Longform

A heroic effort

“Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” have catapulted the genre into the Oscar-contending stratosphere, and although “Iron Man” may not aspire to those heights, it’s a jewel in the genre’s crown due to Downey Jr.’s excellent performance and Favreau’s smirking sense of humor.

More than caffeine

Jenna Blumenfeld discusses the relationship between coffee culture and music.

The ethics of coffee

More and more people are becoming concerned about how their coffee is grown and sold. Are organic and fair trade products the solution?

Sidetracked

Three WEEKEND reviewers analyze the newest tracks in music.

Creative blindness

The plot is tired, the characters are wafer-thin and the cinematography makes you want to vomit. Metaphor or not, this movie is an insult to the blind – and everyone else in the world.

No revival for western genre

Despite a decent cast, “Appaloosa” features sub-par acting with an equally weak story and dialogue. There’s obviously a reason not too many westerns are made nowadays.

‘Genius’ shows flashes of greatness

Although predictable and a little unoriginal, “Flash of Genius” is surprisingly deep. It’s definitely a satisfying morsel in a movie season lacking heartier fare.

Right wing mess

Although “An American Carol” is below average by comedy standards (or at least below what average comedy standards should be) it is not impossible to recommend. It could become something of a cultural gem; an insight into how some on the right view the left. It’s also probably the best way for the right to deal with Michael Moore.

How to make people laugh

The awkward humor of “How to Lose Friends” is used to take jabs at the Hollywood elite and the “journalists” who slobber all over them. As someone who wants to make a living in entertainment journalism, I found it a satisfyingly accurate look at what sometimes goes on in all areas of journalism.

Ridiculously offensive

Well known for his politically charged comedy and for being fired from ABC’s “Politically Incorrect,” Maher has teamed up with “Borat” director Larry Charles to provide a humorous social commentary on religion.Traveling around the world, Maher comments on and speaks with people of all religious backgrounds, including Christianity, Judaism, Scientology, Islam, Mormonism and some guy who smokes marijuana “religiously,” amongst others. Given Maher’s obvious predispositions, “commenting” should be replaced with “chastising” and “speaking” with “ridiculing.”

Infinitely awesome

Cynics will find “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” a bit too optimistic, but that’s OK, as it’s always the ones who don’t try to be happy that remain miserable. So here’s to happy endings for awkward, crazy kids who really like music.

Obama stumps in Indy

INDIANAPOLIS – Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama stumped Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis, less than a day after his debate with Republican nominee John McCain. Obama spoke about the economy and used recent financial problems to emphasize his message of unity in front thousands of supporters at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. "If we learned anything from this economic crisis, it's that we're all connected," said the Illinois senator. "We're all in this together. We will rise or fall as one nation, as one people."

Prince Zeid of Jordan to speak Monday

Both geographically and politically, the relatively small state of Jordan is in the center of events in the Middle East, as the country’s ambassador to the United States, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein, will discuss Monday.

IU officials say problems with research delays getting better

After serious delays in approving human research this summer, problems with getting projects approved are getting better, Steve Martin, associate vice president of research administration, said Tuesday.

IU Democrats, Republicans claim win

About 50 students sat in the two groups to watch the second presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee John McCain and Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.The groups agreed the town-hall format allowed viewers to see differences between the two men and thought the questions were better than the previous debate.

Debate was ‘not a game changer,’ professors say

In baseball, a tie always goes to the runner. In debates, a tie goes to the frontrunner.Using that logic, professors in IU’s political science department said Tuesday night’s presidential debate was a tie, which favored Democratic nominee Barack Obama who has surged ahead in the polls in recent weeks.

Heated debate focuses on economic crisis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sens.  Barack Obama and John McCain clashed repeatedly over the causes and cures for the worst economic crisis in 80 years Tuesday night.The debate was the second of three between the two major-party rivals and the only one to feature a format in which voters seated a few feet away posed questions to the candidates.They debated on a stage at Belmont University four weeks before Election Day in a race that has lately favored Obama, both in national polls and in surveys in pivotal battleground states.Many of the questions dealt with an economy in trouble.PODCAST: Hoosier Headlines

Brilliance, no stereotypes

Wisdom for the pain

On the gender track