human is human. Because of those basic imperfections in my own personality, Matt was and is only a couple of bad decisions away from myself. I quickly became much more grateful for the positive influences in my life. Once I found these connections between us, I was able to bridge some of the remaining gap through research and the kindness of strangers.

Basics make the outfit

As I walk around campus going from class to class, it’s nothing for me to see a nice young man strolling past in a stylish shirt and crisp jeans. But time and again, you’ll find the same guy wearing a pair of shoes that is either scuffed up or fails to match the rest of his outfit. Once upon a time I was this guy, but now I don’t understand why you would do this.

VH1 comedian to perform at The Funny Bone

He’s been on “Chappelle’s Show,” “Best Week Ever” and “Comedy Central Presents.” Now comedian Christian Finnegan is bringing his stand-up to The Funny Bone. “As I will be in Bloomington, I will make a point to throw a chair across the stage and maybe choke an audience member,” Finnegan said, referring to former men’s basketball coach Bobby Knight’s infamous displays of temper. He said he will perform entirely new material, so fans won’t simply get recycled TV Finnegan.

Despite 3-game skid, Lynch says ‘stay the course’ against visiting Iowa

Bill Lynch stood in front of his team after practice Wednesday ready to address them in one of his final pep talks before Saturday. But the man in the faded gray sweatshirt did something he rarely ever does. He began to emphatically scream. Attempting to convey to his players the importance of their game against Iowa this weekend, Lynch broke out of his reserved demeanor because the disappointment about the past three weeks needs to end.

Hill to stump at IU, in Bloomington on Sunday

Congressman Baron Hill, D-9th, will come to IU on Sunday to speak to students and hear their opinions on the major issues of the day: the economy, the war in Iraq and the election.

Students balance classes, religion

Students might have noticed a low attendance level in their classes Thursday, as many of IU’s 4,500 Jewish students took the day off to observe the High Holiday of Yom Kippur.While these students are excused from classes for the holidays, many of them said it was difficult to balance their religious observances with their academic obligations.

Women's soccer has lost last 4 games by 1-0 decisions, but coaches remain positive

How does Bloomington compare?

Junior Steve Wilen expected hillbillies. Junior Greg Cheung expected rednecks. Sophomore Lizzy Tiritilli expected to be very, very bored. Students like these from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and countless other metropolises flock to the Midwest every year to become part of the IU family, but not without some expectations and preconceptions.