B arney Gumble, a regular character on the TV series "The Simpsons," is a stereotypical portrait of an alcoholic: middle-aged, obese, disheveled -- and drunk most of the time. But as a child, Barney had a bright future. Intelligent and studious, he was on track to attend a prestigious college until he met Homer Simpson, who introduced him to cigarettes and alcohol. Barney's fictional situation is

Cellular phones have become a small, convenient and, for many, an inexpensive way to communicate. They also have evolved into playful gadgets that can take photos, access games, send messages and sport ear-catching ring tones. These features make them attractive to younger and younger consumers. According to the Yankee Group, a Boston-based communications and technology research firm, 56 percent o

"Cyberathlete Amateur League." An online training camp for athletes? A new fantasy football league? How about a massive cyber-network of video-game players, meeting online to play games such as Halo, Doom or Counter-Strike competitively? To most people, being an athlete involves things such as kicking a soccer ball into a net, turning a somersault or scoring touchdowns. But at the Cyberathlete Ama

According to recent news reports, the tsunami in South Asia has killed an estimated 212,000 people, with thousands more still missing. People all over the world have reacted by donating money to many relief organizations. Locally, many children are also contributing to the relief effort. Parochial schools Cardinal Ritter: For two weeks, students at this Westside school used competition to solicit

Allison, 17, is a typical Indianapolis teenager in many ways -- she goes to school, works a summer job and hangs out with friends. But she lives in fear that her secret may be uncovered. Allison, who asked that her name be changed to protect her privacy, is not concerned about her race, ethnicity, gender or sexual preference. However, she is Wiccan, and she has seen the hardships suffered by her f