Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

All content by Nathan Hall

What sports has become

by Nathan Hall
Published April 8, 2004

Last Monday morning, police in Durham, N.C., reported an industrial spill in which approximately 28,000 gallons of raw sewage overflowed into the streets because of a "grease blockage." Officials, insisting...

An apology from a former Nader Raider

by Nathan Hall
Published March 25, 2004

In the 1941 film "Sergeant York," Gary Cooper played a Tennessean pacifist-turned-war hero. Based on a true story, GI sniper Alvin York captured a strategic German outpost despite being grossly outnumbered...

Let’s (not) talk about ‘The Passion’

by Nathan Hall
Published March 5, 2004
I still cling to this antiquated notion that perhaps there are more important events occurring in our fair metropolis than fundamentalist zealots spray-painting religious slogans on snow banks.

Reorganization of one U department could force layoffs

by Nathan Hall
Published February 13, 2004

To create a more efficient building construction process, the University's Department of Capital Planning and Project Management might soon undergo a reorganization, a University official told the Board...

Automated system detects problems in ‘smart’ U buildings

by Nathan Hall
Published February 12, 2004

If there is a fire, a break-in at a research lab or heat leaking from a hole in the wall somewhere at the University, and if it happens in a "smart" building, a computer program will know about it well...

U’s wireless Internet coverage expands toward goal of full-campus availability

by Nathan Hall
Published February 6, 2004

The University is on track to make wireless Internet access available virtually everywhere on the Twin Cities campuses by 2005, including bathrooms. Although information technology experts from around...

Biomass plant could cut energy expenses

by Nathan Hall
Published February 4, 2004
A biomass plant is being proposed for Minneapolis' Phillips neighborhood.

U will likely stay open despite cold

by Nathan Hall
Published January 30, 2004
Although many factors affect the decision to cancel classes, no specific temperature or wind chill triggers that result.

Rural areas feel cuts in Extension Service

by Nathan Hall
Published January 20, 2004
The new Extension Service centralizes assistance into 18 regional centers rather than individual counties.

Area apartments try to draw recently displaced students

by Nathan Hall
Published December 12, 2003

Recent safety-sweep inspections in several University-area neighborhoods have unearthed thousands of code violations a Minneapolis city official said might displace at least 112 students. The resulting...

Banks target students for ‘stored value’ cash cards

by Nathan Hall
Published December 5, 2003

Twin Cities banks are starting to target college students, among others, for a new product that looks and functions like a credit card. But the cards come with no billing statements, no over-limit charges...

Rochester campus enrollment up; housing costs remain high

by Nathan Hall
Published December 3, 2003

NROCHESTER, Minn. - o dorms, no student union and the annual talent show is held in the cafeteria. Enrollment is up at the Rochester campus, the University's fifth and newest campus and home to IBM and...

Students among millions traveling home for Thanksgiving

by Nathan Hall
Published November 26, 2003
Thanksgiving is one day away and University students are hitting the road - along with 31.1 million other Americans that AAA estimates will travel by car for the holiday

More people compete for holiday-season jobs

by Nathan Hall
Published November 18, 2003

Students hunting for seasonal jobs might have been encouraged by October employment statistics showing increased jobs in nearly every sector. But looks can be deceiving. Several local economists and retail...

Goldy’s job isn’t all fun and games

by Nathan Hall
Published November 11, 2003
There have been two known cases of physical assault against Goldy Gopher.

Lower textbook prices overseas send U.S. publishers scrambling

by Nathan Hall
Published November 6, 2003

Would students buy their mandatory $100 textbooks online from a foreign bookseller if they could save $50 - even after shipping and handling charges? U.S. textbook industry leaders think they might and...

U-spawned technology start-up flourishes

by Nathan Hall
Published October 28, 2003
Sistina maintains offices in Stadium Village, California and England.

Some businesses support striking union members

by Nathan Hall
Published October 24, 2003

Most business owners have been reluctant to take a stance on the University clerical workers' strike, but some businesses have shown support for striking workers by posting signs on their windows, allowing...

U police defend questioning Daily reporter

by Nathan Hall
Published October 20, 2003

University police and employees shared more details last week about the alleged harassment of a Minnesota Daily reporter by three police officers. Reporter Koran Addo said he was surrounded and questioned...

New federal law won’t affect University trips to Cuba

by Nathan Hall
Published October 13, 2003
Stricter guidelines for travel to Cuba might make the University's study abroad program stand out.

Bookstore brings students the world in its own words

by Nathan Hall
Published October 10, 2003

Longing for a newspaper written in something other than boring old English? Prefer flipping through magazines from right to left rather than from left to right? One solution to this consumer crisis might...

Poll finds hope in ‘road map’ peace plan

by Nathan Hall
Published September 29, 2003
University students interviewed last week said they were hopeful of an eventual peaceful dual-state conclusion to the more than 90-year-old land dispute.

Stores report brisk riot T-shirt sales

by Nathan Hall
Published September 19, 2003
Some business owners said the shirts will damage Dinkytown's reputation.

Crash courses help international students adapt

by Nathan Hall
Published September 15, 2003
Approximately 30 graduate students attended a "cross-cultural competency" workshop Friday.

Liberians at U hope to return home, help their country rebuild

by Nathan Hall
Published September 10, 2003

By the time Allen Gbatu fled Liberia at age 14, the whine of missiles and machine-gun fire from warring rebel factions kept him up at night. Now an electric engineering student, Gbatu said he yearns for...

Edina couple donates $5 million to fund U education programs

by Nathan Hall
Published September 5, 2003

An Edina, Minn., couple has donated $5 million to the University to help fund education efforts. Jim and Carmen Campbell, who both graduated from the University in 1964, said in a prepared statement that...

U Grad School jumps in ranking

by Nathan Hall
Published September 3, 2003

The University's doctoral program ranks 60th in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report's annual "America's Best Colleges" issue released last month. The position was up from 109 last...

Military supports research at U

by Nathan Hall
Published August 18, 2003
The Department of Defense in 2002 spent $16.6 million for research grants, contracts at the U.

Immigrant blues

by Nathan Hall
Published August 18, 2003
Stephen Frears gets to the heart of the refugee's dilemma

Unnatural selection

by Nathan Hall
Published August 18, 2003
Evolution Control Committee keeps the weirdness flowing

Part of us is missing

by Nathan Hall
Published August 18, 2003

With a friendly attitude that stood in contrast to the weighty topics of his lyrics, Matthew Davis' talents as a singer, songwriter and guitar player appeared limitless. But Davis' gifts were not exclusively...

Rags to records

by Nathan Hall
Published August 11, 2003
Dan Messe sells out for art and gets a hauntingly beautiful album in return

Women vie for votes in breast implant contest

by Nathan Hall
Published August 4, 2003

Annie Reeves said she does not come to this nightclub often but signed up because she wanted to feel better about herself. "I don't really know much about the surgery, but I do know I want to be a model...

Don’t look back

by Nathan Hall
Published July 28, 2003
"Northfork" imagines angels in America

Consider the ravens

by Nathan Hall
Published July 28, 2003

Can Christians be punk? The question might evoke an obvious contradiction in terms for most. The Bible specifically prohibits its followers from swearing, cheating on their taxes, disrespecting their elders...

Karaoke comes to a ‘box’ near U

by Nathan Hall
Published July 28, 2003
Owner Kumok Wong charges $20 per hour to use a karaoke box in her Stadium Village business, Boomtown Karaoke.

Summertime blues

by Nathan Hall
Published July 21, 2003
Eels frontman Mark Everett dictates his music without restraint.

The Green Fairy strikes again

by Nathan Hall
Published July 14, 2003

You can't always judge a person by your first impression, but you can always appreciate a Marilyn Manson record by knowing which drug he was on when he made it. The sluggish, hazy feel of 1994's "Portrait...

U begins research with powerful MRI magnet

by Nathan Hall
Published July 14, 2003

In the 1900s, scientists used sorcery and black magic to read the human mind. Today's scientists say they have found something more reliable - with a basis in science - to unlock the secrets of the mind:...

No straightedge please, we’re punk

by Nathan Hall
Published July 7, 2003
NOFX switch gears from pop-punk tomfoolery to caustic political commentary

Proposed bill would make federally funded science research results free

by Nathan Hall
Published July 7, 2003

A Minnesota representative has introduced a bill that would make all federally funded research results available to the public free of charge. According to Rep. Martin Sabo, D-Minn., Americans are essentially...

After court rulings, U to reflect on admissions policies

by Nathan Hall
Published June 30, 2003

University officials will spend the next academic year reviewing affirmative action policies to ensure they comply with two rulings issued last week by the U.S. Supreme Court. But University General Counsel...

Except after see, and sometimes why

by Nathan Hall
Published June 30, 2003

Look up "walking contradiction" in an unabridged dictionary and you will probably find a picture of these people. Formed in Florida in 1997, head-bangers Poison the Well are on the forefront of what can...

Historic East Bank physics tank now a storage locker

by Nathan Hall
Published June 23, 2003

The towering metal maroon storage tank, emblazoned with the University's logo - a gold "M" - is sandwiched between two brick walls, buttressed by Douglas fir trees. Decades of students heading to Tate...

Marred by dust and sweat and blood

by Nathan Hall
Published June 23, 2003
"28 Days Later" masks clever social commentary with zombie gore

U adjunct prof’s role in conflict of interest case spurs reviews

by Nathan Hall
Published June 16, 2003
The "U" began reviewing its adjunct personnel files two weeks ago.

Do you copy?

by Nathan Hall
Published June 16, 2003
Wilco and Fog make everything clear and fuzzy

U receives money to study renewable energy

by Nathan Hall
Published June 9, 2003

The University will receive millions of dollars for renewable energy research from an unusual source - toxic nuclear waste. Led by the University's College of Biological Sciences and months of legislative...

West Bank offers U alternate culture

by Nathan Hall
Published June 9, 2003

The West Bank area is a completely different beast compared to other parts of campus. And we like it just fine that way, thank you very much. That is the verdict of West Bank residents based on a casual...

Population center digitizes world’s census data

by Nathan Hall
Published June 9, 2003

Wedged among a yoga center, a veterinarian's office, a senior citizen gathering spot, an Episcopal Church and a gym on the West Bank campus sits history professor Steven Ruggles' temporary office. On the...

Twinkle, twinkle little star

by Nathan Hall
Published June 9, 2003

Probably the most amusing thing about cover bands is that none of them refers to themselves as such. "Tribute" is the preferred term. What must possess a fan of a particular band to go to such extreme...

U health center looks for conflicts of interest

by Nathan Hall
Published June 9, 2003

The University's Academic Health Center is reviewing the personnel files of its adjunct professors for possible conflicts of interest. The inquiry was sparked after Dr. Ilo Leppik, an unpaid adjunct pharmacy...

Wine Fest helps raise U pediatric funds

by Nathan Hall
Published June 2, 2003

Well-heeled downtown Minneapolis denizens sampled from more than 300 wines and munched on dozens of exotic hors d'oeuvres this weekend in a gala designed to raise funds for the University's pediatric department. The...

Can’t help loving that tease

by Nathan Hall
Published June 2, 2003
Burlesque Fest thrills a jaded world

Sweet soul music

by Nathan Hall
Published May 27, 2003
CD REVIEW "La Musica Negra" By Verbena Capitol Records

Bar patrons, staff praise new state 2 a.m. closing law

by Nathan Hall
Published May 27, 2003
Bars that stay open until 2 a.m. will pay fees annually, based on their volume of alcohol sales, to fight drunk driving with 50 additional state troopers.

Into the stratosphere

by Nathan Hall
Published May 8, 2003

On first go around, the Stratford 4's "Love & Distortion" comes off as yet another indie release everyone in college radio will go gaga for and the rest of us schmoes will forget without a second thought....

Just lippy, lippy, lippy

by Nathan Hall
Published May 8, 2003
The flaming lips won't be extinguished

Motion carries

by Nathan Hall
Published May 8, 2003

Split EPs, be they seven-inches or CDs, are somewhat of a strange bird. Slightly longer than a free sampler you would pocket at the cash register, but still too short to gain an accurate idea of the band's...

Enter the dream factory

by Nathan Hall
Published May 8, 2003
Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

Disabled students allege bus driver harassment

by Nathan Hall
Published May 2, 2003

Complaints of disability discrimination by seven University students against University bus drivers have led to mandatory sensitivity training and a possible investigation by the bus company's corporate...

Thicker than pea soup

by Nathan Hall
Published May 1, 2003

Andrew Broder, aka Fog, is as uncompromising as they come. If Broder just happens to be digging 1960s girl pop on a particular night, then he's going to spin a crate of it and he honestly couldn't care...

Changes in Interior Department policies endanger state forests

by Nathan Hall
Published April 30, 2003

Minnesota's state forests are in danger because of a proposed change in the National Forest Management Act, former Forest Service deputy director Jim Furnish said during a recent State Capitol press conference. Furnish,...

Minnesota air quality improves

by Nathan Hall
Published April 24, 2003
Despite recent air pollution health alerts, the state has bucked a national trend of rising ozone levels.

Astral projection: Letting it be

by Nathan Hall
Published April 24, 2003

One fascinating aspect of electronic-based music is that, due to its slavish reliance on computer software, mini-epiphanies of discovery can erupt multiple times over the same development or genre twist...

Living Green Expo showcases local conservation

by Nathan Hall
Published April 18, 2003

Opinions expressed at last weekend's Living Green Expo at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds suggest Minnesota environmentalists are shifting gears to act locally and perhaps think globally later. New state...

Nothing new under the sun

by Nathan Hall
Published April 17, 2003

If you're going to name your new band after an immense star that reaches, on average, highs in the upper 15 million degrees, it's a must that said band has got a lot of explaining to do right off the bat....

Commodify your dissent

by Nathan Hall
Published April 17, 2003
Clear Channel Communications gets some static

Smoke ’em if you got ’em

by Nathan Hall
Published April 17, 2003
Leroy Smokes takes white hip-hop in a predictable direction

Panelists discuss oil, war at Humphrey Institute forum

by Nathan Hall
Published April 14, 2003

Oil and war are intrinsically linked, according to a recent University-sponsored discussion. Approximately 40 students and faculty attended the international policy forum, held Friday at the Humphrey Institute...

Austin, Texas gives mixed reviews of Bush administration

by Nathan Hall
Published April 9, 2003

Although the majority of Texas residents support their adopted son, President George W. Bush, the capital city of Austin is another story entirely. Last month, Austin city officials passed a nonbinding...

Spring break trips not affected by war, so far

by Nathan Hall
Published March 28, 2003

Annual college spring break trips appear largely unaffected by the war in Iraq, according to industry representatives. Although everyone interviewed said it was still too early to tell for certain, airline,...

You can’t kid a kidder

by Nathan Hall
Published March 27, 2003
Kid Dakota's life hasn't been nearly as pretty as his album title suggets, but he's not complaining

Dulce et decorum est

by Nathan Hall
Published March 27, 2003
Gore Vidal's essays maintain his reputation as the grand old man of iconoclasm

Despite oil fires in Iraq, U.S. fuel supplies will remain unchanged

by Nathan Hall
Published March 24, 2003

Oil field fires set by retreating Iraqi troops will not significantly affect the U.S. gas supply, according to U.S. energy consortiums. Domestic fuel supplies will continue uninterrupted despite the ongoing...

Northstar backers seek Legislative support

by Nathan Hall
Published March 14, 2003

Minnesota's first commuter railroad might still go forward, despite a national economic decline and the subsequent reduction of state transportation funds. Northstar Corridor commuter rail line supporters...

DNR, angler dispute searches in high court

by Nathan Hall
Published March 14, 2003

The Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a case that could affect the application of the Fourth Amendment as well as the state's environmental well-being. Minnesota anglers and attorneys...

Pesticide use at schools might cause asthma

by Nathan Hall
Published March 10, 2003

U.S. children are getting asthma at more than double the rate of two decades ago, according to a Feb. 24 Environmental Protection Agency report. In Minnesota, scientists and environmentalists said pesticide...

Light rail transit ‘on track,’ but faces a setback

by Nathan Hall
Published March 7, 2003

Signs across the Twin Cities proclaim Minnesota's long-awaited $675.4 million light rail project remains "on track." Internal budget squabbles, however, might have temporarily stalled the project. At one...

Overpowered by folk

by Nathan Hall
Published March 6, 2003
Lou Barlow slices through expectations

Environmental agencies feel cuts

by Nathan Hall
Published March 4, 2003

Local environmentalists contend Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 14 percent cut in state environmental and agriculture spending until 2005 might come at the expense of environmental quality, such as clean water. "Gov....

From the north

by Nathan Hall
Published February 27, 2003

When the word Viking is mentioned, the vast majority of us immediately conjure up images of Hagar the Horrible comic strips or a professional football team that consistently chokes in the playoffs. At...

Former prof plans to debut transit system in Duluth

by Nathan Hall
Published February 27, 2003

With light rail construction possibly running out of money, alternative and cheaper mass transportation solutions have been gaining popularity. One such futuristic idea is personal rapid transit. For many,...

Federal funds might boost local transit projects

by Nathan Hall
Published February 25, 2003

With a struggling national economy and record-breaking state deficits, good budget news has been in short supply. But some positive developments might be on the way for Twin Cities-area environment and...

Free speech advocates claim foreign conflict threatens arts

by Nathan Hall
Published February 24, 2003

In early February, first lady Laura Bush canceled a planned White House literary symposium after learning that many of the poets she invited planned to use the platform to protest a possible war with Iraq. Civil...

Ice Cube reissues

by Nathan Hall
Published February 20, 2003
"Amerikkka's Most Wanted" "Death Certificate" "The Predator" and Lethal Injection"

Hybrid rental car club hOurCar will provide convenience for some

by Nathan Hall
Published February 20, 2003

A unique, environmentally friendly automobile program coming to the Twin Cities will let drivers rent cars by the hour. But most University undergraduate students need not apply. Members of the hOurCar...

“200 kmh in the Wrong Lane” By t.A.T.u.

by Nathan Hall
Published February 20, 2003

Almost every single piece of press devoted to t.A.T.u. heralds them as America's first mainstream dyke pop artists. Did I miss something here? Where exactly does that put lesbian music pioneers such as...

“Hot Action Cop” By Hot Action Cop

by Nathan Hall
Published February 20, 2003

Of all the millions of subgenres of pop music that exist today, one of the most fascinating to follow is sexually-explicit music that is in no way, shape or form erotic to anybody save the creators themselves....

Metro Transit might lose routes, hike fares

by Nathan Hall
Published February 19, 2003

Canceled bus routes and increased fares might be on the way, since Metro Transit's budget will likely be slashed as part of Minnesota's worst budget crisis ever. Metro Transit's woes are twofold. First,...

Major car manufacturers gear up to market hydrogen automobiles

by Nathan Hall
Published February 13, 2003

Ever since the Hindenburg dirigible exploded in a ball of flames in 1937, the notion of traveling via hydrogen has stalled - until now. President George W. Bush's recent State of the Union address promised...

Consider this a message

by Nathan Hall
Published February 13, 2003

Anyone who attended a mainstream rap concert in the 1980s should remember how awful live hip-hop used to be. Although isolated groups like the Fat Boys were developing unique personas and genuine lyrical...

Fractured Fairy Tales

by Nathan Hall
Published February 6, 2003

The Brothers Grimm's collection of Germanic fairy tales, in its unadulterated form, is not exactly soothing bedtime fodder for the little crumb-crushers. Human existence in Grimm Land is generally erratic...

Treason to Whiteness

by Nathan Hall
Published February 6, 2003

When I was a teenager attending high school in suburban Texas, I briefly dated a girl of Filipino descent. The relationship only lasted a few months but was significant enough to raise the ire of virulently...

A little bit crazy, a little bit bad

by Nathan Hall
Published February 6, 2003

The British are on to something; that's for sure. Virtually every popular Yankee TV show of late is a dumbed-down, regurgitated version of a U.K. program. Everything from punk to techno cuts its proverbial...

U might add alternative energy research center

by Nathan Hall
Published February 5, 2003

The University might soon be home to a research center devoted solely to studying alternative forms of energy. The Consortium for Renewable Energy and the Environment - the working title of the University...

Don’t Take Your Love to Town

by Nathan Hall
Published January 30, 2003

Prostitution is of course both the oldest and one of the most dangerous professions. Hollywood, via unrealistic fairy tales such as 1990's "Pretty Woman," downplays the numerous risks involved to the point...

You Can’t Touch This

by Nathan Hall
Published January 30, 2003

Hell has officially frozen over. Everything you know is wrong. Hawaii Show, the lip-synching side project of ex-Lifter Puller guitarist Steve Barone, recently opened for Nickelback. Now Har Mar Superstar,...

U prof: Westerners mishandlefemale circumcision issues

by Nathan Hall
Published January 29, 2003

Female genital mutilation and its intrinsic relationship to human rights and democracy issues were the focus of University sociology professor Elizabeth Boyle's discussion Monday afternoon in Ford Hall. "If...

It’s the Mann Show

by Nathan Hall
Published January 23, 2003

Face it. Watching a one-man show inevitably tends to be a tad surreal. Unless the individual on stage is overwhelmingly enthralling, entertaining and endearing, you are basically stuck with a chaotic stand-up...

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