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Daycare dilemma

Senior Erin Fagg had to wait nearly 17 months before she could register her 3-year-old son in the day care she wanted. A single mother, Fagg said she wanted the best for Kaiden Thomas, but she wound up on a lengthy waiting list for one of IU's best day care centers. In the meantime, she enrolled Kaiden in an unlicensed center unaffiliated with the University.

Text of President Bush's televised national address from the Oval Office Tuesday after terrorist attacks across the East Coast earlier in the day, as transcribed by eMediaMillWorks, Inc.

Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors.

Tables are turned: Team asks questions

IU waxed Northwestern by nine field goals and four safeties Saturday. I said they'd lose. I was wrong. Way wrong. Let's have a little pow-wow with the football team and let them ask me questions (this is all make believe, just like Mr. Rogers and that little whistling train). Me: Mr. Cameron, I'll start with you. Coach Cameron: So, I'm fired, eh? Sure didn't look like that Saturday, now did it? You're mean. Quit being so mean. Me: No. Not until you win more than four games in a season. And I didn't appreciate that cold shoulder at Iowa. For Saturday, congrats, but you're still fired. Next, Mr. Randle El.

Photo Gallery

A storied inn

There are no telephones. No televisions. No radios. No clocks. Cell phones definitely won't get service. To some, it sounds like a nightmare, but to many, Story, Ind., is the perfect place to run to when they want to get away from life in the city.

Bush needs to conquer problem

I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a lot easier to answer questions…I can't answer your question." This is President George W. Bush at his best, trying to respond to a question about whether he wished he could take back any of his answers in the first presidential debate. All too often President Bush finds himself having trouble answering questions, indeed, even communicating effectively.

Summer DVD standouts

Letters to the editor

Sound, lighting crews praised I would like to commend the IDS for finally bringing attention to the dedicated and hardworking men and women within the sound and lighting industry. The Fraziers, Schillings, Gillespies, Schunns, Browns and many others often work tireless hours without notice in order to support and promote the local music scene. For years, I had worked side by side with all of them. Today, I work all over the country designing nightclubs and lighting productions. I have worked with the largest lighting and sound production companies in the world. So, I can honestly say that Bloomington is truly blessed with some of the most talented and professional production men and women I have ever met in my 15 years in the industry. So next time you go to an event or to see a band, give them a friendly wave and don't be afraid to send them a shot or two. Daniel Davis Chicago, IL

Curveballs and carnivals

The unmistaken effluvium of fried pork and cheap cologne floats through the dusk like a ghost ship. Pregnant teenage mothers and their boyfriends french kiss while standing in line for candy-apples. Menthol cigarettes and pawn shop jewelry. Fist fights by the House of Mirrors. Cascades of neon downpour your periphery like sour electric confetti. The colors wet the tongue. Every shade from Grape Strobe to Cotton Candy Blare. Tennis-ball Yellow and Wildfire Flash.

'America's Sweethearts' is cultural terrorism

Earlier this week, I went to see "America's Sweethearts" -- an offensively banal Julia Roberts vehicle -- so you wouldn't have to! But in case you don't appreciate my sacrifice, and plan on seeing it anyway (and, to be fair, it's always better to form your own opinions), please at least accept a few tools for understanding why this film is the slipshod, vacuous crowd-drawer that it is. The film starts after the separation of America's favorite two film stars, Eddie Thompson (John Cusack) and Gwen Harrison (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who had worked together in numerous box office hits and earned star status as a married team. Things were fine for the two of them until Gwen began sleeping with Hector (Hank Azaria), at which point Eddie became psychotic and tried to kill them both.

Letter from student leaders

It goes without saying that we, the students of Indiana University, express our deepest regret at the tragedies that have transpired in recent days. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and to their families. As our nation looks inward for support, we are reminded of the importance of community. Indiana University is comprised of nearly every race, creed, religion and nationality. All are welcome here.

Let the Oscar battle begin

The time has come. The fateful night the Hollywood year revolves around. The evening that could make or break an upcoming filmmaker or actor. The Super Bowl of the film industry. Yes, the Oscars are upon us, and Tuesday morning, the starting lineup was officially announced.

Knight to receive Texas Tech job

Bob Knight has wanted another chance to coach college basketball since IU President Myles Brand terminated his contract with IU Sept. 10. Today, Texas Tech appears ready to grant Knight his wish. The school in Lubbock, Texas, 1,100 miles southwest of Bloomington, will announce Bob Knight as its 12th men's basketball coach during a 7 p.m. press conference at the school's new United Spirit Arena.

Later, Sooners

IU defeated Oklahoma 73-64 to advance to the national title game. Forward Jeff Newton led the Hoosiers with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks off of the bench. Senior Jarrad Odle contributed 11 points. Freshman Donald Perry added 10 points, including 5 for 6 from the foul line. For the Sooners, Aaron McGhee scored 22 points but fouled out with 4:40 left in the game. IU takes on Maryland on Monday in the championship game. The Terrapins defeated Kansas 97-88 in their national semifinal matchup. Photo Gallery

Alaskan oil drilling on hold

WASHINGTON -- President Bush's plan to drill for oil in a remote Alaska wildlife refuge is all but dead for now, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said Sunday. Debate on the administration's energy plan is expected to begin in the Senate this week. An amendment that would expand domestic production of fuel -- principally by drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- is opposed by most Senate Democrats and about a half-dozen GOP senators. Republicans have acknowledged they lack the 60 votes needed to break an expected Democratic filibuster on the bill.

Jeffries chooses NBA over IU

He's gone. One week after IU's loss to Maryland in the NCAA Tournament championship game, IU sophomore Jared Jeffries declared himself eligible for the June NBA Draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility. "All my life, I've had two dreams -- the first was to hear my name called on college graduation day," Jeffries said in a press conference in Assembly Hall Monday afternoon, when he made the formal announcement. "The second was to hear my name called in the NBA Draft."

The road to a cure

College years are hard enough with a full load of classes and part-time job. For many students who have a parent diagnosed with cancer, school suddenly becomes a secondary priority. Their mother or father is sick, and their parent's wellness is the biggest miracle they can hope for, yet it is out of their hands. All they can do is wait. But sophomore Jenevra Fryer is not satisfied with waiting. She is determined to do the biggest thing she knows she can. From June 15 to 17, she will walk 60 miles from Kenosha, Wisc., to Chicago, Ill. As part of the Avon 3-Day Walk, Fryer will raise $1,900 and walk with 3,000 other women, supporters and survivors of breast cancer. The purpose of the event is to raise money for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which provides money for medical research, financial assistance to breast cancer patients, support services for patients and families, advocacy training and community education and early detection programs.

Labor, business conditions hurting consumer confidence

Consumer confidence and spending is the gauge for the short-term condition of prevailing business. The Consumer Confidence Index for the September stood at 97.6, down from 114.0 in August. 16.4-point drop within a month is the largest drop since October 1990. Although the index result is slightly different from the survey conducted before the terrorist attacks, the big picture of a downward trend has been consistent.

Around The Game

Women's doubles team advances Senior, alumni place in championship

Israeli airstrikes kill 2

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Israel used bombs and missiles Tuesday to pressure Yasser Arafat to move against Palestinian militants, striking just yards from the Palestinian leader's West Bank offices and in the Gaza Strip. Two Palestinians were killed and about 150 were injured in the attacks.