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Byte Reviews




A day in the life of an orientation leader

For incoming freshman, orientation marks the beginning of their college experience. It is a time to find roommates, schedule classes and begin their journey at Ball State University. To help these students along the way is the orientation team, which is made up of Ball State students, including senior Kyle Holster.


Women's studies program undergoes changes

One Ball State program is already feeling the effect of expected state budget cuts. Since the departure of Women's Studies Program director Kim Jones Owen nearly three years ago, students and faculty in this academic area have wondered what their fate would be within the university.


BSU student wins national contest

A Ball State University telecommunications student won a trip to the finale of American Idol in Los Angeles and a $5,000 cash prize after showcasing his singing skills in the shower. Brendan Nusbaum, along with thousands of other online applicants, entered Garnier Fructis' Sing in the Shower contest earlier in the spring with a pop-inspired rendition of The Romantics hit "What I Like About You.


WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: The art of scheduling

The offseason for many teams is a time to focus on strength and conditioning, but it is also the time to prepare for next season's schedule. For the women's basketball team, the job of creating the schedule falls under the duties of the director of basketball operations for the team, Kelsey Corbin.



BASEBALL: Nielsen named Freshman All-American team

Ian Nielsen started his college career with a blast and his freshman year ended with more fanfare. The Ball State University first baseman was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team Wednesday. Nielsen is the 11th Cardinal to be honored by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, who chooses the team.


OUR VIEW: Left in the dark

Students who are majoring or minoring in women's studies do not know if they will be able to finish their area of study because of a lack of communication from the university. This is the fourth notable time since the beginning of the year the university has failed to communicate, leaving people in the dark.


SCENE SELECTION: The Sting provides everything for movie goers

In this continuing installment of Scene Selection crime does pay. Find out if you should rent or splurge this weekend. Prepare to be captivated either way. Wit, charm and theft. Components of one of the most fun films I have seen: "The Sting." This classic film may not excite the modern audience, but it is an excellent period piece along with some of the best actors ever.


Weekend preview

Thursday ArtWorks Exhibit: Hale, Holland, Peters and DelaGardelle Today is the beginning of The ArtWorks Gallery's latest exhibit, featuring local artists' handcrafted work. The opening reception will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Local singer-songwriter Shad Peters will be playing guitar throughout the evening while International Wine hosts a wine tasting during the reception.



Geothermal project has yet to begin construction phase

Despite the groundbreaking ceremony on May 9, Ball State University's geothermal project hasn't begun its construction phase. The construction happening outside of Noyer Complex is unrelated, according to a campus representative. The weeks following the groundbreaking ceremony were spent receiving bids from contractors for the project.


Vinyl holds special meaning

Browsing through Von's Records rack of vinyl records in Lafayette, Kokomo resident Mae Kingery looks for a good deal. Beside her, two other college students wander and browse through the section, eagerly hoping to find something new. "I like to sit and read the lyrics while listening to the album," she said, flipping past Magnolia Electric Co.


THOUGHTS FROM THE JOHN: Court saves gays from damnation

California's Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, barring any new gay marriages from happening, but deemed legally binding the 18,000 or so that have already occurred. It makes perfect sense. Only in California could something be socially recognized as the basic right of a private citizen, but only for the first 18,000 lucky contestants.


Campus funding drops

Gov. Mitch Daniels presented his budget proposal for the next two years to the State Budget Committee on Tuesday, including a 3 percent decrease in operating funds to Ball State. Daniels also told the committee he will convene a special session of the legislature on June 11.



MESSAGES FROM MIA: Greenhouse nears 1,500 orchid species

Tucked away behind thick "woods" and at the end of a curvy lane, the Wheeler Orchid Greenhouse doesn't get the publicity it deserves. It's located in Christy Woods and serves as Ball State University's own little "Garden of Eden." And as if the flowers weren't beautiful enough, curator Cheryl LeBlanc adds to the experience.


Campus projects seek LEED Green Building certification

Several of Ball State University's construction projects are coming to an end and attempting to bring a "greener" environment to campus. DeHority Hall, North Hall and the relocated Honors College at the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Home are seeking LEED Green Building certification, Jim Lowe, director of engineering and operations, said.


Incoming freshman visit BSU

There will a lot of new faces on campus in the coming weeks. Orientation for incoming freshmen begins today and runs through July 10. There will be about 180 students and 300 family members beginning their orientation every day from Monday through Thursday.


THOUGHTS FROM THE JOHN: Where is the renewable energy

Helio Castroneves won his third Indy 500 last week and will take home a replica of the famous Borg Warner Trophy with his face once again affixed to its girth. Through all the talk of tradition and emotion-laden reminiscing of past winners of the Borg Warner Trophy, no one talked about the affect of Borg Warner leaving places like Muncie.


Private eyes in the public view

Eric Reece sits in his office at ABE Investigative Discovery Services with Post-it notes covering the wall and catalogs on his desk. The office is a suite squished between Manpower Staffing Services and The Muncie Visitor's Bureau, with a large banner displaying the agency name.


PARADOX OF A PLAIDED SWEATER: Composer's music still inspires him

Flash back two years. I am waiting in line at the Atrium when I notice a violin case staring me in the face. I twisted around the case to find a guy in a loose button down shirt, talking casually with a distinct and clear voice. What were the odds of me randomly seeing a string musician in a college campus in Muncie? I eagerly begin talking to him and find out the basics.