Longform

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.

‘Reverend’ Horton heats up Bluebird

Slicked back hair, tattoos and piercings were in abundance Tuesday night at the Bluebird as the crowd waited anxiously for the Reverend Horton Heat’s performance. Heat is the most prevalent performer of the psychobilly music genre, which is known for its fast tempo, outrageous lyrics and rockabilly feel. He got on stage at about 11:30 p.m., wearing a cowboy hat and a bright orange suit coat and immediately launched into his set.

Bear’s hosts Jazz Fables’ 18th anniversary

This Thursday will mark the 18th anniversary of local concert series Jazz Fables. Jazz band Ut Haus, which plays every anniversary show, will be joined on stage by founding members of the Jazz Fables.

Hoosiers hope to improve at Outdoor Big Tens

Junior Audrey Smoot did the unthinkable in March when she won the Indoor Big Ten Championship in the 600-meter run after being seeded last out of nine runners, including a former NCAA champion.

Before you hit the pool, read this

The award-winning editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine and author of the best-selling “Abs Diet” books, David Zinczenko, has emerged once again with his unique new book “Eat This Not That!” which he co-wrote with Men’s Health Food and Nutrition Editor Matt Goulding. Zinczenko has made a career out of promoting a healthy diet and regular exercise as a way of getting in shape.

Chamber choir Voces Novae performs concert using instruments fashioned from recyclables

Bloomington-based group Voces Novae not only focuses on recycling materials, but also focuses on recycling and transforming music in new ways. The group of 20 singers and five instrumentalists and an additional two percussionists performed Sunday night in a storage shelter at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Center, 300 W. 11th St.

Hoosiers victorious in last home game

Tuesday’s game against Butler might not have mattered in the conference picture, but it mattered just the same for the IU baseball team.

Postseason begins for IU at Ohio State’s golf course

For the Hoosiers, this season’s success means nothing if the team can’t win now.

Event honors Thomas Benton’s World’s Fair murals Sunday, IU professor Scott Russell Sanders to speak

rature, music and local food vendors are rarely associated with each other, but Jordan River Fest Director Nan Brewer created an entire event focused on these elements of the Bloomington community.

Angel Escobedo wins Olympic Regional Trial

Angel Escobedo now sits one tournament title away from achieving one of his life-long dreams – shipping his skills from Bloomingotn to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Escobedo has a laundry list of accolades in the sport he has dominated from a young age. In high school, the Griffith, Ind., native won four consecutive state championships.

IU signs 8-year deal with adidas

All 22 IU sports programs will be outfitted in adidas gear for at least the next eight years. IU signed an 8-year contract with adidas America that could also pay out more than $21 million to IU Athletics, according to recruiting database www.scout.com.

James Hardy: get it together

When we open the daily newspaper to read about another 6-foot-5-inch, 212-pound NFL wide receiver with character issues, we barely bat an eye.

Red Cross offers bargain on personal medical alarms

In celebration of Mother’s Day, the American Red Cross is offering free installation of the personal medical alarm Lifeline to new subscribers throughout the month of May.

Scotty’s Brewhouse collecting donations for overseas troops

Along with food and drink, Scotty’s Brewhouse is also serving up patriotism for the soldiers in the Indiana Army National Guard’s 76th Infantry Brigade through an organization called the Shoebox Brigade.

Big Brothers Big Sisters lacks volunteers

There are close to 100 kids on the wait-list, according to Andrea Smith, director of operations at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Central Indiana, showing a significant need for community involvement.

The roller derby in pop culture: a timeline

Check out the influences of roller derby on the media from the 1940s to now.