ASMSU seeks to fill 2 spots in coming weeks

Two ASMSU executives are resigning at the end of the semester, and the student government hopes to fill the positions by early December. Association Director Jason Bucholz is leaving for an internship in the spring, and Tahera Sakarwala, vice chairperson for student programming for ASMSU's Student Assembly, plans to move to Iowa for a supply chain management internship this spring. Applications for the association director position are due by 5 p.m.

Speakers, performers part of student rally

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Black Student Alliance will present the 33rd annual Black Power Rally at Fairchild Theatre. The theme for this year is "These Three Words: L.ove, U.nification, V.oice." The event will feature performances and speakers such as DJ Reality, 3rd Eye Open, Urban Dreams, poet Amiri Baraka and Denise Troutman, an MSU associate professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures.

WEB EXTRA: ASMSU seeks to fill positions left vacant by resignations

Jason Bucholz, ASMSU's association director, and Tahera Sakarwala, ASMSU's vice chairperson for student programming, are resigning at the end of the semester. Students interested in applying for the association director position should apply by 5 p.m.

Michiganians aware of their bad health

Michigan residents are becoming more aware of their state's unhealthy status, according to a recent survey. A majority, or 57 percent, of residents gave the overall health of Michiganians a poor rating.

Winter, chili festival to be held on Dec. 4

The East Lansing Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 4. Some of the activities include a chili cook-off at the Marriott Hotel, 300 M.A.C.

Act would cut $18.4B from loan subsidies

Government funding for student-loan programs could decrease if a congressional conference committee agrees on a bill as part of a joint effort by the U.S.

City asks residents to clear sidewalks

East Lansing city officials want to remind residents that they are responsible for keeping all sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice.

Buddhist temple finds new home

After more than a year filled with an eviction, obtaining permits and doing renovations, members of the Quan Am Temple have a new spiritual home in Mason. "It's a good feeling," said Thich Minh Quang, dharma master or monk for the temple.

Wilcox plans new positions

Provost Kim Wilcox introduced plans Tuesday to revamp his office staff with the addition of positions that have been absent from the university in recent years. A small change in terminology is being made to keep MSU on the same page as other universities — all assistant provosts will now be titled associate provosts, Wilcox said at Tuesday's Executive Committee of Academic Council meeting. In addition to some name changes, Wilcox said he wants to internally fill an associate provost position and an associate provost for human health issues position. Wilcox said he is limited by time constraints to be able to meet with all the groups he would like to, and additional staff members would help him be more accessible. The new human health issues position would be important in the College of Human Medicine expansion to Grand Rapids, officials said. The last piece of his plan is re-establishing an MSU vice president position, which John Hudzik, current adviser to the provost, would assume in January.

MSU organization takes part in annual animal-right event

Even though the cold is setting in, some students are not turning to a fur coat to keep warm. Fur Free Friday is an annual event discouraging consumers nationwide from buying furs the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Commencement speakers named for Dec. event

Mary R. Dawson is a bit overwhelmed to have been chosen as one of the commencement speakers for MSU's December ceremonies, but she is excited for the opportunity to present. "It is a real challenge," said Dawson, a curator emeritus at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.

Potter Park to offer E.L. night of lights

Potter Park to offer E.L. night of lights Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., is hosting the East Lansing Night at the Zoo from 5 to 8 p.m.

Police briefs 11/22/05

MSU searches for speaker

Since 2001, author and poet Maya Angelou, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Vice President Dick Cheney have passed on some of their knowledge and advice to graduating seniors at MSU. Now the search is on for someone to speak at May's commencement ceremony. MSU's commencement speakers must be motivational, nationally or internationally known and an exemplary role model, according to university officials, who are taking suggestions for the next commencement speaker. Angelou spoke at MSU's commencement ceremony in May.

2 plan to run for empty seat

Candidates are emerging to fill the seat of state Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, as talks of holding a special election are still up in the air. Bernero was elected mayor of Lansing and will officially be sworn in after the first of the year.

Open seat for parks, recreation commission

The parks and recreation advisory commission has an open seat for a term ending Dec. 31, 2006. The City of East Lansing is currently accepting applications for the job.

Campus event illuminates cultural holidays

By Melissa Kayko Special to The State News Every year, Muslims end a month of fasting during Ramadan, which is signaled by the light of the new moon to begin a celebration of Eid al-Fitr, when followers spend time with family and attend special prayer meetings. Centuries ago, wagon wheels were hung from ceilings and adorned with candles to create the first Christmas advent wreaths. Hanukkah is marked by the lighting of candles on the menorah, while the celebration of African Americans' heritage, Kwanzaa, uses candles to represent seven principles to live out in daily life. The Hindu holiday Diwali is almost always capped off by an explosion of fireworks. These celebrations were brought together at the second annual "Lights to Remember" event at the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on Monday because of the significance of lights they share.

Detroit ranked No. 2 for crime

The city of the Lions, the Tigers and Motown is also the second-most dangerous in the nation, according to a company's rankings based on crime statistics. Detroit comes in behind Camden, N.J., in the 12th annual report, released Monday by Morgan Quitno Press, a publishing and research company.

More U.S. restaurants, bars going smoke free

Smoke-free laws in some states have proven to be beneficial to businesses according to new statistics from the American Cancer Society, although some argue it should be up to business owners to decide if they want to go smoke free. At the beginning of the month, Washington became the 14th state to ban smoking in public places, restaurants and workplaces. One year after New York enacted its smoke-free law in 2003, it showed a 9 percent increase in sales receipts, Judy Stewart, campaign manager for the Campaign for Smokefree Air said.

Committee to hold special session today

A special meeting for the Executive Committee of Academic Council will be held at 3:15 p.m. today in the Administration Building. The meeting is set to discuss a possible reorganization of the provost's office, the creation of task forces dealing with MSU President Lou Anna K.