Cold doesnt stop shamrock racers

Despite early morning temperatures of less than 30 degrees Saturday, more than 200 people gathered at Beaumont Tower to participate in the Shamrock 5K.The run, sponsored by the MSU Tower Guard, Powerhouse Gym, Student Book Store and the Pita Pit, was to benefit the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.Tower Guard social chairwoman Kristi Thomassaid because of the large turnout, Tower Guard ran out of numbers and T-shirts toward the end of registration.“We’re so excited, this was such a success,” said Thomas, a zoology sophomore.Amidst the chiming of the carillon and Sparty dancing to motivate the crowd, participants jumped up and down and ran short laps while trying to keep warm before the race began.

Event highlights global feminist opinions

More than 100 participants celebrated Women’s History Month at “Globalizing Women’s Studies: Feminist Perspectives” on Friday and Saturday at MSU.The conference, sponsored by the Women’s Studies and The Women and International Development programs, served as a kickoff to the new Women and Gender graduate specialization and the graduate specialization in Gender and the Environment.Marjorie Agosin, a professor at Wellesley College, spoke Friday night at the Kellogg Center Auditorium.

LCC to look at dance internship

Lansing Community College’s Board of Trustees may vote to eliminate the college’s dance program today in an effort to save money, but dance officials say they developed a solution to keep students pirouetting. Program officials want the college to offer professional dance internships with local companies, which school officials say could be possible. “I’m very positive they will see significant merit in the planning that has gone into this internship,” said Dianne Newman, director of Happendance School & Co., 3448 Hagadorn Road in Okemos.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Police briefs 03/19/01

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.

Global gender issues focus of conference

As part of Women’s History Month, three speakers will be on campus this weekend to discuss international gender issues.The conference, “Globalizing Women’s Studies: Feminist Perspectives,” kicks off today at 7 p.m.

Weekend dance brings fun for diverse crowd

Julie Levy-Weston describes contra dancing as “one of the few dance forms that thrusts a person of the opposite sex into your arms every 30 seconds.”Levy-Weston, the events planner for the MSU Museum, is coordinating the contra dance with the Looking Glass Music and Arts Association, an area organization dedicated to bringing arts back to Lansing.

Child enjoys fame on side of pop bottle

David and Becki Beaudoin have a new keepsake to remember their son’s childhood - that is, if he doesn’t drink it first. The couple recently received 12 bottles of Jones Cream Soda in the mail, complete with their 2-year-old son, Austin’s, pictures on the labels. The photograph helped them win a contest through Jones Soda Co., which is known for its wacky photo labels. They entered the contest last October at Union Central, a convenience store in the Union.

Pageant candidate strives to be an average guy

This is the last in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant. Maurice Turner thinks Mr. Black MSU should be less of a role model and more of an everyday man. “I got involved because I wanted to see a more well-rounded individual at least go out for the title and try to attain it,” the human resources and society senior said. The Mr. Black MSU pageant, sponsored by the Black Student Alliance, profiles black male undergraduates who stand out academically through their student leadership on and off campus. Marketing senior DeAndre Carter, founder and president of DCI Motivational Services, a motivational speaking business, was crowned the first Mr. Black MSU last year. In addition to being secretary of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and a member of BSA, Turner also helps out at the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, mentors two students at Everett High School, 3900 Stabler St., in Lansing and works with the Urban League in his hometown of Flint. BSA President Tonya Upthegrove said the title of Mr. Black MSU gives recognition to the unsung heroes of the black student community. “We put on this pageant to promote black male leadership and to honor those students who play an active role in the community, have achieved academic excellence and who represent the black community in their everyday actions,” the communication senior said. LaKesha Rawls, president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Turner’s sister sorority - said Turner’s community service involvement at MSU, in the Lansing area and at home makes him “more than qualified” to become this year’s Mr. Black MSU. “He’s very caring and very concerned about the black community,” the political science senior said.

Conversion plan will change one-way streets

Monica Zuchowski’s vehicle could be heading in a different direction in Lansing, if a two-way street conversion plan receives approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Lansing City Council.The plan would convert six of the city’s one-way streets - Allegan, Ottawa, Pine and Walnut streets and Grand and Capitol avenues - into a two-way network by 2003.Lansing city officials say the alterations will benefit the area, but Zuchowski, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, is skeptical.

New cards to curb food stamp fraud, help others

Food stamp users will be given the choice of paper or plastic twice when grocery shopping.Electronic Benefit Transfer program uses a plastic card, similar to a debit card, instead of food stamps.

Blanchard to lecture on public relations

Former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard will come to campus to give a lecture on the importance of public relations in his political career.Blanchard will talk to communication students and others interested in public relations at 4 p.m.

Professor excelled despite struggles

Mary Cookingham lived her life with dignity, grace and quiet strength. Cookingham, the first woman to receive tenure from the MSU Department of Economics, died of complications from multiple sclerosis Monday.

Legislative efforts hope to combat pollution

Campus environmental groups and local authorities are pleased at the state Senate’s efforts to address pollution problems that plague the Red Cedar River, although they say the proposal is flawed. The state Senate this week passed two bills of a five-bill package that is intended to fix sewage overflow problems across the state.

Air Force, Army look to recruit

Air Force, Army look to recruit Air Force Maj. Les Hayden handed another hot dog across the table in front of Bessey Hall.

Police briefs 03/16/01