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(04/23/02 5:09am)
Speaking to a lively crowd Monday night, Cynthia Graham, Ph.D, director of graduate education at the Kinsey Institute, addressed issues concerning gender differences and sexual arousal. The lecture, sponsored by the Women's Student Association, was held in the Collins coffee shop last night to serve as a mass meeting for WSA.\nThe lecture delivered by Graham explored gender differences in sexual arousal and response, a topic that has received attention recently. \n"Gender difference is a hot academic topic right now," she said. "What we have found through our research is that in the past 50 years, differences between men's and women's sexual experiences have diminished. However, there are still several important differences."\nGraham said one important difference is frequency and onset of masturbation. She pointed out that while men generally begin masturbating at the onset of puberty, women often do not start until their twenties or thirties.\n"There are several women in their forties and fifties discovering masturbation," she said. "Quite happily in fact."\nGraham added that women will start masturbating at seven or eight years old, but not nearly in the numbers that men do. \n"Nearly 99 percent of males begin masturbation at puberty, compared to approximately 40 percent of females," she said.\nAnother key gender difference discussed by Graham was the difference in attitudes toward casual sex. While differences in attitudes about sexual activity other than intercourse are virtually nonexistent, with intercourse opinions vary widely.\nGraham cited a study conducted by the University of Chicago, in which women and men were both asked whether it was wrong to have sex if they weren't "in love." Over seventy-five of the women polled said that it was wrong, but only fifty-three percent of males agreed. \nGraham said she believes this difference is caused by cultural factors governing sexuality.\n"Restrictions are placed on women's sexuality," she said. "Men are seen as aggressors, and females as passive, not encouraged to explore their sexuality."\nThe third major difference in gender sexuality is female response to visual erotic stimuli. Graham said many people think women are more stimulated by romance than eroticism, but that perception is not supported by research.\n"Most erotic films are made by males for males," she said. "These tend to be the films selected, and they don't appeal to women. They often include many more close-ups of the genitalia and have less of a context for sexual activity than female directed erotica."\nThe lecture was concluded with Graham explaining the reason behind the gender differences. She said the differences have three major causes.\n"One major reason for the differences between the genders is anatomical," she said. "Women's genitals are hidden and not easy to explore, but males are external, visible and easily explored. Another factor is cultural; women are less likely to be sexually adventurous due to cultural mores. Finally, there are other factors, such as fear of pregnancy."\nFreshman Madeline Leung, vice president of WSA, was pleased with the lecture.\n"We expected Dr. Graham to relate sexuality to sexism more than she did," she said. "However, her lecture was informative, and informed everyone about the major theories of sexual differences." \nThe lecture was part of the call out process being employed by the new president of WSA, junior Megan Miller. She said WSA currently has seven core members and 300 on its mailing list. \n"There are two core members graduating at the end of the year," she said. "We are looking for people to replace them and help organize our events throughout the year."\nMiller said WSA works with Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Campus for Choice and the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender support services, but remains apolitical.\n"Though WSA has a lot of common membership with these other organizations we accept people of all genders, sexual orientations and political beliefs," she said.\nMiller said the main goal of WSA is to eliminate all forms of oppression, from gender discrimination to ageism, through education.\nTo learn more about the Women's Student Association e-mail wsa@indiana.edu.
(04/19/02 5:22am)
The Mike and Joe concert sponsored by Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity was halted early Thursday morning when two guests were found with alcohol. The concert, which was scheduled from midnight to 3 a.m., was halted at about 1:10 a.m.\nAccording to a memo to Assistant Dean of Students James Gibson, the event, which was registered with the Student Activities Office, was intended to be a dry function. Twenty members of TKE ran security, along with Troy Thompson, an off-duty police officer. \nTKE president Bill Surprise said partygoers were searched at the door for alcohol, and any found was immediately thrown away. He said all containers were thrown out.\n"We searched people coming in, but unfortunately it is illegal to pat down males entering a party," he said. "A nonmember was able to smuggle in a beer, which he then poured into a cup provided for the non-alcoholic punch we were serving."\nSurprise said Scott Thierry, a police officer on duty, entered the TKE property through a side door and saw nonmembers consuming alcohol. When Surprise was alerted to Thierry's presence he sought him out, Surprise said. Thierry told Surprise and TKE vice president Phillip Verspelt to end their party immediately.\nAfter conferring with Dean Gibson on the phone, Surprise announced the concert was to be shut down. Surprise estimates TKE lost $3,000 by ending the event early. \nSurprise added he never personally saw the alcohol that was allegedly present.\n"Right now the decision is in Dean Gibson's hands," he said. "However, I would like to see the chapter not held responsible. The University's attitude towards the greek system needs to be looked at; they should be willing to aid us. We are being punished when we have no control over the individuals in question."\nDean Gibson could not be reached for comment yesterday.\nInterfraternity Council president Colin Godecke said it is too early to determine what disciplinary actions will be taken.\n"If TKE's version of the story is accurate then their punishment will not be too severe," he said. "However, I cannot speak for the Greek Judicial Board."\nAt Alpha Tao Omega, 1,440 hotdogs and buns sit unused from a Hotties and Hotdogs philanthropy event slated to benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The alcohol-free event was scheduled for Thursday from 1 to 4 a.m. Representatives of the Student Activities Office refused to register the event because of its late-night timing. The time slot runs counter to the academic mission of the university, ATO president Greg Laux was told. He agreed. \n"We were disappointed," he said, "but we went along with it." \nEditor in Chief Christina Jewett contributed to this report.
(04/18/02 5:25am)
Residents of the dorms will be facing higher security measures this weekend as RPS prepares for the influx of visitors to campus. Included in these safety precautions are an increased police presence and continuously locked doors to residence halls. \nIn a memo to residents of Foster Quad, the precautions for the weekend were outlined by Marcia Hicks, residence manager of Foster. The memo explicitly reminds residents to check in guests and carry their key on them at all times.\n"Those of you who have experienced 'The World's Greatest College Weekend' already know how much fun it can be," she said. "Those of you who haven't will soon find out. Unfortunately, 'The World's Greatest College Weekend' can quickly turn tragic, unless certain precautions are taken."\nSenior JeNeva Adams, a resident assistant in Foster Harper, said increased enforcement will be standard throughout the residence halls over the weekend.\n"The main problems that we will be looking for this weekend are alcohol-related," she said. "We need to make sure that people aren't drinking in their rooms and getting out of control."\nAdams said the lounges in Foster will be locked down all weekend to prevent destruction of University property. She said in the past, furniture has been thrown out of windows by partying students.\nIUPD will also be playing an increased role in dorm security this weekend, according to Adams. She said IUPD will be called in more frequently this weekend as backup in case of disturbances.\n"If there is a large group of students partying together in a room IUPD will be called more often than not," she said. "With the amount of visitors expected this weekend, we are just trying to maintain a safe environment."\nFreshman Ashley Groth said she is glad that there is an emphasis on safety for the residence halls.\n"With the number of people coming to visit this weekend I think it's great that the University is trying to maintain safety for everybody," she said. "I can see how some potentially bad things could happen this weekend, and the extra enforcement is just trying to prevent dangerous situations"
(04/15/02 4:43am)
A sea of greek letters faced Will Keim as he delivered a lecture Thursday night at Assembly Hall. Keim, a motivational speaker and alumnus of Delta Upsilon fraternity, addressed the members of IU's greek system about the pride and responsibility associated with fraternity and sorority life.\nHe began his address by reading an excerpt from Sports Illustrated about the ill-fated American Airlines flight that plummeted into a Pennsylvania field Sept. 11. The story included testimonials about the heroes of the flight, extolling the courage the passengers displayed in the face of adversity.\n"If someone says you never tried to be the hero, but you always were, you have lived your life well," Keim said. "I am proud to be greek, but do we, as greeks, have the guts to face our challenges?"\nKeim then took a lighter note, teasing common perceptions of the greek system.\n"When I tell people I am a member of Delta Upsilon, they respond that they didn't have to buy their friends," he said. "When I was initiated in 1971, I paid a $200 initiation fee, and in return I got over 50,000 brothers worldwide. That's less than a dime a friend -- a hell of a good investment if you ask me!"\nKeim reminded audience members that greeks have donated more than $50,000 and 10 million hours of community service in the past year and that many leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., were members of sororities or fraternities. He added that greeks, on average, have higher scholarship and leadership skills than other college students.\nKeim also addressed more serious topics, including hazing, alcohol and drug abuse and sexual assault. He emphasized to fraternity men that it is their responsibility to act like gentlemen and make sure women leave their houses escorted.\nKeim specifically said that sleeping with a woman who was too intoxicated to know what she was doing is wrong. So is the use of date rape drugs like GHB and Rohypnol, he said. \nKeim reminded audience members to take care of themselves sexually and practice safer sex.\nHe also tackled the subject of drug abuse, cautioning students not to take drugs lightly. He said the Safe Campus Act of 1990 makes a misdemeanor drug offense into a felony that will haunt students for the rest of their lives.\nKeim spoke against abuse of alcohol as well.\n"Eighty percent of the students who fail out of school have an alcohol problem," he said. "Two-thirds of women who are raped were under the influence at the time. Alcohol can be a problem."\nSophomore Meghan Miller said she enjoyed Keim's speech but disagreed with some of what Keim said.\n"I really liked what he said," she said. "He's really funny. However, I don't think that whether or not a woman is intoxicated makes any difference in rape. I really disagree with him correlating a violent attack with having a few drinks."\nFreshman Adam Steer said he took a lot away from the address.\n"I think every chapter on campus could learn a lot from Dr. Keim," he said. "He clearly illustrated what being in a fraternity or sorority should be and mean to a person"
(04/11/02 6:18am)
Crunch time is rapidly approaching for graduates; in less than a month they will leave behind the familiarity of campus for the daily grind of the real world. Though being forced to leave, this year's graduating class faces many different challenges when they leave IU.\nFrom fortune finder to Fortune 500\nSenior Abby Berzinis is graduating with a degree in computer information systems and landed a job with Fifth Third Bank's corporate office in Cincinnati. She enters the real world June 17, but plans on continuing to work for University Information Technology Services until the end of May, when she will return home to gather her belongings, travel and prepare for her new life. \nShe interviewed with more than 10 companies throughout the course of her senior year, from banking and manufacturing firms to Big Five consulting groups. During college, she held internship positions at Deloitte & Touche and United Way, as well as with a consulting firm. On campus, she actively participated in the Kelley School of Business Civic Leadership Development program and was a member of Phi Mu sorority. \nBerzinis said she didn't have a hard time deciding what she wanted to do. \n"The decision for many business majors is to either go corporate or go consulting," she said. "I interned at a Big Five consulting firm over the summer and I decided that consulting wasn't for me. Everyone has their personal preference."\nThough she has a job, Berzinis said she waited for the right one to come along.\n"Try not to settle for just any job," she said as advice to next year's graduates. "Choosing a position that you will enjoy is much more important than making sure you don't go home to live with mom and dad. If finding that job ends up taking a little more time than expected, so be it. If not, you'll be miserable until you quit."\nStill searching \nSenior Laura Blanford doesn't have any definite plans after graduation. The business honors student will graduate with a degree in marketing, but she does not have a job lined up. \n"I'm looking to sublet my apartment and move home," she said. "I'll travel a bit this summer and then work as an office temp until the fall. There is a slight possibility I'll have a job in Los Angeles, but if that falls through I'm still looking for other full-time work."\nThough she is currently unemployed, Blanford has been searching for a job since September. She has interviewed with Target, Marshall Field's, The May Company, TAC Americas, Kohl's and Bloomingdale's, but recruiters have told her that they are searching for fewer people because of the decline in the economy. \nBlanford will continue to search, but is also considering alternate service projects.\n"I'm submitting an application to AmeriCorps," she said. "I may choose to do that for a year and either go back to school or find a job when I get out."\nThe wanderer \nThough he has no job or graduate school lined up, senior Matt Riley isn't worried. The religious studies major plans on applying for Fullbright grants so he can study in Germany for a year.\nRiley said he is not seeking immediate employment for several reasons. \n"I don't want a job right away for three reasons," he said. "Jobs suck! I plan on being in school for a long, long time. Besides, I am too young to grow up and get fat and grouchy."\nRiley said the Peace Corps is also an option.\n"I think the Peace Corps would be totally awesome," he said. "I am seriously considering it"
(04/09/02 6:06am)
With unemployment reaching ten-year highs and the economy continuing on its downward slide, the job searches for this year's graduating class are turning into frustrating tasks. This year over 7,000 students are set to graduate from IU Bloomington, but fewer and fewer of them have employment lined up for after graduation. \n"I interviewed with Owens Corning, Kimberly Clark, Ford Motor Company and Kraft," senior Jade Gentry said. "Interviewing was five times as hard this year. With the economy as it is companies are interviewing for between three and seven slots, compared to 20 or more in previous years. The economy is in a slump, and that is definitely showing in searching for a job."\nUnemployment rose to over 5.7 percent in March, with higher unemployment expected in the future. Despite the disheartening employment figures, economists believe a recovery is imminent. Unemployment is a lagging indicator, meaning unemployment may continue to rise after the economy starts to recover.\nAlso affected by the recent economic slump are sophomores and juniors searching for internships to build job experience.\n"I interviewed for several internship positions," sophomore Rebekah Rankin said. "But since the economy is awful companies are only taking seniors or maybe juniors."\nPlacement offices on campus have been working overtime to help students get employment, but fewer positions are available for interviewing.\n"Recruiting is down about twenty percent," said Randy Powell, director of business placement for the Kelley School of Business. "But a high percentage of students graduating took interviews. It is turning out to be a slower, but not necessarily a bad year for the Kelley graduates that we serve."\nMarcia Debnam, in the School of Journalism placement office, suggested job hunters to examine every option.\n"Cast your net widely," she said. "Be willing to go wherever the job is if that is all that is possible. Have the best possible resume, cover letter and portfolio you can. Follow up on all contacts. Be patient. Be politely persistent. Be willing to take a job that is not your dream job."\nHarriet Castrataro, academic and career advisor for the department of applied health science, offered similar advice.\n"Polish your interview skills any way you can," she said. "Broaden your job search to include Web sites, newspapers, faculty and advisor mentors. Above all, communicate your goals to everyone you meet"
(04/09/02 4:29am)
IU visitors consistently remark on the beauty of campus as one of the University's main selling points. But, often this beauty is marred with unsightly trash and litter. To combat this, the Residence Halls Association and Residential Programs and Services sponsored a spring cleaning event Saturday morning.\nVolunteers met at the center desks of Read Center and Teter and McNutt quads at noon, where they were instructed on how to handle the litter. They were told not to pick up needles, medical supplies or broken glass. The volunteers then cleaned the three residential neighborhoods for two hours and met at Teter for pizza -- a reward for a job well done.\nRHA environmental director Ryan Amtmann, a senior, said the project was a great way for RHA to clean the campus while enjoying the weather.\n"We're trying to clean the areas of campus that may be missed, like the bushes close to the buildings," he said. "This campus is so beautiful, it shouldn't be marred with trash."\nRHA philanthropy director Cassie Cook said the project has been in the works for months.\n"We began thinking about this project in January," she said. "This is a type of a trial run. We want to see what works and what doesn't so the next time we sponsor an event like this it runs more smoothly."\nCook said all residence halls were cleaned, with the exception of Foster Quad.\n"Foster was sponsoring Fosterstock today, so there was no way we would have been able to clean around the people watching the bands," she said.\nBending over to remove a candy bar wrapper from a bush, junior Tony Bontrager said he was happy to help out.\n"I am an RA, so I wanted to help clean up where I live," he said. "Also, my fraternity, Kappa Delta Rho, wanted to help with this project, so some of the brothers are here today too. Our house is involved with community service, and what better community to serve than the students"
(04/08/02 6:30am)
Between 5 p.m. Monday, April 1, and 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, a valuable statue was stolen from the courtyard behind the Indiana Memorial Union. The bronze work, entitled "Soul," was donated to the University and has been located in the courtyard for the past ten years. It is worth an estimated $25,000.\n"Soul" is a four-and-a-half foot statue of a man in a loincloth reaching toward the sky. It was stolen from its marble base in a courtyard outside a lounge on the mezzanine level, near the tree suites. The area around the IMU was searched, but the statue was not recovered. \nIU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger said IUPD is publicizing the loss of the statue in hopes of recovering it. \n"We are mainly concerned with recovering the property," he said. "The monetary value of the statue is secondary to the aesthetic value."\nMinger said he suspects students stole the statue as a memento of the final NCAA game of the season. He added that statue thefts have occurred in the past, including the fish statues in Showalter Fountain. \n"This year we had the Physical Plant remove the fish from Showalter Fountain," he said. "But we can't remove every statue on campus."\nMinger said he believes the statue was removed by a group of students.\n"This work is of considerable weight and difficult to conceal," he said. "It would have taken at least two or three men to remove it, and they would have had to stop and rest."\nFreshman Eldred Stubbs said the theft is unnecessary.\n"It's really messed up that students are stealing school property," he said. \nGraduate student John Randall also expressed concern about the motivation of the theft.\n"I understand that people were upset about losing the basketball game," he said. "But stealing school property is really unnecessary. All it does is increase the cost of attending school."\nGraduate student David Zimmer remains hopeful that IUPD will recover the statue. \n"I hope they are able to erect the statue again," he said. "The artwork here is meant for all students to enjoy."\nAnyone who believes they were a witness to this crime or believes they may have information that would assist in the investigation is asked to contact the Investigations Section of the IU Police Department at (812) 855-4292 or send an e-mail to Detective Richard Seifers at rseifers@indiana.edu.
(03/29/02 4:09am)
This fall the sidewalks on 10th Street and Fee Lane will be clear of debris, fencing and construction materials. The covered walkway will be gone, and with it, the heavy machinery. These eyesores, a constant since construction of the Kelley School of Business Graduate and Executive Education Center began, will be eliminated with the opening of the state-of-the-art facility in August. \nThe project, which has been under construction for almost two years, will be completed for the next academic year. Paul Robbins, director of special programs and projects for the Kelley School of Business, said construction is behind schedule, but the building will open in time.\n"The project is currently three weeks behind schedule," he said. "We expect to be moving in early June 2002, and we will hold class in the facility in August."\nThe new center came with a hefty price tag of $34 million, most of which was privately funded. Robbins said $13.5 million was contributed by the state, and $30.5 million was raised from private funding. Some funds were used to renovate existing classrooms in the Kelley School of Business. Robbins said the project is currently on budget.\nThe new facility is necessary because of crowding in the business school, Robbins said. \n"The current building is operating at full capacity, forcing us to use off-campus facilities," Robbins said. "The new building will permit us to reunify operations and permit us to grow our graduate programs."\nBoth faculty and students are excited about the new facilities. Senior Kristen VanderVelde, who has been admitted to the MBA program, said she is impressed with the new home of the graduate programs.\n"We went on a tour, and it is so impressive," she said. "There are thousands of ethernet ports and other technological advantages. I am thrilled to be able to use such wonderful facilities."\nBruce Jaffe, professor of business economics and public policy in the Kelley School of Business Graduate Programs, said he anticipates the move.\n"We are all anxiously awaiting moving in to what nobody but me calls the West Wing of the business school," Jaffe said.
(03/18/02 5:14am)
Students stream by the desk where members of Alpha Phi Alpha sit, some stopping to listen. Behind the fraternity members in the Indiana Memorial Union is a bulletin board littered with posters from past events and current charity efforts.\nThe project these men are raising money for, however, is different than most.\nThey aren't raising money for a local charity; they're sitting behind desks at the IMU to raise money for something timeless and awe-inspiring to them, they said, something created by their fraternity and placed in the nation's capitol.\nThe men of Alpha Phi Alpha are attempting to raise money for the Martin Luther King Memorial, which is to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.\nAlpha Phi Alpha has made the memorial to Dr. King a national project, involving chapters across the nation. \nJunior Dominic Paicely said Alpha Phi Alpha has been involved with the memorial project since its conception.\n"The Dr. Martin Luther King Project is about 18 years in the making, with the memorial project's proposal taking place in 1984," he said. \nThe monument, which will be constructed on a four-acre site on the Tidal Basin, sits within sight of the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. It will be the only monument in Washington D.C. to honor an African American and the final monument to be constructed on the Mall.\nThe design for the memorial was chosen from more than 900 entries from world-renowned artists, architects and sculptors. \nIn a statement, design panel juror Karen Phillips, president and CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation, said the design selected most closely mirrors the goals of the project.\n"The selected design addressed the physical context, site conditions and philosophical symbolism of the location while ensuring that the program elements -- 'The Man, The Message, The Movement' -- were incorporated into a memorial respectful of Dr. King's legacy," she said.\nSenior Alvoy Lewis Bryan said Alpha Phi Alpha is spearheading the project because Dr. King was a member of the fraternity's Boston University chapter.\nPaicely said the fraternity is trying to raise funds for the project by next year. The national fraternity has had the authority to raise funds since November 1996 and may continue to fundraise until November 2003. The IU chapter's goal is $5,000.\n"During our week, we reserved space in the IMU literature booths," Paicely said. "We also took donations at all of our events and held a raffle during our party, where we were able to raise additional funds. With that being over with, we are now in the process of planning a formal informational presentation."\nThe chapter also plans on throwing a social fundraiser later this semester.\nDespite the efforts of Alpha Phi Alphas nationwide, the goal of $100 million is going to be difficult to achieve, Paicely said.\n"With a national goal of $100 million and the deadline only 20 months away, we can only ask for everyone's support and remain optimistic that the national goal will be reached before its due date," he said. "Every member of Alpha Phi Alpha's Gamma Eta chapter has worked to the best of his ability to make this a success"
(03/07/02 6:26am)
After deliberating for hours last night, the IUSA elections commission delivered its decision concerning election disputes. In a two page decision released early this morning, the commission cleared the Steel and Synergy tickets of all charges levied against them. The Kirkwood ticket was found to be in violation of two sections of the elections code, thus requiring members of the executive slate to complete twenty hours of community service.\nKirkwood was found guilty of violating elections code section 603, improper use of e-mail, because of the mass e-mails sent out by the Kirkwood ticket. The commission stated the penalty was imposed because the ticket did not blind carbon copy the e-mail, allowing students to respond to the entire mailing list and disrupting the University's e-mail systems. \nThe commission fined Kirkwood $231.75, nine percent of their total budget.\nKirkwood was not found guilty of voter fraud under section 602, but was censured for the language of a letter to pledges in fraternities. The commission found Kirkwood guilty under section 601, stating the ticket intimidated pledges. \nThe decision states: "Kirkwood's stated use of a non-existent Vote Tracker system to track the effectiveness of individual pledges was misleading and intimidation thinly veiled. Considering the nature of the male greek system and its pledge practices, the commission finds it highly improbable that some form of intimidation and coercion was not meant to be exerted on pledges."\nFor this offense Kirkwood was fined $463.50, 18 percent of their total budget.\nKirkwood does not plan on appealing the decision, but expressed concern over the decision of the committee. In a statement, the ticket said that while they do not agree with the decision, they "wholeheartedly accept" the ruling as it stands.\n"While we are very concerned by the ruling of the commission, as it is clear that outside perceptions and pre-determined stereotypes had a large impact on the ruling, we will not be appealing the decision," Kirkwood said in the statement.\nSteel was absolved of the complaint alleging unescorted campaigning activity in Forest Quad.\nSophomore Jeff Wuslich, Steel presidential candidate, said he is pleased his ticket was cleared of all wrongdoing.\n"I am glad that the committee cleared the ticket," he said. "We did our best to run a fair, clean campaign, and that came through. We are sorry that we had a misunderstanding with Mr. Starks, and we apologize again for waking him up."\nHowever, Steel may file an appeal searching for stronger penalties against the Kirkwood ticket. They have until 5 p.m. today to do so.\n"Right now we are in the process of deciding whether or not we will appeal," Wuslich said. "It depends on what the members of my ticket want to do."\nSynergy was also absolved of all charges. The ticket was found innocent of voter fraud, breaking and entering, defacing campus and illegally obtaining a key to Briscoe Quad.\nJunior Brian Daviduke, Synergy presidential candidate, said he agrees completely with the commission's decisions.\n"The charges filed against my ticket were ridiculous and retaliatory in nature," he said. "We filed our complaints because the members of my ticket were forced to campaign against unfair practices."\nSynergy does not plan on appealing the decisions of the commission.\nElections commissioner Joe Walterman said the decisions reached by the commission were appropriate.\nIf appealed, all contestments will be heard by the IUSA Supreme Court.
(03/06/02 6:32am)
Put in your earplugs Bloomington, and pray that you get some sleep. Bloomington, often thought to be a sleepy college town, has been named to the "Noisy Dozen" this month by Noise Free America. Bloomington is the fifth city to receive this title.\nThis dubious distinction has been bestowed upon Bloomington because of noise pollution. Ted Rueter, the executive director and founder of Noise Free America, defines noise as unwanted sound.\n"Sound becomes noise when it is unwanted and uncontrolled," he said. "And any sound over 80 decibels is noise. At that level it becomes physically and psychologically harmful."\nThe Noise Free America Web site lists common sources of city noise, including cars with loud stereos, leaf blowers, boom boxes, rock concerts and nightclubs.\nNoise Free America believes that Bloomington residents are assaulted with a barrage of unwanted noise every day, which lowers the quality of living in the town.\nRueter said one thing Bloomington could do to cut back on the noise is to outlaw boom cars -- cars with extremely loud sound systems. \n"The federal government regulates every aspect of automobiles but the sound system," he said. "That doesn't make sense, and it presents a major safety concern. With the system turned up the driver cannot hear police or fire sirens."\nRueter added that boom cars are often associated with gang activity, which is why Chicago has outlawed them.\n"Chicago has enacted an ordinance that prohibits boom cars," he said. "If a car can be heard from 75 feet away the car is confiscated and the owner is charged a $610 fine to get it back. Because of these measures, boom car sales have dropped by one third and two boom car shops have closed."\nRueter adds that even though two shops have closed the measure has done more good than bad.\n"This measure has put regard for the public welfare first," he said.\nThaddeus McCortland, founder of Noise Free Indiana, said that Bloomington has sound ordinances but enforcement is lax.\n"City and state have noise ordinances, but enforcement is problematic," he said in a press release. "There is de facto no enforcement of motor vehicle noise laws by County Sheriff (Steve) Sharp. The Bloomington police do better, but Mayor (John) Fernandez and the Common Council seem to lack the political will to stamp out noise terrorism."\nDoris Sims, the director of the Housing and Neighborhood Development committee, said the "Quiet Nights" initiative, which has been in place for two years, was designed to raise awareness in Bloomington.\n"We are making residents aware that noises affect everybody," she said. "We are spreading the word of "Quiet Nights" through advertising. This initative supports civility between neighbors."\nBloomington Police Captain Mike Diekhoff said there has been greater enforcement of the "Quiet Nights" ordinances enacted by the city, but the number of complaints is still high.\n"It all depends on who you ask, but I am of the opinion that the noise ordinances of Bloomington are productive," he said. "When responding to a noise complaint, an officer has three choices. He can either write a $50 ticket for violating the city noise ordinance, arrest the owner/leasee of the residence for disorderly conduct, or do nothing. We allow the officers to decide, on the severity of the infraction, what to do."\nDiekhoff added he believes the punishments for infractions are an effective deterrent. \n"I know I wouldn't want a ticket or to be arrested and spend a night in jail because my stereo was turned up too loud," he said.\nSims said "Quiet Nights" does not apply to students living on campus. Bloomington police can only enforce noise infractions that occur off campus, leaving on campus infractions to the IUPD.
(03/05/02 4:47am)
The sounds of change echoed through the Moot Court Room yesterday afternoon. In an address to students and the public, the commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, Kathleen Q. Abernathy, outlined broad policy statements that affect every phone-using, television-viewing American. \nAbernathy, who was appointed by President George W. Bush in May 2001, outlined the guiding principles of her role during a time of rapid and important policy changes regarding broadband, as well as TV station and newspaper ownership. She also defined what the FCC's mission is and how it will exercise its power.\nAbernathy's address precedes the publication of an article stating her principles on on many issues in the Federal Communications Law Journal. The March issue of the journal, which is published at IU, will be released in a week.\nKaren Klein, a second year associate with the Journal, said Abernathy's speech is part of the tradition of FCC commissioners speaking at IU. Last year, FCC Commissioner Harold Furchgott-Roth spoke at IU.\n"Abernathy is here to orally present her policy statement, 'My View from the Doorstep of FCC Change,' in the Journal," Klein said. "It's concerned with the major issues with telecommunications." \nThe FCC has vast regulatory powers over modes of communication, including wireless communication, telecommunication, broadcast networks, and media ownership.\nTom Brummett, editor in chief of the FCLJ, said Abernathy's policies have far-reaching implications.\n"Her policies can have millions of dollars in impact," he said.\nAbernathy, in her address, said what she believed were the principles on which the FCC should operate. She asserts Congress sets the priorities of the FCC, and the agency has the responsibility to follow those priorities. Abernathy also said a free market makes better choices for the public than FCC regulatory action.\n"Policy should only correct market failures," she said. \nAbernathy stated the FCC should have fewer and more streamlined regulations that are rigorously enforced.\n"Consumers are better served by the government when there are fewer rules and greater enforcement than prescriptive regulations," she said. "My goal is to assure that FCC regulations are streamlined and clear, with consistent enforcement."\nAbernathy also said the FCC can never achieve the knowledge base of the rapid changes that impact the firms it regulates. The FCC should be "humble about what it knows" and reluctant to intervene in emerging markets.\nShe believes the government should not regulate markets that it does not understand, pointing to the example of wireless communications.\n"It is extremely difficult to predict the twists and turns of the market," she said. "The FCC sold PCS (alternative to cellular) rights divided into 493 regions. We did not anticipate the growth of national providers."\nCurrently an issue plaguing the FCC is cross-ownership of both broadcasting stations and newspapers. \nCurrent FCC policy prohibits any corporation from owning more than 35 percent of the television stations in any market. It also prevents common ownership of a daily newspaper and a broadcast station in the same market.\nAbernathy said she wishes to see the market determine who owns the stations. However, Abernathy said the FCC is examining whether corporate conglomeration will decrease the number of differing opinions in the media. \n"The question is whether diversity of opinions is harmed," Abernathy said. "If we don't have hard evidence to back up that claim then there is no reason to prevent cross-ownership."\nIf hard evidence does prove that diversity of ideas is limited, the agency may reinstate ownership caps. \nBrummett said that Abernathy's policies will have wide-ranging implications in the media industry. However, the changes will mostly affect urban markets such as Detroit, Chicago, New York and Dallas.\n"This removes one of the few roadblocks that are left preventing massive conglomeration," he said. "Pretty soon everything will be owned by two or three companies."\nThe issue is currently being debated in the Senate and the courts. A Feb. 25 federal appeals court decision struck down ownership caps that limit the amount of people one broadcast company can reach within a given area.
(03/01/02 5:17am)
Cold weather and slick roads have delayed the first annual Jill Behrman Unity Ride, sponsored by Delta Upsilon. The ride, which was to take place this Saturday, has been postponed to March 30 in hopes of better weather.\nThe noncompetitive ride follows a course through southern Bloomington, a favorite riding area of Jill's. Starting at Jackson Street Middle School, the ride makes an 11-mile loop and ends back at the school. Brian Behrman, Jill's brother and Delta Upsilon alumnus, said the course will take riders where his sister loved to ride.\n"The south end of town is where my sister loved to ride," he said. "In fact, the first mile or so of the route is probably where she was riding that morning (she disappeared)."\nBiking was a favorite pastime of Jill, who disappeared May 31, 2000, while riding before work. Her bike was found June 5, 2000, but there has been no further trace of her.\nThe event is a fundraiser for Jill's House, a nonprofit organization that, once complete, will provide lodging for patients undergoing outpatient therapy for cancer at the IU Proton Therapy facility. Aaron Pitzele, Delta Upsilon event coordinator, said the center will provide much-needed assistance for those suffering from cancer.\n"(Jill's House) is a project that will provide a home-like residence for patients at the Proton Therapy facility," he said.\nPitzele said the event has seen positive responses from the campus and the community.\n"Many of the houses on campus are participating, and the ones that are not had prior commitments," he said. "We are hoping for 150 participants."\nMatt Weisseg, Delta Upsilon vice-president of public relations, said the event has been planned for a long time.\n"We've wanted to do something since Jill disappeared," he said. "DU wants to show our support for Brian and his entire family. This specific event was conceived about seven months ago, and we have been working hard to make it happen."\nPitzele said Jill became a fixture at DU while her brother lived in the house.\n"Jill visited often when her brother was living in the house," he said. "She became friends with many of the guys."\nBehrman agreed. He said Jill became "one of the guys."\n"She came over a lot and became friends with a lot of the brothers," he said. "She even went on her spring break vacation with the DU guys."\nBehrman also said he is touched by the effort his brothers have put towards this event.\n"I'm so glad that they are putting forth this much effort, and that they're doing this for my family," he said. "It's great because many of these guys don't know me, but they're still giving their time and effort to help a brother that they don't know."\nApplications for the Jill Behrman Unity Ride are available at http://www.indiana.edu/~duwebpg/rideforjill.html. The cost is $15 if pre-registered and $18 at the ride.
(02/28/02 4:44am)
Independence is the goal of the Graduate and Professional Student Organization, and the organization is rapidly approaching its achievement. A constitution proposed in December, which establishes the GPSO as an independent organization and breaks it away from the IU Student Association, has been ratified by several academic departments.\nEmily Nagoski, GPSO director of public relations, said the process to get the constitution ratified is in the hands of the students it will affect.\n"Currently we are in the process of ratifying a new constitution that clearly asserts (the GPSO's) status as the sole governing body for professional and graduate students," she said. "Because these actions are driven by the voices of our constituents and not the agenda of the organization leaders, this constitution will not be valid unless ratified by the majority of graduate and professional student body."\nThe move for independence had a mixed reception by the students it would affect.\n"While the original vote for independence was not unanimous, we had a clear majority," Nagoski said. "That vote happened over a year ago, and the sentiment among graduate students has grown more and more positive. As we move towards independence, graduate students are becoming more and more aware of the important work we do, and that only increases their positive view of our independence."\nSeveral departments have already ratified the new constitution, with many more to vote before spring break. Craig Ortsey, graduate government committee chair, said the departments to vote will most likely vote in favor of the independence. \n"Those departments with active GPSO reps should be conducting their votes before spring break, and we are in the process of contacting those departments without active representation," he said. "My department has already unanimously ratified the constitution, and more should as soon as we approach the spring break deadline."\nGPSO astronomy representative Heidi Tebbe said the response in her department has been positive.\n"The graduate students in my department have responded positively to this new constitution," she said. "I think ratification will be successful. Separating the two governments is in the best interest of all students, and I think most people will see that."\nRachel Anderson, GPSO moderator, said she expects an independent GPSO to work closely with the IUSA, regardless of the outcome of the elections. Kirkwood and Synergy tickets support the GPSO bid for independence, while Steel maintains that graduates should be represented through IUSA.\n"We hope to work with those elected in an amicable way that fosters cooperation and the mutual furtherance of our goals," Anderson said. "We hope that a spirit of cooperation can continue, no matter who wins."\nBy gaining independence the GPSO hopes to more effectively represent the concerns of graduate students.\nElizabeth Rytting, GPSO secretary, said the split will make the organization more efficient and helpful to graduates.\n"We hope that being recognized as an independent government will help us get more regular, systematic access to the trustees to make them aware of the needs of graduate and professional students which will work for the long-term benefit of graduate and professional students," she said. "We also believe that having a separate governing body will allow graduate student views to be consulted more when changes that affect the entire student body are considered"
(02/26/02 6:39am)
At exactly 12 a.m., the heated race for the victory in IU Student Association elections began. Online voting, which will continue until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, will decide which executive ticket and congress members will take charge of IUSA for the next school year.\nJunior Chuck Kuntz, a current member of IUSA, said elections in the past have not seen a high voter turnout.\n"Traditionally, only 12 to 16 percent of the student body votes," he said.\nHowever, the vigorous campaigning of the Kirkwood, Steel and Synergy tickets has piqued student interest, encouraging more students to vote for their ticket of choice.\nIssues addressed by the three tickets include the alcohol policy, the greek system, housing reforms, fees charged by the university and the proposed independence of the Graduate and Professional Student Organization. \nVoting in the IUSA elections is essential, said junior Ian Snyder. \n"The students are casting votes for the people that will represent them and their concerns," he said. "They're determining which students will voice the issues they feel are important, and nothing is more essential then that."\nMany students see the elections as their opportunity to change things on campus. Sophomore Jamie Petersen said one reason she will vote is because the outcome of the election will affect her.\n"I think that everyone should vote in the IUSA election because the outcome affects us as students," she said. "How can any of us complain about IU's policies if we don't take an active part in trying to change them?"\nFreshman Leslie Smith agrees.\n"You can't complain about the outcome of the election if you didn't influence who was put into office," she said. "If you don't vote you can't complain about how this school is being run."\nFreshman Kristen Michalek believes that IUSA is one of the few student channels to the administration.\n"There are few other ways to make our voices heard on campus," she said. "These elections will create an opportunity for us to promote the changes that we feel are necessary for our campus."\nFreshman Erica Swier said voting will make the goals of IUSA more representative of the student body.\n"How can IUSA be representative of the student body if the student body doesn't vote?" she said. "It really can't." \nJunior Laura Walda, a current IUSA member, cautions that the elections are not to be taken lightly, as student participation as well as the outcome send a message. \n"IUSA is the student vote, and this is the way that students can send a message to administration," she said. "If hardly any students vote it shows that we don't feel strongly about issues. Every vote is going to count; this year will be a really tight race."\nWalda added that there is no reason not to vote.\n"Voting is incredibly easy, and should only take a minute or two," she said. "All it takes is to go to a ticket's Web site or to the IUSA home page to cast a vote."\nStudents who believe that IUSA does not affect policy are mistaken, Walda said.\n"Regardless of what students think, the three tickets have very different platforms," she said. "There will be a sharp contrast as to what the tickets would do once in power"
(02/26/02 6:35am)
Drawing gasps and chuckles from a crowd in the fine arts building last night, John Bancroft, director of the Kinsey Institute, delivered his thoughts on the correlation of humor and sex. His lecture, entitled "What's so Funny About Sex?" touched upon the humor in sexual acts, nakedness and human genitalia.\nBancroft began the lecture with a disclaimer, stating that he was going to change opinions about sexual acts and humor. \n"As an emerging sexologist I faced a dilemma," he said. "Most sexual humor was disparaging or to cover embarrassment over a very human act."\nKeeping the tone light, he kept the audience laughing throughout the discussion while touching upon serious topics concerning sex and humor.\nBeginning his presentation with a photo of rhinoceros copulating, Bancroft asked the audience if the photo was funny; the chuckles from the audience served as a reply. The next photo was of a human couple copulating in the same position. Again, Bancroft asked if the photo was funny; this time there was a stunned silence from the crowd.\nThe taboo that humans place on sexual acts was the main focus of the discussion. Bancroft said the taboo is because copulation makes humans vulnerable.\n"Sex is quintessentially funny," he said. "Sexual activity makes humans vulnerable, which is unfamiliar."\nThe discussion drifted to the topic of nakedness, illustrated with several images that caused a hubbub in the audience.\nThe most involved portion of the lecture concerned genitalia, both male and female. Bancroft illuminated his points with drawings and jokes, many at the expense of the male genitalia. \n"The male body is a thing of great beauty, and then what is this?" he said, pointing at a photo of a man with an erect penis. "Is it a pump handle? An early version of a cell phone? It's ridiculous!"\nBancroft also discussed the popularity of the Vagina Monologues, which was recently performed at IU for the third time.\n"The Vagina Monologues deconstructs social prejudices concerning female genitalia," he said. "It comments on the absurdity of pretending that female genitalia does not exist, that women don't know what their vaginas look like or feel like."\nEnding on a serious note, Bancroft said the reason humans create humor about sex is to cover up embarrassment about what is perceived as an undignified act.\n"Sex challenges the idea that we are above such 'base' activities," he said. "We are but one of God's creatures, and sexual activity is part of that."\nThe lecture coincided with the Kinsey Institute exhibit of the same name, currently on display in the School of Fine Arts gallery.\nCatherine Johnson, curator of the Kinsey Institute, said the exhibit and lecture was the high point of Arts Week for the Kinsey Institute.\n"The exhibit has been open for two weeks, and the lecture is the culmination of Arts Week for us," she said. "This exhibit was John's idea. He's always seen the connection of humor and sex."\nBetsy Stirratt, the director of the SOFA gallery, said the exhibit has been a success thus far.\n"We have had great attendance over the past two weeks," she said. "We sent press releases to the local papers and art magazines, so we have seen many visitors from off campus."\nStirratt added that the controversial content of the exhibit has not been a problem.\n"While some of the pieces are graphic, there has not been a problem with the content," she said. "SoFA mainly displays modern art, which is often controversial, disturbing or graphic."\nAll 150 pieces in the exhibit, with the exception of a work by Judy Chicago, are part of the Kinsey collection. The Kinsey collection is contains over 75,000 photos and 7,000 artifacts, with the oldest dating back to 3,200 B.C.
(02/22/02 4:48am)
While most students are focused on getting an internship or job by the end of the semester, senior Beth Rosender has a different goal. She plans on participating in the Michigan Avon Breast Cancer Three-Day, a fundraising and breast cancer awareness event. \nThe cancer walk, which takes place from May 31 to June 2, will take Rosender from the picturesque community of Ann Arbor to Detroit, the town that Ford built. Walking 20 miles a day, traveling a total of 60 miles in three days, Rosender and 3,000 other participants will use their journey to raise funds for breast cancer research and prevention. \nRosender said the reason she plans to participate is because breast cancer has struck very close to home. Her mother, Karen Rosender, was diagnosed with the deadly disease about one year ago.\n"I was diagnosed with breast cancer one day before we left for Hawaii for spring break," Karen said. "I didn't want to spoil our trip, so I told Beth the day before she left to go back to school. It was very hard to tell her, with lots of tears."\nThe Orchard Lake, Mich., native was dum'bstruck with her mother's news.\n"The first thing I thought was that my mother was going to die," Beth said. "I did not know a lot about breast cancer at the time and only focused on the word cancer. Everybody I knew who had cancer had passed away from it, but after talking to my mom and some of my friends who went through the same things, I realized that you can beat breast cancer, which is what my mom did."\nKaren said her form of cancer was invasive, but it was caught early, saving her painful treatments.\n"All of my lymph nodes were clear," she said. "I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments, which lasted for seven weeks."\nBeth said that is was difficult to remain at school while her mom was battling for her life.\n"When (my mom) had her treatments I was here at school," she said. "I talked with her a lot on the phone, but I was really bothered that I couldn't be there for her."\nNow in remission for six months, Rosender looked into participating in the Michigan Avon Breast Cancer Three-Day but did not feel physically up to it.\n"I thought I might be able to walk 10 miles a day," she said. "But 20 miles would be too much for me."\nBeth decided to participate after reading an advertisement for the walk in a Shape magazine. She is participating in the inaugural year for the Michigan walk. There are other Avon Breast Cancer Three-Days across the nation, from Washington, D.C., to Seattle, Wash.\nParticipants in the walk must raise $1,900 to participate, which must be collected by May 3. Beth is working hard to raise the donation in time.\n"I am sending letters to my family and friends," she said. "I have also sent letters to all of the fraternities and sororities, and I am in the process of giving letters to my professors and people in my classes."\nKaren is also helping, supplying Beth with addresses and contacts in Michigan.\nBeth said the primary reason she is participating is to show support for her mom. But Beth is not walking alone. A friend from home has also opted to raise the funds and walk along side Beth.\n"There have been a couple of people close to me that have been affected by cancer," Beth said. "A family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer. I am walking for my mom, that family, and everyone else I know who has been affected by cancer in general."\nMost who walk in the Avon Three-Days have been personally affected by the deadly disease.\n"I am doing the Avon Three-Days for every woman and man who has breast cancer," said Rosalind Harper, a walker. "And especially for those caught up in so much fear, like my friend and my aunt. And maybe for myself one day. I do it because I can, to see how much compassion there is inside of me"
(02/22/02 4:46am)
With elections rapidly approaching, an emergency congress of the IU Student Association scrambled Wednesday night to ratify a new constitution for the student body to vote upon. \nMeeting after the basketball game for about an hour, IUSA congress put the finishing touches on a constitution that will be included on the ballot as a referendum vote. A majority of the students who vote must approve the constitution for it to be enacted.\nThe fundamental difference between the proposed constitution and the existing one is mainly concerning the inner workings of IUSA. Junior Paul Musgrave, IUSA deputy director of student rights and original author of the proposed constitution, said the changes are mainly internal but there are added benefits for students who are not part of IUSA.\n"The biggest change is that this constitution respects separation of powers," he said. "Also, it is easier to read, allowing for greater understanding of IUSA."\nMusgrave said another change benefitting IUSA is how seats in congress are not specifically appropriated.\n"The apportionment of seats not being specific makes this document more flexible," he said. "New schools are created, and this constitution allows for more flexibility if that happens. It easily accommodates changes."\nGraduate students are still included in the new constitution, but the focus on schools will help graduate concerns be voiced.\nSenior James Motter, chair of the constitutional committee, said the proposed constitution gives power to the schools and students.\n"This constitution views IUSA through the school perspective," he said. "Each degree-granting unit is given a seat in congress so no school's interests are hurt."\nMotter added that the proposed guidelines give IUSA a stronger voice.\n"It doesn't make IUSA stronger in comparison to other student groups," he said. "However, it does give us more power relative to administration. It makes administration easier to access and lobby for change."\nJunior Charles Kuntz, IUSA College of Arts and Sciences representative, said the new constitution is needed but shouldn't be hurried.\n"I disagree with the constitution being rushed through so it can be put on the ballot for this election," he said. "If what it takes is another year to perfect it, then that is what we should take."\nAlthough he disagreed with the pace that the new constitution was passed through IUSA, Kuntz is confident the students will ratify the guidelines.\n"I anticipate the students to vote for the new constitution," he said. "Traditionally, only 12 to 16 percent of the student body votes, and those who do are familiar with IUSA and the tickets. They will approve the new constitution because of the benefits that IUSA will receive."\nThe constitution was passed with no debate and by well more than the two-thirds majority needed.\n"Even though there was no debate (last night), there has been a months-long informal process and a month-long process to debate (the new constitution)," Musgrave said. "The new constitution isn't perfect -- no document is -- but it comes a good deal closer to perfection than any other constitution in the Big Ten, and incredibly closer than the current document, which is virtually unreadable"
(02/20/02 5:37am)
The past year has seen both successes and failures for the IU Student Association, but the executive staff said it feels that their tenure was a productive one. The Supernova administration has seen successes, achieving most of the goals laid out in their platform.\nSenior Jake Oakman, IUSA president, feels that his term was a triumph.\n"I believe our administration was a success," Oakman said. "We were able to restore some credibility to IUSA in the eyes of some students and the IU administration. Once we leave office, I think I can speak for my fellow executives when I say we have no regrets."\nAccomplishments of this year\'s administration include a campaigning successfully to reduce dining hall prices, bringing Bank One ATMs back to campus and donating more than $5,000 to Sept. 11 relief funds.\nIUSA also increased student voice on campus with the creation of an IUSA news show on WIUS and the Illuminator, a free advertising forum for student organizations. IUSA also brought the administration to the students through town hall meetings. Oakman said the increased use of these services helped ensure that students are heard. \n"We helped student groups increase their awareness by creating the Illuminator," he said. "We also brought the administration to the students by creating the IUSA Lecture Series, including a first-time town hall forum with IU president Myles Brand. We also created the student rights system."\nGraduate student Emily Kolles, student body treasurer, said she is especially pleased with the Illuminator.\n"The Illuminator is a great way for student groups to advertise their events in the Indiana Daily Student for no cost," she said. "Also, the Illuminator will be online in a few weeks, so there will be an online rolling database of campus events that can be accessed by all students."\nWith the end of their term approaching, the Supernova administration stresses that IUSA is an organization that all students can use to their advantage.\nOakman said he believes student input is the most influential ingredient in a successful student government.\n"Student government will have even more credibility if we can show the community that students are united behind an issue," he said. "Many students remain apathetic about the issues, and that needs to change"
