IUSA

Water damage silences clock tower chimes

By Patrick Caldwell · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:38 p.m.

The IU Student Building's iconic clock tower hasn't chimed for weeks due to water damage, IU Physical Plant officials said. "Apparently, it has had some water that has dripped into its electronics," said Bruce Williams, service center manager at the physical plant, the University's maintenance department. The ringing bells of the clock tower, which was completed in 1906 and renovated in the early-1990s, are electronically automated. Hank Hewetson, the physical plant's assistant vice president for facility operations, said plant workers must inspect the problem more closely before he will know when the bells' chiming can be fixed.

IU business grads establish fantasy sports for celebrities

By Zack Teibloom · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:37 p.m.

IU graduate Lisa Conmy found she was spending as much time tracking celebrities as her husband was tracking his fantasy sports teams and decided to do something about it. She got fellow Kelley School of Business graduate Trina Henney on board and created a Web site for a celebrity fantasy league in which fantasy owners pick celebrities and compete in a league of their own. The site, girlsintheknowinc.com launched Sept. 1 and has already been successful, garnering 1,000 members. Each team owner becomes a talent agent with an 18-person agency comprised of three male and female movie stars, TV stars and singers. An entry fee of $20 gets players a 10-week session in a private agency with friends or a public one with randomly assigned groups. In the agency, players compete to put together a stable of the hottest celebrities to earn more points than all members of the network. Teams with the most points across the site are awarded "Top Divas" and will have the chance to win prizes like an iPod. CEO Conmy and CFO Henney both graduated from the business school just a year apart, but they didn't meet until an alumni event in San Francisco. They are lawyers, but they use the business skills they acquired at IU to run the site in their spare time. "I think we both work together because the business school taught us how to work together and solve problems," Conmy said.

U.S. Surgeon General tells IU to act on health concerns

By Beka Mech · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:36 p.m.

Students need to take action on matters of their personal health and must hold themselves accountable for their choices, acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu said Wednesday while speaking at IU. The country's highest-ranking medical official spoke to a crowd of about 400 students, faculty and community members in the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union as a part of the 60th anniversary of the IU School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Downtown Gallery Walk spans 9 art venues

By Shannon Valentine · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:34 p.m.

The Bloomington Area Arts Council will host a Downtown Gallery Walk from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The event, which is free and open to the public, will bring together more than 60 artists from five surrounding counties to display their work at nine galleries located in and around downtown Bloomington. The Monroe County Historical Society is collaborating in this event. Managing Director Jill Lesh said it has been a common goal of the historical society to work more with the Bloomington Area Arts Council since both groups share a common goal of educating and involving the public in Bloomington art and history.

Finding a Creative Cure

By Leah Linder · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:34 p.m.

Bohemians had the Left Bank. Andy Warhol had the Factory. Bloomington has the Art Hospital. When you step into the Hospital, you walk on the same floor scuffed from techno dance parties and metal-head moshing. Look to your left, and you might think you're stepping back three decades to your crazy aunt's time-warped attic -- complete with old Coke machines, street signs and fake fruit in a bowl. While at first glance, it might look like a strewn mess, everything in that room could potentially have its own role in an artistic masterpiece. The Hospital, 1021 S. Walnut St., is a diversely functional facility for Bloomington artists to find solace within each of their methods of work. Founded in June, it is Bloomington's latest addition to the creative community.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will perform, present 'Process' seminar

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:32 p.m.

The Grammy-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at the IU Auditorium. The orchestra will also present a seminar on its copyrighted and highly acclaimed "Orpheus Process" at 11 a.m. Dec. 4 in the foyer of the IU Auditorium. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra began 34 years ago and has been playing at New York's Carnegie Hall for 26 seasons. It has collaborated with many famous artists including Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma and Dawn Upshaw. Orpheus is unique because the group does not have a conductor; the members of the orchestra share and rotate leadership roles. This is known as the "Orpheus Process." Business schools at Harvard, Columbia and Yale, as well as corporations including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, have incorporated the group's philosophy on self-government into their own business outlooks.

Alumna targets post-collegiate readers in book

By Kelsey Nash · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:32 p.m.

Bloomington-born author Meg Cabot has the Monroe County Public Library to thank for her love of literature. Cabot, who is best known for the famed "Princess Diaries" series, spent much of her childhood in the young adults' section, soaking up books by fellow authors Judy Blume and Jane Austen, according to a press release for Cabot's most recent book. Cabot's latest novel, "Size 14 Is Not Fat Either," was released Tuesday as the second book in her "Pink Mystery" series. "Size 14" chronicles the daily conundrums faced by Heather Wells, heroine of the previous Pink Mystery novel, "Size 12 Is Not Fat." Wells is a former teen pop sensation with a penchant for cracking the occasional murder case.

First IU 'Latexhibition' displays latex art for World AIDS Day

By Michael Reschke · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:31 p.m.

Many condoms will be unwrapped and used this week, but the ones used in the Indiana Memorial Union Solarium Friday will have a unique fate. They will be displayed as works of art for IU's first "Latexhibition." Latexhibition is a display of artwork created with condoms and other latex barrier devices. Latexhibition will be held on World Aids Day "as part of a community wide effort to educate and reflect on the HIV/AIDS epidemic," according to a press release. The idea of Latexhibition began as a project for human sexuality students at San Francisco State University, where IU graduate student Chris Fisher received his master's in human sexuality studies. "The biggest barrier to using condoms and other latex devices is often because of a sense being uncomfortable touching and talking about them," Fisher said.

Workshops Friday, Saturday to show how art can be mental health treatment

By Paige Ingram · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:31 p.m.

Cathi Norton views art as a healing activity. From painting to dancing to writing, she said she values using the artistic world to help those in need. This weekend, that goal will be extended to the community as she co-sponsors the first Art of Mental Health celebration. The event, which includes art exhibits, workshops and a concert, began with a simple idea. Weekly painting classes are held at the Center for Behavioral Health, said Norton, the community relations specialist at the center. These classes allow clients to express themselves artistically while having access to clinicians to discuss the feelings behind their artwork, she said. An annual event came from these classes, in which the public is invited to judge client work, with the winners being featured on note cards sold to the public.

Cruise couch-jumping incident offers inspiration for writer

By Rachel Skybetter · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:28 p.m.

When Tom Cruise jumped on Oprah Winfrey's couch professing his love for Katie Holmes in May 2005, the nation deemed him insane. However, playwright and IU graduate student Paul Shoulberg used Cruise's antics to perfect the finishing touches of his play, "Reel." The IU Department of Theatre and Drama will open the world premiere of "Reel" at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Wells-Metz Theatre. After working on the set of an independent film as an undergraduate at the University of Kansas, Shoulberg knew he wanted to tell a story on stage about what happens off camera. "Watching Tom Cruise on Oprah, (I realized) these people are absolutely crazy. They're psychopaths," Shoulberg said of celebrities. "These people are really disturbed."

Red Sox closing in on deals as baseball bazaar continues

By Alyson Brodsy and Jimmy Golen · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:26 p.m.

BOSTON -- The Red Sox aren't waiting until they get to Florida next week to start plugging the holes in their roster. "We might have something done before the winter meetings with one free agent," General Manager Theo Epstein said. Although Epstein declined to identify the player, the Red Sox are known to be pursuing former Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew. Drew's agent, Scott Boras, said he expects to wrap up negotiations for a deal by the end of the week. Boston again is expected to be one of the more active teams when the meetings start Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Red Sox are shopping outfielder Manny Ramirez, and they are also negotiating with Boras for Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka; Boston already bid $51,111,111 for the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka.

Owens questions Vanderjagt's release

By Alyson Brodsy and Jaime Aron · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:26 p.m.

IRVING, Texas -- Terrell Owens isn't just sorry to see his pal Mike Vanderjagt go. He thinks the Dallas Cowboys made a mistake by releasing the wayward kicker. "I don't see what he did wrong to warrant him being cut," Owens said Wednesday. "I hope it doesn't come back to haunt us. Whoever made that decision, I'm pretty sure they're hoping the same thing." Vanderjagt was released Monday, only 11 games into a three-year, $5.4 million contract. He was 13-of-18 on field goals, a 72.2 percent success rate that was the lowest of his nine-year career. However, he's still the most accurate kicker in league history (86.5 percent) and only one of his misses was completely botched; three hit the right upright and another was blocked. The final straw was missing two kicks against his former team, Indianapolis, then barely making a 22-yarder against Tampa Bay. Coach Bill Parcells had lost confidence in Vanderjagt heading into the last month with the Cowboys (7-4) holding first place in the NFC East. Martin Gramatica was signed to take his place, despite his own struggles the last few years.

Help Me, Harlan!

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:25 p.m.

Dear Harlan, Not only am I a freshman in college experiencing all these new experiences, but I'm totally, completely in love with this guy who is six years older than me and who I won't see until September. He's deployed in Kosovo. Don't get me wrong; I am very proud of him, but I know it is going to be hard. I want to wait for him. I want to be here when he comes back because I am in love with him, but I know how hard it's going to be. I've also had a real hard time making friends in college. Luckily, I love my roommate, but I'm having a hard time really fitting in with a group. Any advice? A Little Confused

Memphis mayor to fight Joe Frazier

By Alyson Brodsy and Woody Baird · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:24 p.m.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- It won't be the "Thrilla in Manila," but Mayor Willie Herenton promises a good show when he steps into the ring with former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. The mayor, a 66-year-old former amateur boxer, and 62-year-old "Smokin' Joe" will fight a three-round exhibition bout Thursday for charity. More than 30 years removed from his legendary 1975 battle against Muhammad Ali in the Philippines, Frazier said he had no intention "to do too much damage on the mayor." "He don't play too rough, then I won't play too rough," he told WMC-TV as he arrived at the Memphis airport Tuesday night.

Unsexy Rexy

By Alyson Brodsy and Evan Harris · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:22 p.m.

Sex appeal: the supposed trademark of Rex Grossman, as his nickname, Sexy Rexy would suggest. It's safe to say, now, that Rexy ain't so sexy anymore. Something made the Bloomington native move from the gunslinging, confident quarterback we saw in the first five games of this season to another inconsistent, Steve Spurrier-defunct quarterback. Something we see now was masked by optimism in the Windy City. Rexy embodied everything Chicago wanted in a quarterback, in part because he was everything the other guys weren't: a raw, young arm commanding a potent offensive attack with the anchoring of the league's toughest defense. Simply put, he could have been the final piece to a puzzle that's been 21 years in the making.

IU looks to return to winning ways Thursday

By Lee Hurwitz · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 11:21 p.m.

Coming off its first loss of the season, the IU women's basketball team will look to get back on track against the University of Evansville tonight at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers lost to the University of Miami Saturday 79-70, due in large part to turnovers and poor shooting in the first half. Shooting just under 48 percent for the season, IU only managed to make 40 percent of its shots (24 percent in the first half) and turned the ball over 26 times against the Hurricanes. IU coach Felisha Legette-Jack said part of the reason for the Hoosiers' loss came from a letdown of intensity during practice.

Jordan River Forum

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 10:42 p.m.

Iraq war damages U.S. reputation Regarding "Stop latte politics" Monday, Nov. 27 Brian Stewart's latest salvo in the "us and them" debate centers on the belief that anybody who enters a coffeehouse is just avoiding reality and/or one of Stewart's priceless columns. As "anyone who has studied the world with any seriousness," he will tell us that all of us slackers (who can afford venti lattes) hanging around Kirkwood have it all wrong. Stewart, of course, is right because he is getting his degree in political science and history and is an IDS columnist -- I can't believe he isn't running for president in this age of underachievers. Since 77 senators voted to invade Iraq, it must be the right decision to destroy a hellish tyranny. The trivial issue of what the tyranny thought of the whole affair doesn't need to be dealt with. Hey, Stewart says it, so the U.S. must be right. Never mind that it dragged us into a sinkhole of violence and international ridicule that strangely benefited neither us nor the Iraqis. I can't wait to see the U.S. invade China after inviting them to join the WTO. Oh, monks and nuns being raped, temples being destroyed and cultures being uprooted are very recent occurrences that a very conscientious United States, led by the likes of Donald Rumsfeld, would never turn a blind eye to. After all we never act to serve our own interests -- look at the holiday cheer we spread in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Perhaps Stewart should leave the "real" coffeehouse of his own making and enter the ones on Kirkwood. And yes, it would help if he stopped responding to IDS ads worded like this: "Wanted: Columnist. Must frame complete sentences." Sriram Raghuraman Graduate student

Bisexual burritos

By Alyson Brodsy and Colin Dugdale · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 10:34 p.m.

Sex and meat metaphors. For whatever reason, all of my columns seem to involve these two subjects. They are the essential elements of my writing: the sandwich and juice box of each journalistic sack lunch. Looking back, it's astounding how many times I've referred to male phalluses as "hickory-smoked bacon," women's hindquarters as "yum-yum tenderloins" and the act of sexual intercourse itself as "crunching the dirty tacos of desire." Some say I'm sexually frustrated. However, considering my recent sexual proclivity, I sincerely doubt it. A recent study conducted by The New York Times, in fact, concluded that there's a 68.7 percent chance that I'm a dirty whore. And if you round up, the number speaks for itself. (WARNING -- Grandma, the aforementioned joke might have caused irregular heart murmurs. Take your blood pressure medication, and call that number I wrote on the fridge.) Actually, the truth is: I'm all talk. The last person to enter my bed, in fact, was a man by the name of "stats homework" and trust me ... he wasn't very good.

Breaking tradition

By Alyson Brodsy and Megan Robb · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 10:33 p.m.

OXFORD, England -- Tradition is an intrinsic good at Oxford University. The reverence for tradition includes not only scholars wearing black gowns to and from exams and lectures, but also the tendency to demean women's role in academia. The notorious Old Boys network, the successful English men who strengthen their upper-class ties in secondary school and university, is still present on this campus. Many Oxford networks and traditions center around the male student population, leaving some women struggling to assert themselves in academic relationships and leadership positions.

The 'R' word

By Alyson Brodsy and Jonathan P. Rossing · Wednesday, Nov. 29,2006 10:32 p.m.

What do you call a comedian who tells a couple of black men in an audience, "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a ... fork up your ass!"? Apparently not a racist, at least if we are to believe Michael Richards (a.k.a. Kramer from "Seinfeld"). In a comedy routine at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, Richards verbally attacked a group of men with racist statements and repeatedly called them racist names. The two men appeared on "The Today Show" Nov. 22 and reported that he continued with even more attacks that weren't caught on film. For example: "When I wake up in the morning, I'll still be rich. When you wake up, you'll still be a nigger." Since his on-stage meltdown and tirade, Richards has blitzed the media with apologies. He appeared on David Letterman a few days later to say he was "deeply sorry" for the hurt he caused. He spoke to Rev. Al Sharpton and offered yet another apology on Rev. Jesse Jackson's radio show last Sunday. He has called his outburst crap, horrible and disgusting. He described the rage that lives within him and claimed he's going to see a psychiatrist to work on it.