Scholars assess Scientology

The religion Scientology has been around for more than 50 years, yet recently it has become the center of media and public attention. Some relate the rise in popularity to actor Tom Cruise for being outspoken in the media about his views of Scientology and psychiatry. But Mary Anne Ahmad, director of public affairs of Midwest Churches of Scientology said this is not a new religion. "It's always been here," she said.

Wizards and magic, oh my!

Volunteers check to see what prizes are left while Alice Huang, center, of East Lansing mans the "Flourish and Blotts" bookstore during the Harry Potter party at the East Lansing public Library on Tuesday evening. Flourish and Blotts is the bookstore used by Hogwart's students to buy books in the Harry Potter novels and one of the librarian's offices was converted into the store.

Rock returns triumphantly on Muggs self-titled debut CD

"The Muggs," The Muggs (Times Beach Records) The gods of rock have heard our prayers and have answered them with "The Ugliest Band in the World" - The Muggs. Simply put, The Muggs is a rock 'n' roll band.

Homosexuality is a sin, Bible says so

I am writing in response to the editorial ("Step Forward" SN 7/12). Seldom have I seen an article written by someone so ill informed.

Police use fliers to aid search for missing boy

The search for a missing Williamston boy advanced today when officials from the U.S. Post Office agreed to distribute 65,000 fliers containing his picture and description. As part of the Deliver Me Home Network, the fliers aim to make residents aware of disappearances.

Local band's 'No Matter' excellent

Smallspace, "No Matter" (Speedywagon Records) There has been an onslaught of bands recently that bend, mix and stray from typical music genres, making it difficult to place them or even describe their sound - and Smallspace is one of those bands.

Harry Potter release inspires celebration

When 7-year-old Will Miklavcic dons a black cape and pair of glasses repaired with tape, he said he resembles Harry Potter, even though he's blond. "I like Harry Potter; I've read all the books," the Haslett resident said.

Police briefs 07/12/05

United States could suffer same ill fate as previous world empires

During the past few months I have wondered about how we as Americans are destined to be portrayed in the distant future.

Lobbyists should be held accountable

Recently, I was made aware of some interesting news pertaining to some unethical practices of many of the most elite lobbyists in Washington.

2 Mich. bills could force coverage of contraceptives

Contraceptives could be covered by more Michigan health-insurance agencies, if a new initiative is passed that is currently in the state Senate. Senate Bills 431 and 432 were introduced in April and could require Michigan-based health-care providers who already cover Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription medications to also cover approved contraceptives. "Right now insurers are not required to insure (contraceptives)," said T.J.

West Village developer awaits state approval

Redevelopment plans for the West Village project are still underway, but city officials said the developer needs approval from state officials before the overhaul begins. Michigan officials are previewing the site plans and other paperwork before they give the project's developer the OK, said Tim Dempsey, East Lansing's community and economic development administrator. The developer Jerome Abood of Abood Properties, 603 E.

300 volunteers to flush Spartan Stadium toilets

In the middle of August, 300 volunteers will enter every bathroom in the new Spartan Stadium to simultaneously flush every toilet and turn on every faucet. This test, called a "super flush," is to make sure the plumbing can handle an entire stadium full of spectators using the facilities. It has been standard practice to test new structures ever since Notre Dame's newly renovated stadium flooded during its first game in 1997, MSU Associate Director for Media Relations John Lewandowski said. During Notre Dame's home opener against Georgia Tech, the plumbing could not take the overwhelming needs of the crowd, causing the stadium's concourses to flood; thus the concession stands could no longer sell beverages, he said. It occurred during a television time-out as fans flocked to the bathrooms. The stadium's plumbing and the super flush are being coordinated by Keebler Plumbing & Heating in Lansing. The super flush will make sure the new plumbing can handle the demands of the new stadium, Lewandowski said. "They're trying to simulate a halftime," he said.

Housing planned channel addition

A survey that was conducted by the Residence Halls Association had no bearing on MSU's decision to add Fox News and ESPN2 to its "U Tube" cable television system.

New assistant athletic director named, will begin post on Aug. 1

MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason announced Monday that Nate Lake will be promoted from director of women's basketball operations to assistant athletics director beginning Aug.

MSU officials probe group

MSU Trustee Joel Ferguson said it's important police don't tear gas or pepper spray people in the future based on past civil disturbances in East Lansing. "The police said the reason they were so aggressive is because of what happened years before," he said. Some MSU officials say they want the independent commission reviewing the April 2-3 disturbances to take a more accurate look at the use of police force that evening to ensure a fair judgment is rendered. "It is so difficult because there are so many different sides to the story," MSU Trustee Dorothy Gonzales said.

Focal Point wins award for 'Best College News'

In the six and a half years MSU's television news magazine, Focal Point, has operated, it has given students a head start at a career in broadcasting.

Movie money

The Michigan Senate and House of Representatives are currently considering bills that would allow the state to levy a tax on movie ticket sales.

Dairy training

A little before 2 p.m. on Monday, veterinarian Jill Brester was elbow deep in a cow. Brester, an intern with the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, was performing a routine abdominal surgery on the cow at the MSU Training Center for Dairy Professionals, a new university facility which officially opens today.

GM employees voice anxiety after layoffs

General Motors Corp.'s recently extended employee discount promotion has created record sales, but some laid-off employees are still worried about their future. GM's Lansing Car Assembly plant shut down in May, and everyone who worked at the site was laid off.