NEWS
The prognosticators
IDAHO AT MSU Ethan Conley — Ignore all the Dennis Erickson-John L. Smith story lines.
NEWS
MSU should mash Idaho's potatoes
Quarterback MSU senior quarterback Drew Stanton is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation — a player who will be able to pick apart Idaho's defense with precise throws and make defenders pay for overpursuing by breaking free for some timely scrambles. Idaho senior quarterback Steven Wichman completed less than 60 percent of his passes in 2005 and threw three more interceptions (18) than touchdowns (15). Edge: MSU Running back MSU has a platoon of running backs that fill a need for every situation.
MICHIGAN
Religious, scientists debate stem cells
Researchers last week announced a new method that could extract stem cells without harming the embryo — but many aren't convinced the controversy surrounding the practice will end. Advanced Cell Technology, which researches human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine purposes, announced the procedure that parallels an in vitro fertilization procedure that removes and tests a cell for genetic abnormalities. In the study, the embryos were intentionally deconstructed by scientists, but they are expected to survive in actual practice, reported Nature, a weekly international science journal. Pediatrics and human development professor Chia-Cheng Chang said in an e-mail Monday the effects of the procedure when used for stem cell research purposes needs to be thoroughly tested. He said using embryonic stem cells for clinical medicine could still produce adverse effects, such as tumors. "It is possible that the manipulation of the embryo may affect the embryo's normal development," Chang said.
NEWS
Transfer student at home at MSU
Six weeks into my freshman year at Central Michigan University, I knew it was not for me. My dorm was nice enough, the people were great, but there was just that gut feeling of needing something more.
NEWS
Take back the fight
One in every four women is a victim of assault in her lifetime, Samantha Cree said. That's why the nursing freshman decided to take a self-defense class at MSU. "I feel safer knowing that I can defend myself if I get attacked," she said.
NEWS
Graduate to leave for cross-country journey
Going into his final year at MSU, Justin Sailor wasn't really sure what he was going to do after graduation. Somehow, he decided to travel across the country. "The idea started about a year ago, the summer before my senior year.
MSU
Company to offer advice about crops
A comprehensive nutrient management plans, or CNMP, training program will be available for farm consultants and engineers Nov.
NEWS
Newcomers hope to revitalize MSU's stagnant pass rush
The Spartans defensive line is going to get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks this year. Ervin Baldwin guarantees it. "We're going to attack this year," Baldwin, a junior defensive end, said.
SPORTS
New coach, new attitude for Spartans
Despite starting the season with two losses, first-year MSU field hockey coach Rolf van de Kerkhof hasn't lost sight of the big picture. His team got contributions from players both young and old in close losses to Delaware and Louisville at last weekend's Champion's Invitational.
COMMENTARY
Anti-war is not pro-fascist
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged the troops fighting in Iraq in his speech Tuesday at the American Legion's annual convention.
NEWS
Resident alleges unethical campaign
An ethical complaint about a letter distributed on behalf of state House of Representatives candidate Mark Meadows to East Lansing residents is to be investigated, according to East Lansing city officials. But Meadows' Republican opponent John Knowles and East Lansing city officials both question the allegations brought against him by a city resident. "At first glance, we don't see a violation of the city ethics law," said East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton.
NEWS
Mediator hired for E.L.-MSU tensions
A possible solution to 2 a.m. drunken brawls and noisy parties has a new face. East Lansing and MSU officials picked a community liaison to help solve strains between permanent residents and students.
NEWS
Dollars now, debt later
Backpacks crammed to the brim with textbooks aren't the only burden students are carrying on their shoulders.
SOCCER
MSU hopes defense can help it overcome monstrous schedule
If the old saying of "defense wins championships" holds true, the MSU men's soccer team could have a good season ahead. Continuing a tradition of defense-first teams under head coach Joe Baum, MSU has given up just one goal in its first two games this season, a pair of overtime wins in last weekend's Oregon State/Diadora Classic. "When we give up one goal, we're surprised," Baum said.
MICHIGAN
Gov. Granholm leads slightly over DeVos
A recent poll of likely Michigan voters gave Gov. Jennifer Granholm a slight lead over the challenger Republican candidate Dick DeVos in the race for Michigan governor. In a poll of 1,200 likely voters conducted Friday to Sunday by Georgia-based Strategic Vision LLC, 48 percent said they would re-elect Granholm.
COMMENTARY
Katrina response wasn't about race, but poverty
I am writing in response to Darrell Hughes' "Government's Katrina reaction shows America's underlying racism," (SN 8/29). The Hurricane Katrina situation is a direct result of structural violence, which is a form of violence that is unintended but still occurs because of the nature of the "system" or the environment. It isn't directly the government's fault that these Americans are poor, though it does play a part.
COMMENTARY
Letter writer misinterprets conservative ideology
I have to say that reading Stephen Roth's letter to the editor, "Conservative movement ideas are contradictory," (SN 8/28), made me chuckle.
MICHIGAN
Zoo unveils exotic rodents
After a voyage of more than 300 miles, five new Patagonian cavies are on display at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. The cavies, which were quarantined for the past month in the zoo, were first shown to the public last week. The long-legged rodents, a relative of the guinea pig, look similar to a cross between a miniature deer and jackrabbit.
NEWS
Mich. bicycle-awareness expedition starts in E.L.
Raul Romero took time to stretch his legs and carefully examine his gear after a nearly 12-hour drive from Virginia.
NEWS
ASMSU adds student tailgating pass
Correction: The quote "ASMSU adds student tailgating pass" should have explained the "special line" was not for parking lot spaces but parking permit pickup at IM Sports-West. A new permit system is designed to make it easier for students to acquire parking spots for tailgating. This new seasonal pass, which won't be available for this weekend's game, will allow some students to be able to tailgate during the football season without having to enter a lottery or pay a fee every week. "The hardest part about the last year and a half has been the students getting used to the implementation of change," said Julielyn Gibbons, vice chairwoman of External Affairs for ASMSU's Student Assembly.