Longform

Bloomington celebrates 4th of July

It was a sweltering 81 degrees downtown, but that wasn't stopping 5-year-old Brianna Powell. The young Bloomington resident was one of thousands who stood in the blistering sunlight for over an hour to watch the annual 4th of July parade on the 225th anniversary of Independence Day. "It's not that hot," Brianna said, paying more attention to candy-throwing float riders than her slowly spreading sunburn. "Parades are fun." Floats at the parade ranged from traditional to quirky to downright weird. Among the stranger exhibits was an inexplicable group bearing the sign "Beanpole the God of Pointless Behavior." The group's members towed a scantily-clad man and women in a giant green cage on wheels and screamed at the crowd.

Defense puts squeeze on Illini

By halftime Saturday, the Hoosiers had managed to grab a 46-35 lead over No. 9 Illinois. Three-point shooting had staked IU to that 11-point lead, but the Hoosiers knew defense would be the key to maintaining that margin. "We came in the locker room at halftime and told each other defense is what's going to win it for us," Jarrad Odle said. "If you come out and play defense, you don't have to rely on your offense. Once we kept doing that, we knew we were getting control of the game."

Hoosiers succeed in Texas

The IU women's golf team has found a new home in Texas. After winning the GTE "Mo"morial in Houston last weekend, the Hoosiers notched a second win, this one at the Baylor/Iowa San Antonio Shootout Tuesday.

Too tender to know

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, many people have questions. And many of them are children.

Revenge of the Greeks

For those of you expecting a frat guy and sorority to girl tie the knot in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," I have news for you. This is actually about Greek people with a capital G.

Alpha Phi rider okay; suffers wrist, pelvis fractures

Junior Jennifer Schaffer, who felt the brunt of Friday's first crash on Lap 6 of the 14th women's Little 500, is resting comfortably after a horrific pile-up in turn 1. Schaffer, who started the race for Alpha Phi, suffered fractures to her pelvis and wrist.

Kirkwood site of annual fest

As inevitable as the changing of the seasons and the return of students to campus, a Bloomington tradition will enter its 15th year this weekend. HoosierFest, Bloomington's long-running outdoor music festival, is coming back to Kirkwood Avenue this Saturday for a full day of music, food and dancing in the streets.

Donelly mellows with new release

Competitive training enhances Little 500

I've been reading the IDS a lot lately on the Web to read about what's been going on with my favorite IU tradition, the Little 500. Unfortunately, I have to read this "heresy," as Matt Csanyi calls it ("Little 500: The stupidest IU tradition", March 28).

Crowe excels in schizo math flick

Beautiful Mind," directed by Ron Howard ("Apollo 13," "The Grinch") tells the true story of John Nash (Russell Crowe), as he goes from a fresh faced graduate student in mathematics at Princeton to the winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994.

Football heaven

I've seen Camp Randall Stadium. In a word, it's unbelievable. It's old, a little dirty and dingy, but it's football heaven. But, I'm not going, simply because I don't want to drive a billion hours to watch IU stumble over its own feet and get pummeled by the Badgers. I'm hoping the soothing voice of Don Fischer and the IU radio network will suffice, making the beating sound less disheartening.

Tenant bill needs passed

The final version of House Bill 1013, the landlord tenant bill, which will outline the basic duties and responsibilities of landlords and their tenants, should be given Senate approval. Under the proposed legislation, landlords will be required to raise the standards of living and provide amenities such as hot and cold water in their rental housing.

Cam loses one last time

Four wins in its last five games proved the football team started heading in the right direction this season, but it didn't convince Athletics Director Michael McNeely to keep Cam Cameron as head coach. McNeely fired Cameron Wednesday afternoon. Cameron finished his five-year tenure at IU with a 18-37 (12-28 Big Ten) record and no bowl appearances. The lack of improvement over the past five years led to McNeely's decision. "Five years is an important measuring standard for a program to demonstrate a high level of competitiveness and consistency, both on the field and in the classroom," McNeely said. "It is not an either-or proposition.

Bill sparks debate in Congress

Trade Promotion Authority, formerly known as fast-track trade authority, allowing a president to negotiate trade agreements with restricted input from Congress, is being considered for final passage in Congress. President George W. Bush has expressed the need for additional powers in trade negotiations. "I believe strongly in trade," Bush said at the State Department April 4. "I believe not only is trade in my nation's interests, I think trade is in the interest of those nations who struggle with poverty, that desire a route out of poverty."

Divers move on to NCAA's in Texas

The women's swimming and diving team qualified three more competitors for the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas.

Kent State ends IU's tourney bid

SAN DIEGO -- Emotions ran high in IU's locker room after its first round game against Kent State Thursday. But they weren't positive emotions. IU lost 77-73 to a team almost everyone thought they would beat. Kyle Hornsby almost cried. Jeffrey Newton sat in silence. Dane Fife vented to the media.

Spielberg's 'A.I.' no more than 'O.K.'

Israeli suicide bombing causes cease-fire

In spite of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's proposed cease-fire May 22, the fighting between Israel and Palestinians continues. The cease-fire, the first step in implementing the U.S. Mitchell Report aimed at rekindling peace negotiations, was roundly rejected by Palestinians and described as propaganda. But Saturday evening, in the wake of another suicide bombing which resulted in 20 deaths and at least 90 injuries, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat issued a cease-fire order, which Israel agreed to. In the past eight months since fighting resumed, at least 484 Palestinians and 107 Israelis have been killed.

Auto sales drive retail levels up

Many economic analysts are hoping current retail sales levels and falling consumer spending only indicate a stalled economy and not a prolonged recession. But increased retail sales levels might only be a reflection of more aggressive automobile sales.

Junior showing leadership

This is the first time junior Greg Schaefer has wrestled a full season, and he is making the most of his opportunity. After going 17-11 (6-1 Big Ten) last year, Schaefer is off to a fast start. He has put together a 15-2 record as the Big Ten season approaches next weekend. But the Big Ten conference is considered the toughest in the nation, with a majority of the teams ranked in the top 25. Because Schaefer has more experience under his belt, he realizes what lies ahead.