Mich. Senate to honor McPherson's service

MSU President M. Peter McPherson will be honored by MSU alumnus Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond Township, at 10 a.m.

Mich. zoos seek control with pepper spray

Lions and tigers and bears had better behave. A bill that would allow zookeepers to carry higher-concentration pepper spray to control large animals was introduced in the Michigan Senate in September and is now sitting in the Committee on Judiciary. "This adds a layer of safety on that we'd like to have," said Greg Geise, the director at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. Geise said it was an important issue because the law does not make a provision for zoos to use the higher-concentration sprays.

New study links stress and aging

Finals can cause students to stress out, but for people who perpetually feel pressured beyond coping capacity, the anxiety can actually cause their bodies to age. A recent study by Elizabeth Blackburn at University of California in San Fransisco has linked chronic stress to rapid cellular aging in women. The research could be relevant to college students who think they do not have the resources to cope with school and work, said Blackburn, a professor of biochemistry and biophysics. "Short-term acute stress is not bad for you - it's when it is day in and day out and you don't have the resources to deal with it," Blackburn said. According to the 2004 National College Health Assessment, 78 percent of students reported feeling stressed.

Engineers help detect faulty heart valves

About 2,000 people have ticking time bombs inside of their hearts. Students at the MSU College of Engineering are looking for a way to defuse them. Graduate students Naveen Nair and Michael Chan are working with five other students to develop detection methods for faulty heart valves implanted in thousands of patients from the 1960s until the mid-1980s.

Police briefs 12/07/04

Starting Jan. 4, DPPS closes half hour early

Those bringing issues to the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety Parking Office will have to stop in a half hour earlier on afternoons starting Jan.

Botanical club to hold environmental session

The Red Cedar chapter of the Michigan Botanical Club will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. today in room 168 of the Plant Biology Laboratories. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., students who attended the 2004 Spring Foray will discuss their experiences.

E.L. council meeting cancelled for holiday

The East Lansing City Council will not meet this week in observance of Hanukkah. Council will meet next for a work session on Dec.

ASMSU to push for new minors

In its continuing effort to institute undergraduate minors to MSU's degree program, ASMSU decided to lobby the administration for a more rigorous credit workload with minors. MSU's undergraduate student government's Academic Assembly decided to push for minors that would require 15 or more credits of work in a subject area. The assembly was divided on whether to institute a system similar to the University of Michigan's 15-18 credit load, or follow MSU's teaching program and its more than 20-credit minors. Academic Assembly Chairperson Dan Weber prefaced the assembly's debate on minors, saying that ASMSU doesn't have the wherewithal to institute new minors, but could encourage them. "If we go 15 credits, we'd encourage new minors, like in Spanish and Japanese," Weber said.

Christmas tree burn to be held in Lansing

The Lansing Fire Department, Flagstar Bank and Lansing Public Schools will sponsor a live Christmas tree burning demonstration on Wednesday. The exhibition is meant to demonstrate the flammability of Christmas trees.

Various factors lead to '06 stamp price increase

The U.S. Postal Service might raise the price of stamps by about 3 cents in 2006, officials said. A request to the federal government to increase prices will probably come in the spring, said Gerry McKiernan, spokesman for the service.

Veterans share memories of war, equipment

When Mel Buschman prepared to go overseas during World War II, he put everything he needed into a sack, including his dress uniform. But all Buschman eventually carried was a canteen, a jacket and a raincoat. "We slept 46 days and nights with nothing over our head but a raincoat," he said.

Group provides support for transgender students

Providing a support system for transgender individuals is the primary focus of a new campus group established this semester. Phi Tau Mu, the Greek letters FTM in English, stands for "Female to Male" and allows those in the transgender community to hold serious discussions about issues they deal with on a daily basis. There are five members in the group who have formed a brotherhood and understand each other on levels other people cannot, said T.J.

Bradley discusses election

The 2004 presidential election and its outcome was the focus of former senator, professional basketball player and former Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley's speech Friday.

Police briefs 12/06/04

Gamers compete in dancing revolution

By Lindsay Poisson Special to The State News A dark International Center was filled with flashing lights, a large crowd and frenzied dancers during the Univeristy Activities Board's first Dance, Dance Revolution Tournament on Friday. About 50 students competed in the new form of dance. In the dining area of Crossroads Food Court, tables and chairs were pushed aside to make room for the three machines loaned by Pinball Pete's, 220 Albert Ave.

Advent season underway

Two snow-white candles flickered in an evergreen wreath Sunday morning symbolizing that two weeks of Advent have taken place - a pink and white candle remained untouched by flames. The season of Advent marks the month before Christmas and the Christian church new year as is represented by the purple pendants and advent wreath at St.

Festival attracts hundreds with chili tasting, Santa

When he heard the plinks of food pellets falling out of the dispenser, the reindeer Dancer nudged his mouth and nose through the metal fence. Four-year-old East Lansing resident Sarah Postema stretched out her hand and Dancer lapped the snack away. "Ooh, it tickles," Sarah said and giggled.

Sparrow officials ink contract with nurses

Negotiations between Sparrow Health System and the Michigan Nurses Association concluded Thursday with the ratification of a new contract. The decision ended the possibility of a strike by the association. Representatives from Sparrow released an official statement Friday and declined to comment further. "This contract represents an investment in Sparrow nurses and other professional associates through fair and competitive wages and benefits, while continuing Sparrow's mission of providing quality, compassionate and accessible health care to our community," the statement said. This agreement gives a contract to almost 1,800 health care professionals - which include nurses, pharmacists and physical therapists - who have been working without one since Oct.

Mitch Albom to sign books at local store

Journalist Mitch Albom will be signing copies of his book, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," at 7:30 p.m.