ASMSU fills void with experience

Ahmed Baset's career path has led him from internships in Washington, D.C. to the offices of ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government.As the new director of legislative affairs for the organization, Baset is in charge of lobbying on behalf of MSU students on the local, state and federal levels."Any way I can further the process toward Michigan State students, that's what I do," he said.Baset, an international relations junior, said his dedication to politics began in his childhood, much to his mother's despair."My mom wanted me to be a doctor, and I didn't think that was going to happen," Baset said.

Olin launches female sexuality health month

Increasing the sexual pleasure, self-esteem and healthy relationships of women are just a few of the goals student health advocates have set for this month.Olin Health Center's Community Action Team and Sexual Health Team kick off their celebration of Women's Healthy Sexuality Month today, the first in what they hope becomes an annual tradition."The program aims to celebrate women's sexuality in all aspects, not just the negative parts," said Olin health educator Dennis Martell.The first week of the program is themed "Make your body a temple and love it!" All female residence hall students will receive "If Vaginas Could Talk" pamphlets in their mailboxes, stressing the importance of annual gynecologist visits.

U-M installs cameras at every dorm's door

The University of Michigan's residence halls are now under stricter supervision.The Big Ten university installed cameras at every door to each campus residence hall last week after an increase in on-campus thefts during the last semester.U-M Residence Halls Association Vice President Amy Keller said the cameras were a product of an increased crime rate in dormitories across the country."We want to make sure that if there is a theft, we have a way to identify the criminal," Keller said.Students response to the electronic eyes was mixed.Keller said she thinks most U-M students are receptive to the idea.South Complex Facilities Manager Paul Manson said MSU installed its security cameras in the late 1980s and early 1990s at the front doors of some residence halls."Overall, as the years have gone by, the response continues to be positive from the residents," Manson said.

TAs working more hours, with more students

It is getting harder for teaching assistants to work only their contracted hours, Graduate Employees Union co-chairman Duncan Woodhead said. With teaching assistant positions cut across campus and class sizes growing, assistants are finding themselves spread thin. Anthropology graduate student Aaron Naumann teaches four sections of Integrative Studies for Social Sciences under two different professors.

WEB ONLY: Interpol plays to sold out Saint Andrews Hall

Detroit - Saturday night's cold January weather was an idealbackdrop to the dissonant sputtering automaton sound of the New York newwave group, Interpol. Ironically, the audience inside Saint Andrews Hall resembled the gray,New York-styled mannequin haircut, suit and tie, peacoat fashionexpletives that Interpol members wear on stage.

Furs fans ought to try 'Trysome'

The Psychedelic Furs made some amazing albums back in the day. As the end of the 80s neared, however, so did the eventual 1991 break-up of the Furs - leaving lead singer Richard Butler off the airwaves. His return found him commanding the microphone for Love Spit Love's 1994 self-titled release. The group's second effort, "Trysome Eatone" proves Butler's voice is not only as strong as it was in the 80s but also more hypnotic. The 12-track album is a masterpiece of full-bodied guitar sounds, Butler's solid lyrics, an interesting use of synthesizer and an upbeat tempo that reveals an evolved sound with obvious Furs roots. "Trysome Eatone" flows nearly perfectly from beginning to end, with every song correctly placed and no ugly duckling bobbing between tracks. Although Butler's lyrical style includes repetition, it doesn't become repulsive.

Route loss might hassle riders

Students and East Lansing residents may soon have to go further down the road for personal railway service.About 40 people braved freezing temperatures Saturday afternoon to participate in a rally to protest the loss of ticket agents and possible route closing.As of today, East Lansing's Amtrak rail passenger station, located at 1240 S.

Asian American group seeks new members

Lambda Phi Epsilon and alpha Kappa Delta Phi are looking for new members. Lambda Phi Epsilon, formerly known as the Asian Fraternity Interest Group, was colonized at MSU this semester.

'U' would benefit from more political balance, discussion

A balance of ideas and diversity of opinion is important for a prestigious school. Iron is made stronger when forged into steel and combined with carbon.

Michigan groups to fight for transgender causes

Lansing - The National Association for the Advancement of Transgendered People will with high hope for change, founder and president Melissa Sue Robinson says.The nonprofit association, which will act as a political activist group, union and support organization for transgender people, is beginning with a 25-person membership but Robinson said she expects that number to increase as more people learn about the association.The association will hold monthly support meetings on the third Saturday of every month."We will help transgendered people if they run into problems," she said.

Comedians keep 'U' warm with laughter, jokes at show

The lights were dim and the seats cold, but the icy weather didn't keep MSU students from piling into Anthony Hall on Saturday night for the Black Comedy Tour, sponsored by the University Activities Board.As the first chords of "Brick House" crackled over the speakers, the DJ hollered at the crowd, "Put your hands together for Shawnnnnn C!"The crowd gave a warm round of applause as comedian Shawn Cornelius took the stage.

Icers get sweep, 4 points, make ground in conference standings

Minutes after the MSU hockey team completed its most dominating weekend of the season, some Spartans said they felt like they had turned the corner on their turbulent season.In beating Alaska-Fairbanks 5-2 on Friday and 6-2 on Saturday, MSU claimed its first series sweep since taking out Lake Superior State on Oct.

Spartans breeze past Detroit-Mercy

MSU junior forward Julie Pagel showed her old high school teammates who was boss from the tip-off to the final horn Sunday as MSU downed Detroit-Mercy 72-49 at Breslin Center.Titan forward Lori Wild and guard Lindsey Pasquinzo both played with Pagel at Utica High School, leading the team to a 27-0 record and Class A State Championship in 2000.Once the starting lineups were introduced and hugs and smiles were exchanged Pagel put on her game face.She tallied season highs with 15 points and eight boards for the Spartans (8-6 overall, 1-2 Big Ten).Pagel said the matchup with Wild and Pasquinzo provided inspiration by reminding her how she had dominated the court in the past.Back injuries had limited her success this year."They got me back to where I know how I can play, they always bring out the best in me," Pagel said.

Legacy of a leader: Martin Luther King, Jr. timeline

1929 - Born Jan. 15. Michael Luther King, Jr., later renamed Martin, born to school teacher Alberta King and Baptist minister Michael Luther King.1944 - Sept.

Police briefs 01/13/03

Top Indiana offensive lineman visits campus, commits to 'U'

MSU landed another recruit Sunday - John Masters, an offensive lineman from Indiana.His commitment comes a week after offensive lineman Peter Clifford from Maine and quarterback Sean Clayton from Ohio both agreed to join the Spartan program.Masters told his decision to MSU head football coach John L.

Concerns rise over prospect of war

Ann Arbor - Madhi Bray spoke of the poverty many Iraqi children have faced since the end of the Gulf War.

Financial experts fight embezzlement

MSU Controller David Brower says he is ready to join the fight to rebuild the United Way's reputation while the local chapter attempts to recover nearly $1 million in missing money.Brower was appointed by the Capital Area United Way blue-ribbon panel of experts which will analyze the chapter's financial safeguards.

War abroad ignores problems at home

I wonder what this world will look like a year from now. As I look at what is on the horizon, I am concerned.

Williams hired as Lions running backs coach

Former MSU head football coach Bobby Williams found a new job with the Detroit Lions as running backs coach over the weekend. Williams, who was fired Nov.