Longform

Usher's 'Confessions' should remain unheard

By Diana Tychsen · Wednesday, March 31,2004 11:11 p.m.

Speaking of confessions, it's only appropriate that all the ladies admit to our obsession with Usher, frequently referred to as the "Michael Jackson of Generation Y."

N.E.R.D. 'In Search Of ...' something new

By -Alec Toombs · Wednesday, March 31,2004 11:08 p.m.

N.E.R.D. broke out from behind the boards two years ago with its critically acclaimed (and rightfully so) debut, In Search Of…. The group comprised of super-producers du jour the Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) and fellow Virginian vocalist Shay have issued a follow-up, Fly or Die, and while very good, it may not be dug by the masses.

Size matters in Macdonald's 'Void'

By by Isaac Edwards and Isaac Edwards · Wednesday, March 31,2004 11:03 p.m.

Oscar-winning documentarian Kevin Macdonald's most recent and critically lauded film is an interesting blend of genres and styles, combining documentary narration with narrative recreation, in a similar vein to Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman's American Splendor.

X gonna give it to ya ... sort of

By -Alec Toombs · Wednesday, March 31,2004 10:58 p.m.

DMX's film career has essentially been what one might assume it'd be. Uninspired. He made his debut in hip-hop video stalwart Hype Williams' visually arresting if conceptually vacant hood saga Belly.

Risky movie for Smith: Way too cautious outcome

By Jenny Mancino · Wednesday, March 31,2004 10:52 p.m.

Writer/director Kevin Smith is most famous for edgy cult films along the lines of Chasing Amy and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. With Jersey Girl he spins headfirst into mainstream filmmaking of the overly sentimental dramady sort. Smith stuck to his technique of combining drama and comedy (see Amy), but other than that this movie is completely different from his past works and not necessarily different in a good way.

Tom Hanks shanks with 'The Ladykillers'

By Jack M. Silverstein · Wednesday, March 31,2004 10:48 p.m.

Perhaps better than any other filmmakers, the Coen Brothers are adept at creating unique comedic worlds which operate with their own brilliant yet skewered logic. Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski and O Brother, Where Art Thou? are all films with bizarre characters and situations -- which are believable within the worlds the Coens create.

HOUSEPARTY 101

By -Brandon Tucker · Wednesday, March 31,2004 10:47 p.m.

When Friday rolls around, books are thrown aside and exams are forgotten. Planning and organization are the last things weekend partiers are worried about. But for the ones actually hosting the big, gotta-be-there bash, it's important to keep clear heads on their shoulders.

BOOTSCOOTIN' B-TOWN

By Annie Tasker · Wednesday, March 31,2004 10:31 p.m.

Bloomington seems like it should be the Hoosier country fan's dream. At five hours and 47 minutes away, B-town is near enough to Nashville, Tenn. to have all the country music you can shake your spurs at, while far enough to keep the country capital of the world from being fierce competition. But when's the last time your cowboy boots saw the light of day?

Bodies & Bucks

By Jenny Davis · Wednesday, March 31,2004 1:01 a.m.

Rent is due -- yesterday. Your credit card seems to be malfunctioning. Angry notices from the electric company line your walls with threats of darkness, your girlfriend left you for some guy with a BMW, and your parents quit returning your calls. You're broke. Short of begging door-to-door, how can a 20-something with no time for a job come up with cash when even the couch fails to turn up change for the laundromat? Take a deep breath, rally some courage and look in the mirror. There, in the reflection, lies a veritable goldmine for the non-squeamish, the extremely giving or the very desperate. More and more students and non-students alike are beginning to realize and take advantage of the potential income involved with selling one's body -- everything from hair to sperm -- for science.

IU officials have worked to eliminate illegal file sharing

By Michael Zennie · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:57 a.m.

Many colleges have not yet adopted official policies to help prevent illegal file sharing on their networks, the Joint Committee of the Higher Education and Entertainment Communities reported Friday.

Group opposes $30 athletics fee

By David Paulen · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:55 a.m.

Twelve student leaders from the Bloomington campus signed a letter Friday afternoon and sent it to IU President Adam Herbert asking for more time to research the $30 student athletics fee proposed last week by IU Athletics Director Terry Clapacs. The letter was signed by members of the Dean's Advisory Board, including Student Body President Casey Cox and President-elect Tyson Chastain, Student Athletic Board President Brian Craig, Residence Halls Association President Eric Hafner and RHA President-elect John Palmer.

Additional I-69 route approved

By Holly Johnson and Holy Johnson · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:55 a.m.

A controversial plan to route Interstate 69 through new terrain in southwestern Indiana gained the approval of the Federal Highway Administration Monday. The new highway will extend Indiana State Road 37 south through Martinsville and Bloomington, bank southwest to Washington and follow Indiana State Road 57 to Evansville.

Students receive eviction notices

By Mallory Simon · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:55 a.m.

More than 60 IU students received legal summons and will face eviction from their dorms for falling behind in their housing payments if they do not make arrangements to pay their bills, according to the Office of the Bursar. If students pay their bills or make arrangements with the Bursar at any time after their court case is filed, their case will be dismissed or postponed, as long as the student follows through based on the terms that have been agreed upon, Assistant Bursar Kimberly Kercheval said.

Herbert to create new VP position

By Brittany Hite · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:55 a.m.

IU President Adam Herbert will make the initial appointment of Thomas C. Healy as vice president for government relations Friday at the IU board of trustees meeting at IU-Southeast in New Albany, Ind. If approved, Healy will oversee public resources at a state and federal level, though the position of state relations director has not been filled yet.

New Mexican restaurant opens in Wright Food Court

By Russell Puntenney · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:55 a.m.

Sure, the quesadillas looked good. But looks aren't everything. In fact, for sophomore Lizzy Grady, the aroma of nacho cheese seemed to carry the most appeal.

Students collect money for friend's memorial scholarship fund

By Holly Johnson and Holy Johnson · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:55 a.m.

It began with three IU seniors' quiet remembrances of a life tragically cut short. The death of Craig Doss, who in November succumbed to a years-long struggle with manic depression, made the friends he left behind think, forcing them to deal with often-painful emotions. They grieved, mourning their loss with the St. Louis native's family, friends and Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers.

Suicide bomb attack kills 2

By Alyson Brodsy · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:43 a.m.

LA PAZ, Bolivia -- An angry miner with dynamite strapped to his chest blew himself up in Bolivia's Congress Tuesday, killing two police officers and wounding 10 others, authorities said.

House candidate speaks at IU

By Allison Ricket · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:40 a.m.

With the primaries approaching, David Sanders spent Tuesday evening discussing his campaign platforms, with the IU College Democrats. Sanders hopes to represent the 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, replacing the incumbent Steve Buyer. Mandy Carmichael, president of the IU College Democrats, said Sanders contacted her to speak at IU, even though IU is not included in the district that could vote to elect Sanders to office.

Sammy raises more than $1,000 in Bounce for Beats benefit

By Ryan Want · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:39 a.m.

While NCAA basketball furor was in full swing Sunday, Sigma Alpha Mu hosted its own version of March Madness. The fraternity hosted its first annual philanthropic 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Bounce for Beats. Money raised during the event will be donated to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Bloomington spruces up streets, parks for spring

By Hannah Schroder · Wednesday, March 31,2004 12:38 a.m.

The flowers have been ordered, potholes have been filled and street sweeper engines are already humming. As winter gradually turns into spring and more and more people start to head outdoors, Bloomington and local businesses are preparing to clean up the mess of winter and spruce up the city for spring. Though the weather is not warm enough to start all projects, the spruce-up effort is already well underway.