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The week in music

Don't go if it sucks

Anyone who knows me is aware that I can be pessimistic -- occasionally bordering on downright ruthless -- in regard to the tastes of the American public. Unlike many of my peers, I don't like entertainment if I don't believe it to be quality. In other words, I won't watch something just because it's on television.

Female emporwerment through Hollywood

Feeling a little down recently, I have been doing some soul-searching. I've decided that my real life is OK. I still have the same great friends, have made some new ones and have turned 21 and thereby have had more social opportunities than ever. Classes are easy and grades are good. So what's lacking (besides the easy answer: boyfriend)? Recently, at a particularly horrible movie, I figured it all out.

Cents and the City

Let's play a little "Jeopardy!" We'll call this the Starving Actor Edition. Answer: Exactly $7.92. Question: How much money do I have to my name at this very moment? Answer: Five days. Question: How long am I supposed to live off of this? Answer: $18/hour Question: How much do I make at my current temp assignment for a major investment bank, where I am basically paid for my ability to take up space? Answer: Absolutely nothing. Question: How much have I been paid for my first two shows in New York City?

Student association celebrates Latvian Independence Day

The Baltic and Finnish Studies Association is holding a celebration today in honor of Latvian Independence Day, celebrated by Latvians around the world.

GLBT celebrates 6 years

When the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Support Services was first established in 1994, it was met with strong resistance from campus organizations and members of state legislation. Now, the GLBT is in its sixth year of existence.

Questions raised over Jordan River water quality

A complaint filed with the IU Physical Plant has brought attention to the quality of water in the Jordan River.

Sororities join forces, play host to carnival for charity

IU's Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority houses cosponsored the third annual "Carnival for Charity" Wednesday evening, raising more than $200 for Homes for Black Children, an Indianapolis adoption agency for African-American children.

Clinton blends funk, rock to delight crowd at Axis

With a 23-person army at his back, George Clinton attacked Axis, 419 N. Walnut St., with a ferocity Wednesday night, rocking the packed crowd for almost four continuous hours.

CNN needs glasses

By Nov. 7, CNN must have realized that most Americans were downright apathetic toward this election. So how could the network attract viewers on election night when this year's selection was about as appealing as a choice between a punch to the throat and a knee to the groin? Simple: Treat the election like a basketball game; make the constantly changing score the emphasis of the coverage at the expense of accuracy.

Women's rush events begin this weekend

About 1,600 women are expected to participate in sorority recruitment this weekend, visiting all 19 chapters during two days in the first step of a lengthy process.

Mini-film festival recognizes movies against Blaxploitation

Around 1967 and 1968, a group of African American filmmakers with similar ideas about the questioning of black existence in America found themselves in the fledgling film program at UCLA.

Three-fold architecture

The chemistry building never stays the same. During its 70-year history, it has undergone two major changes. Each change has transformed the building into something entirely different.

\'Angels\' soundtrack fun, fresh

While sitting in the theater watching "Charlie's Angels," one could not help noticing, albeit amid the fights, laughs and of course the Angels themselves, how incredible the music was. Purchasing the soundtrack, which is a compilation of tunes stretching back to the '70s, is truly worthwhile.

\'Liquored Up and Lacquered Down\'

There are two things that can make a good album. One is good music, the other is alcohol. With its seventh album, Liquored Up and Lacquered Down, Southern Culture on the Skids (SCOTS) accomplishes both of these, combining intelligent and interesting music with alcohol references galore.

'Les Miserables' still casts magical spell

While many might not realize it, the musical sensation "Les Miserables" is more than 20 years old. But the musical version by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Shonberg, as timeless as Victor Hugo's novel, does not seem to be losing any luster.

Orgy\'s new album sometimes catchy, sometimes repetitive

Following up its 1997 platinum-selling debut Candyass, glam/techno/metal act Orgy return to the fold with a bizarre yet occasionally engaging follow-up, Vapor Transmission.

Cash falls into mediocrity

When reviewing Johnny Cash's latest album, American III: Solitary Man, one must keep in mind the question: Is it better to end one's career when you are ahead or slowly but surely sink into mediocrity? Johnny Cash is a man who influenced not only country but rock 'n' roll as well. He is the Man in Black; he is the rebel to end all rebels. His songwriting and singing reminds one of both white-paneled churches and dark back alleys.

\'Strait Up\' tribute

True geniuses in mainstream music are rare. There is little doubt in most minds that Snot frontman Lynn Strait was a genius. On Snot's sole effort, 1997's Get Some, Strait and his Snot cohorts successfully created what they called a "hardcore lounge act," a furious blend of melody and aggression, pensiveness and rage.

Vietnam as a friend, not a foe

President Bill Clinton didn't dodge Vietnam this time. Decades after he went to England to study and avoided the war, Clinton visited the Asian country with promises of peace and a small army of businessmen eager to start trade talks and walk on the path toward forgiveness.