To all the students returning from the balmy Christmas break, welcome back. To the all the transfer students, late starters and spankin' new residents, welcome to Bloomington.

Much like you, Bloomington is in a period of transition. The past semester of good times and goodbyes left downtown in a state of flux, as musical celebrations gave way to club closings and landmarks reduced to rubble. So as classes begin and bars prepare once more to drown tuition dollars in alcohol, let's look back at the semester that was and the fun yet to be had.

What you (may have) missed

The late Godfather of Soul, James Brown played the IU Auditorium in what has been described as the concert of the century. A fitting tribute to one of the greatest entertainers and icons of the last.

Lotus Fest converted downtown Bloomington into a world bazaar for the 13th time, featuring art, food and epic performances from Golem, Balkan Beat Box, Nomo and more Brazilian folk dancing than middle-aged Midwesterners are accustomed to. We shook our rumps at the Eastern-European dance party that was Peasant Disco and its continental cousin Latin Dance Party.

MisShapes Midwest, better known as the underground dance party Club Kirkwood, closed its doors after a year of late night revelry and giving the boot to certain pop-rock superstars trying to take a break from recording their latest album.

The corner of death that is Seventh and Walnut claimed another victim as the U-Club closed its doors. Downtown also said goodbye to landmarks Jiffy Treet and Ladyman's Café, which are soon to be replaced by quaint office buildings. The former Walnut Street Tap converted back to Jake's, putting the focus back on music just in time to see Second Story and Bullwinkle's close their doors once more.

While we have bid a fond farewell to a few and shared laughs with many more, the New Year offers an abundance of possibilities.

Semester present

The bars are still here, and the weather is unseasonably warm. As you climb the academic ladder, you will find yourself gravitating further down Kirkwood, with Kilroy's, Upstairs and the Jungle Room the bars of choice for the undergrad and Greek contingent; and the Crazy Horse, Irish Lion and Alley Bars the pubs of choice for grad students and doctoral candidates. The Video Saloon is the preferred destination of arty types and townies, and Nick's English Hut pulls off the rare feat of appealing to mid-day drinkers, townies and students who have learned to dress and socialize like adults. Yogi's is a sports fan's Valhalla, while Michael's Uptown Pub is a secret haunt of soccer fans.

If you're too young or too committed to your studies for alcoholic fun, coffee houses remain a suitable alternative. Starbucks, already in abundance around town, opened up a shop in the Indiana Memorial Union that is ridiculously gi-normous. The Soma/Laughing Planet combo is a favorite of grad students, townies, vegetarians and others slightly left of center.

All about music

Bars and caffeine aside, Bloomington's greatest resource has always been its thriving music scene. From Soul Revue to the Zero Boys to John Mellencamp to Secretly Canadian, Bloomington has forever been a mecca for musicians on the rise. While the Bluebird and Rhino's have consistently been venues for the nation's premiere hip-hop, rock and emo acts, the closing of Second Story has galvanized Bloomington's bars and clubs to pick up the indie and underground slack.

Willy Joe's has absorbed some of Bullwinkle's drag shows as well as providing a stage for the country's female-fronted and friendly acts. Jake's and Bear's Place are working to change their images as bars for other folks by dedicating themselves to local and alternative acts. The Art Hospital is an all-ages venue committed to showcasing artists and musicians outside of the mainstream. Players' Pub is the city's destination for blues and bar rock, and Max's Place offers up folk, reggae and everything else the rest of the bars and clubs overlook.

On campus, the semester to come offers the annual Hip-Hop Awareness Festival, a weeklong celebration of all things hip-hop, courtesy of the Indiana University chapter of Hip-Hop Congress. Spring is also the time for an Indiana University tradition so great they made a movie and an ill-fated television show about it — Little 500. There is, of course, a race and quarry-jumping townies riding under the Cutters banner sticking it to those stuck up college kids, but Little 500 is about so much more. It's about tradition and friendship and concerts and homecoming … and drinking on a level that has placed a rather innocuous state school on the top of the party school rankings for the better part of the last decade.

So enjoy the next five months. When the gray skies recede, the rain subsides and the town comes back into bloom, this place ain't half-bad.

IU Sing

Consider the following for your study breaks and doses of excitement (don't worry — you won't be quizzed on them later):

1. Jan. 18: Corey Smith sings at the Bluebird, where they'll have a number of touring acts, cover bands and karaoke over the semester.

2. Jan. 20: Chieftains, Irish music at its best (even Brak has sung with them), IU Auditorium.

3. Jan. 25: Jim Gaffigan, comedian/film/TV star, IU Auditorium.

4. Jan. 25-27: PRIDE film festival is one of several to roll through the screens (this one's at the Buskirk-Chumley, as will the next one, the Cinephile Film Festival, next month).

5. Feb. 1-11: The annual Middle Eastern Arts Festival includes a modern dance show by local Windfall Dancers, "Arabian Nights." Catch it Feb. 2-10 at the John Waldron Arts Center.

6. Feb. 2-10: IU Theater presents "Side Man" by Warren Leight

7. Feb. 6-8: "Hairspray," touring Broadway musical, IU Auditorium.

8. Feb. 9: Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys, legendary bluegrass (usually heard at the Bill Monroe music festival in nearby Bean Blossom in June), Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

9. Feb. 9-March 9: "Human Nature II" exhibit marries art with science in part two, "Future Worlds," at the SoFA Gallery.

10. Feb. 16-17: IU Sing. No, it's not like "American Idol." Greek houses and dorms compete in this annual scholarship benefit, performing short musical/drama numbers (inspired by Hoagy Carmichael's "Showdown" program in the '20s.

11. Feb. 21: Garrison Keillor, dry humorist as heard on his "Prairie Home Companion," IU Auditorium.

12. Feb. 21-March 3: ArtsWeek, a slew of arts-related campus and community events

13. Feb. 23-March 3: If you're into Shakespeare, catch IU's production of "Twelfth Night" in the Ruth N. Halls theater. Also, IU Ballet will have its spring production, "Arabella," on stage.

14. March 6: Cirque Dreams, surreal acrobatics, IU Auditorium.

15. Also March 6: The Who performs up in Indy at Conseco Fieldhous.

16. March 9: Catch Jerry Seinfeld's stand up at the Murat in Indy.

17. March 27: Christopher O'Riley (of NPR's "From the Top," a pianist who has transcribed works by Radiohead and more), IU Auditorium.

18. April 19: Little 500 bicycle races storm into IU's Bill Armstrong Stadium.

19. April 27-28: "Aida," touring Broadway musical, IU Auditorium.

20. May 18-28: Get the early skinny on the Bloomington Early Music Festival, which features works played as if you were there in medieval-ish times and more.

(We'll keep you posted as we get info on these events and more — hey, no one gave us a syllabus.)

The Chieftains entertain at the IU Auditorium in a couple weeks, to start what is sure to be a busy season of art and music. Courtesy photo

D.J. White was one of the IU athletes our sports guys named as ones to watch this year.

• Jan. 10: Men's basketball, Purdue, Assembly Hall — Sampson's first game against IU's archrival.

• Jan. 16: Men's basketball, Iowa, Assembly Hall — IU faces Hoosier hero Steve Alford, who reportedly wanted the job Sampson got.

• Jan. 21: Women's basketball, Purdue, Assembly Hall — The Hoosiers face last year's IU coach, Sharon Versyp, who left for Purdue.

• Feb. 24-25: Men's and women's track, Big Ten Indoor Championships, Gladstein Fieldhouse — Some of the nation's top track athletes compete in Bloomington.

• March 7: Baseball, Butler, Sembower Field — Shake off the winter blues at IU's first home baseball game (if it isn't snowing!).

• April 7: Men's and women's track, Indiana Relays, Haugh Track Complex — College teams and top Indiana high school teams compete.

• April 20-21: The Little 500, a 50-plus year intramural tradition pits campus teams against each other in men's and women's bicycle races in the Bill Armstrong Stadium, for the Borg-Warner trophy and bragging rights.

• May 4: Men's and women's track, Billy Hayes Invitational, Haugh Track Complex — More than 500 track athletes participate in this annual event.

Before you get settled in for your four-year-plus stay in this college town, make sure you mark down all the local menus for all kinds of flavor, from the guilty pleasures to exotic dishes. (NOTE: This is by no means an all-inclusive list — it’s just to get you started on your culinary adventures, microwave popcorn and ramen aside.)

Nonchain, bar grub places

Nick’s English Hut, Kilroy’s, Trojan Horse, Irish Lion and the Crazy Horse (all on Kirkwood Avenue); Bear’s Place, on East Third Street; Yogi’s, on 10th Street; and Kilroy’s Sports on Walnut Street.

More whole-foods hubs

(This restaurant list by no means inclusive of every place in town that offers low-cal, low-fat or low-carb food.)

• Roots Vegetarian Restaurant & Juice Bar, 124 N. Walnut St. (336-7668)

• Bloomingfoods Market & Deli, 419 E. Kirkwood Ave. (www.bloomingfoods.org, 336-5300); or 3220 E. Third St. (336-5400); also there’s their Theater Cafe, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. (323-2076)

• Mixed Greens: Mother Nature’s Restaurant & Juicery, 601 N. College Ave. (www.mixedgreensbtown.com, 323-8500)

• Laughing Planet Cafe, 322 E. Kirkwood Ave. (323-2233)

• Bloomington Bagel Co., 113 N. Dunn St. (333-4653); or 238 N. Morton St.

• Runcible Spoon, 412 E. Sixth St. (www.runciblespoonrestaurant.com, 334-3997)

• Soup’s On, 108 S. Rogers St. (331-9930)

Exotic cuisine

• Anatolia, 405 E. Fourth St. (334-2991)

• Anyestsang’s Little Tibet, 415 E. Fourth St. (331-0122)

• Bombay House, 416 E. Fourth St. (331-8844)

• Casablanca Cafe, 402 E. Fourth St. (335-9048)

• Dat’s, 211 S. Grant St. (339-3090)

• Domo Japanese Restaurant, 1500 E. Third St. (339-7868)

• El Norteno, 206 N. Walnut St. (333-0692)

• Falafels: Flavors from Jerusalem, 430 E. Kirkwood Ave. (355-3555)

• The MAC Mediterranean Grill, 1434 E. Third St. (334-9100)

• Samira, 100 W. Sixth St. (331-3761)

• Tutto Bene, 213 S. Rogers St. (330-1060)

…and there’s always delivery

Big Mouth Subs, 323–8987, www.bigmouthsubs.com

BuffaLouie’s — The Gables, 333–3032, www.buffalouies.com.

China Cafe Express, 333–1077, www.campusfood.com. (Their last delivery goes out at 9:30 p.m., and there’s a $10 minimum on orders.)

Jimmy John’s, 333–2102, www.jimmyjohns.com.

Kilroy’s Sports Bar, 333–6006, www.kilroys-bloomington.com.

Mother Bear’s Pizza, 332–4495, www.motherbearspizza.com.

Village Deli, 336–2303, www.villagedeli.biz. (The Deli will deliver only between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.)

Want more?

Go to www.btownmenus.com for more food ordering options, including places which accept CampusAccess card points.

Numbers, Web sites

Emergency: Dial 911.

Nonemergency: Bloomington Police Department, 339–4477; IU Police Department, 855-4111; Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, 349–2780

OTHERS INCLUDE:

City government: www.bloomington.in.gov/departments.php

Directions: Bloomington Map Gallery, www.bloomington.in.gov/maps; Downtown Bloomington Visitor’s Center, 116 E. Kirkwood Ave., 334–8900, www.downtownbloomington.com

Get on the bus: Bloomington Transit, 336–RIDE, www.bloomingtontransit.com (IU students ride “free” with IU student ID. You’ve already paid for it in student fees.)

Library: Monroe County Public Libraries, 349-3050, www.monroe.lib.in.us

License branches: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles — Bloomington, 1612 S. Liberty Drive, Suite A 336–3018. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Ellettsville, 4629 West Richland Plaza 876–1244. Open Tuesday-Saturday.

Parking: Parking Enforcement, 349–3436, www.bloomington.ingov/parking

Parks: City Parks and Recreation 349–3700, www.bloomington.in.gov/parks

Pets: Bloomington Animal Shelter, 349–3492, http:// bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter.

Trash, recycling: Bloomington Sanitation Department, 349–3443, 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays. For more, see www.bloomington.in.gov/sanitation.

Volunteer: Bloomington Volunteer Network, 349–3433, www. bloomington.in.gov/volunteer

You'll probably notice a fair number of outdoor concerts, musicians practicing or the shadow of the IU Jacobs School of Music complex as you pass by on your walk to Ballantine or other close halls for class this spring.

Here's a quick way to familiarize yourself to this artistic gem of an institution (which starts its new season next week):

• 20: Approximate number of free recitals, jazz and orchestra performances, and guest lectures given by the Jacobs School during one month alone.

• 9: Chances to see professional-caliber ballet on campus, which started with the Fall Ballet in October and "The Nutcracker" in winter, rounding out this season with "Cinderella."

• 4: Major operas this semester by the IU Opera Theater, including a double-header, "Arlecchino" and "Too Many Sopranos" in February and Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" in April.

• 600,000: Items in the Cook Music Library, one of the largest academic music libraries in the country and a leader in the development of digital music libraries.

• 1,100: Live performances offered each year by the music school's many departments and performing groups.

• 170: Practice rooms and choral and instrumental rehearsal rooms on campus, from which you can hear future pros hone their art.

An abundance of city services exists in Bloomington to make you feel at home. Here's a contact list to get you started.

All phone numbers have an 812 area code.

Stay safe

• For all emergencies at any location: Dial 911.

• Bloomington Police Department

Nonemergency: 339–4477

• IU Police Department

Nonemergency: 855-4111

• Monroe County Sheriff's Department

Nonemergency: 349–2780

Get your bearings

• Bloomington Map Gallery

On the Web: www.bloomington.in.gov/maps

• Downtown Bloomington Visitor's Center, 116 E. Kirkwood Ave., 334–8900.

On the Web: www.downtownbloomington.com

Be heard - contact City officials

• City government staff directory

On the Web: www.bloomington.in.gov /departments.php

Keep it clean - trash and recycling information

• Bloomington Sanitation Department, 349–3443.

Call from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays.

On the Web: www.bloomington.in.gov/sanitation

Ride the bus

• Bloomington Transit, 336–RIDE

On the Web: www.bloomingtontransit.com (IU students ride free with IU student ID. Well, it's not exactly free, you've already paid for it in your student fees.)

Adopt a four-footed pal

• Bloomington Animal Shelter, 349–3492.

On the Web: http:// bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter

Volunteer

• Bloomington Volunteer Network, 349–3433.

On the Web: www. bloomington.in.gov/volunteer

Parking permits and tickets

• Parking Enforcement, 349–3436.

On the Web: www.bloomington.in.gov/parking

Wait in line

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branches:

• Bloomington

1612 S. Liberty Drive, Suite A 336–3018.

Hours: Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

• Ellettsville

4629 West Richland Plaza 876–1244.

Hours: Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Check it out

• Monroe County Public Libraries 349-3050.

On the Web: www.monroe.lib.in.us

Take a hike

• City Parks and Recreation 349–3700.

On the Web: www.bloomington.in.gov/parks

Maybe you're new to Bloomington and maybe you're back in town with a new attitude. One that says, "I gotta get off campus more often." With that in mind, we offer these "do's" and "don'ts" from the townie point of view.

• Do try the local pizza parlors and restaurants and cast off your chains.

• Don't antagonize your neighbors. Like you, townies do not like to be disrespected.

• Do something non-university related. Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boy's and Girl's clubs and various other community organizations need volunteers like you. You'll be surprised at how these things can give you perspective when you're feeling overwhelmed by your world.

• Do walk through Rose Hill Cemetery on the city's near west side. Pay your respects to the great Bloomington-born musician, Hoagy Carmichael, or find your curiosity piqued by others interred there. Who was Lefty Galloway, anyway?

• Don't jump! In the past, this list would say, "Swim in the cool, clear water of the limestone quarries." We can't recommend that now. Owners face huge liability concerns and can no longer look the other way. It was great through the era of the late '70s movie "Breaking Away." But chances are now you'll get busted or robbed, or dive from a cliff into a hidden limestone ledge and break your neck, leaving you paralyzed and sucking Ensure through a straw for the rest of your days.

• Do take the parents out to Oliver Winery or, in-town, to Butler Winery's shop and tasting room (Butler's winery, also with its own tasting room, is just north of town).

• Don't get lost in your cell phone conversation and think the rest of the world wants to hear it - or watch you run a red light. A good southern Indiana soccer mom just might take a tire iron to your head.

• Do check out Hoagy's music or the current catalog of longtime resident John Mellencamp. Maybe neither is on your iPod at the moment. With a listen, you might marvel, "That dude's from here?"

• Do visit one of Bloomington's TWO Buddhist attractions: The Tibetan Cultural Center south of town or the Dagom Geden Tensun Ling monastery by Cascades Park. The Dalai Lama of Tibet's brother, Thubten J. Norbu, lives at the TCC and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, has visited and made public presentations there three times. Celebrity attendees at events include Muhammad Ali, Steven Segal and Richard Gere. When you see the two magnificent chortens, or stupa, you'll say, "Wow. This is Southern Indiana?"

True story: This girl's been out drinking downtown on Kirkwood, but decides it's time to go home.

She sees neon lights, hails down the taxi, and hops right into the back seat.

Only it wasn't a taxi she ended up in. Instead it was the back seat of a police car that had its lights on.

If you don't want to take a private tour of the Monroe County Jail, don't act like an idiot.

That's the most basic advice of law enforcement personnel, who have dealt with the annual influx of students long enough to figure out how to deal with the problems.

And the number one problem? Survey says … alcohol!

"It's best for (students) if they not draw attention to themselves," Bloomington police Detective Sgt. David Drake said.

"When they go out drinking, stumbling in the middle of the street or throwing a raucous party, you're that much more likely to find yourself in trouble."

Drake said new residents to the city often tend to treat it like it's their own personal playground, where they can do whatever they want, whenever they want.

"A lot of time it's their first time away from home," Drake said. "The freedom almost overwhelms them, they get carried away by it."

The easiest way anyone can keep law enforcement officers away from them is quite simple: Don't give police any reason to need to be involved with you.

"It'll start slowly," IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said of the "breaking in" process that students go through in learning how things work.

"We'll get three or four (alcohol-related) arrests, and then the first weekend, because there are no classes and everyone will be here, it will go through the roof."

The weather looks as though it'll be clear for move-in day for incoming freshman. Good news for those unpacking. Bad news for the cops.

"When more people are out, more people are going to be drawing attention to themselves," Minger said.

"Drinking, either underage or an excess of it, often causes people to get at the very least a ticket, or winds up getting them incarcerated."

Students and new residents sometimes find themselves victims of crimes, but one way to help eliminate that possibility is by locking your doors and possessions.

"Even if they live in a student-oriented area, crime still happens," Drake said. "Keep your doors and cars locked. We see many, many thefts, and usually they have one thing in common: They left their doors unlocked."

Long story short: Don't give the police any reason to get involved with your activities, and you won't have any problems.

Show them the same respect you'd like shown to you.

And for God's sake, make sure the taxi you're getting into doesn't have red and blue lights on top of it.

Important numbers

Here are a few numbers that might come in handy if you find yourself in trouble.

• Indiana University Police, 855-4111

• Bloomington Police, 339-4477

• Monroe County Sheriff's Department, 349-2780

• Indiana State Police, 332-4411

Those are non-emergency numbers. For any emergency, dial 911.

It's fun to get lost for an afternoon, wander the streets, discover your city's nooks and crannies.

It's best if accidents don't appear on your agenda.

Bloomington has its one-ways and quirky corners. Here are some streets and signs to pay attention to when traversing your new home:

The first thing to commit to memory is that B-town's two main north-south arteries, College Avenue and Walnut Street, are one way through downtown and flank the courthouse.

If you want to go south on Walnut, take College south until it merges into Walnut.

You'll get to know Kirkwood Avenue before you know your adviser's name. The section of Kirkwood close to campus is two-way and dead ends at the Sample Gates. The majority of cross streets are one way (Lincoln, Washington and so on) and have four-way stop intersections. Heed the stop signs and crosswalks!

Third Street is a lotta fun. It's one way, then it isn't, then it is, then it … Running east-west (as all the numbered streets do), it is the main thoroughfare between campus and the College Mall. Third Street also leads to any number of highways that will get you out of town, and thus becomes bumper to bumper after football games.

Bloomington has a few joyful additions to its streets: roundabouts. If you didn't grow up with these circular wonders, they may confuse you.

You don't have to stop to enter the roundabout if no cars are coming your way, but do yield to any cars already on the circle. Always drive slowly and counterclockwise - you should have the right-of-way while in the roundabout, but remember that not everyone knows the rules for roundabouts, so be cautious. And use your turn signal when exiting the roundabout.

There's one at Hillside Drive and Moore's Pike, and another roundabout controls traffic at the intersection of South Adams Street and Tapp Road.

Speaking of Tapp, here's another fun fact about your new home: the streets change names. Often.

Running east to west, Rogers Road becomes Winslow Road, then Country Club Drive then Tapp Road.

On the east side, Smith is a road. Near campus, Smith is an avenue, and on the west side, it's a pike.

Oh - and the Ind. 45/46 bypass isn't really a bypass.

Fortunately, B-town is decked out in signs.

The red rectangular signs are official IU signage. These will help you get to know the buildings on campus.

Downtown Bloomington Inc. posts event calendars on the green signs on downtown sidewalks.

And future signs will celebrate the arts in your community.

Get on the bus - lots of IU students make use of the system on campus. Chris Howell | Herald-Times

Think money is necessary for a good time? Think again. Newcomers to Bloomington will find that there is plenty of fun to be had, and all for $1 or less.

Here, fun for a buck doesn't mean going to the dollar store and buying a bag of those little plastic army men. It means exploring our town, connecting with culture and meeting new people.

Here are some great fun-time activities on the cheap:

• Hop on a green-and-white Bloomington Transit bus and explore the town. Show a valid student ID and IU students get to ride for free. (If you forget it back in your room though, it'll cost you 75 cents.) Routes can take riders all over Bloomington. "You can go just about anywhere in town," said Bloomington Transit general manager Lew May.

Indulge retail big box shopping urges with a trip to Bloomington's west side. See life outside the student pond or visit the Monroe County YMCA and Bloomington's south side on the No. 4 routes. You won't be alone. IU students comprise 2 out of every 3 riders, May said.

• Get a little culture with a trip to the IU Art Museum. The museum's galleries are sorted by the art's geographic origin; they showcase pieces from all over the world and include works by masters such as Picasso and Monet. And, of course, admission is absolutely free. As a special treat, the museum will host special Coffeehouse Nights starting at 7 p.m. Sept. 7. "Each night is going to focus on a different gallery and we'll have coffee from different regions," said museum manager of external relations Emily Powell. The first night will focus on Turkey. Events also include live music.

More than 37,000 people visited the museum last year, said Powell.

• The funnest, cheapest, most memorable way to enjoy yourself? Spend time with friends. Don't have any friends here yet? Join a club. Find an organization to volunteer with. One of the best things about college is making life-long friends. Get out there and try.

Want more?

• For Bloomington Transit route info, see www.bloomingtontransit.com.

• To learn more about the IU Art Museum, see www.indiana.edu/~iuam.

• For a comprehensive list of all campus clubs, organizations, academic departments and anything else, see www.iub.edu/biglist.

If you get tired of campus cable, here's the mix of places you've got to go see flicks on the big screens.

The Ryder

Tickets are only $4, except for shows at the Buskirk-Chumley, $5.

The Ryder Film Series shows at least one film a day at locations around town, including the campus area restaurant Bear's Place, the Cinemat, the IU Fine Arts building, Laughing Planet Cafe and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

The Ryder series features foreign-language, classic and independent films. A monthly guide to what's playing is featured in The Ryder, a free arts and culture magazine you'll find on campus and around Bloomington. Also check out www.theryder.com.

The Cinemat

Screening room, DVD and video rentals.

Check out the Cinemat's Atomic Age Cinema events on Saturdays. The 3 p.m. matinee is for kids, but adults love it too. For $3, see old serials such as Superman cartoons and episodes of Flash Gordon.

The Saturday midnight showing is a little like Mystery Science Theater, said Cinemat owner Steve Volan. It's hosted by Dr. Calamari and Baron Mardi, who purportedly live in the basement and dust themselves off once a week for this show. Tickets are $3; all proceeds support independent filmmaking in southern Indiana via the Cinephile Film Arts Organization.

Cinemat will soon have a searchable database online, Volan said, and plans are in the works for a return-by-mail service a la Netflix.

Become a Cinemat member for discounted ticket prices, and check the Web site for an updated beer menu and movie times: www.thecinemat.com

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater

The Bus-Chum hosts many different events, including two area favorite film festivals and regular screenings. The Golden Age of Hollywood Movie Series shows free classics one Tuesday afternoon a month, and 2007's GLBT film festival, PRIDE, runs Jan. 25-27.

Check the Web site at www.buskirkchumley.org.

Monroe County Public Library - main branch

Located mere blocks from campus, the library offers free movie screenings and shelves of DVDs and videos for checkout. Cost to you: a free library card.

Check the library's online calendar to be in the know, or sign up for e-mail notification of film showings: www.monroe.lib.in.us

Starlite Drive-in Theatre

This single screen shows double features; call for show times, which are usually Friday-Sunday, starting at 9 p.m.

Notoriously difficult to find, follow these directions for an old-fashioned movie experience:

From the IU campus, take Walnut Street south (which means you actually take College Ave south until it turns into Walnut) and drive for about 15 minutes. Walnut turns into Old 37 once you pass the four-lane Ind. 37 south of town. Look for the Starlite on your right.

Cinema 67 Drive-in Theater

This drive-in uses digital stereo radio only, 101.1 on your FM dial. There are no speakers or loaner radios on the premises.

Cinema 67 opens at 7:35 p.m. and shows a double feature that starts at dusk. Check www.cinema67.com for what's on screen.

Kerasotes theaters

Bloomington has two multi-screen theaters, Showplace 11, east, and 12, west, part of the Kerasotes corporation. You can sign up for their Five Buck Club and get e-mail updates on when you can go see your preferred flick for $5. Go to www.kerasotes.com.

Independent Film

Indie film is alive and kicking in Bloomington and the area. Join a club or forum to stay connected and support local filmmakers.

Cinephile is a resource for independent and amateur filmmakers. The group meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Indiana Memorial Union. Check www.cinephileforum.com.

The Hospital, 1021 S. Walnut St., www.arthospital.net. The Hospital is an all-ages club and art space that hosts different events, including indie film showings.

Bloomington Media Arts Group, Indiana Memorial Union, Room 371 900 E. Seventh St., bmag@bloomington.in.us. This university-affiliated group lists volunteer and internship opportunities, and can connect you to screenwriters and other film enthusiasts.

Tulip Trestle

This railroad viaduct, completed in 1906, is 180 feet high and 2,295 feet long, making it the longest train trestle in the U.S. and the third largest of its kind in the world. The trestle is on the old Illinois Central line, now operated by the Indiana Railroad Company, six miles west of Solsberry, Ind. in east-central Greene County.

Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve

This 23-acre nature preserve in Monroe County boasts a 75-foot high limestone bluff with red cedar trees clinging to the cliffs. From Bloomington, take Walnut Street (Old Ind. 37) south six miles to Ketcham Road. Turn right and follow Ketcham for about 3.75 miles. Park in the pull-off on the right side of the road; a trail leading to the preserve is on the left side of the road.

Columbus

The American Institute of Architects ranked the Bartholomew County seat sixth among U.S. cities for innovative architecture, behind the likes of NYC and D.C. Call the Columbus Visitors Center at 800-468-6564 to schedule a guided tour. Or just go and look.

Gobbler's Rock

Intrepid Herald-Times reporter Laura Lane set out to solve the mystery that is Gobbler's Rock, a 400-pound slab of sandstone wedged about 40 feet off the ground in a century-old chestnut oak. Was it placed there by aliens? A tornado? Really strong folks playing a joke? We may never know, as the rock came down this year, causing a media frenzy in southern Indiana (and on National Public Radio). Go visit the rock in its new home on the ground in Yellowwood State Forest. Go to the H-T's online archive at HeraldTimesOnline.com for the complicated directions.

West Baden Hotel

The dome inside this Orange County hotel was the largest in the country before Houston's Astrodome was built. Constructed in 1902, the hotel was in dire straits when local billionaire Bill Cook swooped in with $30 million to restore it to its original grandeur. With the late 2006 opening of the French Lick Springs Resort & Casino one mile away, business is looking up.

West Baden Hotel

Welcome to a college town, where you undoubtedly will enjoy some fine bar food during your four-year - maybe longer - stint with higher education.

Mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, jalapeno poppers, nachos … You name it, we've got it.

A few favorite nonchain, campus-area places for bar grub are Nick's English Hut, Kilroy's, the Trojan Horse and Crazy Horse (all on Kirkwood Avenue); Bear's Place, on East Third Street; Yogi's, on 10th Street; and Kilroy's Sports on Walnut Street.

All of the above offer salads and veggie-burger options, too. But, if you're like many Americans, you're watching your weight and looking more and more toward organic, whole-foods options.

So we've compiled a list of restaurants where the bulk of offerings is healthy as can be. (This list by no means includes every place in town that offers low-cal, low-fat or low-carb snacks - we have many sushi joints, for example - so don't hold that against us.) Bon appetit!

• Roots Vegetarian Restaurant & Juice Bar, 124 N. Walnut St. (336-7668)

• Bloomingfoods Market & Deli, 419 E. Kirkwood Ave. (www.bloomingfoods.org, 336-5300)

• Bloomingfoods Market & Deli, 3220 E. Third St. (www.blooming foods.org, 336-5400)

• Encore Cafe, 316 W. Sixth St. (www.bloomingfoods.org, 333-7312)

• Theater Cafe, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. (www.bloomingfoods.org, 323-2076)

• Mixed Greens: Mother Nature's Restaurant & Juicery, 601 N. College Ave. (www.mixedgreensbtown.com, 323-8500)

• Laughing Planet Cafe, 322 E. Kirkwood Ave. (323-2233)

• Bloomington Bagel Co., 113 N. Dunn St. (333-4653)

• Bloomington Bagel Co., 238 N. Morton St. (349-4653)

• Runcible Spoon, 412 E. Sixth St. (www.runciblespoonrestaurant.com, 334-3997)

• Soup's On, 108 S. Rogers St. (331-9930)

Forget DiGiorno

Tired of pizza, but can't drag yourself out of your room? Here's a sampling of eateries that will bring the goods right to your dorm – no shirt, shoes or food assembly required.

• Big Mouth Subs, 323–8987

Menu with yummy pictures at bigmouthsubs.com.

• BuffaLouie's – The Gables, 333–3032

Wings for everyone, with 14 different sauces to please. Menu at www.buffalouies.com.

• China Cafe Express, 333–1077

Their last delivery goes out at 9:30 p.m., and there's a $10 minimum on orders. Menu at www.campus food.com.

• Jiffy Treet North, 333–1364

If your craving is more of a sweet tooth nature, they deliver 5 p.m.-close daily. Visit them at www.jiffytreetnorth.com.

• Jimmy John's, 333–2102

A chain sub shop that knows how to name a sandwich - try a Vito or a Sorry Charlie. Menu at www.jimmyjohns.com.

• Kilroy's Sports Bar, 333–6006

You'll miss out on the drink specials … Menu at www.kilroys-bloomington.com.

• Mother Bear's Pizza, 332–4495

How did this pizza listing get in here? They've got so much more - menu at motherbearspizza.com.

• Village Deli, 336–2303

The Deli will deliver only between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fortunately, Paxton's Potatoes are delicious anytime. Menu at www.villagedeli.biz.

Want more? Go online to www.btownmenus.com for more food ordering options, for starters.

Another factor in a healthy lifestyle is the absence of alcohol, Hugh Jessop, director of the Indiana University Health Center, said.

Health practitioners try each year to get students to stay away from alcohol, he said, "something no one has figured out how to do."

It's no secret that college and beer seem to go together like bacon and eggs.

Drink in moderation, provided you are of legal drinking age. (If you are not of legal drinking age, don't drink at all, as campus cops frown upon this.)

Otherwise, you'll pay the next day, and paybacks are, you know …

Many an upperclassman or college grad will claim to have the ultimate hangover cure.

One IU graduate student says his "basic remedy is to toss two extra-strength Alka-Seltzers in a glass of Gatorade. Wait for them to dissolve and chug."

But, he adds, "The only real cure is water and time."

One college grad could be seen roaming his workplace drinking Pedialyte as an antidote to his poison of choice the night before.

The only cure for a hangover is not to get a hangover - by not drinking too much.

For a description of what alcohol does to your body and other interesting facts, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov/alcohol.

Be well

Alice Lindeman, professor of applied health science at Indiana University, gives us a few tips for developing healthy eating habits:

• "Don't eat by yourself," Lindeman said. "Make dinnertime a social time."

• The more whole the food, the better: "Eat the apple rather than apple juice. Eat the banana itself, not a smoothie."

• Excessive salt is not good for you. "The more you eat salt, the more you'll want to eat."

• Try not to eat pre-made meals, Lindeman said. "It's a lot cheaper to cook your food."

This may be difficult in dorm rooms, as stoves, grills, hot plates, toaster ovens, rotisseries and deep fat fryers (which would be detrimental to our eating healthy goals, anyway) are not allowed.

But, with a meal plan, you can choose wisely in one of the many dining halls.

And in your own apartment, you can experiment with healthy cooking.

To see if you're on track with your eating habits, check out www.mypyramid.gov for detailed guidelines specific to your gender and age, thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Classes, projects, grades, your overall academic career, and future success - there's so much to worry about this fall when the school bell tolls.

Will the repercussions of being away from family, not eating a well-rounded diet, and not balancing your checkbook be on your mind?

Most likely not. But they should be.

"The first two to four weeks are probably as traumatic a time as they'll have in their four years," Hugh Jessop, director of the Indiana University Health Center, said of incoming freshmen.

The biggest problem many students face is the adjustment to being away from family, he said. Some see it as a relief, but many find it stressful.

"They'll miss the stability of what happened when they were at home," Jessop said.

There's no one to watch over you except you.

"Think about college as that weekend mom and dad left you alone," said Alice Lindeman, professor of Applied Health Science at IU.

Only now, the folks won't return Sunday night to get your eating and sleeping habits back on track, she said. You're on your own when it comes to your health.

"Who's there to look out for (students) in anything in college?" Lindeman said. "This is their segue into the real world."

In the real world, actions have consequences.

Freshman 15?

"In college, in terms of nutri- tion,tomorrow does matter. What you do today does matter tomorrow," she said.

One of the biggest pitfalls for students is that they are "eating just for the moment," Lindeman said. "Nutrition is not like that."

Fast food options are everywhere, but there is healthy food in the campus residence halls, Lindeman pointed out. (Though watch out for large portions, which usually contain more than one serving.)

Menus are usually posted online, she added, so look and plan ahead - it'll keep you from grabbing the first greasy, yummy-smelling item you happen upon.

Get organized

In addition to setting a dining schedule, it's important to set all sorts of schedules, Jessop said.

Part of his job is to try to get students to understand that one - they really need to look at deadlines for classes.

If students are organized, they'll be healthier when life gets hectic, he said.

Think responsibly

Jessop wants students to understand they have to be responsible for themselves starting on day one.

As a student, you have four years to experience things, he said. Don't try to cram it all in the first semester.

Credit pitfalls

Another key to staying stress-free and healthy is something you don't hear as often: Stay away from credit cards.

"Credit cards are not the way to go when it comes to students and school," Jessop said, because students haven't been taught to handle their budgets.

Stress over money causes stress in other areas, and Jessop says many students have dropped out of school due to major debt.

To stay in school, and thrive in your new environment, utilize your resources.

The IU Health Center and the division of Recreational Sports exist to help you stay healthy.

Check out their services at www.indiana.edu/~health/ and www.recsports.indiana.edu.

And remember …

The No. 1 reason to stay healthy is: There's so much to do and see, and you don't want to miss it.

There's nothing worse than crying in bed with the flu when you could be dancing in the club with your friends.

Take care of yourself first, and your social life can enjoy a robust four years.

Ashley Fugate of Paoli cruises through a rack of jeans at Plato's Closet during a recent trip to Bloomington. The store on College Mall Road specialized in fashion-oriented used youth clothing. David Snodgress | Herald-Times

It's Thursday night and time to go out for the evening.

A quick check of the closet and disappointment sets in - you've got nothing to wear. A quick check of the wallet and you realize you're close to broke.

Cash-poor style mavens can still pull together a great outfit if they know where to shop.

Bloomington is home to a number of options that are not limited to the mall.

Some of the cheapest clothing items can be found at thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army. With a little searching, designer jeans, new shoes and even handbags can be found at bargain basement prices.

Another popular option is resale shops such as Plato's Closet, which carries gently used men's and women's clothing and accessories.

"We stay within a year to a year and a half of the current styles that are out," said Ree Matthews, general manager at Plato's Closet.

A recent trip to Plato's found a number of cool, trendy items, including a Vera Bradley bag in Tropical Silk for $25. Students can also find a variety of jeans, a staple clothing item for most college students.

"Your pair of designer jeans that went for $185, you can buy for $25 here," Matthews said. "The staple of our business is the $8 to $10 jeans."

New products are purchased every day, but Matthews said Thursday is always a popular day. "Thursday nights are a big day for us because they will bring in clothing to sell to us and exchange to get additional items and get money to go out on," Matthews said.

Another good option is vintage stores that offer one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out in a crowd. Area vintage clothing stores include Material Plane, Cactus Flower and Cherry Canary.

Despite the university's well-earned reputation as a party school, the reality is that IU still is in Indiana. That means that until you turn 21, or purchase a skirt short enough to make the bouncers believe you are as old as your ID says you are, here are all the hot spots you can look forward to when age and attractiveness catch up to you.

Kilroy's and Kilroy's Sports

Kilroy's is the de facto hangout for the campus' Greek community and other assorted East Coast refugees. It's like the Peach Pit with cheap shots, cheap eats and more varieties of Long Islands than is really healthy. Each night is guaranteed to be an adventure in drunken debauchery. Kilroy's sister pub, Kilroy's Sports, is like Kilroy's … but on Walnut.

Nick's English Hut

Nick's has the rare distinction of being a favorite of midday alcoholics and late-night revelers. During the day, Nick's is one of the best places in town to watch baseball while sharing dirt-cheap pints with old men. At night, Nick's becomes a respectable college bar, complete with the world's greatest drinking game, sink the biz, and a clientele that recognizes that seeking higher education means not dressing like a prostitute.

Upstairs Pub

Upstairs is essentially a smaller version of Nick's. They are famous for the AMF. When you're old enough to drink one, you'll figure out what that means.

Uncle Fester's

Fester's is the resident jam band bar and club. They take a break once a week for punk rock night, but Phish fans are their bread and butter.

The Video Saloon

Favorite hangout for hipsters, townies and anyone else not associated with campus. Think of it as the anti-Kilroy's - plenty of space, cash only, healthy sense of sarcasm and the door- man played with the 'Nuge.

This list fails to mention all of the great music you'll be missing at the clubs you can't get into. That's done somewhere else in this paper. On the plus side, we finally have a decent college radio station, and Louisville is only two hours away.

So what can you do in this four- to six-year home away from home? Let's start with the greatest week of your college experience - Little 500. Officially, Little 500 is a bike race the weekend of April 20th, but this is a fact lost under gallons of alcohol.

Lotus Festival is a world music festival in October bringing musicians and fans the world over to Bloomington. It can be a little on the hippies- reliving-the-'60s side, but they did bring Seu Jorge; the food is excellent; and whether you want to or not, you're bound to stumble on something that interests you.

There is more underage fun than drinking festivals disguised as bike races and music festivals in foreign tongues.

Coffee houses offer a place to study, hang out and otherwise escape campus without all of those pesky distractions such as alcohol or hormones. Each coffee house in town is like a table in a junior high lunchroom. Each has its own identity and its own quirks, and we let you know immediately if you belong.

The union is an all-you-can-eat buffet of fun. They have a bowling alley, pool hall, free movie theater and shifty-eyed hobos to keep you occupied. It's like a three story club that only sells water and soda.

As seen in "Breaking Away," the quarries offer a chance to have as much fun as you can handle without the prying eyes of enforcement agents. The quarries are a rite of passage, known as much for the fun of jumping into festering water in various states of drunkenness as they are for annually killing or crippling said divers. For an added bonus, you may enjoy being harassed by the police when the quarry owners find you on their property.

Finally, there are a host of dorm, house and fraternity parties for you to attend. If there is anything Indiana knows how to do, it's party - they don't film porn at schools that don't know how to properly enjoy themselves.

As you can see, there isn't a whole lot else for you to do for three years but go to house parties. It's a good way to meet your fellow students, and the law doesn't show up till late. Don't leave the house without cash and attractive friends, because nothing makes a host angrier than broke, ugly strangers.

Where to find them

• Kilroy's 502 E. Kirkwood Ave.

• Kilroy's Sports 319 N. Walnut St.

• Nick's English Pub 423 E. Kirkwood Ave.

• Upstairs Pub 430 E. Kirkwood Ave.

• Uncle Fester's 430 E. Kirkwood Ave.

• Video Saloon 105 W. 7th St.

Bike-friendly lanes. Janice Rickert | Herlad-Times

Need to save gas money for snacks or club covers? Or perhaps your vehicle of choice lives way up at the E Lot on 17th. Or maybe you're just wanting to hang onto your prized close-to-the-dorm parking spot another day, something you'll lose if you run out to the drugstore. There are alternative means of locomotion to get you there.

By bike

Bloomington's city code says if you're riding a bike on public sidewalks you must yield to pedestrians.

You can't run a red light, stop sign or yield sign; and you can't travel the wrong way down a one-way street or alley. In fact, the same rules of the road - along with a few extras - that apply to motorists also apply to bicyclists.

But here's some good news:

On various city streets you will find bicycle paths, four-foot-wide strips on the right side of the road designated by solid lines.

The paths provide a separate traffic lane for the sole use of bike riders.

If you're riding your bike along one of these bicycle paths you have the right of way. Cars aren't allowed on bicycle paths. In practice, that gets a little tricky when the paths actually vanish at the approaches of intersections so cars can make turns and lane adjustments. But you - and hopefully, those behind the wheel - get the idea.

Another city rule to keep in mind is that it's a violation for anyone younger than 18 to ride - or be a passenger on - a bike without a helmet fastened with straps.

Keep in mind that in Bloomington at least, you're actually supposed to have a license for that bike.

Bloomington police Sgt. Steven Kellams said the license is actually free and is available from the city controller's office at City Hall. He admitted that arresting nonlicensed bikers is not a high police priority, but added that it is a good thing to have on your bike if it's stolen - something that happens to bikes several hundred times a year when IU is in session.

The little license decal might even save your bike from theft. After all, why steal a bike that requires the little sticker be scraped off before the thief can feel comfortable in his or her getaway when there are so many other nonlicensed bikes to choose from?

And Kellams pointed out, if the sticker is still attached to a bike that's been abandoned, police can actually find the rightful owner. He said fines for failing to get your bike licensed are seldom demanded - they're only two or three bucks, anyway - but it's still the law, at least inside the city.

Bikes owned by nonresidents of Bloomington: Keep in mind that if you live here as a student you're a resident. And bikes registered with IU are exempt from the license requirement.

Bike-specific regulations

If you ride a bike, you can't carry any other person on the bike who is not sitting on a firmly attached bicycle seat, or attach the bike to a vehicle traveling on a roadway.

You can't ride more than two abreast, except on bike-only paths (actually, there aren't any that we're aware of in Bloomington or Monroe County that are wide enough to accommodate even two bikes side by side). Your bike must have a bell or other noisemaker to let people know you're there (but not a siren or whistle).

You also have to have lights front and rear - white on the front and red to the rear - if you ride at night. There are legal requirements on brightness and that sort of thing, but if you're going to the trouble of attaching the lights, it'd just be kinda' dumb not to use devices that can actually be seen. Bike shops can help you there.

Keep in mind that bikers without lights are practically invisible, even at dusk, so make sure your health and life insurance are paid up if you want to gamble by riding without them when it's dark.

By foot

If you prefer walking rather than pedaling, you still have to toe the line.

City code requires that pedestrians cross at intersections and crosswalks rather than midblock, and obey the crosswalk "walk" or "don't walk" signals - even when there's no traffic.

Most of these rules apply for campus pedestrians as well, but on campus you can cross a roadway in midblock as long as you yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

Common sense approach

"We try to first approach all the bicycle and pedestrian rules from an education standpoint," said Capt. Jerry Minger of the Indiana University Police Department. "We usually inform people that there are laws that govern bikes and pedestrians. Only if we see a dangerous situation will we enforce the rules."

By bus

If you choose, you can use the city and campus bus systems to get around town and across campus.

All you have to do is show the bus driver your student ID, and you can ride for free.

Well, sort of free. You must pay $50.47 per semester for the privilege of riding the busses without being charged each time you use them.

Dan Coleman has been getting around the town most of the time via his skateboard during his time here. Jeremy Hogan | Herald-Times

Despite what your suburban upbringings may have told you, it is possible to live without a car.

For the past two years, I have been doing just that, managing to make it to class, feed myself and make the occasional trip to California despite a lack of a car and a crippling fear of flight - I know the statistics; it's just not for me.

In lieu of a car, I have chosen to walk and skate my way across Bloomington. I'm no environmentalist or exercise junkie; I just like to skate. Parking on campus is a joke until you become a grad student or a university employee, and for about eight months a year, Bloomington weather ranges from annoyingly hot/cold to absolutely perfect. One day, I'm going to be too old and infirmed to enjoy it, so I do whatever I can now. I've seen a lot more of Bloomington than I ever would driving through it. Springtime in Bloomington is something that is best enjoyed on foot or on wheels.

The city itself is run by a bunch of hippies who go out of their way to make downtown as unfriendly to driving as possible. (Or so it seems.) One-way streets, time limits on 50 or so actual parking spots available and most of Kirkwood doesn't even bother to have traffic lights. They simply aren't needed.

I have lived on either pole of campus in my two years in town, which equates to a 20-minute walk or a five-minute skate to class every day. It's done wonders for my morning sleep. In fact, there are very few places I can't skate to in 20 minutes or less. This town and this campus is a skateboarder's dream of sidewalks and repaved roads. Everyone should experience the feel of skating down an empty Third Street in the wee hours of the morning.

Despite what the many, many signs posted throughout campus say, skating is a perfectly acceptable means of campus travel. I never have to scramble for a spot or worry that someone is going to steal my bike while I'm in class. I take my car to class with me, and the only people who would be stealing my skateboard already have one. It's not a bike; you can't just pick up skating on the fly.

I don't venture out to the west side of town, but I know many people who do have cars who don't go out to the west side of town because it's too far. I have no overwhelming desire to shop at chains there, and any movie playing on that side of town - with the exception of "Snakes On A Plane," which can only be enjoyed in a theater - I can steal off the Net. That's right MPAA, I steal movies. I like my new releases to be washed out and camcorder productions.

The only thing drawing me to the west side is a weekly pickup soccer game at Karst Farm and the sweet miracle that is White Castle. I was born and raised on sliders, and anytime I happen upon a car, I make a run for the Castle. Before my time, there was a White Castle on the east side, but now a Starbucks is in its place. This is just further proof that Starbucks is evil.

When the weather takes a turn, I start walking again or, if push comes to shove, I take the bus. They're reliable, they have routes for campus and every corner of the city, they have heat in the winter and A/C in the summer, and with a student ID, they're free.

Living without a car has had its shortcomings. For one, eventually the sidewalks and streets turn into jagging walkways of death. A few lapses in concentration have cost me a perfectly good pocket watch and a large chuck flesh out of my palm. Nothing makes you reconsider your "non-driver" status like holding back nausea after your skull has bounced off the concrete.

There is also the matter of leaving Bloomington. I can usually find a friend willing to loan me a car if I have to travel to the west side or move something heavy, but no amount of friendship is going to get me a car to California or Chicago. In these rare instances, I make use of various rental agencies in town. They ask few questions, have unlimited mileage and reasonable rates and are always there when I need them.

Emma Cullen, who is the PR director for the IU Union Board, sits at her desk. Jeremy Hogan | Herald-Times

Student life at Indiana University would be a lot less interesting without the Indiana Memorial Union Board, which programs and sponsors concerts, comedy shows, lectures, a film series and other diversions.

It also is the student governing body for the Memorial Union, advising its executive director and managing office space in the student activities tower.

And for the Union Board's 16 student directors and dozens of volunteers, it provides real-world leadership experience.

"You get to work with different groups, and you get to know everyone on campus," said Emma Cullen, the Union Board public relations director. "It's a great opportunity to make connections."

The student union was created in 1909 as what William Lowe Bryan, then the university president, called "a great force making toward unity of university spirit and life." After the union building was built in the 1930s, the Union Board - all male until 1952 - installed a barber shop, pool tables and furnishings for club rooms and lounges.

Today it is known mostly for its programs, ranging from lectures by celebrities and political figures to the "Live from Bloomington" music series.

Cullen, who came to IU from Seattle to major in ballet but switched to political science, said the board relies heavily on student volunteers.

"Anyone can join a committee," she said. "Every year we have a call-out - this year it's Sept. 6 - when students can come and meet all the directors."

Cullen said pop star Ben Folds is confirmed for an IU concert Nov. 9, and "we're looking into a couple of big lectures, a lot of smaller lectures and a couple of comedy clubs." The Union Board film series may move to dorms this fall while Whittenberger Auditorium is being renovated, she said.

Indiana Memorial Union Board

• WHAT IT IS: Student organization made up of 16 directors and dozens of volunteers.

• WHAT IT DOES: Programs concerts, lectures, forums, comedy shows and other events; advises Indiana Memorial Union executive director; manages student space in union building activities tower.

• HISTORY: Created in 1909 as an organization of male students to promote unity.

• UPCOMING EVENTS: Culturefest today; Comedy Caravan on Friday; Welcome Fest and Union Board fall call-out Sept. 6.

David Lee Roth

Bet you didn't know David Lee Roth is originally from Bloomington. That's right. Before the spandex wearing singer fronted the rock group Van Halen, Roth was just a B'town kid.

• You knew musician John Mellencamp lived here, right? He lives on Lake Monroe. (Sometimes you can spot him at Jiffy Treet on the east side, or riding his motorcycle near his home.)

• Mellencamp's wife, Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp, is a model. She does Almay commercials, among other things. She shops at Sahara Mart and is involved with the Tibetan Cultural Center (more on that later).

Here are some other folks you may know; all either attended IU, are Bloomington natives, moved here for good or are somehow connected to our little city.

• Joshua Bell, IU grad and violinist extraordinaire. He grew up here and regularly visits.

• Meg Cabot, author of "The Princess Diaries." She's a native and thanks her classmates and teachers at Bloomington South for helping inspire one of her books.

• Hoagy Carmichael, deceased, songwriter ("Stardust"). He's buried in Bloomington's Rose Hill Cemetery.

• Angelo Pizzo, "Hoosiers" screenwriter. He grew up here and recently moved back to Bloomington from the West Coast.

• Hyapatia Lee, former porn star.

• Carrie Newcomer, folk singer.

• Edgar Meyer, IU alum and bassist.

• Chris Botti, IU alum and trumpeter.

• Shawn Pelton, IU alum and drummer (Saturday Night Live band).

• Kevin Kline, IU alum and Academy Award-winning actor.

• David Baker, jazz legend and IU music prof.

• Robin Milhausen, IU grad and host of Canadian television show "Sex, Toys and Chocolate."

• Thubten Norbu, retired IU professor and brother of the Dalai Lama, as well as the founder of the Tibetan Cultural Center on Snoddy Road. He now lives at the center.

• Jane Pauley, IU grad and newswoman.

• Tavis Smiley, IU grad and PBS television host.

• Alfred Kinsey, pioneer sex researcher at IU, founder of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction. His house was just south of campus.

• Janos Starker, cellist and IU music prof.

• Menahem Pressler, IU music prof, pianist and founder of the Beaux Arts Trio.

• Kathryn Janeway - the "Star Trek" character - calls Bloomington her hometown. (We're not making this up!)

• Karen Kingsbury writes Christian novels set in Bloomington, although she has never lived here.

• Bill Cook, one of the richest men in the world, lives here. (His wife, Gayle, was kidnapped for ransom years ago! The bad guy didn't get away.)

• Jim "Jonestown Massacre" Jones attended IU. Not one of the institution's shining examples.

• Read about billionaire Mark Cuban, "Batman Begins" executive producer Michael Uslan and puzzle master Will Shortz also in this issue of The Scene.

Tavis Smiley

Mark Cuban

Not sure if what you want to do with your life fits into a specific IU program? Fear not. The following entrepreneurs have paved their own paths, with or without convention majors. Read on, get inspired, and get busy.

• Mark Cuban is best known for his roles as owner of the Dallas Mavericks and star of "The Benefactor." The IU Kelley School of Business graduate-turned-billionaire owned Motley's Pub in Bloomington, sold his broadcast.com company to Yahoo! for more than $5 billion and founded HDNet, a high-definition television network. All before starring on the ABC reality show.

• The name Michael Uslan may not mean anything to you, but you've seen his films. He's executive producer of the Batman movies, from "Batman" in 1989 to "Batman Begins" in 2005.

Uslan came to IU in the early 1970s and decided to pursue an independent major program in comic books. Yes, comic books. He eventually taught the first accredited college course on the subject, and he is the author of the Batman comic "Detective No. 27."

The New Jersey native still has strong ties to IU. He recently donated his comics collection - of 25,000 books - to the Lilly Library. Feel free to view them there, by request.

• Before a couple of months ago, Will Shortz lived in relative anonymity. The puzzle editor of the New York Times was known by name only - until the film "Wordplay" put his face out there for all to see.

Shortz is a native of Crawfordsville, and the world's only academically accredited enigmatologist. (That means puzzle expert.) He designed his major at IU in the 1970s, studying the history of puzzles, anagrams, 20th-century American word puzzles and other such topics.

For 15 years, he was editor of Games magazine, and he became puzzle editor at the world's most famous newspaper after former puzzle editor Eugene T. Maleska died in 1993.

The rest is history.

Past stories

• Mark Cuban

• Will Shortz

• Michael Uslan

Michael Uslan