Speaker discusses politics at heritage month kickoff

To Mike Kueh, hearing Shamina Singh speak was an amazing opportunity.Singh, former executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, addressed an informal group of about 30 students, including Kueh, on Saturday night in McDonel Hall at the kickoff for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.Kueh, a telecommunication senior, said Singh’s address was a good way to get insight on how politics play a role in his community.“I think it just makes us better aware of where Asian Americans stand in the United States,” he said.Representation, unity and solidarity were all among issues addressed at the event, which was sponsored by the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students, the Asian and Pacific American Student Organization and the Residence Halls Association.Established by an executive order of former President Clinton in 1999, the initiative Singh worked in aimed to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased participation in federal programs where they could be underserved, such as health, human services, education and labor.Singh said to her, the initiative was a promise against hate crimes and discrimination, and for due process and prosperity in the United States.“The signing of this executive order opened a door for our community,” she said.Throughout her speech Singh stressed giving Asian Americans a louder voice.“I think it’s time that we stand up,” she said.

Police briefs 03/19/01

Ska band energizes crowd during weekend Common Grounds show

Talking was kept to a minimum and dancing was cranked to the max Saturday night at Common Grounds Coffeehouse, as ska band MU330 performed for nearly 200 people.With two trombones, an electric guitar, a bass guitar and percussion, the St.

Childrens films bring in raw imagination

After watching his film on the big screen for the first time, assistant cameraman Josh Warner was surprised how days of filming were turned into a seamless 15 minutes. “When you tape it, when you put it all together you think it’s all one day,” the East Lansing Pinecrest Elementary fifth-grader said. “When you watch it, it looks like all one shot.” The film Warner’s class made, “Billy Gates & Doris the Dorkus,” premiered Sunday at the East Lansing Children’s Film Festival. Now in its fourth year, the three-day festival in South Kedzie Hall featured more than 50 live-action and animated shorts from 15 countries, some by area youngsters. A prelude to next weekend’s East Lansing Film Festival, it offers an opportunity for families to view educational and entertaining short films, as well as take part in a number of activities. The festival culminated Sunday with cake and a showcase of the Youth Film Competition entries, big-screen premieres of films made by children and students from as far as Suttons Bay, some 190 miles north near Traverse City. The competition hosted divisions for elementary, middle and high school filmmakers. “It’s encouraging for the young directors,” East Lansing Film Festival co-director Shaun McNally said.

Sylvia fetches laughs

Take a dog. A half-poodle, half-lab concoction. And unite that mutt with a knack for humping and swearing like a sailor’s pooch. Now throw in a couple - Greg and Kate, whose kids are at college - that is having serious difficulties striking balance between the mutt’s new place in their New York apartment and their own middling relationship. Toss a few whacked-out characters into the mix and have a woman play that mutt, Sylvia.

Miller named Player of the Year by CCHA, Nail, Hutchinson win defensive awards

DETROIT - MSU sophomore goaltender Ryan Miller will have to clear off some mantel space in his East Lansing home. The All-CCHA goalie walked away from the CCHA Awards banquet in Detroit’s Fox Theatre on Thursday with an armload of new trophies and plaques. Among his numerous honors, the CCHA named Miller as the league’s Best Goaltender and, more importantly, the Player of the Year. “My teammates are why I’m here right now.

E.L. pizzeria continues talks with state to reopen

The owner of Good Times Pizza is negotiating with the Michigan Department of Treasury to reopen the popular East Lansing pizzeria after the department seized the business last week, citing over due taxes. Robert Foss, owner of the pizzeria located at 615 E.

Solo albums allow fans new perspective

From reading a variety of interviews Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan gave during the band’s all-too-short career, I’ve come to understand why fellow guitarist James Iha felt the need to release a solo record in 1998.Corgan has said many times that all the members of the band were inferior musicians.

U researches Alzheimers

Some of MSU’s best scientists are working to gain some insight into why Alzheimer’s disease affects so many Americans.Dr. Daniel Murman, an assistant professor of neurology and opthamology, is involved with two projects on campus looking at different factors which contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.“Alzheimer’s is a very common degenerative disease of the brain where certain groups of nerve cells die,” Murman said.

Student hit by SUV; remains in hospital

A 19-year-old MSU student was critically injured when she was hit by a sport utility vehicle on South Shaw Lane on Friday. MSU police Detective Tony Willis said the student, whose name is being withheld pending an investigation of the accident, was crossing the eastbound one-way road on South Shaw Lane in front of Anthony Hall shortly after 11 a.m. Police said the student stepped into the right lane between two parked CATA buses and failed to see an oncoming Jeep Grand Cherokee in the left lane. The student was transported by ambulance to Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital, where she remained late Sunday, undergoing treatment for spinal cord and wrist injuries. Engineering mechanics senior Eric Lehner witnessed the accident. Lehner said the views of the student and the driver of the Cherokee were probably obstructed by one of the buses parked in the right lane of the street. The driver of the Cherokee never had an opportunity to stop, he said. “To actually physically see the event take place - it was devastating,” he said.

Column was well- written, provoking

Having read Brian Emerson Jones’ column, “Church and state should be kept separate” (SN 3/14), I am motivated to write and commend him on a thought-provoking and well-written piece.

Icers earn No. 1 seed, first-round bye in tourney

With a No.1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a first-round bye, the MSU hockey team is only three wins away from its first national championship in 15 years.The squad will start its championship run Sunday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, when it plays the winner of Saturday’s game between No.

Meals should be savored - never rushed

A heated discussion with several friends Friday reminded me of my distaste for the American palette.

U searches to uncover animals healing power

Animals can make a person’s face light up with joy, but they may also have the power to send blood pressure and stress levels down.Some MSU faculty and community members believe there’s more to learn about the human-animal link and they have joined to form the Human Animal Bond Initiative - an effort to uncover the hidden healing powers of animals.“The overall goal is to scientifically validate the importance of animals in the health and well-being of people and families,” said Lana Kaiser, a professor of nursing who is leading the project.

Omo column was completely wrong

I must respectfully disagree with Michonne Omo’s assertion that social alienation and teasing leads to school shootings (“Target missed on causes of school shootings,” SN 3/13). In fact, I must say I believe it to be completely off-base. First of all, there are dozens of school shootings every year.

Study drums for healthier living

MSU graduate student Carolyn Koebel is using drums to study good health for her master’s thesis. Her wellness study, titled “The Effects of Group Drumming on Selected Neuroendocrine Levels and Self-Reported Mood, Stress, Socialization and Journeying Experiences,” kicks off from 7 p.m.

Mr. Black MSU crowned Saturday; savors award

Pledging to do whatever he can to be a resource to the black community, Diondraie Robertson was crowned the new Mr. Black MSU on Saturday night. “I thank God for giving me this prestigious honor,” the humanities and prelaw senior said. More than 300 people came to see the ceremony, which was held at the Kellogg Center Auditorium. Robertson was one of five men to compete in the Mr. Black MSU pageant, which was sponsored by Black Student Alliance.

Guards step up to challenge

Andre Hutson said he was proud of the wave of different players who contributed in Sunday’s 81-65 win over Fresno State.

Golf show offers tips for pros, hackers

Many people will list the Detroit Auto Show as the best place to learn how to smooth out a drive, but golfers know Lansing’s Golf Show will fix the type of drive they’re concerned with.The Lansing Center, 333 E.

Trip canceled

The university should be complimented for cancelling a Study Abroad trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Food, Agriculture and Environmental Systems program that was to be held this summer was temporarily canceled because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Europe.