Longform

Hey, look at that china set!

It's truly amazing how watching a few episodes of the The Learning Channel's Trading Spaces can delude someone (namely me) into thinking he or she is the next Martha Stewart (minus the one-way ticket to jail of course).

Restrictions on visas to tighten

WASHINGTON -- President Bush moved to tighten restrictions on foreign student visas Monday, part of an effort to bar the entry of immigrants who commit or support terrorist acts. Bush was directing top aides to study the foreign student visa system and develop recommendations for tighter controls.

Social Security numbers left in hallway

Upon entering an institution of higher learning, students typically expect some degree of confidentiality in the maintenance of their academic records and personal information. But when that confidence is breached, trust in that institution begins to dwindle. This was precisely the reaction provoked when a stack of opened boxes containing private student information, including social security numbers and payroll stubs, was left unattended in Maxwell Hall last week as the University Division completed the final stages of relocation. Because the University Division is moving from Maxwell Hall to Ashton Center for a few years, the moving process has been a "huge project," said Sally Dunn, acting dean for University Division. Dunn said Thursday was the last day boxes were to be transported to Ashton. When several staff members checked the hallways for stray materials before leaving Thursday, they saw nothing, Dunn said. She credits the stray boxes to careless movers.

Kelley climbs in rankings

U.S. News and World Report ranked IU in the second tier of universities for the second consecutive year. The Kelley School of Business ranked ninth among undergraduate business programs, an improvement from last year's 10th position. Most information on the college guide was unavailable online, but will be released in the Sept. 10 print version.

IUPD Blotter

Hoosiers cut down the net

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- IU coach Mike Davis knew what he wanted to do with the ball as soon as he got it from sophomore Jared Jeffries at the close of the Hoosiers' 81-69 win against Kent State Saturday night at Rupp Arena. Davis jumped through two rows of media and headed for the one man he seems to be unable to thank enough for having given him his first shot as a head coach -- IU president Myles Brand. Both Brand and his wife, Peg, were in attendance for both of the Hoosiers' wins in Lexington and they helped kick off the celebration Saturday night after IU won the South Regional. "He said, 'I appreciate all that you've done, thank you and here's the game ball,'" Brand said. "Coach Davis did a tremendous job. I'm proud of him; I'm proud of all the coaches and our student-athletes."

Hoosiers fight for bowl contention

Oh, how things have changed. Less than a month ago, the odds of IU repeating its streak of losing seasons were pretty high. Then came Northwestern and Michigan State, and suddenly the routing of Wisconsin didn't seem like such a fluke. Instantly, speculation surrounded the Hoosiers about a possible bowl game appearance, and senior quarterback Antwaan Randle El's name was thrown back in the Heisman mix. And now, IU is favored Saturday in the 12:10 p.m. televised game against Joe Paterno and Penn State. At Happy Valley. In front of more than 100,000 Nittany Lions fans. IU is picked to win.

Knight back home again

NASHVILLE --What had originally been scheduled as a 45-minute speech and a question-and-answer session to follow turned into a two-hour storytelling marathon as former IU men's basketball coach Bob Knight addressed the crowd at the Little Nashville Opry Sunday.

Trustees approve $1,000 fee

The IU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $1,000 fee Friday for all incoming undergraduates at IU Bloomington starting in the fall of 2003. The fee comes after approval of a nine percent increase in tuition earlier this year. The fee, which will be assessed at the beginning of each academic year, intends to improve the academic excellence of the University by recruiting and retaining faculty, decreasing the student-faculty ratio and providing more money in financial aid to students in need. The money will be specifically set aside to improve these areas.

Black history only a month?

I remember the conversation as if it were yesterday. I was catching up with my best friend Terry after returning from an extended stay in the tiny south African country of Malawi. I handed him a hand-carved wooden elephant I had purchased just before my flight out of Nairobi the day before and said "Damn it feels good to be back. I kissed the ground when I got off the plane in Washington. I would rather spend the rest of the summer with a group of Black Panthers who hate me than another minute with the Africans."

Lecture inspires

For many students the thought of a one-hour lecture might cause queasiness, frustration, fear or a number of other emotions. But for about 100 students who were still present and attentive in the Whittenberger Auditorium after more than two hours of listening to a speaker, the feeling was much different.

Pressing on in spite of the bad days

By a little after 3 p.m. Monday, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. The day hadn't gone as I had hoped, and by the middle of the afternoon, I was ready to break down. My worst and most pessimistic fears had come true. I was deflated and defeated.

'Murder Among Friends' a good idea

The play begins black, lighting in the windows, illuminating the outlines of two lovers frisking in the shadows. They are whispering the words of amore, of passion and of murder.

It's not the juice

The long ball tourney before the All-Star Game was amazing; Sammy Sosa's first-round expedition showed he is the most powerful hitter in baseball today.

Punk pop group stays true to music

Pop punk is becoming more popular with the kids these days, and new bands are sprouting up so the labels can cash in on the pimple-faced craze. It's good to know that a punk band, which was good even before the fad, can stay true to rocking hard and kicking ass. With their fifth full-length release entering stores Jan. 29, Elva might just put the group into the spotlight.

State auditors criticize former attorney general's grants

INDIANAPOLIS -- State auditors say Indiana's former attorney general broke the law when she issued more than $700,000 in grants last year without approval from the governor and two state agencies.

'Brother' an afro full of laughs

Brand misrepresented

-- Editor's note: The IU administration wished to respond to accusations made by plaintiffs and their attorneys in the Open Door lawsuit filed against the University as well as the recent IDS editorial asking for Brand and the Trustees to be reprimanded. This is their response.

Art that heals

A silver and white striped tabby cat brushes her fur against the frosted glass as she paces back and forth on the window sill of Bloomington Hospital's Adult Day Center. Whirling to switch directions, her tail flicks a flower pot made from an old coffee tin decorated with paper snowflakes and glitter.

IUSA radio show launches tonight

The IU Student Association will launch a new radio show on WIUS, Indiana's student radio station, starting tonight at 8 p.m. The show will air every Monday from 8-9 p.m. and will follow a talk show format, featuring commentary by the hosts IUSA President Jake Oakman and IUSA Chief of Staff Mike Katz, both seniors. The show will also feature a number of guests as well as an opportunity for students to call in and ask questions.