Region

McKim solid candidate for Council

I value collegiality, communication and common sense in making long-term plans and solving community problems in the City of Bloomington. These characteristics are also important in representatives on the Monroe County Council. Geoff McKim is a solid candidate I heartily support. McKim studies issues to understand their complexities. He is a respectful communicator. He will take a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and criminal justice. He brings a business background and strong educational credentials to help promote economic diversity and prosperity.

Man of war, man of peace

John McCain is a man of war. He often mentions his status as a veteran, and I am grateful to McCain for his years of service, but looking back at his record, it is apparent that all he knows is war. He does not have a well-rounded education. His policies reflect only military-type tactics. He talks much about using troops wisely and not loosing in Iraq, but I have not heard how he will achieve peace there. And how would he deal with an emboldened Russia? By threatening military force? What if climate change affects agriculture output? How will the military deal with that? How will McCain shoot his way out of the economic mess we are in? We need a president who knows more than just war.

Jesus deserves honor today

I happened upon a grand placard. It was a wondrous design of art and beauty. Fixed in astounding relief were the names of many persons of great worth and note. They were members of a glorious, victorious team of years gone by. Atop the list was one identified as “Coach,” an individual obviously highly venerated, for his name was designed in a richer, larger text than any other.

A great injustice

IU is known for its promotion of diversity and the free exchange of ideas. As president of the student body, my goal is to uphold and protect these fundamental principles. At times, we need a reminder that the well-being of our diverse community depends on the protection of these values. Last Thursday, our campus welcomed a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace. His presence in Bloomington sparked controversy across our University, as he was to be named the Poling Chair of Business & Government by the Kelley School.

Character counts

John Edwards is the lowest of human beings. I am shocked and appalled at the Union Board’s decision to have former Sen. John Edwards speak to IU students. I am offended, disappointed and livid at the poor judgment exercised by the UB, College Democrats, Residence Halls Association and Provost Karen Hanson in this decision, which is encouraging, perpetuating and rewarding bad behavior. The facts: In 2006, Edwards had an affair while his wife was mothering three children and recovering from breast cancer. In early 2008, Edwards ran an unsuccessful campaign for president. In August 2008, Edwards disclosed the news of his affair. The UB, funded by IU student fees, is paying Edwards $35,000 to speak for probably less than one hour on Nov. 11.

A Libertarian utopia

The recent campus debates over both the decision to invite Sen. John Edwards to speak and the appointment of Gen. Peter Pace to a prestigious teaching position have once again exposed the dual role that universities must play. In addition to fostering different viewpoints, educational institutions act as gatekeepers of knowledge, in that they have the power to legitimize certain ideologies. As we grapple with the failure of laissez-faire economics and deregulation, it seems unfair to celebrate the architect of these disastrous policies. In May 2008, the University of Chicago announced the intention to invest about $200 million in the creation of the Milton Friedman Institute.

Let’s debate ... the CPD

This year’s presidential and vice-presidential debates have been complete drivel. It’s hardly a new revelation that they leave viewers unsatisfied. Back in 1998, Walter Cronkite said “the debates are part of an unconscionable fraud that our political campaigns have become. ... The candidates participate only with the guarantee of a format that defies meaningful discourse.” It still rings true today. I sat watching the vice-presidential debate with the same intentions the few of you not playing drinking games had – to get information about our candidates. But I finished without any new information. Despite huge audiences, everyone’s mentioning how useless they think these debates are. Sadly, this has become as American as apple pie. 

Owning up

BEIJING – Around the age when we begin to ask where babies and presidents come from, we begin on a track of knowledge that eventually stalls in the realization that politicians are sometimes less than straightforward. Curiously enough, no one seems to ask why this is. Of course this observation is correct, but if the national commentary on the election is at all representative of what people really think, a politician who would only answer our prayers and give definite answers would surely be elected. The fact that no one chooses to do so indicates a problem with us, not them.

The vote stops here

It’s hard to imagine not seeing chalkings for Barack Obama or John McCain while walking to class at IU. And it’s certain the disappearance of clipboard-holding campaigners won’t happen until after Election Day. Across the state line, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign might be a politics-free zone after a five-year-old law prohibiting state employees from engaging in political activity is enforced. Originally designed to prohibit state workers from campaigning on state time or with state resources, the Governor’s Office of Executive Inspector General told the Chicago Tribune that this ban might also prohibit students from engaging in political activity on public university campuses.

Anberlin surrender all doubts

New Surrender combines the best of Anberlin’s previous two efforts. Present are the soaring hooks seen on 2005’s Never Take Friendship Personal, as well as the maturity present on 2007’s Cities.

No shuddering here

Bayside’s strength is in bombast and anthem, and Shudder doesn’t disappoint. The lyrics are especially strong and though at times it sounds like a rally for defeatists, Bayside find a way to be uplifting.

Morello again stars solo

The Fabled City shows Morello continuing his reign of fiery, politically-charged anthems. The material ranges from poignant ballads to angry folk-rock power, and fans who seek it out will not be disappointed.

Not dream worthy

And rather than jumping on the opportunities provided by her success, Hudson took time crafting her self-titled debut album. After such a long wait, the results are enjoyable, but nowhere near as sensational as her “Dreamgirls” performance suggested she could be.

Far from 'Normal'

Folds’ arrangements are pristine and catchy, and if he wrote more mature lyrics and caught up with his forward-thinking music, there’d be no stopping him.

How much caffeine is in your diet?

Consumed by caffeine

What the stimulant does to your body & brain

Covering music's best

Some fans dismiss their favorite musicians performing covers because they already know the original song too well or because the artist covering the song sways too far from their already-established sound. But instead of going the Bruce Springsteen route and simply putting his own stamp on a genre, fans of Taylor succeeds in making each song a “James Taylor song.”

The coffeehouse blend

Students get caffeinated to relax.

The coffeehouse blend

Strong signs on the trail

Self-proclaimed “king” T.I. once again delivers a strong and well-rounded album. Paper Trail should give fans enough substance to tide them over until he is once again a free man