Longform

Fuel's latest doesn't 'shimmer,' but solid

Following-up its platinum, hit-spawning debut, Sunburn, Pennsylvania-based Fuel returns to form with its new album, Something Like Human. Many listeners know little of Fuel, aside from the fact they churned out the heavily rotated hit "Shimmer," in addition to other radio friendly tunes such as, "Bittersweet" or "Jesus or a Gun."

Soundtrack unearths songs that are 'Almost Famous'

For those of us who didn't live through them, decades are often defined by songs from the era that are well-known enough to have stood the test of time on radio playlists and movie soundtracks. For example, "My Girl" by the Temptations represents the '60s, or "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is the trademark of the '70s. But most people never think of songs that maybe have been on the radio every day during their decade but have since fallen into semi-obscurity.

Organization seeks to battle digital divide

Like computers? Like business? Like Tibet? Anyone who answered yes to those three questions has an open invitation from the national outreach organization Students For Change to join a new series of international technology development programs.

Habitat builds 1st house for handicapped

Monroe County Habitat for Humanity and IU Habitat for Humanity are building their first handicap-accessible house.

Group to tackle racial issues

This week marks the beginning of a group that will discuss an age-old problem. A discussion group labeled "Conversations on Race" will come together once a week for five weeks to confront and address racial ties on campus and problems people have faced with racial biases.

Withholding money hurts students

Last week IU alumnus and audio pioneer Mark Cuban told the IDS he offered to write an open-ended check to purchase the extra bandwidth the University would need to bring back Napster, the banned MP3 program, to IU computers.

A turn for the surreal

It has taken more than 21 years. Twenty-one years for me to realize one thing. I know almost nothing about anything. I apologize to anyone looking for insight in this column.

Television imitating life

Call me a sucker if you will. While watching "Survivor" this summer I took notice of promotions for CBS's new television show, "That's Life," a show about a fictional 32-year-old woman who decided to go to college after having had a series of about 58 different jobs in her life.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 more addictive than cigarettes

With the recent release of Sega Dreamcast and the upcoming release of Sony's Playstation II, fans of the original Sony Playstation will no doubt experience a lag in the manufacture of new and exciting games. But one recent Activision sequel has certainly lived up to, if not surpassed, the standard of quality expected from Playstation games.

Fugard's visit left lasting impression

South African playwright Athol Fugard's visit to campus ended Sept. 23, but his presence left a lasting impression on students and faculty alike. During his stay, he explored his work and his life with student audiences, sharing insight about the history of his homeland and the beauty of his craft.

God's new campaign

Rejoice, ye mortal citizens of the earth, for God hath chosen once more to speak unto thee! But fear not, humble humans. This time, the Almighty has opted to skip the burning bushes, flashes of light and rolling thunder of yore.

'Scotland Road' production leads off Waldron season

The dramatic lure of the Titanic has not been lost on the theater world, as is demonstrated by the mystery "Scotland Road," the John Waldron Arts Center 2000-2001 theater series kick-off production.

Gilbert and Sullivan returns to town

Cuban gets the message across

It is important for any person or organization to express his or her dissatisfaction with their management.

Gaydar Operation 101

Hey girls! I'm not like most guys. I don't have a Sarah Michelle Gellar screen saver. I don't have empty bottles of beer stacked up in my dorm room window. I'd rather help you shop for clothing than take it off of you. And best of all, I have superhuman powers. You heard me. It's called gaydar…ever heard of it? If not, don't worry. You're not alone.

Chix Rock

Three shows in three days. An estrogen-powered festival with local bands and touring regional acts. Country, electronica, opera, folk, hardcore and rock -- lots of rock. Certainly enough to name a festival after. Bloomington's own Chix Rock festival kicks off tonight and continues through Saturday. While the festival is certainly an opportunity for some of Indiana's most talented ladies to flex their creative muscles, it is also an event centered around nurturing -- a community of care.

Shaping a new medium

Some artists are just lucky: in the right place at the right time with an opportunity to thrive. Others have no choice. For them, the arts become an obsession dictated by a will greater than their own. It appears to be a damning incident until you stop to think about it. Remember Luke Skywalker: no choice, just forced to go on. Gotta go with the force.

Band of the week: Blue Moon Revue

They call themselves an original jam band, taking roots from a variety of musical influences like soul and rock. Blue Moon Revue takes its unique jam style to the City Grille Friday, kicking off a string of shows in October. "Jam bands are moving in different directions," sophomore guitarist Andy Salge said. "I feel with the variety our members bring to the band, we've developed our own original style."

Rock and roll all night

The summers are long and rather boring in Bloomington. Not too many people are around, and if you are not 21 or do not have a fake, your options are limited. The only way to survive is to be very creative and be willing to try new experiences.

'Cecil B. DeMented' a few rewrites shy of great

John Waters has brought us many definitive cult classics such as "Pink Flamingos," "Hairspray" and "Polyester" -- films guaranteed to be extremely campy. While his latest, "Cecil B. DeMented," is unmistakably a John Waters film, it will likely be considered by most as an interesting failure made during the infamous auteur's transitional period.