MIDDAY UPDATE: Michael Moore visits, begs students to vote

Slackers of America, set down your beer, register to vote and cast a ballot for John Kerry! Known for his controversial films and criticism of the Bush administration, filmmaker Michael Moore gave this message to MSU students on Thursday, telling them to care about politics for just one day and vote for John Kerry. "Come out and give voting a try, just this once," he pleaded with the crowd that almost filled the Auditorium.

Caught in flames

Though clad in a Baltimore City Fire Department baseball cap, the soft-spoken Joaquin Phoenix didn't exude the surety of a man who's fought fires first-hand. But after six weeks of training for his new film "Ladder 49," the Oscar-nominated actor has an outstanding invitation to work for the Baltimore fire department any time he wants. Of course, Phoenix said he won't be taking the job offer. "It's pretty much a thankless job," the 29-year-old said.

Smith: Team needs more emotion; poor practice habits plague 'U'

John L. Smith has a habit of kidding around. So it was no surprise reporters doubted the validity of his motivational tactics involving chickens and the exorcism of a stadium when he coached at Idaho. "Bite the head off a chicken and chew it up, that gets 'em going, right?" the head coach said.

Muslim group to discuss revoked visa

The case of Tariq Ramadan and his revoked visa is a cause of outrage for members of the Muslim Students' Association of Michigan State University, but it might have only a minimal impact on the lives of international students. The association, a nationwide student group, is holding presentations at campuses across the nation in an attempt to educate students about what happened to Ramadan. In August, Ramadan, an internationally recognized Islamic scholar, and his family were in the process of relocating to Indiana to teach at the University of Notre Dame, when the U.S.

Lansing organization aids in student jobs

Students preparing to apply for a job can get assistance from an employment counselor at Lansing's Youth Development Corporation. The counselors at the Youth Development Corporation, 806 N.

Set makes or breaks enjoyment of a show

Children are captivated by coloring books for a reason. Pretty crayons with shades like "dusty Texas orange" or "milk white blue" intrigue people.

Preview: on the stage

"Twelfth Night" A Shakespearean comedy written in the early 1600s. The story is a love triangle about a woman who loves a man who loves another woman. Yet the plot thickens when the characters find out that one of the women is really a man. Who: MSU Department of Theatre When: Oct.

Campus political parties hold debate

Students filled more than two-thirds of the largest Wells Hall auditorium to hear members of MSU College Democrats and College Republicans make cases for their respective candidates Wednesday night.

Student reflects on choice to pursue career in theater

Collin Frazier decided his sophomore year that despite his parents' desire for him to major in a non-arts field, he'd rather do what he loves. "Dance taps itself into the dancer spiritually, mentally and emotionally," the theater senior said.

'Forgotten' forgets plot in place of cinematography

Fifty years ago, we might have compared "The Forgotten" to an Alfred Hitchcock production.

Sen. crusades against junk food

State Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, urged health and food services officials from K-12 schools across the state to clean up cafeteria food and teach proper eating habits to students in a conference held Wednesday at Kellogg Center. "It is outrageous what our schools are doing," he said.

Honors adviser retires

Many Honors College students know him as the name that appears daily in their e-mail inboxes, but Scott Vaughn has been helping students plan their academic career for the past 35 years. Vaughn, the assistant director of the Honors College, will retire Friday. "It's very rewarding, advising is a lot like teaching in certain respects," Vaughn said.

Police briefs 09/30/04

All-spin zone

As if we needed yet another reason that Bill O'Reilly needs to keep his mouth shut. When Jon Stewart, host of the "The Daily Show," appeared on the Sept.

Parties discuss Great Lakes amendments

A decision by Republican lawmakers to vote down an amendment Tuesday that would strengthen Great Lakes water diversion is proof they are trying to undermine recent efforts to prevent the diversion, state Democratic lawmakers say. But some Republicans argue the amendments aren't needed because an amendment that provides similar provisions is already in conference committee. The proposed amendment, which was voted down 42-59, would add more stringent provisions to protect Great Lakes water from diversion to other states by outlining a water management plan. In March, state Rep.

Fewer roads would inconvenience 'U'

While reading "Green expectations" (SN 9/27), I was saddened and annoyed to see that the 2020 Vision Plan included the possible removal of Shaw Lane.

Jeff Buckley's music good for hard times

Jeff Buckley, why did you have to leave us so early? I recently received Buckley's legacy edition of "Grace" - the only full-length album released while Buckley was alive during the '90s - and I have totally re-embraced the man who helped shape bands like Radiohead and Coldplay. A little history for the lost souls - Buckley was born in California in 1966 and played coffee shops and small venues around the nation until the public started to catch on that he was possibly one of the most talented musicians of his time.

SN introduces student presidential panelists

In every presidential debate, three certainties exist. A candidate will win, a candidate will lose and TV talking heads will dissect the talking points and bombard the American public with opinion. And we watch.

Drinking buddies tour wonderful wheat beers

This week's column is dedicated to beers as white as the blank screen that comes up when we check our e-mail (Pleeeeease e-mail us at drinkingbuddies@beer.com). Wheat beer is a top-fermented light ale brewed with, wait for it ...wheat.

Camera tricks

President Bush and Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry do not like to look stupid. The candidates' campaigns wanted to secure their insecurity at the debates by not allowing certain camera shots and angles, and asked the networks to abide.