Democratic Thunderdome could revolutionize political races

The Michigan Democratic caucus is about two weeks away, and it seems regrettable that the Democratic candidates for president haven't gotten much local exposure. Which is why, in the sense of extending the franchise to a broader scope of potential voters, I ask the caucus voters to politely consider changing the criteria of their decision to a more palpable - and certainly more entertaining - method. Thunderdome. For those of you in the dark, let me turn you on to the magic of Thunderdome.

Police briefs 01/20/04

Human Spirit: Student belts praise, writes with heart

Lateena Dinkins spends hours practicing her vocal performances. She stays in studios until 3 a.m. sometimes, writing music. She works on scales, she trains her voice and her career has been years of hard work in the making. But a gospel song comes from her heart. "I don't practice a gospel song at all," said Dinkins, a graduate student in music performance.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Provost receives proposal for liberal arts, sciences

Month-long focus group conversations concerning the future of the liberal arts and sciences at MSU have culminated into a 15-page summary proposal for Provost Lou Anna Simon's review. The report included recommendations to merge departments within colleges, use more electronic communications and evaluate course overlaps. Marcellette Williams, an MSU alumna and retired MSU English and comparative literature professor, submitted the summary Thursday, and said participants were passionate. "They care about the place, care about the students.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Students hit the streets for MLK Day

In the name of Martin Luther King Jr., many students took advantage of a class-free day by performing community service. Almost 400 students volunteered their time to the "Into the Streets" Martin Luther King Jr.

Spartans soundly defeat Wolverines, 71-54

The rivalry was supposedly back, but the MSU-Michigan basketball game sort of resembled the Spartans' dominance in the late '90s.The Spartans' smothering defense, aggressive play and fearless on-court demeanor silenced the Wolverines 71-54 at Breslin Center on Saturday afternoon.The win was MSU's second straight and it put the Spartans in a five-way tie for first place atop the Big Ten."That was a big win for us against a quality team," MSU head coach Tom Izzo said.

'U' hockey splits weekend series with Bowling Green

Bowling Green, Ohio - The MSU hockey team dug itself into a 3-1 hole on Saturday night and couldn't find a way to crawl out of it.Backed by Jordan Sigalet's stellar goaltending, Bowling Green went on to win the game, 3-2, to split the weekend series.MSU has not swept a weekend series since Oct.

Ager's confidence high despite shooting slump

Maurice Ager sprinted around a screen, caught a perfect pass and swished a 15-foot jump shot during the Spartans' practice Monday. Applause and cheering roared from the sidelines for the sophomore guard - something usually saved for game-winning heroics. But when a key member of a team with Final Four aspirations is struggling, all forms of encouragement are welcome. "There is one guy I have no complaints about how hard he's worked or what he's done," MSU head coach Tom Izzo said of the 6-foot-4 guard.

No plans for Napster 2.0 to be provided at 'U'

Pennsylvania State University has taken a stand to curb illegal file sharing by offering Napster 2.0 to students, but MSU has no plans to follow suit, officials say. About 5,300 Penn State students have signed up for the music-sharing service that allows them to listen to unlimited streams of songs. David Gift, vice provost for libraries, computing and technology at MSU, said the idea is good in principle, but there are too many concerns for the application at MSU. Gift said the money spent on a music program would take funds away from other university technology needs. "We're not sure this is the most effective use of money we would otherwise spend on classroom technology," Gift said.

Out of time

Every year, more than a 1,000 students sign up for an MSU housing contract that, for some reason or another, they must break. A new housing contract plans to stop this epidemic by giving students, who sign a housing contract for next fall, only 14 days to break it, or face being locked into that dorm room. While it is irresponsible for anyone to break a contract, this 14-day stipulation does not take into consideration the rapid changes in lives of students, especially freshman who have only finished one semester at MSU and are not sure where they belong on campus (such as those who are secluded on the remote island that is Brody). University Housing believed the old policy allowed students to use dorm rooms as "back-ups" while they searched for a house or apartment for the fall. University Housing said the revision will free up more space for students who really do want to "live on," and will force students to be more cautious before they sign that binding contract. However, housing should have devised another method that made students think twice about moving off campus.

Trustees appoint construction company for Snyder, Phillips renovations

The MSU Board of Trustees voted Friday to appoint Grand Rapids-based Christman Company for the next major residence hall renovation. An $18 million renovation project on Snyder and Phillips halls, which were built in the late 1940s, will begin in May.

JUMP BALL: Light opponents pave quick road to NCAA tourney

The goal of every team before the college basketball season kicks off is to make the NCAA Tournament.

The dream today

In his "I Have A Dream" speech, Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a day when all mankind would unite in harmony.

Student Democrats head to Iowa

John Fournier isn't spending this weekend roaming the streets of East Lansing for a house party.

Raelians' beliefs easily smirked at

This is in response to the column "Raelian cult beliefs just as nutty as the Christian majority's" by John Bice.

Spartans block Buckeyes from win

Columbus - The No. 25 MSU women's basketball team played the best defense they've played all season in a 55-47 win Thursday night at Ohio State. The Spartans' (12-3 overall, 2-2 Big Ten) match-up zone defense gave the Buckeyes (10-5, 2-2) problems all night. "It was a great team defensive effort; we did our scouting report and we knew who (Ohio State's) go-to players were and we shut them down," junior guard Kristen Haynie said. The Spartans' defense against junior all-Big Ten candidate Caity Matter helped them hold on at the end of the game.

It's anybody's game

A rivalry doesn't mean much when one team repeatedly pounds the other. Great rivalries are usually marked by fierce competition, verbal jabs at the opponent and thrilling finishes. The MSU-Michigan basketball rivalry hasn't been competitive for a while.

College Bowl, talent show top UAB events

The University Activities Board is welcoming back students by offering various events on campus. All events are free of admission to students: The College Bowl Tournament application fee of $20 is due today.

Officials hope 'U' students remember, learn on holiday

Mechanical engineering freshman Gavin Meyer doesn't have specific plans for Monday, but he knows it's Martin Luther King Jr.

Down road rivalry has sibling, backyard feel

The annoying little brother. Many U-M fans refer to the MSU community as this brother instead of their hated rival.