Longform

International films soar while Hollywood snores

The year 2000 has been one of the worst quality-wise in the history of the multiplex. One highly anticipated Hollywood work after another has proven to disappoint, from the snooze-inducing mediocrity of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" to the cliched likes of Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous."

Giving women options

Sgt. Leslie Slone had never heard of the Rape Aggression Defense Systems program, which teaches women rape awareness, prevention and basic self-defense. Then, in the early 1990's, another officer told Slone about the program. After extensive training at Butler University, Slone was certified and started RAD at IU in 1997 with three other officers.

The week in music

IUPD Blotter

IUSA elections to change

A resolution to amend the IU Student Association bylaws and name the supreme court chief justice as the elections coordinator was passed by Congress Nov. 30.

Eigenmann merger decision unjust

Fortunately for Eigenmann residents, college is only practice for real life. In real life, you don't always get a second chance. But in practice, sometimes you do. And a second chance is just what Eigenmann needs after the passing of the referendum of Nov. 28 merging the Eigenmann Residents Association and Residence Hall Association. To pass, the referendum had to be approved by both organizations. RHA voted overwhelmingly to pass the proposal. At Eigenmann, 25 students voted against it and 15 voted for it.

Law, though flawed, must be upheld

Sometimes, a dumb law is passed. Sometimes, no one can fathom why it was passed, and what its intention was, but a law is a law. Unless it is changed through the proper legislative channels, it can't be ignored because of its idiotic nature -- a lesson the student government leaders at Eigenmann Hall desperately need to learn.

Gore needs to give it up

Poor Al Gore. He lost, fair and square. So here come the lawyers. Not that I blame him. As any candidate knows, losing by so little -- in one count and two recounts -- is frustrating. But as any of the mostly Democratic recount attorneys can tell you, when you lose, you just count and recount and litigate until your candidate comes up with a phony victory.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Shh... baby, don't speak. It's better this way, dear readers. We both know that it's my last column of the semester. And while parting is such sweet sorrow, rest assured I will do my best to be back and better than ever in January. Oh, how I shall miss the opinion page until then!

Hoosiers upset No. 10 Irish

SOUTH BEND -- As IU's point guard, sophomore Tom Coverdale's job is running the Hoosiers' offense. Against Notre Dame Tuesday night, he was IU's offense. Coverdale topped his previous career high of 13 by halftime on the way to a 30-point performance in IU's 86-78 upset win against No. 10 Notre Dame. At times, the only way to stop Coverdale was to grab his jersey, as Notre Dame's Troy Murphy did late in the second half to prevent an easy basket. "I had no idea Tom Coverdale would score 30 points," interim head coach Mike Davis said. "Coverdale stepped his play up in the first half and hit a three pointer that gave us momentum going into halftime."

Europe's women pioneering equality

The United States might consider itself a pioneer concerning women's rights, but most European countries make the nation look positively old-fashioned.

Defense slows Murphy

SOUTH BEND -- Junior Notre Dame forward Troy Murphy is no secret. It's hard to hide a 6-foot-11 player who averages 26.8 points and nine rebounds per game, and the Hoosiers (4-3) knew their defense would be crucial against the No. 10-ranked Irish (4-1).

Chancellor honors long-time faculty

Two IU professors who have already distinguished themselves in numerous ways added another award to their resumes Tuesday. Distinguished chemistry professor Victor Viola was named the winner of the Tracy M. Sonneborn Award, and history department chairman and professor John Bodnar was named the Chancellor's Professor of History. Both awards honor faculty whose contributions have been acclaimed in many arenas, from IU to international realms.

Author to leave his estate to IU

Robert James Waller, the author of The Bridges of Madison County, recently announced his intent to give an estate gift worth well over $1million to IU, his alma mater. The exact dollar amount of the gift has not been released.

Twists and turns in store for WWF

Monday Night Raw was hotter than a frankfurter from the Kilroys hot dog man in preparation for Armageddon, Sunday night\'s pay-per-view. Gearing up for a long week of finals, I still manage to find time to watch wrestling. For those of you who did not find the time or already began cramming for the big finite exam, this column for keeping pace with the wrestling gossip saves you.

College football gives fans something to argue

The best part of college football is what the sport lacks -- answers to important questions. December and January are fun times for college football fans. We watch more than 20 meaningless bowl games. We then watch a few important games and during this two-month span we argue.

Midfielder provides versatility, strength to team

In the final 27 minutes of the IU-North Carolina men's soccer game Saturday, the Tar Heels sent practically their entire team at the Hoosiers' goal in an attempt to tie the game. At one point, junior goalkeeper Colin Rogers moved toward the far post, exposing an open net when North Carolina had the ball. At that moment, junior midfielder Tyler Hawley sprinted to the near post just in time to clear a ball that landed centimeters from the goal line.

Retailers use recycled bottles to make jackets, save the earth

One man's trash is another man's jacket. Manufacturers have been making fleece out of recycled two-liter plastic bottles since Wellman Inc., a recycling company, introduced the concept in 1993. Clothing retailer Patagonia was the first to sell jackets of post-consumer recycled (PCR) fleece with its Synchilla fleece line of garments.

Jordan Hall staffer arrested

Ericka Stewart, 20, of the 1100 block of Carnaby Street, was arrested Nov. 29 by the IU Police Department on charges of obstruction of justice, IUPD spokesman Lt. Jerry Minger said. Stewart, a laboratory technician at Jordan Hall, was arrested after police filed a probable cause affidavit for false reporting in connection with a Nov. 7 Lawrence County robbery and issued a warrant for her arrest, Minger said

Faculty Council discusses legislature's budget process

At the semester's final Bloomington Faculty Council meeting Tuesday, a representative of President Myles Brand's state relations office spoke to the council about the legislative budget process.