MSU researchers turn secret police code into chemistry lab

Two MSU researchers took pages from a history book, unlocked East Germany's secret police code inscribed on them and turned the entire operation into an interactive chemistry lab — all the while making history. The pair, Lyman Briggs School science historian Kristie Macrakis and assistant professor of chemistry Ryan Sweeder, spent the last two years analyzing archives uncovered from the Stasi, the former East German secret police during the Cold War. The Stasi used a technique of printing hidden text on carbon paper infused with the chemical cerium oxalate, which was only visible after being activated by a separate chemical agent, Macrakis said. Macrakis received the declassified Stasi documents while she was studying in Germany before and after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. "It's not just your magic pen; it's a lot more sophisticated," she said.

Students protest Military Commissions Act of 2006

She adjusted her orange jumpsuit and pulled off the black sack that covered her face early Tuesday afternoon.

Police briefs 11/22/06

'Turkey' town to celebrate Thanksgiving

The name might be quirky, but in November, it's a perfect fit. Welcome to Turkey, Texas, one of three towns in United States named after the Thanksgiving table's star. "It's a pretty festive name," said 38-year-old Bud Ham on Tuesday afternoon. Ham works as a mechanic in Turkey. But there won't be any blown-out parades down the streets of Turkey on Thanksgiving.

Budget might cut education funding

Michigan schools might face unexpected cuts in this year's state budget. The state's House and Senate fiscal agencies' returns from 2006 tax receipts are about $130 million less than what was expected by lawmakers who created the 2007 budget. The 2007 fiscal budget went into effect Oct.

City seeks input on zoning codes

Vacant land in East Lansing's Northern Tier could one day be home to a mixture of renters and permanent residents.

Bike service hopes to expand

Bike owners on campus could have more service options if a plan to expand MSU Bikes Service Center gains momentum. The center is located in Bessey Hall.

Polls, campaigns analyzed at post-election event

Proposal 2 had no chance of passing, despite some polls that showed the contrary, and voters lied in pre-election surveys to escape being "shamed and called racist, bigots and prejudiced," said one political analyst at a post-election discussion on Friday. The election wrap-up event at Kellogg Center featured three panels of pollsters, analysts and campaign representatives who discussed events leading up to the election.

Mediterranean restaurant also to feature ribs, hot dogs

At 14, Pam Baker earned $1.50 an hour scrubbing dishes for a restaurant in West Unity, Ohio. Now an adult, Baker anticipates the opening of her own restaurant on the Grand River Avenue front next month. Legend's Gyros is expected to open in December in the former Taco Bell building, 565 E.

Asha raises $800 for charity

Students gathered Friday night at IM-Sports Circle to dance and celebrate Indian traditions during the Tarang Indian festival and fundraiser. Tarang is a traditional Indian festival and celebration of colors hosted annually by Asha for Education, a nationwide student organization that advocates literacy and education in India. About 175 students came to the event, many of whom danced to the tunes of cultural Northern Indian music.

Police briefs 11/20/06

Report reveals majors with top employment

Business, engineering and computer science graduates are among the group employers are hiring the most, according to a report released by MSU's Collegiate Employment Research Institute on Friday. "There are some sectors that are really hot," said Institute Director Phil Gardner. Gardner's survey, which includes information from 864 companies surveyed in September and October, showed a 5 percent increase in the market from last year. Many of the larger industries, especially the manufacturing sector, are hiring college graduates in entry-level positions to replace the older generation of workers who have recently taken buyouts or retired.

MSU hosts LEGO robotics competition

By Lauren Talley For The State News IM-Sports Circle buzzed with students and adults carrying out "missions" using LEGO robots early Saturday morning during the Spartan FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League Challenge. Elementary and middle school students from Mid-Michigan tried to best each other in specific tasks, such as lifting a toy truck by using LEGO robots they built themselves. "The motivation (for the competition) is very simple," said Satish Udpa, dean of the College of Engineering.

MSU students work elections, aid voters

Many students took the opportunity to vote in last week's elections, but a few took an extra step by helping out their fellow voters and earned some cash along the way. Last week, eight MSU students served as election inspectors, who answer voter's questions during the voting process. The City of East Lansing paid the inspectors $100 for a whole day, $50 for half a day and $20 for the training they needed for the job. The inspectors were brought together by MSU's YouVote, which works to motivate more students to vote, as well East Lansing residents. Jerry Bracy said before becoming one of the inspectors, he really had no idea how much work is put into the voting process. "I learned a lot on how everything is run," Bracy said.

Mich. senators move into influential roles

U.S. Congress members are changing leadership in preparation for their upcoming terms, and two Michigan senators have some of the most powerful seats. Sen.

Campaign aims to end poverty

Poverty accounts for one-third of all deaths in the world today, according to the Millennium Campaign, a group determined to end extreme poverty. In 2000, global leaders came together at the United Nations Millennium Summit and designed the group, giving them the goal of ending poverty by 2015. The campaign's executive coordinator, Eveline Herfkens, came to MSU on Thursday to make students aware of the campaign's goals and how they can help its efforts. "Today more than ever, we live in a globalized interdependent world and our dependence on others will only increase over the generations," Herfkens said at the start of her speech.

Library's missing statue recovered

After more than two months missing and only two days back home, the East Lansing Public Library's "Seated Girl" statue is already receiving well wishes from those who felt her absence. "Someone sent her two bouquets of flowers — she didn't get roses, but she has two vases of flowers on her lap," said Sylvia Marabate, director of the library.

Traditional Indian festival to benefit literacy charity

An organization on campus is dancing and holding a festival to raise money for underprivileged children in India at 7 p.m.

Officials, students discuss possible long-term development on campus

Some students learned what campus could look like in the future after officials discussed the construction master plan Thursday at the International Center. At the meeting, Campus Planner Stephen Troost and Planning and Budgets Assistant Director Bill Latta laid out their plans for the university's physical outlook in the future. Troost said the master plan will guide long-term development. "Every construction project is coordinated with the master plan," Troost said.

Craze draws crowds

Okemos — Shane Ward has spent the past two days wearing a huge pair of mittens while sitting on concrete, huddled around three sleeping bags, two coats and several pizza boxes. With all the preparation, Ward was primed to get his hands on a PlayStation 3 after waiting in line outside Best Buy, 2020 W.