Lecture to discuss abstract dimension

Untying knots, stealing gold bricks from closed iron safes and unfolding hypercubes all are part of the fourth dimension. Although it sounds like a science-fiction concept, the fourth dimension is the topic of the most recent installment of the Lyman Briggs School Lecture Series. Michael Starbird, a professor of mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin, will discuss the abstract domain at 7:30 p.m.

Do-not-call list growing; businesses hurt

The president of a local telemarketing firm says there will "definitely be an increase in prices" as a result of the national do-not-call list.

Iraq war to be topic of Noontime series

Student Life's Noontime Conversation Series continues Wednesday with a discussion about the war in Iraq. William Allen of MSU's Department of Political Science will lead a discussion entitled "The Consequences of the Iraq War: Too Little Too Fast." The conversation runs from 12:10 to 1 p.m.

Poll: Charter school support falls

Support for charter schools has fallen slightly since 1998, according to a report released Wednesday by MSU researchers.The report, based on a 965-person survey conducted by the MSU Education Policy Center, showed support has declined 8 percent in the last five years, from 63 percent in 1998 to 55 percent this year.

$51K to keep motorists clicking

Area law enforcement agencies will receive a share of nearly $2 million in the next fiscal year aimed at reducing drunken driving and increasing seat-belt use during holiday seasons. East Lansing, Lansing and Meridian Township police and the Ingham County sheriff will share $51,200 to increase patrols. The funds, which are provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be divided on a per-capita basis, said Meridian Township Police Chief Gary Gibbons. The safety administration also will provide $1.5 million in paid advertising to warn drivers of upcoming enforcement crackdowns.

Uncle Sam wants 'U' at employment fair

Students interested in employment with state or federal government agencies are invited to the Call to Serve Career Fair on Wednesday. The fair runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

Group hopes to talk with trustees

As part of a new committee established to help MSU's governing unit hear concerns from the student body, a handful of student leaders met with MSU Trustee David Porteous on Friday at the Multicultural Center.The committee, which has no formal name, was organized by family community services senior Misty Staunton, who also serves as the at-large student liaison to the MSU Board of Trustees.Staunton said the group hopes to speak with one trustee every month to learn more about how the board operates and what university business was conducted at the board meeting."I don't want just student leaders to be able to talk to them," Staunton said, adding she hopes students will participate, regardless of their involvement with campus groups.Staunton said she encourages students who are involved in the committee to attend the monthly board meetings.

Senate passes bill to add jail time for MIPs

A bill that would add jail time for minors caught in possession of alcohol was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Violators could face up to 30 days in jail for a second offense and up to 90 days in jail for three or more offenses. The bill also would allow first-time offenders who plead guilty to serve probation and have the charges later dismissed. The bill moves on to be examined by the full Senate.

Students boogie on down the 'Seoul Train'

Amidst flashing multicolored lights and bumping hip-hop music, nearly 300 students gathered for the eighth annual Seoul Train dance on Saturday night at the Kellogg Center.

LCC sponsors annual Pow Wow

Joshua Carr Special for The State News Heavy drumming and chanting filled Lansing Community College's main gymnasium on Saturday as a long line of participants danced in colorful tribal clothing adorned with feathers.

RUBI celebrates Halloween candy fiends

Eating large amounts of Snickers candy bars or Reeses Peanut Butter Cups this Halloween is OK, says one Olin Health Center student organization. Respecting and Understanding Body Image, or RUBI, a group that works to promote positive body image and increase eating disorder awareness, distributed fliers this week urging students not to worry about how much candy they eat this weekend. The flier stated "It's the fun that counts, not the calories - enjoy food and celebrate yourself." "You don't need to worry about calories and you don't need to worry about fat," said Erin Ruth, RUBI president and nutritional sciences senior.

Group pickets anti-affirmative action initiative in Lansing

Large trees showering red and yellow leaves line Tulane Drive in north Lansing. The residential street is an unlikely location for a protest. But Thursday morning, a dozen protesters from By Any Means Necessary gathered at 2510 Tulane Drive to protest an anti-affirmative action petition. Being careful to follow Lansing police orders not to step on the lawn, members of the national affirmative action group circled the driveway of the two-story gray house. The house is the business office for National Petition Management, a petition-collection service contracted by Ward Connerly of the American Civil Rights Institute in California.

E.L. Pumpkin Walk treats local kids

Vampires and princesses frolicked around downtown East Lansing on Thursday evening, playing spooky tricks and gathering sugar-filled treats. The disguised children participated in the 13th annual Great Pumpkin Walk, sponsored by East Lansing merchants promoting safe trick-or-treating. Ariel from "The Little Mermaid," one of many costumed children, enjoyed a can of Orange Crush as she left Flat's Grill, 551 E.

Starkly different candidates might seem similar

Lansing mayoral candidates Virg Bernero and Tony Benavides both are Democrats. They both speak passionately about eliminating crime in the city and making sure kids stay in school, and they both feel that Lansing needs to make itself more attractive to small businesses and young people.On the surface, it would seem as though the two men disagree about very little.

City council to review ASMSU noise policy changes

ASMSU officials will address East Lansing officials with recommendations for changes to the city's party-noise ordinance at the next council meeting.Members from MSU's undergraduate student government passed a bill during a Student Assembly meeting Thursday night to present five clarifications and revisions to the policy.

'U' to celebrate cultural events

Once they get some rest after a night of haunting on Halloween, MSU students and Lansing area residents will have an opportunity to celebrate different cultures. Seoul Train and The Great Lakes Anishnaabek Traditional Pow Wow will both be held Saturday. Korean Students United will present Seoul Train at 8 p.m.

Eagle released back to wild

Five people gathered around an outdoor holding cage behind MSU's Veterinary Medical Center on Thursday morning to watch as an injured symbol of American freedom - and the center's latest patient - checked out of the center to be released back into the wild.

Broadcaster appearts at Lansing Center Friday

National Public Radio Social Correspondent Susan Stamberg will speak about her broadcasting experience at 10:30 a.m.

New specializations approved for spring

MSU students will have some new course options and specializations for the spring.A jazz study option, a graduate specialization in hospitality business and an undergraduate specialization in science, technology, environment and policy will all be available after the Academic Council approved the proposed additions Tuesday.The new additions represent the growing university trend of moving toward more interdepartmental offerings, said Jo Ann Beckwith, director of the University Committee on Curriculum."It's an example of the interdepartmental initiative that allows people in various colleges to draw on the strengths offered by other colleges for the benefit of the students," Beckwith said.

Police briefs 10/30/03