IUPD

Trumping the race card

The other day, a liberal friend reminded me of what I expect to be a large part of the Democratic strategy for the next four years: "When all else fails, charge racism." When I told him I was generally in favor of a "one nation, one language" policy (having been born in Canada, that gives me a different perspective), he rebutted with one simple term: "Racist."

Our tax dollars at work

If only Al Gore and Joe Lieberman had been elected, we wouldn't be facing this attempt to break down the wall of separation between church and state by giving government funds to "faith-based" charities… Oops! My mistake. Of course Gore and Lieberman also endorsed "charitable choice" during the campaign, seeking to bring religion and government closer together. If they had won, I daresay the Democrats who are now attacking President George W. Bush's "faith-based initiative" would be defending it with pious blather about the "vacuum of values" found in a "hollow secularism."

Around The Region

Woman, 2 children killed in Elkhart fire ELKHART, Ind. -- A fire Thursday morning in an Elkhart duplex left a woman and two young children dead, a fire department official said. The names of the woman and the two children, ages 1 and 2 1/2, were not immediately released.

Around The Arts

Beyond the Pale presents evening of puppet theater Beyond the Pale Productions will present and evening of puppet theater, including "The Puppet Show of Don Cristobal," "Buster Keaton and the Buddha" and "The Third Pythia of Flin Flon" 8 p.m. Saturday in the Rose Firebay of the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut St. Tickets are $9 in advance at TD's CDs & LPs or $10 at the door. For more information, visit www.beyondthepale.org.

City chosen for conductor contest

Bloomington has been chosen from every city in North America for the upcoming Maazel/Vilar Conductors Competition. Maestro Lorin Maazel, the newly appointed artistic director of the New York Philharmonic, will direct the auditions scheduled for December.

Chocolate dreams become reality

It sounds like something out of a chocolate lover's dreams. All-you-can-eat chocolate pies, cakes and cookies. But it's going to be a reality Saturday in Bloomington.

An evening of experimentation

The IU Symphony Orchestra put on a nearly flawless musical display Wednesday at the Musical Arts Center. Conducted by David Dzubay, the orchestra performed music by Sven-David Sandstrom, Stravinsky and Bartok.

Various

TOGA disqualified from IUSA race

The IU Student Association race narrowed further Tuesday night when IUSA announced the disqualification of the TOGA party. Elections commissioner Erin Koops, a senior, said TOGA is ineligible because presidential candidate Joe Koleszar, a senior, is not a valid candidate.

State heat subsidy needed in schools

With the price of natural gas on the rise, many public schools are struggling to pay their heating bills. Heating costs have as much as quadrupled since last year, and many schools must dip into their budgets to finance this unprecedented expense. This means funds that would normally pay for textbooks, staff development and salaries are going to pay for heat. And it is the students who will suffer.

Alumnus targets White House

The gunman who fired shots at the White House Wednesday was an IU alumnus who neighbors described as a quiet man. Robert W. Pickett, 47, graduated in 1979 with a degree in history. Neighbors said they were surprised to hear that he was identified as the man who shot at the White House Wednesday morning. Surprised, but not shocked. Neighbors described Pickett as a recluse who lived alone after the death of his parents. They said his only companion was his dog. Read the text of Pickett's suicide letter.

White House gunman's suicide letter

Various

Bravo Maria

High school students whip up desserts for annual chocolate festival

Finding the way to say "I Love You"

This Valentine's Day, resist the temptation of red and pink picture frames, heart-shaped jewelry boxes, chocolates and a dozen roses -- items that clutter the mall throughout February. Instead, make your own present for loved ones and give them something they can't find anywhere else. "Although store-bought presents can be meaningful, nothing is as personal as a homemade gift," said The Latest Glaze co-owner Mary Jo Benedict. After 25 years of marriage, Benedict said she has made and received countless presents.

It's the end of the world as we know it LEFT BEHIND

• Directed by Victor Sarin • Starring Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson • Rated PG-13 • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

Skin, Sun and Sex appeal

SHE said

• Directed by Jamie Blanks • Starring Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, Marley Shelton • Rated R • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

HE said