Don't go a week without us

What do you do at least 300 times a year? \nThere is a very short list of things. In fact, most things one does often are considered necessities, such as sleeping, eating or showering. At Union Board we plan over 300 events each year for IU students, and although I don't expect you to attend all 300, I would urge you to make Union Board part of your weekly routine. Much like the ritual of watching your favorite prime time television show or reading the Sunday paper, if you let a week slip by without going to a Union Board event, you have missed out.\nUnion Board sponsors two weekly events, IU Late Night and the Union Board Films series. \nIU Late Night is a party for IU students, and there is no cover charge. Let's be honest with each other. There really isn't that much to do in Bloomington. Yes, there are cultural events, parties and the bars, but a steady diet of any one of those things can grow stale in a hurry and burn a hole in your pocket. Late Night offers free entertainment and food every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., and to be quite honest, it is a whole lot of fun. \nTo give you an idea of Late Night, let me give you the highlights of this weekend's schedule. This lineup is one for folks who like to laugh, with improv group All Sorts of Trouble for the Boy in the Bubble performing Friday and Pumpernickel Saturday. For those on the adventurous side, check out Copoeira Angola, a Brazilian martial arts demonstration Friday, or get a free henna tattoo Saturday. Ladies First, a female a cappella group will be a featured attraction Saturday evening.\nThe Live From Bloomington Committee sponsors concerts by local musicians each week during Late Night. This weekend they are sponsoring two performances: Natalie Boeyink is the featured performer for Jazz Nights, and Three Minute Mile will play for the Live From Bloomington Showcase. If you want to see the best local talent in Bloomington, the Indiana Memorial Union is the place to go. For those who would rather sing their own tunes or just dance to their favorite songs, karaoke and a DJ dance party are both options.\nAnd I haven't even mentioned the food yet. Every weekend there is a free buffet from 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. This weekend features sub sandwiches. Late Night is a great place to come for a midnight snack, and the only plastic you will need is your IU ID, which entitles you to all the free food and programming you desire. \nThe Union Board films series runs every Thursday through Saturday with showings at 8 and 11 p.m. This semester's titles include such movies as "Shaft," "Scream 3" and the blockbuster for this weekend, "The Perfect Storm," with special start times at 7:30 and 11 p.m. \nNot only are these films easy to find, because they are shown in the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Union, but they are inexpensive. They just cost a buck Thursdays, and Fridays and Saturdays $2 will get you in the door. This is cheaper than renting a movie, and it is more enjoyable to get out of the house and see a movie on the big screen.\n Knowing that IU Late Night and Films are just two of the 13 programming committees contained within Union Board, I hope I have you convinced that a once-a-week commitment to Union Board is well worth your while. Whether you enjoy cultural events, speakers, concerts, trips or any of the other programs Union Board sponsors, we have plenty of Union Board events for you. \nDon't fall into the habit of going to class and returning to your home without experiencing all of the great events our campus has to offer. Like waking up in the morning and not having a cup of coffee, a week without Union Board will leave you feeling tired.