T-shirts prompt greek action

An MSU fraternity faces a greek system hearing today in the system’s first charge regarding its anti-discrimination policy, after some members wore specially made shirts last week mocking gay men while at the Mason and Abbot halls cafeterias. Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s case could yield the system’s first suspension in the past 15 years. Witnesses said several members of the fraternity wore pink, sleeveless T-shirts to the cafeterias April 1 and April 2 that had phrases such as “I like little boys,” “Capt.

Big Trouble provides talented cast

Seven or eight months ago, the movie “Big Trouble” was really no big deal. An ensemble comedy with a bomb as its centerpiece, it was just a harmless movie adapted from a novel by middle-of-the-road humorist and newspaper columnist Dave Barry. Of course, with what happened in September, suddenly putting a bomb on a plane and making a joke was about as funny as farting at a funeral ceremony.

Spartans join U.S. national team

The red, white and blue of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team added a little green and white for its upcoming exhibition season. Former Spartan outside hitter Erin Hartley and assistant coach Todd Dagenais will represent America on April 18-20 as the national team begins the exhibition season with three games against China’s Tianjin. “Ever since I was little I wanted to play for the U.S.

RES deserves recognition for How I Do

by MARK HICKS For The State News RES is not a typical artist. A genre-crossing talent, RES (pronounced Reese) has produced a bold, daring, but pleasing first effort with “How I Do,” a record that has been overlooked by critics since its release last year. This album proves she deserves some mainstream recognition. She refuses to conform to one genre, blending hip-hop, soul, R&B, folk, organic pop, rock, drum ’n’ bass and electronica to create an adventurous, unique and refreshing sound miles above any typical R&B record - if it can be categorized as that. The disc opens with the lounge-y, drum ’n’ bass-styled “Golden Boys,” a social commentary of sorts in which RES admonishes the illusions created by “a prince in all of the magazines.” The orchestra-like instrumentals fuse with her fierce vocals to create an atmospheric, innovative cut that will leave listeners entranced. The best song is “They-Say Vision,” a pure pop/rock masterpiece awash with moody, sonorous guitars and infectious, thought-provoking hooks.

Bon Appétit

By MATT WHETSTONE For The State News Sparty burst onto the scene in classic fashion, accompanied by the MSU Fight Song and the roar of the masses. But Saturday night, the mass consisted of 256 alumni and guests, 120 students and 12 chefs from all over the state who gathered to celebrate a milestone - the 75th anniversary of The School of Hospitality Business. The event focused on the school’s history and accomplishments.

Police briefs 04/10/02

Judd obnoxious in empty, B-class High Crimes

Man, where to begin? I have so much bile to spew forth regarding the new Ashley Judd vehicle, “High Crimes,” that it may all come out as one long sentence, full of hate and rage for all the time I wasted watching this stinker. It’s a Lifetime movie with a bigger budget.

Lansing group to clean up 3 brownfield sites in summer

There’s not much room left in Lansing.But the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is looking to alleviate the problem this summer.The 5-year-old agency is getting ready for the development of several brownfield sites.Brownfields are contaminated sites redeveloped by businesses as a way to reduce urban sprawl and excess growth.“It results in additional tax value,” said Tracy Carney-Miller, development specialist for the city’s Economic Development Corp.

Lugnuts host doubleheader at Oldsmobile

The Lansing Lugnuts are hoping that even a solid rainfall and 24 hours won’t extinguish their red-hot bats when they continue their series versus West Michigan tonight. After rain forced the two teams to cancel Monday’s game, the Whitecaps (2-2) and Lugnuts (3-1) will play a doubleheader with game one beginning at 6:05 p.m. A 10-run first inning propelled Lansing to a 12-3 win over the Whitecaps on Sunday.

Something has to be done in Middle East

I have read Rishi Kundi’s columns for the past year and every time I am amazed by his ability to offer insight into current events while twisting in a little humor so it is accessible to all who read.

Study shows high level of male teachers

Although statistics released Monday report children in Michigan are more likely to be taught by a male teacher than in any other state, those teachers are not necessarily coming from MSU. The National Education Association reported Monday that 37.4 percent of teachers in Michigan are males - Kansas is second with 33.9 percent. Cassandra Book, associate dean for the College of Education, said 10 percent of the students pursing elementary education degrees at MSU and 33 percent pursing secondary education are male. “When people choose to teach at the secondary level, it is because it’s in their deep interest in the subject area,” she said.

Minority enrollment numbers up at U

The number of minority students applying, being admitted and enrolling at MSU increased in 2001 according to new data from the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring.

Facilities may see repairs

MSU buildings could see as much as $55 million in repairs and upgrades if the Board of Trustees passes a resolution to pay for the changes Friday. Aging university facilities are in need of the updates, said Fred Poston, vice president for finance and operations. Poston said most buildings usually need repair after 50 years. “Since we had such a huge amount of growth in the 1950s and 1960s, that’s kind of the period we’re entering into,” he said.

Environmentalists raise awareness on mercury emissions

A group of environmental groups are working to reduce the amount of mercury falling on Michigan residents.The Michigan Environmental Council, National Wildlife Federation and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs are working with the state and private businesses to raise awareness of mercury emissions.Mercury is produced through a variety of processes, but Michigan Environmental Council policy director James Clift said coal-burning plants contribute about one-half of the total emissions.“A new coal-burning power plant has emissions that are five to 10 times lower than older plants,” he said.

Greeks get funky for fund-raiser

Eleven greek teams contributed their creativity, sweat and the rhythmic ability for the fourth annual MTV Fundraiser Night, at the Auditorium on Monday night. About 2,000 people attended the first fund-raising event of Greek Week 2002 to raise funds for Sparrow Hospital’s pediatric emergency room.

Police seek technology upgrades

The East Lansing Police Department is going to install cameras in its patrol cars, in the hopes that the filmed accounts of traffic stops and other road police procedures will help officers settle discrepancies. The $4,000 cameras will be placed in the department’s 12 patrol vehicles.

ASMSU adds course to thin budget

As the ASMSU 2002-03 session began Monday, the organization was left to work with a thin budget and a promise to spend $50,000 on a ropes challenge course.Last week, the undergraduate student government’s 2001-02 Student Assembly passed the 2002-03 budget with a vote of 13-3 with four abstentions.

Rail ways

Kudos to MSU leaders for moving forward with plans to construct two rail underpasses on Farm Lane. It is a project that is long overdue and will help make foot, bicycle and automobile traffic in the area more safe and swift. Although construction is not expected to begin until at least 2005, the two underpasses would be erected between Mount Hope and Trowbridge roads and could cost as much as $25 million. MSU President M.

E.L. rental program good for everyone

I was saddened to read the State News editorial “Housing help” (SN 4/4). It seriously misinterprets the city’s intent for some preliminary discussion of a possible rental buyback program. If such a program were to be put in place, it would be intended to address vacancies left in our high rental neighborhoods because students have moved to new luxury apartments to the north of East Lansing in Bath Township.

Students protest for labor rights

A 400-foot banner was wrapped around the University of Michigan’s Fleming Administration Building on Friday as students protested the labor practices of New Era Cap Co.At MSU, members of Students for Economic Justice held a “Screaming at the Wall” demonstration to protest what they say is an administration that doesn’t listen to their concerns about labor rights.The administrations at each university have dealt with protests in much the same way, meeting with students and discussing concerns.But the student groups at both universities take drastically different approaches to getting their messages across.