Reporter wrong for categorizing band

It is unfortunate Joseph Montes, out of a lack of truly interesting insight into the band Flatfoot's debut album, resorted to sophomoric complaints about the album's incapacity to fit into an "indie rock" category ("Flatfoot needs to make music to match its indie rock image," SN 4/8). While he astutely noted two of the members of the band wear thick-rimmed glasses, he obviously neglected to stop and ask himself, or anyone else with an inkling of knowledge about the band, whether the band is, in fact, trying to be an "indie rock" band.

Day of silence voices LBGT concerns

Dressed in black with mouths bound by silver duct tape, students stood near Wells Hall and on the Farm Lane bridge in recognition of the National Day of Silence on Wednesday.Holding signs that read "MSU silences students" and "MSU discriminates on gender identity," students passed out literature on ways they believe the university is silencing students."It's important because it raises the visibility of voices that are silenced," said Joshua Boehme, treasurer of RING, a lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender caucus group in the North Complex.

CHEAP EATS: Woody's Oasis Mediterranean Deli ($4.20)

Woody's Oasis is a local favorite for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. And although you'll need a little more than $5 if you plan to get a drink with one of the meat items, the Mediterranean eatery is a good place to find a vegetarian meal with your buddy Abe Lincoln.The food: A smeed sandwich ($2.95) and a regular Sprite ($1.25)Total with tax: $4.20 (tax is included in menu prices)Place: Woody's Oasis Mediterranean Deli, 970 Trowbridge Road (517)351-2280Hours: 10 a.m.

Final students arraigned in aftermath of riots; first pretrial today

The final three students allegedly involved in disturbances during the March 28-30 weekend were arraigned Wednesday in 54-B District Court. Tyler Barrett, an interdisciplinary studies in social science junior, Kevin Byer, a finance senior, and Jon Pearsall, a merchandise management junior, were all arraigned Wednesday. A total of 22 people, including 17 students, have now pleaded innocent to charges including inciting a riot, indecent exposure, public intoxication and minor in possession. Some of the cases - mostly those involving inciting a riot and property damage - will go to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office, while others will stay within East Lansing officials' jurisdiction. Five students arraigned in the charges have contacted ASMSU for legal help, said Brian Jeffries, one of the attorneys for MSU's undergraduate student government's legal services. Four students have already been suspended by university officials for their alleged involvement in the incident. "If you had to wait for two or three weeks' time to solve it, you could, in theory, have a problem on your hands," said Rick Shafer, assistant director of the Department of Student Life. Under the MSU Board of Trustees policy which came as a result of the March 27-28, 1999 riots, students can be punished by the university for off-campus activity. Suspended students cannot seek council from ASMSU because they no longer have student status. "It puts the students in a tight bind - a Catch-22," Jeffries said, adding these cases have received much more publicity than others. Defense lawyers for those charged with riot-related offenses will attack video and photos and try to argue the tapes don't demonstrate illegal behavior.

'Yellow Ribbon' package to help military families

State House Republicans are planning to introduce a package of bills, titled the Yellow Ribbon package in an attempt to protect Michigan families of military personnel stationed overseas.Included in the package are bills involving tax credits, tax exemptions and compensation for state employees for wages lost during service.Matt Resch, spokesman for House Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, said the package's impact on Michigan's budget will be examined throughout the processing of the bill when legislators weigh the priorities of the state."The feeling is that there are few priorities greater than helping our military families," he said.But Rep.

THE BEER GUY: Sweet brew might be perfect for nonlovers

This week, I'm wrapping up my brief tour of Michigan brews by heading to the heart of Detroit for a beer unlike any other.

BYRON: Some tips for aspiring writers

I have always dreamed of some day leaving the world of journalism behind as a famous writer. Even as a young boy I wanted to write famous pieces of literature and get invited on all of those pretentious shows on A&E and Bravo. But what I have written outside of work and classes has either never been finished or I never had the intention letting others see it.

Vietnam war memories surface during conflict

As the war with Iraq rages on, MSU officials are recalling their experiences during the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, David Dwyer, then an MSU student, didn't hold signs in protest.

where the wind ...

Even in today's world, an innocent story of love in the Wild West has a place: Oklahoma."It is the perfect getaway, local getaway for two hours," said Marcus Olson, director of MSU Department of Theatre's production of the musical "Oklahoma!" "It wasn't trite, silly stuff."The show, which closes out the department's season, premieres at 7:30 p.m.

'U' gives locks for love

"Let's do it," a red-faced and teary-eyed Amy Baker said.Her boyfriend clutched his face with both hands and looked away as the scissors clipped Baker's ponytail with a few swift motions.About 10 inches of Baker's hair is going to Locks of Love, an organization which makes wigs for children with hair loss caused by severe burns, radiation treatment or other medical reasons.Baker, a veterinary technology sophomore, began to cry as the hair she had been growing out since she was 15 years old fell.

Granholm declares Day of Silence to support LBGT community

Gov. Jennifer Granholm became the first Michigan governor to issue a proclamation strongly supporting the Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered community this week, designating Wednesday a Day of Silence in Michigan."The governor is opposed to harassment and discrimination of any kind," Granholm spokeswoman Elizabeth Boyd said.

top 10 singles

1. "In Da Club," 50 Cent, G-Unit/Shady/Aftermath. (Last week: 1) 2. "Ignition," R.

Liles, Fast honored again

MSU (23-14-2) wasn't an elite hockey team this season, but it wasn't for a lack of elite players. Two Spartans - senior defensemen John-Michael Liles and Brad Fast - were named to the JOFA All-American teams announced Wednesday by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Liles made the West First Team, while Fast was named to the West Second Team. Of the 24 players honored Wednesday, only three were on teams that didn't qualify for the NCAA Tournament - Liles, Fast and Yale forward Chris Higgins. "In order to have a good individual season, you often need to be on a successful team," Liles said.

Pounding heart

To many Native Americans, drums represent the heartbeat of their culture. This weekend, they become the pulse of Breslin Center as thousands gather for the North American Indian Student Organization's 20th annual Pow-wow of Love.

tv's top 10

1. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 26.4 million viewers.2. "American Idol-Tuesday," Fox, 21.2 million viewers.3. "Friends," NBC, 20.8 million viewers.4. "American Idol-Wednesday," Fox, 20.3 million viewers.5. "Survivor: Amazon," CBS, 19.8 million viewers.6. "ER," NBC, 18.9 million viewers.7. "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 18.6 million viewers.8. "CSI: Miami," CBS, 17 million viewers.9. "Law & Order: SVU," NBC, 15.8 million viewers.10. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," NBC, 15.6 million viewers.Source: Nielsen Media Research for 3/31-4/6

Councilman wrong for riot solutions

I was pleased to see East Lansing officials are taking the weekend's disturbances seriously, but their solutions were a mixed bag of good and thick-headed ("Council to seek strict punishment for participants" SN 4/2). The idea that the Big Ten would forego tournament revenue in order to punish a school is simply ludicrous, and Bill Sharp should be embarrassed that he said it in public.

Police briefs 04/10/03

Anti-war protesters confused about war

Don't the anti-war protesters see that most of the Iraqi people are welcoming our military? So much good is coming out of this campaign: the ousting of a brutal dictator, the liberation of millions who have survived his tyranny, the democratization of an Arab nation and the revival of the Iraqi oil industry (which means cheaper gas for everybody). We're not going to occupy Iraq for 20 years, and we're not permanently seizing their oil wells.The people who protest along Grand River Avenue now would be the same people protesting government inaction in 10 years after Saddam's cronies plant anthrax in New York City, or after the dictator once again uses weapons of mass destruction on his own people.Anybody who doesn't see the logic behind the war has no comprehension of international affairs.The nature of modern warfare has changed so that a threat need not necessarily show up at our doorstep; our military is so advanced that we can meet the challenges of the future before they arrive.

Numbers up

While our counterparts in Ann Arbor are witnessing tempers rise on account of the affirmative action lawsuit concerning their admissions policy, MSU is witnessing historic highs in minority enrollment. The Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring released its 2001-02 statistics Tuesday, and found that while Native American enrollment decreased 14 percent, Hispanics increased by 8 percent, Asian Pacific Islanders by 6 percent and blacks by 4 percent.

Rock doesn't live up to reputation in 'Head of State'

Remember when Chris Rock was edgy? Rock is infamous for being outspoken and fearless, ready to lampoon and criticize effectively without compromising his comedic integrity. "CB4" took on gangsta rap with dead-on vignettes and characters like Stab Master Arson.