Longform

The GI Bill battle

On paper, it looks like an exceptional deal. A feat of bipartisan cooperation conceived out of deep concern for America’s returning veterans, the “Post-9/11 Veterans’ Educational Assistance Act of 2007,” sponsored by Jim Webb, D-Va., was recently passed by the House and is headed to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

The major crunch

The latest campus accessory doesn’t have wires or batteries. It doesn’t have a designer logo, and although it is in increasingly high demand, you won’t find it in any stores – it is a double major.

Letting them down

It would be much easier if, during election years, we simply abandoned the boring process of legislation. Instead, candidates could send elaborately decorated cards to sections of the American public, punctuated with construction-paper hearts and glued-on elbow macaroni. It might be pandering, but at least it would be honest – they would spare their poor economic advisors who have more reason than usual to cringe at what arrives at Congress.

Job emergency

A few things have been happening lately that make me realize it’s probably time for me to find a summer job.

Edwards endorsement pays off for Obama

Barack Obama collected the support of four of John Edwards’ Democratic National Convention delegates on Thursday, then gained the backing of four superdelegates and a large labor union as he marched steadily toward the party’s presidential nomination.  BLOG:  The Politiker

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban

The California Supreme Court has overturned a gay marriage ban in a ruling that would make the nation’s largest state the second one to allow gay and lesbian weddings.

Alt-country glory

Dallas based band Old 97’s have been one of the key alternative country/rock bands since their arrival on the music scene in the early ‘90s. Although they never really achieved the level of commercial success that was at one time expected of them, they have stuck around and have managed to stay true to their sound. Part of the band’s unique sound is based on their wide range of influences; from Johnny Cash to The Kinks. Blame It On Gravity is their seventh studio album.

Local man arrested for attempted murder of son

A Bloomington man was arrested Tuesday and charged with the attempted murder of his 9-year-old child.

Trust us, we hated it

The change of this new millennium fueled new sides of the industry that have now become household names. The teenage era, filled with pop sounds and lackluster lyrics, were prominent as Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys dominated the charts. Winning the hearts of millions of teens brought huge revenues that are unheard of in our present era, although British singer and songwriter Craig David has experienced similar success.

Glassie: ‘Look at the overlooked’

After more than 40 years of teaching folklore and showing more than 100 doctoral students what he learned in his studies, IU professor Henry Glassie is retiring.

RPS passes ‘I-Bucks’ for fall

“I-Bucks” are the new meal points. Students who have been eating at Residential Programs and Services dining halls for the past few years will see a change when they come back in the fall.

P.S. you'll love it

A realistic and refreshing love story is hard to come by these days, but "P.S. I Love You" nails it brilliantly. The film, which varies constantly between being heartbreakingly sad and charismatically funny, is truly untraditional and captivating.

4 former Golden Eagles coaches join Crean at IU

IU coach Tom Crean has had a busy last few weeks. While most of his attention is directed toward filling the decimated Hoosier roster, Crean has also been focusing on filling his coaching staff as well.

From bad to worse

Not many other bands have personified the emo kid stereotypes as much as From First To Last. The young band has had many arguments that led to members leaving and new ones being found via MySpace. Meanwhile, their heavy use of guyliner, black T-shirts and lyrics about love lost have made them stars in the minds of those who learn about new music from Hot Topic. Now they’re back, armed with a new self-titled album and yet another new vocalist.

No slip-up

After Radiohead’s release of their album In Rainbows last fall for any-price-you-want-to-pay, Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor decided to take the formula one step further: Why not just give the album away for free?

Soccer moms rejoice

Ever since he was named the runner-up on season two of "American Idol," Clay Aiken has showed that he deserved to win. He’s one of the most successful former idols: he’s sold a boat load of albums and even performed on Broadway. Although his sexuality has gotten more attention than his skills, it doesn’t take a 40-year-old soccer mom to realize that the guy has one of the best voices around. His sophomore album (and the first batch of new tracks since his 2003 debut), On My Way Here, proves that yet again.

Not really worthy of the belt

I saw "Redbelt" with my dad. About halfway through, he was nodding off. Although he didn’t stay asleep, it was clear the film was not holding his attention. At the end of the film, when I expected him to voice his displeasure, he surprised me with the words, "That was great!"

Go,Speed,go!

As the second big blockbuster of the summer, expectations are high for "Speed Racer." While I can’t say it meets them all, you might find yourself driving home from the theater a little faster than normal. It is a high-octane adrenaline rush, with a climax that will have you gripping your seat.

Whip it good, Drew!

The Diamond Duo

Matt Bashore got to IU a couple of hours before his freshman roommate Josh Phegley last year, but now both the Big Ten’s best hitter for average and best strikeout pitcher seem to be arriving at the exact same time on the diamond.