IUSA

National, local stores hurt by slow sales

With whispers of a recession on the horizon, the usual holiday spending rush lagged dramatically this year. The decline affected everyone from the large chain department stores to the small independent businesses. "A lot of stores are going to have to rethink their strategies to adjust to a slower pace," said Michael Niemera, vice president of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd.

County Council focuses on budget

The first 2001 meeting of the Monroe County Council Tuesday centered around the appropriation of additional items to the budget and the election of new officers. Convening at the Monroe County Courthouse, the hot item of the evening was the county parks and recreation department's request for a $140,000 Hometown Indiana Grant. The state awarded the grant to develop the new Flatwoods County Park west of Ellettsville.

Court upholds press protection

The highest goal of any journalist is to fairly and accurately report the events and opinions of his or her community. Student journalist Capri Coffer was working toward this objective at Kentucky State University in 1993, publishing KSU's student yearbook.

'Shopgirl' not typical Martin

A college dropout who left school to work on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Steve Martin is the classic, well-loved comedian of such films as "The Jerk," "Parenthood" and "Father of the Bride." So when Martin picks up a pen (or more than likely, gets out a laptop) to write, it usually consists of comedic pieces that he has written for The New Yorker. But in his latest novella, "Shopgirl," Martin proves he's up to more than tomfoolery.

Even if it hurts, the truth must be told

My good friend John Cooper would have been 21 years old two weeks ago. But instead of celebrating a milestone, his family had to blow out the birthday candles by themselves. John and his friend Stacy were both killed the week before we were to graduate from high school, both lives claimed by the combination of high speeds and a lack of seat belts.

My time in Eden

Everything you've heard about Amsterdam is true. There are whores in lighted windows, fat joints to be had for six guilders (around $2.75), beer, genever (gin) and cognac more accessible than McDonald's. There are many canals, beautiful architecture and interesting historical sites at each corner.

Napster benefits musicians and listeners

Many reliable sources bestow the title of "Person of the Year," and I, being a reliable source, will join that group. The committee (my parents' cat, Buffy, and myself) has decided on Napster founder Shawn Fanning!

Avoiding pitfalls of online travel

Riders break away from typical vacation

NYC spring break for dummies

Program offers team-building, fun

IU Outdoor Adventures gave senior Mary Beth Anderson memories that she said will last forever. IU Outdoor Adventures is offering nine spring break trips of high adventure.

Surviving spring break at home

So, you're spending spring break at home. Cheer up: taking a trip to some warm, exotic place filled with scantily clad people drinking beer from public fountains can't possibly be as fun as it looks.

On the road, the right tunes make the trip

When taking a trip, via plane, bus or car, the right music is essential for success. The perfect tunes will have you singing all the way to your destination. The following, in no particular order, are the best spring break albums of all time.

Cornfields of the Midwest hold some backpacking treasures

Go take a hike!

Purdue All-American battles concussion

Purdue senior small forward Katie Douglas' head was probably still spinning Sunday when her team played IU. Just three days removed from a mild concussion suffered during her team's win against Iowa, Douglas was groggy, dizzy and hurting when she took the Assembly Hall floor.

Hoosiers look to keep momentum

After a nail-biting win against No. 1-ranked Michigan State Sunday, the Hoosiers hit an emotional high. Now, interim head coach Mike Davis said he needs the team to come down immediately and focus on Michigan, 7 p.m. today in Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. Davis has his mind set on a winning season, and he said defeating Michigan is the next step.

Mark Cuban should act professionally

Recently, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrated his first year as owner of the basketball team. But this achievement was overshadowed by a $250,000 fine leveled against him last week.

Kitchen reopens with local support

Barely a week after a fire broke out in the Community Kitchen of Monroe County, 917 S. Rogers St., the facility is working at full steam. Food programs, including the evening meal served from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, resumed Thursday. Packed lunches for youth agencies began Monday. "It was possible to bounce back so quickly because of the tremendous support that we received from the community, individuals, churches, other agencies and even businesses," said Director Julio Alonso.

Community to celebrate life of legend

Students and community members will celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., with cultural, educational and volunteer activities through next week.