Longform

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.

Reviving Japanese economy is purpose behind Bush's visit

TOKYO -- President Bush, concerned about Japan's recession-wracked economy, opened a three-nation Asian tour Sunday urging embattled Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to follow through on long-promised economic reforms.

Nick's celebrates its 75th anniversary

Seventy-five years ago Nick Hrisomalos, a Greek immigrant, purchased a piece of land on Kirkwood Avenue and opened up a sandwich shop named "Nick's English Hut." Ironically enough, that same year Dick Barnes, current co-owner of Nick's, was born. July 3rd will mark 75 years for Nick's English Hut and Dick Barnes' 75th birthday.

WTC rebuilding plans unveiled

Six proposals to redevelop the World Trade Center site were released Tuesday to a decidedly mixed reaction, with critics saying they included too much office space on hallowed ground and had too little imagination.

Cell tower owner sues zoning board

The owner of a controversial 287-foot wireless communication tower has sued Monroe County officials over a requirement that the tower be shortened.

Hoosiers still in Big Ten title hunt

Wednesday was a big goof -- a black mark on IU's Big Ten slate. But Mike Davis' message was simple, and he said it even before IU lost to Wisconsin in Assembly Hall Wednesday: Win or lose, the Hoosiers are still on top of the Big Ten.

Slim man puts out phat records

Chesney's latest 'No Problem'

Knight suits net $300,000

IU has spent almost $300,000 to defend itself in two lawsuits alleging public access violations over the firing of former basketball coach Bob Knight. The fees bring the documented cost of Knight's firing to nearly $650,000. The University has paid its lawyers $209,000 in a lawsuit brought by The Indianapolis Star, according to documents obtained from the University counsel's office Tuesday. Another lawsuit, brought by IU alumni, has cost the University $78,800. IU Spokesman Bill Stephan said the money comes from a litigation fund, made up of fees assessed to various University departments. Stephan said he didn't know how much money goes into the fund, but there is no concern the fund will run out.

Team splits weekend matches

The IU women's tennis team split its road matches this weekend. The Hoosiers traveled to Madison, Wis., on Saturday and beat the Badgers 4-3 but lost 4-3 to Minnesota on Sunday. IU is 14-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play.