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What child is this?

Christmas could not come at any better time. Just as project deadlines begin to weigh down upon me and this mental fatigue called burnout sets in, the Christmas season bursts onto the scene, bringing a sense of joy and wonder. Evergreen appears all over the place -- a welcome sight amongst the dull gray of winter. Christmas lights twinkle on houses. All this wonderful holiday food starts popping up in stores and on the dinner table. Cards from old friends grace my mailbox. Christmas carols ring out. And did I mention the food?

'Color blindness' a myth

I'm thinking of an NBA player. Tell me when you know who he is. This point guard is in his fourth year out of college, and was traded in the off-season for being too erratic. He's often described as a "flashy showboat" who would rather make a pass behind his back and off of his elbow than make an easy pass to help his team. Although his passes excite the crowd, they often confuse his teammates.

A little reminder of great strength

Do you have a teddy bear? A security blanket? Some kind of a lucky charm that you carry around with you? I'm curious because I've been leaning on mine lately, and it got me wondering about everyone else's.

Men's soccer advances to Elite 8 with win

After edging Michigan State 1-0 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last Sunday, people began to wonder when the Hoosiers would start scoring goals. The only question pondered during IU's sweet 16 meeting with Rutgers was when the Hoosiers would stop. Behind an efficient offense and yet another defensive shutout, the Hoosiers defeated Rutgers 3-0 Sunday, securing another trip to the Elite 8.

Dean joins IU professor at national organization

An IU professor recently appointed chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities will be joined by an Honors College dean. IU Associate Dean of the Honors College Julia Bondanella recently accepted a four-year position as Assistant Chair for Programs with the NEH. In September, Bruce Cole, distinguished professor of fine arts and department chair, was confirmed by the Senate as the new chairman of the NEH. Cole said he is "delighted" at Bondanella's new involvement with the NEH.

AIDS day links local groups

Several local organizations united Saturday in honor of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day emerged from the call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on programs for AIDS prevention in 1988. It has a special place in the history of the AIDS epidemic because of its steps to open channels of communication, promote sharing of information and experience and spread social tolerance.

Sergeant suspended

Nov. 27 brought Sgt. Russell Brummett an unexpected and unwelcomed leave of absence from his job at the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Steven Sharp brought charges against Brummett and recommended he be dismissed from the sheriff's department for his participation and assistance in an alleged domestic assault. Brummett is serving a 60-day unpaid suspension without reduction in rank for withholding information from a department investigation.

Coach said losing season had ups and downs

The season has come to an end for the women's volleyball team, and the Hoosiers finished with an overall 8-20, 5-15 record. Coach Katie Weismiller said the team improved throughout the season and showed it can compete with the other teams in the Big Ten.

Voters encouraged to re-register

Hoosiers post season bests at U.S. Open

The IU women's swimming team got what it wanted out of its three-day trip to East Meadow, N.Y. for the U.S. Open Swimming Championships. Heading into the meet, head coach Dorsey Tierney said she hoped the tough competition present at the meet would help the Hoosiers gear their improvements as they look ahead to the spring championship season.

Final win overflows with emotion

It might not have been the prettiest season, but the Hoosiers managed to turn a 1-5 record around and win four of their final five games, including two against big-time rivals. First came Purdue and the return of the Old Oaken Bucket, and on Saturday the Hoosiers beat Kentucky 26-15 in a emotionally-charged game that erupted on the final snap of the game. With nine seconds left on the clock, senior Antwaan Randle El and his offense, got in the final, "victory" formation. But as soon as the ball was snapped, an IU player and a UK player threw each other on the ground. Both benches emptied onto the field as the clock expired.

Hoosiers place 2nd in U.S. Open

Traditionally, the U.S. Open has been an event where the top talents in the world clash for three days. On Saturday, the Hoosiers showed they belong under that heading, swimming to a second-place finish with 194 points. Junior David Schulze led the Hoosier scoring for much of the event.

Player's mother killed

Senior running back Levron Williams' mother was fatally shot Saturday night in Evansville. Evansville police report getting a 911 phone call just after 10 p.m. CST, and finding the body of Brenda Douglas, 37, at 10:30 p.m. in the driveway of an apartment complex. "Officers were dispatched to the address, and when they pulled into the driveway, it was an obvious gunshot wound," Sgt. Ted Mattingly of the Evansville Police Department said. "The officers called the detectives, (and it became a) crime scene."

Physical Plant faces staff cuts

IU Physical Plant workers will be laid off as the University braces for Gov. Frank O'Bannon's proposed budget cuts, officials confirmed Sunday. Vice President for Administration Terry Clapacs said nine or 10 employees could lose their jobs within the next six months. "We're considering nine potential layoffs and other positions may not become filled," Clapacs said. "Right now I think the number we're working with is between nine and 10, but there also may not be positions filled through retirement or normal vacancy should they become open."

Davis says fans key to team's loss

Before the season began, Mike Davis said if the Hoosiers could end their stretch of six road games to start the season with a 4-2 record, he would be happy. After Saturday's 72-60 loss at Southern Illinois, IU is 4-2, but Davis isn't happy.

Supporting cast steps up for blowout win

IU is more than just seniors Jill Chapman and Heather Cassady. That was apparent Friday night against Illinois State with a 101-53 Hoosier victory. In that game, juniors Jill Hartman and Allison Skapin turned in strong performances off the bench for IU, scoring 18 and 10 points, respectively.

Freshman finds role in NCAA victory

Freshman midfielder Ned Grabavoy came to IU as the best player in IU's highly touted 2001 recruiting class. In his final high school season he was named National Player of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, was the Illinois Player of the Year and captained the Under-18 U.S. 2000-2001 National Team.

Team wins weekend tournament

The women's basketball team cleared off the awards table Saturday as athletic director Michael McNeely passed out clear trophies to IU players, coaches and managers. The Hoosiers also had wiped away the field in claiming the Holiday Inn/Fazoli's Classic at Assembly Hall after trouncing winless Illinois State and holding off Big Sky opponent Northern Arizona.

Behrman's parents, FBI agent to lead safety discussion

The parents of missing IU student Jill Behrman will by joined by an FBI agent to to discuss Jill's disappearance and address the issue of personal safety in Bloomington at 7 p.m. today in the Whittenberger Auditorium.

Sorority, Girl Scouts team up for learning, fun

Local Girl Scouts spent Saturday afternoon at Kappa Delta sorority, 1005 N. Jordan Avenue, earning badges. The 70 girls worked to earn the "Manners" badge, the "Dancercise" badge and the Kappa Delta/Girl Scout badge "Lending Hearts and Hands."