Fight plan

Out of the intense calm of a gym in Lansing, a green light switches on from a box in the corner. Coming in over the music, a loud beep sounds and it is time to get to work.

Freshmen fifteen Q's

College is a whole new world for many freshmen traveling campus for the first time. The State News sat down with one of these brave explorers to get a glimpse, in 15 questions or less, at a new face on campus and their perspective on their new frontier.

Student's clothing line draws national, celebrity attention

She spent her early high school years experimenting with gluing rhinestones on T-shirts. Ashley Sierra Reed said, at that point, she didn’t expect to own a clothing line catering to MSU students and celebrities like Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne and Ne-Yo in her college years. “I was bored and just trying new things,” the retailing senior said. “People began to like the things I designed.”

Hello, my name is Kirk Domer

When Kirk Domerbegan working in the MSU Department of Theatre six years ago, he brought his love for video and digital set design and experience working with several productions to center stage.

Grocery stores unique items

Enter through the lion-guarded doors of Oriental Mart, 2800 E. Grand River Ave., and prepare for an international spin on the mundane grocery run. This family-owned market is one-stop shopping for an authentic Asian culinary experience.

Fall basics

It is a universal law known among all Michiganians that the end of summer means just a few precious months before the onslaught of winter. The SN asked Consumers Energy for some tips on how to save money on your utility bills.

Lerg learning to balance scoring with leadership as team captain

Senior forward Bryan Lerg said it’s always been his dream to be captain. Now, it’s reality. Lerg will serve as captain of the MSU hockey team for the 2007-08 season.

Unions cannot be only blame for state's problems

I do not believe that eliminating unions will save Michigan. Liz Kersjes argues that the brief UAW strike last week benefited the UAW workers, but “in the end … they severely undercut the company paying them at an eventual disadvantage to themselves.” (Eliminate unions to save Michigan, SN 10/1).

E-mailing crime reports heightens awareness

After school officials at Eastern Michigan University allegedly attempted to cover up the on-campus rape and murder of a 22-year-old student, the university has started sending out campus crime reports which details the time, location and type of campus police calls.

Important to register to vote in E.L. City Council election

There are only days remaining for MSU students to register to vote here in East Lansing for the City Council election on Nov. 6. The deadline to register is Oct. 9. Why should you register to vote in East Lansing? Because the decisions made by the City Council affect MSU students every day. We are part of this community and we need council members who will represent us.

Fifteen months is too far away

If you’ve read some of my previous columns in this paper, you may have guessed that I am not the biggest fan of George W. Bush. I could list the reasons for this, but you are likely quite familiar with them, as two-thirds of the country already recognizes that he’s doing an awful job. Of course, the frightening part of that is that somewhere around 30 percent of the country thinks he is doing a good job, but that’s another story.

Comley eager to begin year, defend title

Coming off the program’s first national title in 21 years, MSU head coach Rick Comley said he’s more driven now than he’s ever been. “That’s the feeling I have sitting here, right now,” Comley said Tuesday at MSU Media Day. “These are golden years for me … it’s such a great school and a great program, there’s so much pride taken from winning a national championship, I’m just hungry to do it again.”

Sales tax expansion has little effect on prices overall

The state passed a sales tax expansion on some services Monday morning in an effort to reduce Michigan’s $1.75 billion budget shortfall. The 6 percent sales tax expansion would affect carpet and upholstery services, tour operators, janitorial services, investment advice and other services.

Changing the trend

There are several students like Michelle Smith who are eager to help educate Michigan’s future leaders. Unfortunately, some of those tutors won’t be around to check on their students’ progress. That’s because a poor market, combined with a meager sense of job security, are driving them from the area.

Police Briefs 10/02/07

An unknown suspect followed a female student riding a Capital Area Transportation Authority bus and exposed himself to her on Sunday, MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said.

Lansing-area technology companies seek to end wave of fleeing graduates

Keeping MSU graduates in the area will take more than a few flashy new developments — they’ll need jobs.

Construction causes concern

While developers inch closer to finishing Stonehouse Village III, students and businesses close to the project are bemoaning the inconvenience of the construction.

Week dedicated to promoting Arab culture

Hookah, henna tattoos and the history of the Arab world will all be a part of the Arab Cultural Society’s goal of spreading their culture through Arab Awareness Week.

Motivation key in changing fitness habits

I’ve never really said I’m going on a diet. The idea of restricting myself from eating certain things was a big turnoff. But now that spring break plans are looming, I may join the ranks of other beach babe hopefuls and dive in.

Physical trainer: Getting in shape requires time, motivation