Kirkwood Observatory Open House

For many students at IU, the Spring season offers a forgotten opportunity to break out of their dorm rooms, take a break from studying, and explore campus. Although it can be somewhat brisk at night during the Spring semester, many exciting weekly activities are happening all across campus this time of year. One very rare and exciting opportunity that most students do not hear about is the weekly open house at the Kirkwood Observatory. Assuming the sky is clear, the Astronomy Department opens the Historic Kirkwood Observatory to the public every Wednesday evening from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

The Open House is a great time for anyone interested in star gazing, the solar system, or massive telescopes to stop in and ask questions and even peer through the historic 110 year old telescope. And while some may think that their limited Astrological knowledge may leave them clueless or helpless, the passionate faculty, staff and students of the Astronomy Department are always encouraging guests to ask questions.

Between the unique atmosphere offered by the historic building and the large telescope housed beneath the rotating dome, and the talkative nature of the friendly staff, the Kirkwood Observatory is well worth the trip across campus. 

To see if the Observatory will be open on a particular Wednesday, simply visit the Astronomy website,  http://www.astro.indiana.edu/, to see the current status of an Open House event.

A Day Away

With spring break over and the end of the school year still a few weeks away, taking a weekend trip out of town is a great way to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. There are many options around Bloomington; the only real challenge is deciding which direction you want to travel.

One option is to travel south on State Road 37 until you reach West Baden Springs, Indiana. Here you will find the historic West Baden Springs Resort. Just under two hours south of Bloomington, West Baden is an easy one day trip that won’t drain your gas tank or your wallet.

Access to the resort property is open to anyone, so no special permissions are necessary. And for those who prefer to be guided through unfamiliar places, daily tours are given by National Historic Landmark tour guides. These two-hour tours are a great way to see the property, inside and out, while learning about the rich history of the resort.

So if you and your friends are heading south for a weekend, stay on 37 and go to West Baden Springs for a walk through history. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants before you head back to campus.

Automotive Maintenance on Campus

Having a car on campus is one of life's necessities for many students, even with gas prices on the rise again, but this luxury still involves a little upkeep every once in a while. And as many college students with cars will attest, spending money on repairs or maintenance isn't usually a high priority so long as the engine starts and the wheels spin. But for those moments of ambitious automotive care, there are many resources around Bloomington to lessen the blow of keeping your car running smoothly.

With warm weather once again becoming commonplace in the weekly forecast, giving your car a fresh wash is never difficult to complete with four self-serve and five automatic car washes in the Bloomington area.

For those who like to keep their tires at the right pressure to maximize fuel economy and tread life, almost all Circle K gas stations around town offer free access to air hoses. Considering that other stations often charge $.25-$.75 for a measly minute or two of air, this seemingly insignificant resource is quite helpful and can save you a few dollars over the course of the year.

Leaving a car out in the cold weather is never easy on batteries and other electronic components that vehicles rely on to run properly. And with check-engine lights being triggered by anything from a loose gas cap to a dying transmission, it's difficult to know what you need to fix when these warnings illuminate your instrument panel. Luckily, most of the auto parts stores around Bloomington offer free check engine-light readings without any appointment or advanced notice. If you're lucky, the sensor can be simply reset or, if a part is needed, it can be purchased and installed on the spot.

And when things go beyond jumping a battery or changing out a flat tire, Bloomington has an abundance of trustworthy, competitively priced automotive repair shops to choose from. Everything from domestics to imports and tires to engines is available. So don't skimp too much on basic care for your car while at IU, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs low while still ensuring that your car is properly cared for.

Hidden Treats

With warm spring weather starting to make its way into the forecast most weeks, the idea of going out for ice cream is slowly but surely making a comeback. If the name “Crimson Creamery” doesn’t ring a bell when it comes to the numerous on-campus dining locations, it should, and here's why:

Formerly known as “The Underground,” the Crimson Creamery is nestled underneath the Foster Gresham dining hall in the Northwest residential neighborhood. For those students that don’t frequent the north end of campus, trying to find your way around can sometimes be a daunting task. Luckily, if you're anywhere near Foster Gresham food court, signs will direct you to the seemingly inconspicuous entrance on the left side of the building. And regardless of the adventures that precede your arrival, the risk of being lost for a few moments is nothing compared to the reward of finding the Creamery for the first time. 

Inside, the Crimson Creamery has a warm and cozy atmosphere with its wood plank walls and seating. And with an incredible assortment of flavors, toppings and sizes to suite even the pickiest of eaters, you won’t regret passing up the other more expensive alternatives around town. Best of all, since the Crimson Creamery is an official RPS dining facility, student meal points (I-Bucks) can be used to purchase all of your tasty creations. 

So instead of fighting long lines at other ice cream shops around town, check out the Crimson Creamery the next time you’re looking for a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a delicious ice cream creation.

Making Way for Bigger and Better Things

Photo Courtesy of Indiana University

Everything has a life cycle, and from time to time Indiana University determines that new facilities are needed to continue to offer one of the best academic campuses in the Midwest. Given the Jacobs School of Music’s impressive rank as one of the pre-eminent music schools in the country, the addition of a new music practice facility is a fitting addition to IU’s flagship campus. In addition to adding classroom and office space for the music school, the new facility will be designed with superior technological and acoustic qualities unlike any other facility in the region.

Although the new facility will signify one’s entrance into the university’s music and performing arts district, the addition comes at a significant cost to one of two University Apartment buildings located at the corner of Third Street and Jordan Avenue. 

Following official approval from IU’s Board of Trustees to construct the new music practice facility, crews began demolishing the West University Apartments structure, which just last year was home to more than 100 students. 

While the demolition of a residential structure is fairly uncommon at Indiana University, the facilities that succeed them often create headlines for their architectural, environmental and technological innovations that make IUB’s campus so unique.

For more information about the new Jacob's School of Music Practice Facility, visit: 

http://info.music.indiana.edu/news/page/normal/13564.html

The Perks of Higher Education

IU offers its students many great opportunities and experiences. One of my personal favorites is the amount of technology available. Obviously, "technology" is a very broad term, but what I am talking about is primarily the software that is available to students at IU. Between the campus bookstores and the UITS software websites, students have access to hundreds of software titles to satisfy any and all class requirements, and virtually any extracurricular aspirations one might have, such as to become a Photoshop guru, video editor, database designer, Web site builder, etc…

In addition to software, students are also eligible for substantial discounts on technology products and services through various vendors. Savings can be realized on everything from basic cables to advanced computers and hardware.

Another one of the greatest perks of higher education, hands down, is the opportunity to become an Amazon Prime member at Amazon.com. By simply supplying Amazon with your personal (username@indiana.edu) e-mail address, paying for shipping becomes a thing of the past when you buy an item sold by and/or shipped by Amazon.com. What's more, with this free, one-year prime membership, two-day shipping is also free. I could literally write an entire book about how great Amazon Prime is. Waiting for online orders to arrive in your mailbox becomes a thing of the past. Procrastinating to order textbooks, school supplies, winter hats and gloves, and all those other campus necessities is perfectly acceptable now when you know it will be waiting for you in your mailbox in less than 48 hours.

Although numerous other aspects of higher education are certainly noteworthy, these are the ones that I feel go unnoticed most often by new and current students. Between paying money for software that you have technically already paid for, and waiting more than a couple days for online orders, many students miss out on the benefits that are available to them for free. And even those that aren’t “free” still give students the opportunity to potentially save hundreds of dollars throughout their academic careers.

Indiana University Motorist Assistance Program

Having a car on campus is certainly something to appreciate, especially during the winter months when those deceivingly short walks to the grocery store begin to feel more like an Alaskan endurance challenge. And just like the weather takes a quick and relentless toll on your body, a car is no different. Sleeping outside, night after night, your car’s battery, tires and even fuel are being strained. And when Friday rolls around, and you’re getting ready to venture out to the store or the movies, how do you know whether your car is still alive and ready or has gone into hibernation? Whether your tire is flat or your car is out of juice, battery or gas -- even if your keys are locked inside -- Indiana University’s Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) is there to help get you back on the road again.

MAP offers quick, dependable service on common roadside complications. The organization utilizes a well-prepared Ford Ranger pickup truck to respond to students, faculty, staff, and even visiting parents and prospective students LEGALLY parked in any campus parking lot or facility. 

IU Parking Enforcement operates MAP in conjunction with the campus motor pool. Assistance is available from 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and is provided by ASE Certified mechanics who maintain IU’s own fleet of vehicles. The services offered by MAP may be used free of charge up to three (3) times per academic year. Additional service requests are charged at an appropriate fee per call.

Instead of frantically looking up a tow company, waiting for them to find you and your car in the middle of a crowded parking lot, and spending a small fortune for routine services, give the Motorist Assistance Program a call and utilize one of many free, quality services offered at IUB. You can’t go wrong with the service or the price.

 

To contact the Motorist Assistance Program, dial (812)-855-9849 or visit:

http://www.motorpool.indiana.edu/motor_pool/motorist.html

http://www.parking.indiana.edu/parking_operations/assistance_park.aspx

Limitations to the IU Motorist Assistance Program

Some limitations do apply to the services listed above. Among these, vehicles with side airbags (those housed within the doors) are not able to be unlocked by MAP. Fuel assistance is limited to approximately two (2) gallons per call. MAP adheres strictly to the guidelines listed on the websites above, and will not diagnose or service any part of a vehicle for any reason during an assistance call. Service is limited to property and parking facilities owned by Indiana University. And as a division of parking enforcement, IUB parking operations has ultimate discretion in determining eligibility for services and/or fees for the above listed services. MAP will NOT enable a vehicle for individuals presumed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol under any circumstance.