'U' has say in where ASMSU money goes

In response to "No such thing as a free notebook," (SN 2/20), I would like to invite students to an ASMSU meeting.

Munn's streak extends to 300

By six days, "The Simpsons" beat Munn Ice Arena to No. 300. Fox's famous animated sitcom aired its 300th episode Sunday.

Band's first EP proves promising

Most bands wear their influences like a badge, but Elastic Eight Track's is a technicolor dreamcoat. "Fuel Efficient Vehicles," the band's rousing three-track EP self-released on Tortoise and Hare Records, shows promise of what could shape up to be one of the finest records ever put out by an East Lansing band. In three songs, Elastic Eight Track - composed of MSU students - covers more diversity in music, melody and song writing than most bands get out of a whole LP.

Williams sisters dominate sport using strength

Serena and Venus Williams seem to have it all. They're ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in singles, respectively, they're a tough combo to beat in doubles and they've even designed their own tennis attire. But what makes Serena and Venus truly great?

Gimmicks draw students to local bars

Jonathan Maiullo would like nothing more than a few hours of Cartoon Network-style fun. "I love cartoons," the English sophomore said.

Ethics of unreleased research questioned

Researchers might think twice before using unreleased data for financial gain after a professor came under fire this week for trading stock based on special knowledge. University of Michigan business Professor Claes Fornell is accused of profiting on unreleased information obtained through his involvement in U-M's American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Students win awards for multicultural work

Three students were awarded $500 each after winning the Second Annual Multicultural Heroes Hall of Fame Case Competition on Wednesday.

Nothing to fear

Well, it's time to dust off your Y2K kit and Cold War safety diagrams. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and his new department are expanding their budget as they move up their grade school-esque warning systems from colors to shapes. Ridge is advising us to "Make a kit!" and "Have a plan!" He has millions of dollars in his budget and his department is giving us diagrams that tell us, when trapped, head to an exit with a nice arrow leading the way. Ridge also informs us about what to put in our emergency kits: Duct tape, plastic sheeting and water, among other items. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

Ball to raise money for Sparty

There's only one place where you can find Sparty the mascot and an ice sculpture of "The Spartan." And there's also only one place where students will be able to donate money to save the beloved statue. The Student Alumni Foundation will play host to the two MSU icons, students, alumni, administrators and the band Brush Fire as part of the Save Our Sparty campaign. The foundation's Winter Ball will be held at 8 p.m.

Call for preemptive strikes un-American

I would like to comment on Andrew Goetz's column, "War might be answer for peace, appeasement has failed before," (SN 2/20). I challenge the notion of preemptive strikes based on the possible threat of danger to the United States.

Student finalist for Truman Scholarship

International relations and finance senior Jared English was chosen as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship, a prestigious national award given to students for community and public service. English will go to Chicago for the final round of the interviewing during spring break before the winners of the scholarship are announced March 21. Winners attend a 10-week summer institute in Washington, D.C.

Korean subway tragedy hits close to second home

Some of you more avid State News readers might recognize my face as the soccer columnist who, last summer, trekked across the globe and wrote four stories about my experiences in South Korea and at the World Cup. While there, I encountered some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Frequently my two brothers, cousin and myself would be standing on a train or subway platform as we waited to return to Seoul from other cities all across Korea, often where we had just witnessed a World Cup soccer game. Sometimes we knew which line to take and sometimes we didn't, but no matter the case, a Korean citizen, recognizing we were foreigners, would approach us calmly and ask us if we needed directions or where we were going.

'Life of David Gale' a solid effort when it doesn't distract itself

"The Life of David Gale" could have easily been made into two films, one extremely good and one a bit silly. The story itself is an intriguing one, but for some reason it is bookended with a related story riddled with clichés to the point that it looks like it may have sprung a leak. Kevin Spacey is at his usual best as David Gale, a brilliant professor and capital punishment abolitionist ironically placed on death row for the rape and murder of a co-worker. Three days before his scheduled execution, Gale grants his first interview since being sentenced to hotshot reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet), whose reputation for staunchly protecting her sources caught Gale's attention. Concerned with clearing his reputation in the eyes of his young son, Gale spins his depressing story to Bitsey while coercing her to uncover the truth about his case. Gale's downfall is a wholly upsetting chain of events.

Lecture touts black history

William Anderson began his lecture on Wednesday by proclaiming himself to be a liberal democrat, anti-war, for affirmative action, pro-choice, a card carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union and a schizophrenic. "The reason that I say I am schizophrenic is because I have assumed many personalities in the times that I have lived," he said in his lecture in Kellogg Center.

Week to create eating disorder awareness

MSU will join more than 500 community organizations, schools and colleges for the 16th Annual National Eating Disorder Awareness Week starting this Sunday. Olin Health Center and MSU's student group, Respecting and Understanding Body Image, are sponsoring the events to promote body acceptance. "I would hope that people gain an awareness of eating disorders and knowledge of how to prevent them," the group's co-president Erin Ruth said.

Police briefs 02/21/03

Home court could remedy problems

When the Spartans are struggling, one medicine always seems to provide the cure - Breslin Center. It's no secret MSU has struggled on the road this year (1-6 in the Big Ten and 3-9 overall). But playing in front of the 14,759 home fans, including the boisterous Izzone has been the answer to the road woes. Aside from one home blemish - an 81-76 defeat to Toledo on Dec.

Speaker honors Malcolm X week, promotes culture

A cold forced him to speak in a softer-than-usual tone, but Na'im Akbar's message was still strong. "His voice isn't as powerful as it usually is," said Murray Edwards, senior coordinator in the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs.

Hockey team wins against Northern

The MSU hockey team was good, bad and then good again Friday night at Munn Ice Arena. In the end, it added up to a 7-4 win over Northern Michigan.

Policy must include gender identity

I am writing to voice my frustration with the continued discrimination at MSU. Currently, any student, faculty or staff member can be discriminated against because of one's real or perceived gender.