Fresh off its Golden Globe and Academy Award wins, the critically-acclaimed drama “The Descendants” is now out on DVD. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Kaui Hart Hemmings, “The Descendants” is a sometimes humorous and sometimes tragic look at Matt King (George Clooney), a lawyer and father of two who struggles to accept the past and embrace his family’s future. Set in the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii, King is the sole representative of a family trust that … [Read more...]

A 15-month-old baby named Angel Babcock was found in a field was the latest of 39 deaths caused by two tornadoes that swept through the South and Midwest last week. Thirteen of those killed, including Babcock, were Hoosiers. Several communities are now struggling to recover from the disaster. Governor Daniels declared disaster emergencies for 11 Indiana counties soon after the tornado. The Indiana National Guard reported 98 homes damaged across the state. Nineteen were totally destroyed, 20 … [Read more...]

There isn’t a show quite like David Ives’ All in the Timing. Six very different, though thematically linked, one-act plays are brought together in a way that is both hilarious and thought provoking. Timing has Ives’ comedic wordplay in droves, leading audience members to become linguistic revelers at the absurd wit abounding throughout the show. The six one-act plays all have one thing in common: Words are essential to the plot. This is especially true in Sure Thing, the first of the … [Read more...]

AU’s campus is already a tight-knit place. With around 2,600 students, AU has a unique sense of community because it is such a relatively small campus. It is hard to walk through the Valley without seeing at least one person you know, and living in the dorms quickly breeds community. Recently, this sense of community has broken the barriers of the real world and has even ventured into the virtual world. Tweeting about AU, especially chapel, has become a trend that does not see an end in … [Read more...]

Just outside of south campus, The Nile restaurant is an oasis of excellent Mediterranean dishes with an exotic atmosphere and friendly staff. Founded in 1990, owners Angele and Samir Naby have given Anderson a place to partake in the wide variety of culinary options for which the region is famous. Entering The Nile, one is transported to an ancient Egyptian getaway, brimming with hieroglyphics, sphinxes and other pyramidal décor. There are pictures that would not have been out of place … [Read more...]

Based on the classic play by Arthur Miller, The Crucible: An Opera takes the tale of Puritan paranoia to artistic heights through affecting performances and supremely talented voices. Directed by Professor Laurel Goetzinger, the show is an interesting blend of the tragic drama of Miller and the inspired music of composer Robert Ward. In Salem, Mass., during the seventeenth century, Abigail Williams, the niece of Reverend Parris, has blamed the sickness of two local girls on an act of … [Read more...]

Roll out the red carpet and prepare those acceptance speeches because the Academy Awards are finally here on Feb. 26. The races for best actor and best actress are heating up as the season culminates in this exciting production-filled showdown for a few little golden men. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has brought in producer Brian Grazer and perennial comedian Billy Crystal to host. Since last year’s hosting duo of Anne Hathaway and James Franco came off as … [Read more...]

o you know what today is? It is Ash Wednesday, the day that starts Lent. Some of you will be giving up something for Lent, whether it be chocolate, meat on Fridays, some other food or an activity you like to do. We’ve heard of Facebook fasting before. The season of Lent is a time of soul-searching, inner reflection and fasting, all leading up to Easter—the day of Christ’s resurrection. Predominately a Catholic tradition, the 40 days of Lent, according to catholic.com, “is based on … [Read more...]

No matter where you fall on the creationism issue, you should be worried about the education bill that is now heading to the Indiana House of Representatives. The Senate recently approved the bill, which would allow science teachers to teach origin theories based on the creation stories of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam and other religions. The problem here isn’t that this curriculum would be taught in public schools. High school students could benefit greatly from learning about … [Read more...]

I get it. Between all the pink lace, Cupid’s arrows, mushiness and paper hearts, people just want to have a good time on Valentine’s Day. And yes, it can be achieved even if you have no significant other. The classic “go to dinner and watch a movie” standard can be used if you’re in a long-term relationship, recently dating or just hanging out with your friends. (This is the time when you get out your pen and paper, gentlemen.) Ladies, make sure your guy follows this … [Read more...]