Longform

Beware of a cartoon bunny

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 11:04 p.m.

Teletubbies had that flaming purple something with a purse and triangle; Sponge Bob holds hands with his best friend in that sexually provocative pineapple under the sea; and now the asthmatic rabbit Buster from PBS's "Postcards from Buster" is under attack, too. This time, however, is different, because homosexuality actually exists in the show.

meet the people behind the meat

By Lindsay Lyon · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:12 a.m.

For Geno Ramage, 3 a.m. comes too quickly. As soon as his fiancé Evyette shakes him out of bed, there's work to be done. It's still dark when he unlocks the wooden door to his little shop on North Walnut Street, tucked between El Norteño and the Bluebird. He flicks the lights on and sees everything still in its place; the shelves lining the room are stocked with cereals, canned goods and other items. Ramage steps behind the counter that snakes around the middle of the store and hangs his coat on a hook. He plays the messages on the answering machine, gathers all the milk orders for the day and sends Donnie Edwards, his 66-year-old delivery man, out to supply customers in town with their milk and bread. At 4:30 a.m. Faris Meat Market Inc. is open for business.

BFC hears IU-authored NCAA plan

By Katie Schoenbaechler and Katie Shoenbaechler · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:11 a.m.

The Bloomington Faculty Council heard a proposal Tuesday that could have drastically affected intercollegiate athletics in the coming years if approved.

Professor compares 9/11 victims to Nazis

By William Kates · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:11 a.m.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Citing death threats, an upstate New York college on Tuesday canceled a panel discussion featuring a professor who compared the World Trade Center victims to Nazis. Hamilton College spokesman Michael DeBraggio said multiple death threats were made against both college officials and guest speaker Ward Churchill, who resigned Monday as chairman of the ethnic studies department at the University of Colorado.

Four above average freshmen

By John Rodgers · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:11 a.m.

A freshman's life is tough. Crowded dorm rooms, college classes and eating the same food time and time again, a freshman faces many challenges in and out of the classroom.

Institute calls for end to financial aid

By Maggie Bozich · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:11 a.m.

To keep college tuition costs from rising, the Cato Institute suggests eliminating federal financial aid. A recent report by the Cato Institute proposes a 12-year phasing out of federal assistance causing tuition costs to decrease and encouraging private sectors to get involved with tuition assistance, the report said.

Pope John Paul II hospitalized for breathing problems

By Alyson Brodsy and Victor L. Simpson · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:08 a.m.

ROME -- Pope John Paul II was rushed to the hospital urgently Tuesday night after he suffered inflammation of the throat and had difficulty breathing while battling the flu, the Vatican said. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls told The Associated Press that the decision to hospitalize the 84-year-old pontiff was "mainly a precaution." He pointed out that the pope was not in intensive care but in the same 10th floor suite of rooms where he has been during several previous stays at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic.

Bloomington's Best Pub Grub

By Stephanie Sims · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:05 a.m.

People go to bars mainly to socialize with friends over a few casual drinks. The main attraction of a bar, especially bars in college towns such as Bloomington, is its drink deals. It's a known fact that college students have little money, and bars that offer cheap drafts or mixed drinks will get a lot of business. But cheap food is another story. Sure, there's Taco Bell and Wendy's, and pizza places are open as late as 4 a.m. But what if your stomach starts grumbling while out at the bar, and your friends aren't quite ready to leave? Which bars have menus that can satisfy the craving and hush the growling? Which menus have options that are easiest on the wallet?

Directing 'Off the Beaten Path'

By Derek Smith · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:05 a.m.

What makes a good film? Some may say the acting, others the plot. There are countless answers to this question, but when it comes down to it, no one would deny that the story, and consequently the story-telling, is a vital element of good filmmaking. Director Scott Schirmer, 30, of Bloomington couldn't agree more. This is why when he wants to get a point across in one of his films, he's sure to make it secondary to the story he's telling.

Center Stage

By -Kehla West · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 1:04 a.m.

She takes the microphone and taps it with her finger to make sure it's on. She pushes her hair behind her shoulder, takes a deep breath and nods to the man at the soundboard. She looks down at her shoes, grits her teeth and when the words pop up onto the screen, she opens her mouth and starts to sing the first few words of "Like a Virgin." She's hesitant at first, but soon the cheers and whistles start. Her bravery grows. Someone in the crowd lets loose with a catcall, and she rewards them with a little shimmy. The audience goes wild. She starts a little strut, a little dancing comes over her, and soon, she's channeling Madonna. Before long, she isn't just singing -- she's doing karaoke.

Home run addition to IU's club sports

By Eamonn Brennan · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:52 a.m.

IU offers 49 club sports ranging from soccer to shotokan karate to swing. Of the 49, one notable exception has always been missing: club baseball. Enter Matt Ostrega. The IU sophomore is starting the University's first-ever club baseball team and plans to have a squad ready for competition by the fall of this year.

Bake sales for basketball

By Adam Aasen · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:25 a.m.

The IU athletics department is in such financial disarray that the players are having to feel the brunt of the responsibility.

Fine Arts Benefit Show rocks, crowd doesn't

By Nate Gowdy · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:20 a.m.

Four bands performed at the IU Fine Arts Student Association Benefit Show at Rhino's Saturday night, a gig organized by Christina Porfidio. The Polly Castros, the Tribute, the Bloodstream and the Swell were featured, and it was a top-notch, if a little too varied, lineup of bands.

'Rwanda' shows honor, horror of humanity

By -Alec Toombs · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:12 a.m.

In 1994 genocide ran rampant across Rwanda. It came about in wake of Belgian colonists leaving the country after having elevated the minority Tutsis to an elite, ruling class status, relegating Hutus to the background. Soon thereafter, a propagandistic radio station, RTML, encouraged the eradication of the "lighter skinned, taller and more elegant" Tutsis, turning what might've been skirmishes fueled by revenge and/or resentment between neighbors into mass murder.

'First Daughter' chases 'Liberty'

By Ash Cartwright · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:11 a.m.

Samantha Mackenzie's frustration with the pressures and scrutiny that come from being the president's daughter reach a new level when she finds leaving home to start college only makes her situation more complicated rather than offering an escape.

Manning, Cowher, Roethlisberger all honored with Sporting News awards

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:09 a.m.

ST. LOUIS -- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw a record 49 touchdown passes this season, has been named NFL player of the year for the second-straight season by the Sporting News. The St. Louis-based publication also Tuesday named Pittsburgh's Bill Cowher coach of the year and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rookie of the year.

Beneath the surface, 'Creek' offers plenty

By Adam Aasen · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:08 a.m.

Sometimes the most overdone of premises can still make for an interesting movie. In his debut film, "Mean Creek," writer/director Jacob Aaron Estes starts you off with the concept of a young boy (Rory Culkin) getting revenge on a bully (Josh Peck) by stripping him naked and dumping him into a river.

Rudy Tomjanovich considering resigning as Lakers coach after only 1 season

By Alyson Brodsy and John Nadel · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:08 a.m.

LOS ANGELES -- Rudy Tomjanovich is considering resigning as Los Angeles Lakers coach because of health reasons, a team spokesman said Tuesday. ESPN.com reported that Tomjanovich would step down following Tuesday night's game against Portland. Spokesman John Black said that would not be the case. "He's considering several options and resigning is one of them. That decision has not been made," Black said. "There won't be an announcement tonight.

Owens says he 'will play on Sunday'

By Alyson Brodsy and Paul Newberry · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:07 a.m.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Terrell Owens strolled onto the field, claiming a podium near the 25-yard line. It would have been more appropriate to put him right in the middle of the field. T.O. was clearly in his comfort zone Tuesday at the Super Bowl's media extravaganza -- the center of attention, the star of the show, the guy making all the news. And say this about the Philadelphia Eagles' All-Pro receiver: He didn't leave anyone in suspense.

Parents of murdered Ball State student satisfied with plea deal

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, Feb. 2,2005 12:06 a.m.

MUNCIE, Ind. -- The parents of a Ball State University student fatally shot during a robbery say they are satisfied with the plea agreement under which a man admitted to being the triggerman. Damien Sanders pleaded guilty Monday to murder and armed robbery charges for the March 7, 2004, death of 20-year-old Karl Harford of Carmel. In exchange for Sanders' guilty plea, prosecutors dropped other charges and agreed they would not seek a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.