Longform

A turn for the surreal

It has taken more than 21 years. Twenty-one years for me to realize one thing. I know almost nothing about anything. I apologize to anyone looking for insight in this column.

Television imitating life

Call me a sucker if you will. While watching "Survivor" this summer I took notice of promotions for CBS's new television show, "That's Life," a show about a fictional 32-year-old woman who decided to go to college after having had a series of about 58 different jobs in her life.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 more addictive than cigarettes

With the recent release of Sega Dreamcast and the upcoming release of Sony's Playstation II, fans of the original Sony Playstation will no doubt experience a lag in the manufacture of new and exciting games. But one recent Activision sequel has certainly lived up to, if not surpassed, the standard of quality expected from Playstation games.

Fugard's visit left lasting impression

South African playwright Athol Fugard's visit to campus ended Sept. 23, but his presence left a lasting impression on students and faculty alike. During his stay, he explored his work and his life with student audiences, sharing insight about the history of his homeland and the beauty of his craft.

God's new campaign

Rejoice, ye mortal citizens of the earth, for God hath chosen once more to speak unto thee! But fear not, humble humans. This time, the Almighty has opted to skip the burning bushes, flashes of light and rolling thunder of yore.

'Scotland Road' production leads off Waldron season

The dramatic lure of the Titanic has not been lost on the theater world, as is demonstrated by the mystery "Scotland Road," the John Waldron Arts Center 2000-2001 theater series kick-off production.

Gilbert and Sullivan returns to town

Cuban gets the message across

It is important for any person or organization to express his or her dissatisfaction with their management.

Gaydar Operation 101

Hey girls! I'm not like most guys. I don't have a Sarah Michelle Gellar screen saver. I don't have empty bottles of beer stacked up in my dorm room window. I'd rather help you shop for clothing than take it off of you. And best of all, I have superhuman powers. You heard me. It's called gaydar…ever heard of it? If not, don't worry. You're not alone.

Chix Rock

Three shows in three days. An estrogen-powered festival with local bands and touring regional acts. Country, electronica, opera, folk, hardcore and rock -- lots of rock. Certainly enough to name a festival after. Bloomington's own Chix Rock festival kicks off tonight and continues through Saturday. While the festival is certainly an opportunity for some of Indiana's most talented ladies to flex their creative muscles, it is also an event centered around nurturing -- a community of care.

Shaping a new medium

Some artists are just lucky: in the right place at the right time with an opportunity to thrive. Others have no choice. For them, the arts become an obsession dictated by a will greater than their own. It appears to be a damning incident until you stop to think about it. Remember Luke Skywalker: no choice, just forced to go on. Gotta go with the force.

Band of the week: Blue Moon Revue

They call themselves an original jam band, taking roots from a variety of musical influences like soul and rock. Blue Moon Revue takes its unique jam style to the City Grille Friday, kicking off a string of shows in October. "Jam bands are moving in different directions," sophomore guitarist Andy Salge said. "I feel with the variety our members bring to the band, we've developed our own original style."

Rock and roll all night

The summers are long and rather boring in Bloomington. Not too many people are around, and if you are not 21 or do not have a fake, your options are limited. The only way to survive is to be very creative and be willing to try new experiences.

'Cecil B. DeMented' a few rewrites shy of great

John Waters has brought us many definitive cult classics such as "Pink Flamingos," "Hairspray" and "Polyester" -- films guaranteed to be extremely campy. While his latest, "Cecil B. DeMented," is unmistakably a John Waters film, it will likely be considered by most as an interesting failure made during the infamous auteur's transitional period.

'Urban Legends - Final Cut' as bad as the original

Sequels are usually made because the first movie left the audience wanting more. "Urban Legends: Final Cut," must be the result of trying to get it right the next time around. So much for second chances.

Beauty and the 'Bots

It's 4:55 p.m. and I'm dialing a secret number. I tell the person on the other end the secret word, and presto, I'm on hold, waiting to talk to Donna D'Errico, feature interviewer on Comedy Central's "BattleBots." It's a show where elite tinkerers come to fight their robots to the death Spartacus-style in front of a crowd that cheers as their creations get ripped to shreds, spewing gears and buzz saws.

Repossessed

It has been 25 years since a little girl named Regan was possessed by the devil. Now "The Exorcist" is back, and there are some things viewers haven't seen.

WIUS Pick of the week

There must be something about the year 2000 that makes bands want to write songs for other bands to play. Maybe these bands are just happy the world didn't end as a result of the millennium bug and therefore are feeling generous. Whatever the case might be, Metroschifter's Encapsulated is the second album this year, following the 6ths' Hyacinths and Thistles, with the premise that other bands would be doing all the work except actually writing the songs.

Virtual Hieroglyphics

Though it just rolls off the lips, the phrase "virtual reality" is an oxymoron. It's something Margaret Dolinsky never hesitates to point out. But it's not just some random crack from her conversational repertoire. It's a subject Dolinsky is constantly mulling over -- she's spent most of her adult life working with virtual reality as an art form.

Kristine W's talent needs to be 'Stronger'

When reviewing an album like Kristine W's Stronger, one must solely concentrate on lyrics and looks. The music, a disgusting blend of pop and dance beats, is a non-factor. Kristine W has a good voice going for her, but whatever DJ is mixing her music should be dragged out of the studio and beaten with a large blunt object.