Producer talks 'Star Wars' DVD, show

Rick McCallum is the producer of "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith," and also many of George Lucas' other intergalactic projects. The German born, 11-time Emmy winner produced the special editions of the original "Star Wars," "Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back" and "Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi." McCallum also produced "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" and "Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones." With the Nov.

Police briefs 10/18/05

Fournier balances radio job, student work with the nitty gritty of running for seat

John Fournier paced through the halls of MSU's campus radio station on Thursday; the offices are adorned with sound equipment, thousands of CDs and vinyl albums, and posters featuring such rock acts as System of a Down, Franz Ferdinand and Weezer.

With van filled with signs, Beard hoping to avoid another close loss in council race

Kevin Beard spent Friday morning behind the wheel of his lumbering, forest green GMC Rally STX van loaded with dozens of blue-and-white signs that read: "Kevin Beard for City Council: Planning for East Lansing's Future." A checklist of the names and addresses of supporters was at his side.

'Racy' retailer plans to open E.L. location

A Los Angeles-based fashion retailer, known for its sweatshop-free manufacturing operations and worldwide locations, is moving next to Urban Outfitters, 119 E.

Local bike store offers repairs, focuses on customer service

Business: Velocipede Peddler, 2758 E. Grand River Ave., in East Lansing Name: Mark Sanderson, owner Web site: www.veloped.com Time with business: Velocipede Peddler opened in 1972, and Sanderson's father bought the store in 1975.

Where they stand

Check out tomorrow's edition of the paper to see where the E.L. City Council candidates stand on two more issues. Forum To find out more about these issues and hear from the four candidates running for East Lansing City Council, a public forum will be held from 7 to 8 p.m.

John L. sticking with defense for lack of better option

The Spartans football season has been marked by a stellar offense and an inconsistent defense through six games this year. Although the defense shined in wins against Kent State, Hawaii and Illinois, the tables turned in a loss to Michigan and Saturday's loss to Ohio State, in which the defense surrendered passing touchdowns of 51, 57 and 46 yards. MSU head coach John L.

Black rhino brought to Lansing zoo from Cleveland to mate with Ebony

When black rhinos mate, things get broken. The male and female will spar, chase each other around and ram one another.

More people in E.L. should take advantage of voting privilege

Is it really necessary for there to be a major election for us to care at all about voting? Apparently so. It seemed last year that voter apathy was in decline.

Oral sex still brings risks, for HIV/STIs

Dear Dr. D., HIV from oral sex? How does that work, and how concerned should one be about unprotected sex? — Unprotected Dear Unprotected, Thanks for writing, now let's get it on.

Students to discuss proposed ordinance change

The University Student Commission wants to hear student opinions on a proposed amendment to East Lansing's noise ordinance at its meeting today. "We're looking to discuss (the noise ordinance amendment)," said Cody Dawson, chairman for the University Student Commission.

ASMSU analyzes student concerns at 3-day retreat

At their retreat last weekend, ASMSU members discussed ideas for working on problems they deemed "hot issues" for students. Members talked about adding specific criteria to professors' policies on canceling class in bad weather, said Robert Murphy, ASMSU's Academic Assembly chairperson. "Sometimes the university remains open when it's dangerous for it to do so," Murphy said. Representatives also are interested in adding a fall break to the university schedule, he said.

Group wants smoke-free workplaces to benefit employees

A group formed to represent bar and restaurant employees who are affected by smoking while at work, is urging local business to inform their employees of the impact being around smoking can have. The group, Breathe, or Bar and Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment, is part of the Campaign for Smokefree Air and is a "grassroots" coalition supported by several health organizations.

Pistons about to be eclipsed by LeBron, Heat, Artest's rap career

The NBA preseason just kicked off and the regular season opens on Nov. 1. There's no time like the present to answer some pressing questions heading into the opener. What team didn't do anything to get better? That would be none other than our own Detroit Pistons, who desperately needed a three-point threat for when Rip Hamilton or Tayshaun Prince are ready for a breather.

Loomis targeting areas known to vote, wishes that every resident was registered

Vic Loomis took a swig of water. Standing behind his battle station Sunday afternoon in the Hannah Community Center parking lot, he primed for another full day knocking on East Lansing doors. The opened trunk of his silver Jeep Grand Cherokee functioned as a mini-campaign headquarters, equipped with a cooler for lunch, stacks of literature and badges reading: "Our Hometown Choice, Vic Loomis." "I'll be out till it's dark tonight," said Loomis, 59, dressed in khaki pants, a blue pullover wind jacket and dress shoes. "My old bones feel it when I get home." His wife, Nancy, 43, pulled up in a Pontiac minivan shortly after Loomis finished eating two grilled chicken roll-ups she had made for him.

East of campus

Every morning, Amy Franzen wakes up to the sun shining into large picture windows in the bedroom of her Okemos apartment.

East Village

For Jenny Forker and Carolyn Kirkman, East Village is their home away from home this year. "It's overall the best decision I've made, to live here," said Forker, an education sophomore. Forker and Kirkman, a journalism and Spanish sophomore, are roommates at the Cedar Village Apartments in the East Village area. Forker said she liked the area best for its location. "It's so close (to campus,)" she said. But the popular location — known for its history of riots and partying atmosphere — could be transformed into a completely new district in function and design.

Blame game

Columbus, Ohio — After last season's loss to Ohio State, MSU head coach John L. Smith was livid.

Drive aims to help damaged schools

After Michelle Buffa saw the damage Hurricane Katrina caused, the education senior decided she wanted to do more than just put money in a donation box. The elementary education senior decided to adopt the Forrest County School District in Hattiesburg, Miss.