Graduate programs get boost

Four MSU units were selected to collaborate with an independent research center to improve their graduate programs.Departments in math, English, natural science and history were selected by California-based Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to participate in the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate.Cheryl Sisk, director of MSU's neuroscience program, which is within the College of Natural Science, said MSU was one of only nine neuroscience programs in the country chosen to work with the Carnegie Foundation."This gives us a chance to ask what kind of careers we are preparing students for and how to know if we're being successful," Sisk said.

Mascot mishap

It looks as if the symbol of Spartan spirit might need a time out for his recent bad behavior. Last Wednesday, members from the Council of Students with Disabilities were offended when Sparty, the MSU mascot, was seen stumbling through the Union with a white cane and a referee's jersey.

Price of fame can be painful

Every time I hear about another death in the music world, I shake my head and mutter to myself. It always seems to be the same sad story of a far too talented and young artist who succumbs to depression, drugs and/or fame.

The beat goes on

The numbers read like those on a football scoreboard: 36-6. But in this case, 36-6 represents the number of musicians scheduled to travel to Ann Arbor and East Lansing, respectively, in November. The numbers came Tuesday from the online concert Web site Pollstar, which doesn't necessarily list every concert in every city but still paints a picture that Ann Arbor has a more vivacious music scene than the Lansing area. Yet, some music lovers are trying to change that image.

ASMSU evaluates officers

After several delays in the completion of ASMSU's Web site, ASMSU discussed the elimination of two officials Tuesday night.Members of MSU's undergraduate student government debated the performance of Association Director Vikas Menon and Director of Digital and Graphic Media Nitin Pereira, because the organization's Web page still was not completed after both were paid for the work.A bill introduced by James Madison representative Adam Raezler gave Menon and Pereira a Nov.

Police briefs 10/23/03

MIDDAY UPDATE: State mayors to meet with Granholm on fire protection funding

A group of Michigan mayors say they plan to meet with Gov. Jennifer Granholm within the next month to discuss the increasing loss of fire-protection funding.

Indiana Jones DVDs: Long-awaited action

I found myself standing in a video store yesterday, staring at the newly released "The Adventures of Indiana Jones," DVD collection.In my one hand was a DVD collection of Rutger Hauer movies - the equivalent to a bag of sand or manure.

Number of hits increases at Mich. Web site

The state Web site is getting more attention this year than ever before, according to a survey conducted by MSU's nonpartisan Institute for Public Policy & Social Research. In the past year, 64 percent of Internet users in Michigan visited the state Web site, compared to 59 percent in 2002. Michigan's Department of Information Technology reported in September 2002 that the site's main page received 1.75 million hits.

Guster excited to play for 'U'

There's no place like home on the East Coast for indie-pop band Guster, but drummer Brian Rosenworcel said the Midwest is the next closest thing.

Senseless abuse

His eighth-grade class at MacDonald Middle School voted him the funniest student with the best smile, who was most likely headed for a career as an actor. Matthew Epling had enough friends in his back pocket to assure an unforgettable four years of high school that the 14-year-old would have started in the fall of 2002. But Matthew never had the chance to turn the combination on his lock at East Lansing High School or witness a football game under Friday night's lights.

Cancer society hosts program for patients

Cancer patients and their families will have a new place to turn for information and support next week when the American Cancer Society and Ingham Regional Medical Center kick off a series of four "I Can Cope" classes. The four-week program begins on Wednesday at Ingham Regional Medical Center's McRee Guest House, 2721 S.

African center will sponsor discussions

The African Studies Center will sponsor two discussion events this week. Ph.D. Research Fellow Poul Wiseborg will give a presentation at noon today in room 201 of the International Center.

Top 11 Fall Classics

Spray-painted on the grass at Yankee Stadium are the words "The 2003 World Series." For the next week, the paint will continue to cover the natural green while the New York Yankees battle the Florida Marlins in the Fall Classic.The sight of the final two words freezes my mind.

Senate approves partial-birth abortion ban

A bill restricting partial-birth abortions was approved by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, prompting mixed reactions from local politicians and activists. The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 was approved in a 64-34 vote. It now heads to President Bush, who has said he's eager to sign the bill.

Sophomore middle leads 'U'

Three years ago, Megan Wallin made a long trip from the sunny state of Florida to the harsh climate of mid-Michigan in hopes of continuing her volleyball career. The sophomore middle is quickly becoming a premier player on a top 25 team - something she wasn't expected to do this early in her career. A standout at Cardinal-Mooney High School in Sarasota, Fla., Wallin led her team to a third-place finish her junior year and a second-place finish as a senior in 2000.

top 10 singles

1. "Baby Boy," Beyonce Featuring Sean Paul, Columbia (1)2. "Get Low," Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Ying Yang Twins, BME, (3)3. "Shake Ya Tailfeather," Nelly, P.Diddy & Murphy Lee, Bad Boy (2)4. "Stand Up," Ludacris Featuring Shawnna, Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam South (6)5. "Damn!," YoungBloodz Featuring Lil John, So So Def (5)6. "Here Without You," 3 Doors Down, Republic/Universal (8)7. "Right Thurr," Chingy, Disturbing Tha Peace (4)8. "Why Don't You & I," Santana Featuring Alex Band OR Chad Kroeger (11)9. "Holidae In," Chingy Featuring Ludacris & Snoop Dogg, Disturbing Tha Peace" (18)10. "Rain On Me," Ashanti, Murder Inc./Def Jam (13)source: Billboard

Housing Guide not telling whole story

After reading The State News housing guide on Oct. 14, we were disappointed to see that community issues were not included as an aspect of off-campus life.

Letter should not stereotype liberals

The right-wing letter from Lee Ehlers "Columnist incorrect on 'God' in pledge" (SN 10/20) shows how stupid conservatives are.

Group opposes Bible Week

To counter a city Bible Week resolution, a group of MSU students plans to ask the East Lansing City Council to honor Church/State Separation Week.