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MICHIGAN

National Socialists argue Lansing's counter-event illegal

Ken Osborne
April 11, 2006

The Nazi group planning to hold a rally in Lansing later this month is upset about a rally the city is planning as an alternative for people opposed to the group's viewpoint. The National Socialist Movement, a group dedicated to the preservation of the Aryan race and the establishment of a socialist state in America, claims the city's alternative rally would violate the law which requires the city to be "content neutral," in preparing for a demonstration. Both rallies are scheduled for April 22. "Frankly, we may just decide to join the city's diversity rally, which is 'free and open to the public,' and help them celebrate our white heritage," Bill White, the group's spokesperson, said in a press release. Despite this, the city plans to continue with its alternative celebration, said Randy Hannan, deputy chief of staff to Mayor Virg Bernero. "Our plans haven't changed a bit," Hannan said.

MSU

New research findings could boost rice yields

Holly Klaft
April 11, 2006

MSU researchers have identified a gene in rice that regulates how easily individual grains fall from the stalk they grow on — a discovery that could improve global rice production. Rice is the main food source for about half the world's population, said Tao Sang, an MSU associate professor and leader of MSU's research team. "People in some regions of the world still lose a lot of their crop because the grains fall off too easily," Sang said.

MSU

Hubbard takes the cake

Fredricka Paul
April 11, 2006

The Hubbard Hall cafeteria was voted students' favorite cafeteria based on a recent poll conducted by the Residence Halls Association, or RHA. Brody Hall came in second, and Akers Hall came in third. "We think of ourselves more as a restaurant," said Larry Tarnowski, food service manager of Akers and Hubbard cafeterias.

FEATURES

Five favorites

1 "An Unfinished Life" is a movie about a single mom named Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) and her daughter running away from Gilkyson's abusive boyfriend.

FEATURES

'Smoking' hot movie is a must see

Alessa Thomas
April 11, 2006

"Thank You For Smoking" follows Big Tobacco's main spokesman while he "filters the truth" about cigarettes and struggles to remain a positive influence on his 12-year-old son. The film is a clever satire about how the truth is only a small fraction of what Americans are bombarded with every day.

FEATURES

New DiFranco album 'razor sharp'

Ryan Mccormick
April 11, 2006

Ani DiFranco's 2002 solo performance at Carnegie Hall is something of another world. The political edge is razor sharp, and the kinship between performer and audience is cosmic. Released April 4, the new live album sounds like it's captured a moment in history. You hear the politically charged songstress pouring her heart out with intensely interwoven lyrics and incredible six-string finger picking, but it's difficult to take it all in. The concert, recorded just seven months after Sept.

NEWS

Board plans on handing over power in expansion

Josh Jarman
April 11, 2006

The MSU Board of Trustees could push forward the College of Human Medicine's expansion to west Michigan at its formal public meeting Thursday. The board's proposal would hand over the responsibility to carry out the expansion to the administration and "to take all the necessary and appropriate related actions." "What that means is identifying faculty and hiring the appropriate people," college Dean Marsha Rappley said.

COMMENTARY

Untrustworthy word

We still want to attend the MSU Board of Trustees monthly closed-door dinners and discussions, but now we might have another person to get through. MSU President Lou Anna K.

SPORTS

Monday musings

Tom Keller
April 10, 2006

A different take on the sports world. The NFL could suspend Ricky Williams for the entire 2006 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy again. Williams' lawyers say the running back's defense will center around the 420th Amendment. Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre says he's still undecided about whether he will return to play next season. In a related story, a majority of NFL fans are still undecided about why Favre's name gets pronounced like it does. Paul Davis is listed as the third-best center prospect in this year's NBA draft class by ESPN.com, while Maurice Ager is ranked sixth at shooting guard. Matt Trannon, meanwhile, is ranked first among people who play both basketball and football. Japanese outfielder Tomoaki Kanemoto set a world record last Sunday when he played in his 904th consecutive game without missing an inning. When time zone differences and the exchange rate are factored in, however, Kanemoto's streak only stretches about two-and-a-half hours. Former Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella says he'd consider a return to the bench, but only for a contender. Former New York Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer says he'd also consider a return to the bench, but only if Pedro Martinez is kept behind plate glass.

COMMENTARY

Men marching will spread awareness

I commend the Take Back the Night Planning Coalition for including men in this year's march from Beaumont Tower, through campus, to 54B District Court — described in "Men also affected in many ways by rape, must help end violence" (SN 4/03). This is a monumental step in bringing an end to sexual assault, moving from a reactive approach to a more proactive method by showing an entire community unified against sexual violence. I understand and respect that Take Back the Night is traditionally a day of women's empowerment that shifts the blame of rape from the survivor to where that blame rightfully resides: on the perpetrator.

COMMENTARY

ELPD disrespectful toward MSU students

The East Lansing Police Department never seems to understand why MSU students hold such a grudge against it. However, this past weekend I experienced firsthand why the police don't have the respect they think they deserve. While standing in my friend's garage, talking on my phone and drinking a beer, a police officer shouted at me to come out and talk to him. Since I am 21, I was not worried about speaking with him, and tried to have a conversation with him.

NEWS

Nazi rally prompts counter gathering

Ken Osborne
April 10, 2006

America's Nazi party has planned a rally on April 22 at the Capitol Building in Lansing, which has prompted a series of counter events organized by groups opposed to the Nazis' message. The National Socialist Movement is dedicated to the preservation of the Aryan race and the creation of a socialist state. The Lansing Coalition Against Nazis is planning a protest of the Nazis' rally, which is an example of "racial and ethnic intimidation," said coalition member Elizabeth O'Brien. In addition, the city of Lansing will host an event April 22 at Eastern High School to celebrate the region's diversity. The Socialist Movement is expecting more than 200 members to attend the April 22 rally, said Bill White, a spokesman for the organization.

NEWS

Proposal aims to increase local funding

Bob Darrow
April 10, 2006

East Lansing could be in line for more than $100,000 in state funding under a new proposal by Michigan legislators. If that plan materializes, Deputy City Manager Jean Golden said the money would likely be used to fill some of East Lansing's "critical needs," such as hiring new police officers and firefighters. The money would come from a boost in Michigan's revenue sharing — which collects sales taxes from around the state and then redistributes a percentage of those revenues to local governments. The funds can make up 25 to 30 percent of a city's budget and have been cut dramatically in recent years, according to Summer Minnick, director of state affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. East Lansing officials are expecting to receive $5.78 million in revenue-sharing funds for the 2007 fiscal year, almost 17 percent of the city's $34.6 million operating budget.

SOFTBALL

Complete shutouts

Steve Highfield
April 10, 2006

The MSU softball team used two complete game shutouts from its starting pitchers to sweep a home doubleheader Sunday against Indiana. In the first game, junior Rachel Turney went the distance for the Spartans (27-11 overall, 6-0 Big Ten) and pushed her record to 12-5.

SPORTS

Front and center

Laura Collins
April 10, 2006

The State News caught up with MSU senior cornerback Demond Williams, who MSU head coach John L. Smith said has been emerging as a leader in spring football. • On how he has changed … "There's no secrets, just knowledge.