Black male student showcase canceled

The 2002 Mr. Black MSU pageant has been canceled after being plagued by a lack of participation.Members of Black Student Alliance held informational meetings, contacted student leaders and sent e-mail and applications to potential candidates, but received little response.The event began in 2000 as a showcase for black male students exhibiting leadership, strong academic standing and significant involvement in the black community.Last year, more than 300 people attended the ceremony, which featured five candidates competing in four categories: a video interview, talent, modeling and a judge’s interview.DeJuan Lever, 2001 Mr. Black MSU runner-up, said although he decided not to participate this year, he was disappointed to hear the event was canceled.

Spartan considers going professional

In what seems to be becoming an annual event, another member of the Spartan men’s basketball team will leave MSU early and enter his name into the NBA Draft. But unlike when ex-Spartans Jason Richardson and Zach Randolph declared for the NBA Draft at the end of the 2000-2001 season, sophomore guard Marcus Taylor’s announcement on Tuesday to declare for the draft is anything but definite. “Becoming an NBA player has been one of my goals for a long time,” Taylor said in a written statement.

Sluggers ready for home-opener

The MSU baseball team will attempt to bring its winning ways to Kobs Field.After opening the season with 17 straight road games, the Spartans will host Siena Heights 3 p.m.

Police briefs 03/27/02

U could review students charges

Five MSU students facing criminal charges in connection with the October drowning of an 18-year-old Bay City man in the Red Cedar River also could be disciplined by the university. One of the students, a male Holden Hall resident, provided beer to Delta College student Eric Blair on Oct.

Students direct plays

SHANNON HOUGHTON For The State News Mechanical engineering freshman Nathan Kroll had no acting experience until being cast in the one-act play, “Bringing it all Home,” this semester. “I like being able to act out somebody I don’t even know and make a character how I want it to be,” he said.

Federal legislation looks to further copyright protections

Software and music swappers are again the target of federal legislation.Sen. Fritz Hollings, R-S.C., introduced the Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act last Thursday.

ASMSU to appoint governmental, budgetary affairs director

After three years of the same ASMSU member voicing the undergraduate student university budget concerns, a new face will take over the duties.Jared English likely will be appointed as the undergraduate student government’s Academic Assembly director of university, governmental and budgetary affairs by the assembly on April 9.English will replace Jeff Ziarko, who is graduating in May with a degree in political economy and finance.English, who has been an Academic Assembly James Madison College representative since February 2001, said he has been increasingly interested in the position since his freshman year.“It seems a lot of people are being affected by state appropriations,” said English, who constructed a lobbying campaign plan for the year.

Sorority Boys not as bad as expected

Going into a theater showing “Sorority Boys,” we all expect one thing: crap. The title alone sounds like it’s going to stink.

Enthusiasts can find religious art in E.L.

Joy Schroeder and her husband hung every piece of work they received in their first art show. “It was just horrible,” Schroeder said.

When ranting about societys programs attack issues, not people

My car broke down Saturday. But aside from that, it was a relatively good weekend. Still, the damage has been done. So, I’ve been looking for someone to blame for my misfortune.

Officials address tuition increases

MSU President M. Peter McPherson, state Rep. Paul DeWeese and other state and university officials met Tuesday night at Kellogg Center to discuss rising tuition and the difficult budget year ahead for Michigan’s 15 public universities.About 40 people were on hand for the discussion, which featured presentations by McPherson, Lansing Community College President Paula Cunningham, state Treasurer Doug Roberts and House Fiscal Agency Associate Director Hank Prince.DeWeese and Ferris State University President William Sederburg moderated the two-hour discussion.“There’s a lot of concern with declining state revenues,” said DeWeese, R-Williamston.

Dangerous

When you commit a crime, penalties must be paid. The five students being charged in connection with Eric Blair’s death in October broke the law.

Criminals distracting in theaters

Let’s talk theater etiquette, my friends. I consider myself somewhat of a theater connoisseur, having attended plays and concerts since before I was old enough to see over the seat in front of me.

Sparty deserves better protection

I’m writing in regard to the article “Sparty blue again after second attack,” (SN, 3/26). They can paint the outside of Sparty, but will never pierce the spirit inside.

N.E.R.D. molds numerous styles

The best type of music is the kind that incorporates a large variety of influences and delivery styles. Too often an artist will lay down a blueprint of what direction he or she wants to go, and stick to it without even considering an alternative route.

Tarnished

When history looks back at the University of Michigan’s back-to-back “Fab Five”-led NCAA Final Four appearances, it will be saddened to see a talented team tainted by corruption. Although U-M athletics director Bill Martin said it is premature to believe the Wolverines will be required to return the money they earned in the 1992 and 1993 NCAA tournaments and take down the respective Final Four banners from Crisler Arena’s rafters, he said they were possible punishments. The measures were suggested by former U-M athletics director Don Canham on Thursday after the indictment of former U-M booster Ed Martin, who federal authorities allege violated NCAA rules by loaning “Fab Five” star Chris Webber and three other players $600,000 from 1988 to1999. Bill Martin and Ed Martin are not related. While it is easy for a Spartan to cheer on the possibility of U-M’s banners falling, we are pretty much indifferent on the subject. It doesn’t matter if the banners are allowed to hang because they are tainted either way.

Criminals distracting in theaters

Let’s talk theater etiquette, my friends. I consider myself somewhat of a theater connoisseur, having attended plays and concerts since before I was old enough to see over the seat in front of me.

If U break law, be ready to face law

In connection with the article regarding Eric Blair (“5 face charges in drowning,” SN 3/26), The State News solicited comments on alcohol accountability.

Apartment tax increase fails

Staring intently at his instructors, Sebastian Estrada moved consecutively through 19 steps. Through repetition and focus, the 4-year-old boy practices Tae Kwon Do, a Korean fighting style with an emphasis on kicking, twice a week in a makeshift Do Jang called Spartan Village Elementary School’s gymnasium.