Bars strive for safer 21st birthdays

The ritual of excessive drinking in bars and restaurants on a 21st birthday hit a snag Tuesday as 16 bars and restaurants in East Lansing passed new management practices for the often-celebrated birthdays.Members of the Responsible Hospitality Council are hoping to avoid tragedies such as what happened to MSU student Bradley McCue, who died in East Lansing on his 21st birthday after drinking 24 shots in 1998."We're trying to change the ritual and change it to an appeal that on your birthday you can just go out and have fun," said Joe Goodsir, owner of Rick's American Café, 224 Abbott Road, and co-director of the council.Owners say they want to focus on friends of the birthday person to cut down on peer pressure.

Programs honored for assisting new students

Holding two certificates, Liban Sheikhaden sat next to his mother, reading her the words on the page."She's really proud of my accomplishments," the computer science freshman said.Sheikhaden was one of several students recognized along with faculty during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Office of Supportive Services on Thursday in the Union.

Omi offers Japanese cuisine, retro atmosphere

While the introduction of Omi Japanese Restaurant might have gotten a late start, owners and new patrons still feel they came out with a bang.Journalism senior Hunter Stair said he didn't expect to go to dinner and eat "on the set of '2001: A Space Odyssey.'"Stair and his friend William Baldwin described the restaurant, located at 210 M.A.C.

'U' election under review

As ASMSU wraps up its business for the semester, several representatives remain in limbo as to whether they will return in the fall.A total of 45 students were disqualified from the MSU undergraduate student government's election in March after it was discovered they had been endorsed by political organizations on campus.According to the ASMSU elections code, "Any campaign material bearing the name of a candidate must be approved and submitted to the AUEC (All-University Elections Committee) in writing before distribution."The MSU College Republicans made fliers and stickers, sent e-mails within the organization and campus mailings endorsing certain candidates from colleges across campus.

Rockin' the steeple

"You could have been anywhere tonight. You chose to be here. We appreciate that." Those are the first words that escape Richard Mittwede's lips before every concert at The Underground, a rock concert hall in the basement of Christ Lutheran Church, 122 S.

Filers rush to post office for today's tax deadline

In Michigan, nothing is certain. The Red Wings can lose and it might snow in April, but everyone knows April 15 is tax day.Students and area residents will be scampering around the city to finish their taxes today, hoping to postmark them as tonight's midnight deadline rapidly approaches.Li Xiong, a graduate international student, was busy copying forms at the East Lansing Post Office, 1140 Abbott Road, on Monday.

Former senators, businessman to receive honorary degree from 'U'

Two former state senators will receive honorary degrees at MSU commencement ceremonies on May 2. Harry Gast and George McManus Jr.

Police briefs 04/15/03

GEU files grievance

The Graduate Employees Union plans to announce it is filing a grievance against the university concerning undergraduate students serving as teaching assistants today.The union said its contract, negotiated with the university and made effective on May 16, 2002, forbids undergraduates from obtaining teaching positions.

City might cut police cadet program

While nearly 2,000 people filled East Lansing streets on March 30 trying to avoid spending the night at police headquarters, Heather Dunn started her night there.Dunn, an East Lansing police cadet, spent the night after the Elite Eight MSU loss to the University of Texas running water and food to officers, managing phone calls from concerned residents, coordinating an onslaught of media calling for updates, grabbing requested equipment and listening intently to the police radio."We were just basically behind the scenes," the criminal justice junior said.

Researchers weigh impact of discovery

A group of international scientists announced Monday that they have completed the map of the human genetic code to an accuracy of 99.99 percent, a discovery some MSU scientists say could open doors for the future of medicine. The genome is the collection of genes that form DNA.

Group demonstrates 'correct' media representation

With live performances and a video spoof of various MTV shows, the Philippine American Student Society provided a unique view of life as a Filipino American on Sunday at Kellogg Center."Filipino Television: Television on the Flipside" discussed media representation of Filipinos and was the theme of Halo Halo 2k3, a 3-year-old variety show which drew a crowd of about 40 people."In the media, Filipinos aren't really represented at all," kinesiology senior and organization President Paulette Bolofer said.

Assembly's new leaders keep same commitment

The Matts have left the building.Academic and Student Assembly Chairpersons Matt Clayson and Matt Weingarden passed the ASMSU gavel on to Jared English and Missy Kushlak last week.

Greek Week ends, raises $70K for charities

More than $70,000 will go to various charities, courtesy of several MSU greek letter organizations. Greek Week ended Saturday at the Auditorium with "Songfest," a presentation of dancing and singing performances. As part of the fund-raising activities, the greeks raised around $6,700 in their "penny war" coin drive, said Jonathan Rosenthal, director of academic programs for the Interfraternity Council. "People were going nuts," he said, adding $3,600 of the money was raised Saturday.

Another student charged for involvement in riot

Another student who was arrested this weekend for his alleged involvement in the March 28-30 disturbances was arraigned Monday in 54-B District Court.Criminal justice freshman Tony Oliver Warren was charged with unlawful assembly and preparing to burn less than $200 in property, East Lansing officials said.

Group celebrates anniversary

It's been 20 years in the making.What started out as a graduate student's vision and less than 10 members has blossomed into one of the largest groups on campus.The Asian Pacific American Student Organization celebrated its 20th anniversary Friday and Saturday with a walking tour of campus, a dinner at Kellogg Center and other activities.

Group cleans up river's image

The Red Cedar River is not the "Dead Cedar" anymore, Shawn Mullaly said."People think that our river is dirty and full of E.

E.L. cracks down on basement parties

East Lansing authorities say they are cracking down on overcrowded basement parties that could create dangerous atmospheres similar to concerts venues in Chicago and Rhode Island - where multiple deaths occurred.

Police briefs 04/14/03

Tradition exhibited at powwow

Dance clothing composed of bright green, orange and yellow strings draped the back of dancer Wayne Silas at the Pow-wow of Love on Saturday.