Students, 'U' officials debate energy tax

A tax that would require students to pay $5 per semester for renewable energy is the subject of debate between ASMSU and university officials. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Eco, an environmental student organization, wants students to be more aware of the energy they use by voting yes on a ballot proposal which would tax students to purchase environmentally friendly energy sources. Power from sources such as solar panels and wind turbines could replace fossil fuel emissions on University Farms. "Most people don't know what renewable energy is, or even global climate change," Eco spokeswoman Amy Gregory said.

Leader discusses lack of Chicano presence in history books

For Daniel Osuna, true leadership comes from within. Osuna, a Chicano Yaqui Indian, spoke Thursday night in the Essex Room of Wilson Hall, offering what he said was an account of Chicano history that isn't included in a high school history book. "Are (high school teachers) teaching us what to think, or how to think?" he said. Education freshman Gloria Melina Monita said history doesn't always reflect the way things are. "What do we celebrate about Columbus Day?" Monita asked.

Hysteria isn't just a Def Leppard album - it's plaguing America

I'm tired of being scared everyday, whether it is terrorists, war with Iraq, high cholesterol, nuclear missiles, cancer and everything I can't even remember that is killing me.

Weight Watchers tries to help curb obesity

Next week, Mid-Michigan will have the opportunity to weigh in and become more healthy. Weight Watchers is working with the American Cancer Society to launch the society's "Great American Weigh-In." Lansing's Weight Watchers center, at 500 N.

History needs to be examined for racism

In response to the letters charging Kenya Harvey with overreacting in the recent mannequin incident, I am compelled to say I disagree.

Researcher could face charges

An MSU researcher could face federal prosecution in connection with the alleged disappearance of pig bacteria that occurred in September. Multiple charges might be forthcoming against the unnamed researcher, said Bob Huggett, vice president for research and graduate studies at MSU.

Sports briefs

Dagenais promoted to associate head coach MSU volleyball assistant coach Todd Dagenais was promoted to associate head coach Thursday by head coach Chuck Erbe. Dagenais, who spent 1997 working as a volunteer assistant and 1999-2002 as an assistant coach, has completed five seasons of service to the Spartan team.

RHA elects new president

Derek Wallbank is the new president of the MSU Residence Halls Association. Wallbank was elected from a pool of four candidates to lead the 34th General Assembly of RHA. "He combined what all others based their campaigns on," general assembly member Adam Raezler said. Wallbank said he plans not only to work on promoting a better environment within RHA itself but also wants to focus more on residents and RHA's involvement with them as it pertains to campus life. "Every decision that needs to be made in RHA should involve residents," Wallbank said. Carrie Hoover

Right reaction

MSU's multicultural student organizations should be commended for creating a watchdog plan to push university officials to pay more attention to the concerns of the community's marginalized citizens. The Council of Racial Ethnic Students and the Council of Progressive Students unveiled MSU Affirmative REACTION on Wednesday and discussed the new group's mission to provoke more response from university leaders on issues pertinent to the multicultural community. REACTION stands for Reminding Every American Citizen That It's Our Need. While the acronym is a stretch to fit its letters to the group's mission, its new creation, announced in the Multicultural Center on Wednesday, is right on target in its duty. Louis Brown, ASMSU's Student Assembly vice chairperson for external affairs, is right in his assessment that university leaders are not addressing multicultural issues in a proactive manner. Despite a sound bite from MSU spokesman Terry Denbow saying, "MSU can't and won't tolerate any kind of (racist) activity," it seems the actions of the school's governors speak otherwise. How else should members of MSU's multicultural community interpret university action that shove their concerns around from committee to committee causing them to seemingly disappear with each generation of students? How else should the MSU community interpret the Board of Trustees' unwillingness to speak out about the U.S.

World Wrestling Entertainment to put the smack down at Breslin

One Saturday morning seven years ago, Aaron Brakoniecki was sitting in his living room, scanning through the channels on his television until something caught his interest. He stopped dead in his tracks. It was the first time the mathematics sophomore saw World Wrestling Entertainment, then called the World Wrestling Federation. "I just thought it looked cool," he said.

Traffic committee to meet, hear public feedback

The MSU community can discuss traffic, transportation and pedestrian issues from 2:30-4 p.m. on March 13 in the North Conference Room of the Main Library. The All University Traffic and Transportation Committee will share its ideas to improve traffic on campus with the audience and ask for feedback.

Legendary blues singer to take Lansing stage

Detroit's "queen of blues" will take her throne this evening in the Lansing area to do what she's done for more than 60 years. Alberta Adams will be taking the stage at 8 p.m.

Mannequin incident attacks females

It's been interesting to watch the various reactions to the mannequin-burning incident that happened this weekend ("Police: Prank not race related," SN 2/25). The police described it as "kids goofing around," saying it wasn't racially motivated, and "there was no intent to intimidate or threaten anyone." What a relief to hear it was originally a white mannequin, and that the kids who burnt it didn't want to intimidate anyone.

Local military families stay connected by Red Cross

Lansing - As Lansing Marines mobilize for deployment, their families are being assured they'll stay connected in the months ahead. American Red Cross workers worldwide are relaying messages between loved ones at home and soldiers abroad, organization officials told a state House committee Thursday.

Police briefs 02/28/03

Activists rejoice after court ruling on protests

After a Supreme Court ruling earlier this week giving protection to protesters from racketeering and extortion charges, some local protest groups are rejoicing at the decision. The case dealt with anti-abortion demonstrators that were charged with blocking clinic entrances, attacking doctors, patients and clinic staff and destroying equipment.

Mason: War statements not likely to be accepted

It would probably be in the best interest of Spartan athletes to continue facing the U.S. flag during the national anthem, MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason said. His caveat comes after spectators and media have paid increased attention to the unusual action of a women's basketball player at New York's Manhattanville College.

Migliaccio, Spartans shut out Michigan

Ann Arbor - Nothing could go wrong for the MSU hockey team Friday night at Yost Ice Arena. In thumping archrival No.

Spartans again in must-win game

The Spartans are inching closer and closer to the NCAA Tournament. But the road leading to the first round still has sharp turns.

'U' members discuss MTV greek portrayal

Sitting among his fraternity brothers watching the debut of MTV's "Fraternity Life," Matthew Castel expressed his disgust at some of the scenes. "That's really disgusting," the electrical engineering junior, a member of Delta Tau Delta, said after a Sigma Chi Omega brother talked about defecating on the top of a toilet instead of inside the bowl on camera. Both "Sorority Life 2" and "Fraternity Life" debuted on MTV on Wednesday night.