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Features

FEATURES

Red Planet depicts same old space exploration

Cory Vowell
November 13, 2000

In the tradition of high-tech, futuristic science fiction films about aliens, faraway planets and the occasional faulty space shuttle, “Red Planet” does not disappoint. But, in the tradition of really bad movies about Mars (namely last year’s dud, “Mission to Mars”), it seems “Red Planet” does in fact dishearten those hoping for something more. The movie, despite its innovative special effects and high-budget gadgets, doesn’t really do anything that hasn’t been done countless times in the past year, such as in “Pitch Black,” which accomplished a lot more with a similar story. The story takes place in 2050.

FEATURES

Department of Theatre seeks student volunteers

Justin D. Brown
November 13, 2000

As a theater undergraduate, Dave Goss grew very familiar with performing on stage as part of the Department of Theatre.And as a theater graduate student, he’s now working the front of the house.“I’ve been an actor for years,” the department’s house manager said.

FEATURES

DiFranco gives strong show

Dan Julian
November 13, 2000

Brock Elsesser could tell folk artist Ani DiFranco was a little nervous at her performance Friday at Breslin Student Events Center. “From what I understand, the audience and venue are twice the size she’s used to playing at,” the kinesiology junior said.

FEATURES

Nontraditional chef keeps kitchen in order

Jennifer Meese
November 10, 2000

Chris LaBelle is the first to say he’s not the traditional chef.The 25-year-old prefers a beige Adidas cap to a huge, white chef hat.And the executive chef at Evergreen Grill, 327 Abbott Road, doesn’t bark orders at the people who work under him.“I don’t think of myself as their boss, though I guess I am,” says LaBelle, dressed in an old black shirt and green-and-white-striped pants covered in front by a small apron.

FEATURES

Little Nicky takes a different twist

Cory Vowell
November 10, 2000

“Little Nicky” doesn’t fall in the same category as other Adam Sandler films. The familiar element of Sandler’s character as the underdog is present, but Sandler’s Nicky uses new ways to make the audience laugh.

FEATURES

Author holds book signing

Michonne L. Omo
November 10, 2000

Put your best foot forward and reach for the sky - children’s book author Allison Stoutland is signing books Saturday at the MSU Bookstore.Stoutland, who is married to MSU offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, will sign copies of “Reach For the Sky” and “Put Your Best Foot Forward” from 11 a.m.

FEATURES

Main drag

Jennifer Meese
November 9, 2000

Kimberley Monet Jones waited for years to perform in a drag show with her friends. And three years ago, her character, Queen Bitch, was born. “I tried it for Halloween,” she said.

FEATURES

Cowslingers to play at Macs Bar

Dan Julian
November 9, 2000

Members of the Cleveland-based “cowpunkabilly” band The Cowslingers admit they have an interesting fan base. “Usually drunks and degenerates,” lead vocalist Greg Miller said.

FEATURES

Lack of originality flaws Dynamite Hack debut

Dan Julian
November 8, 2000

Dynamite Hack superfast (Woppitzer Records) Dynamite Hack, best known for its unlikely cover of “Boyz-n-the Hood,” which was plastered on alternative and top 40 radio stations this summer, released its much-anticipated debut on Woppitzer Records. First and foremost, the album is solid with all the qualities a successful rock ’n’ roll record should jam with: a generous array of distorted guitars with a heaping portion of melodic hooks, a magnificent rhythm section and, occasionally, a singer who can sing. Despite these qualities, this collection has serious originality issues.

FEATURES

Kresge hosts faculty exhibit this month

Justin D. Brown
November 7, 2000

Earlier this semester, studio art Professor Peter Glendinning aided studio art seniors in STA 492, Senior Seminar and Professional Practice. After helping most of his students put on their first art exhibit as part of the class, Glendinning, along with other faculty members, will exhibit artwork in the Faculty Exhibition 2000 at Kresge Art Museum starting Friday.“It’s going to be spectacular,” museum curator April Kingsley said.

FEATURES

U pieces featured in Bagger Vance

Cory Vowell
November 7, 2000

When Robert Redford’s film adaptation of the Steven Pressfield novel “The Legend of Bagger Vance” opened Friday, the MSU Museum was a part of the long-awaited film.The museum contributed some of the props used in the film.The movie, which takes place in the 1930s in Georgia, uses nearly 30 pieces of vintage golf course equipment borrowed from the MSU Museum’s Kenyon T.

FEATURES

Lansing Civic Players present Anne Frank

Justin D. Brown
November 6, 2000

The Lansing Civic Players create an intriguing historical tale in their retelling of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Based on a true story, the Players use portions of Anne’s diary to narrate the play, chronicling the lives of Anne’s family and others as they hide from Hitler’s discriminatory laws and concentration camps during the Holocaust. Sharing a cramped two-level apartment are Anne (Kristin Shields); Mr. Frank (Todd Heywood); Mrs. Frank (Elizabeth Cummings); Anne’s sister, Margot (Lindsey Stakoe); Mr. Van Daan (Tom Klunzinger); Mrs. Van Daan (Linda Granger); their son, Peter (Ryan Mahaney) and Mr. Dussell (Bill Gordon), a dentist. The eight seek refuge in Mr. Frank’s employer’s attic, as they live in constant fear and are forced to sit and wait until the Nazi rule is over. Under constant scrutiny, the characters must watch their every step and live by a schedule.

FEATURES

Napster to charge for services

Dan Julian
November 6, 2000

Jacob Cable thinks it’s about time Napster considers charging people to use its music downloading system. “For Napster it’s an excellent marketing opportunity,” the general business administration and pre-law senior said.