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NEWS

How to be a beer snob

Becoming a beer snob is not that hard, unless you're a wino. All it takes is an appreciation for beer.

NEWS

First chance to choose

Williamston resident and Iraq native Sam Hindi is getting ready to drive more than 80 miles to vote in his home country's elections. Hindi, 74, will travel to Southgate on Saturday to cast his ballot in the first-ever democratic Iraqi election.

COMMENTARY

Minimum raise

Chances are you've had to hash it out working at a fast food restaurant, as a server, or delivering pizzas at some point in your life (if you aren't doing so currently, that is). At the time, the minimum, or near-minimum, wage you were probably earning might have seemed adequate to your needs - a weekend at the movies, buying a new CD, whatever.

MSU

ASMSU officials focus on budget concerns

ASMSU's programming and funding boards received additional money this year, some student government officials are concerned about the two committees' financial stability. In past years, both undergraduate student government boards used up their budgets before the end of the spring semester. In fact, in 2004, the groups spent their entire funds before March and requested an additional $10,000 from the Student Assembly because they ran out of money. To ensure that student groups have money to hold events, and to give to student organizations in 2005, the boards have been given about $30,000 more, and officials say they are confident they won't run out of money. The programming board funds specific student events on campus, and the funding board provides money to registered student organizations. On the programming board, about 20 students represent various campus groups or organizations, such as the University Activities Board.

NEWS

Musicals challenge audiences to 'suspend belief'

Over the years I have encountered many non-thespians who hold a high disdain for musical theater. They complain about the unrealistic nature of musicals - the sporadic singing and dancing that takes place during the show. "It just doesn't make sense," they'll say with a sigh, absolutely convinced that realism is what matters. To those non-believers I would like to introduce a concept called willful suspension of disbelief. I myself was introduced to this idea several years ago by my mother when she went through her period of "March Madness." I came home from school one day to find her blow-drying a 2-inch layer of ice off our patio table.

MSU

Students to participate in robotics competition

Okemos High School senior George Karagoulis said he's fortunate because he already knows what he wants to do with his life - he wants to be an engineer. Which is why Karagoulis, 18, is excited to be a member of Team 1504-Spartan Robotics, an engineering-inspired club that is gearing up to build a 120-pound robot capable of moving 9-pound weights to a designated goal. "It's a major undertaking," Karagoulis said of the group challenge.

NEWS

Sondheim tribute covers 28 classics

The assumption, and hope, behind "Side by Side by Sondheim" is that music can be more powerful than most well-written sonnets. BoarsHead Theatre's latest song and dance show doesn't bother to dally with spoken dialogue, but instead relies on actors' vocal and physical talents. "Side by Side by Sondheim" is a musical review and tribute to Stephen Sondheim, a composer and lyricist, who is known for his work with musicals such as "West Side Story" and "Gypsy." But this production doesn't have a straight-lined plot - it incorporates more than 28 songs from Sondheim's musicals, and groups the tunes into themes, such as marriage and lust. "Sondheim is a musical genius and musical dramatist," said Shannon Locke, one of the show's three singers.

MICHIGAN

Students: N. Tier bus rides too long

It's slow going from the Northern Tier to campus - problems with crowded buses and traffic conditions have concerned some residents. "A lot of times it takes 40 minutes to get to class when it should take 10," English junior Amanda Gardiner said.

MSU

Speaker series addresses United States, Israel relations

When MSU President Lou Anna Simon introduced former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dennis Ross at Kellogg Center Monday, it was one of two firsts. It was the first time Simon introduced a speaker as president of the university, and Ross was the first speaker in the "Conversations on U.S.-Israel Relations" series. His visit kicked off the series of speakers sponsored by the Hillel Jewish Student Center and the Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation.

MSU

Simon asked to aid Lansing commission

MSU President Lou Anna Simon is working to increase MSU's presence locally and nationally. In response to budget cuts and a reduced population in schools, Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides appointed Simon and another co-chairperson to create the Special Commission on Schools and Neighborhoods. Benavides appointed Simon during his 2005 State of the City address Monday. The group will be composed of Lansing-area leaders and administrators from local schools.

NEWS

Lansing man charged in death of prof

A 27-year-old Lansing Community College student was charged Wednesday with murder and first degree criminal sexual conduct in the death of LCC professor Carolyn Kronenberg. Kronenberg, 60, was found dead Sunday morning in LCC's Student and Personnel Service building in a classroom she was scheduled to teach in, 15 minutes before her class was to start. Claude McCollum, a Lansing resident, was an LCC student but not in any of Kronenberg's classes, a statement from the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office said. McCollum was arraigned Wednesday in Lansing's 54-A District Court and is being held in the Ingham County Jail without bond, jail officials said. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb.

COMMENTARY

Pill prohibition

Buying dietary supplements over the counter might get more complicated in the future. Earlier this month, the Institute of Medicine called for tougher regulations in regards to dietary supplements. Because supplements can be sold unless they are proven to be harmful, there is a possibility of an adverse effect unknown to the willing pill-taker. Advertisements for some of these supplements make it appear that taking them is safe and can, in some cases, work miracles.

NEWS

Surviving the snowfall

Baby, it's cold outside. But just because the temperatures are dipping down doesn't mean you shouldn't be fired up to go frolic in the wintery weather.

SPORTS

Q&A Player of the week: Bryan Lerg

Freshman Bryan Lerg recorded his first career hat trick last week against Lake Superior. He tallied four points in the win and tie. The State News: What has been the big difference in your recent play from your play earlier in the season? Lerg: I think I'm getting used to the environment around here.