Longform

Media coverage vital to elections

The Romanian news media might be laughing at the United States. For months, the American press has followed the presidential candidates and, even now, Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore are making front page news in many papers.

Finals plague life after college

Ad might encourage hate group activity

Community mourns loss of historic Kirkwood theater

On a cold and dreary day during Thanksgiving break, the Von Lee Theater blends perfectly into the Bloomington scenery.

A closer look at Vietnam

The United States paid a price for its attempt to impose its will on Southeast Asia.

State should deny funding increase

The Indianapolis business lobby organization TechNet is pressuring the Indiana General Assembly to increase the state's 21st Century fund to at least $50 million a year.

University Players offer 'verbal boxing match'

Competition. The word has been used for centuries to describe manliness, with the victor claiming power and the loser reduced to a pitiful wretch. The throes of competition is the topic the University Players will battle this weekend. With a cast of three, "Never Swim Alone," by Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor, tells the story of two men who have been friends since childhood and competitors for just as long.

Gala to feature holiday music

The cast of the All New Broadway Cabaret Holiday Gala will bring the spirit of the season to the Brown County Playhouse this weekend.

Out of the basements, into the bars

The frat party many IU students once knew is now officially dead. Beginning this fall, the administration stepped up enforcement in an effort to force parties out of basements and into local venues, where a third-party vendor can sell alcohol only to those students who are legally of age.

Blame, Shame and Fame

Bessy\'s album not all that dressy

Surf rock is dead, and listening to Dressy Bessy's The California EP made that fact painfully clear. Not to mock these people personally, who all may be talented in their own special way, but they turned out an EP that contains four tracks of poor-quality surf rock and one track that does not fit into any genre, it's just bad.

Hollister tells stories with new album

Although most people aren't familiar with Dave Hollister, it's hard to forget his voice once you hear it. His work with the group BLACKstreet certainly raised more than a few eyebrows, but he was soon forgotten by the fans after the group underwent a few lineup changes worthy of the comparison of what Destiny's Child recently went through.

Local sculptor turns trash into treasure

Building snow forts in the yard, tents out of bed sheets and fortresses of couch cushions were a part of many people's childhoods. But for most, that kind of imaginative building remains in their recollection of the past. For local sculptor Todd Lantz, it has become a way of life. In his studio on South Morton Road, Lantz takes what many people would consider junk and gives it life in a new form. One of his latest works, "Maestro," is an old typewriter smashed and manipulated to appear as a face, along with the shaft of an old golf club running horizontally through its midsection to present the impression of arms conducting a symphony.

Charity groups seek volunteers

Most students probably have socks on their feet and mittens on their hands to survive the bitterly cold winter. But some Bloomington residents are not that lucky. Responding to a need in the community, the Monroe County United Way, 441 S. College Ave., will decorate its Christmas tree this year with scarves, hats, gloves, socks and other items to keep people warm.

8 elected as Union Board directors

Voters returned to the polls Tuesday to elect eight new members of the Indiana Memorial Union Board directors. Candidates elected were junior Vaughn Allen, freshman Tiawanda Avant, junior Tristan Dee, junior Meg DeTore, junior Martin Gimenez, junior Chris Neumeyer, junior Andy Proctor and junior LaTasha Swanson.

Kroger joins beef recall

Kroger announced it is recalling ground beef products that might carry E. coli bacteria from its 2,300 stores nationwide, including three Bloomington locations. The grocery chain, the largest in the country, is asking consumers to check for any Kroger brand ground beef dated Nov. 4 through Nov. 22. It can be returned to any store for a full refund or replacement.

Lee shines on solo album

Even though all Rush projects are on indefinite hold, it hasn't stopped Rush lead man Geddy Lee from putting out new material. His first solo project, My Favorite Headache, is just as strong as any Rush album. Yet it holds its own distinct style.

The Board (of trustees) Bunch

He knew what to expect of his appointment to the IU board of trustees. As a former member of the Carmel Clay School District school board, he knew he could help direct policy. He was a veteran of school board meetings where thousands of angry parents showed up ready to give the board a piece of their collective minds. He was ready to face hundreds. He was shocked to face only two or three onlookers among a room full of University administrators. "I don't think people even think about (the trustees)," trustee Stephen Backer said. "The only time they ever see us is if we raise tuition and when we're visible because of something like the Bobby Knight affair."

Pop music still thrives as its quality declines

The music business is really thriving this year. While most people probably can think of numerous songs they enjoy, very few of them can name a single album they truly like from beginning to end.

Indie, alternative bands release strong albums

1. Radiohead -- Kid A Easily the most explorative and musically beautiful album of the year, with Kid A, Radiohead shows how they can continue to morph and mold their style to remain at the cutting edge of music while still keeping a grasp on their distinctive sound. Despite the hype, Radiohead created an album that is powerful, entertaining and musically superior to any other album this year.