Thursday 7/25/13

weekend Michigan State University’s independent voice

statenews.com | 7/25/13 | @thesnews

CAPITOL

Senate passes legislation to lower student loan rates

By RJ Wolcott rwolcott@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

After more than three anxiety-filled weeks for college students shouldering significant student loan debt in the wake of interest rates doubling on July 1, members of the U.S. Senate came together Wednesday to hammer out a solution.

Senators voted 81-18 in favor of plan to lower rates to near pre-July levels, tie rates to financial markets President Barack Obama's administration, uniting with Senate Republicans, worked to convince enough Democrats to adopt the new plan, which tethers interest rates to financial markets in an effort to bring relief for both students and the federal government.

Approved 81-18, the legislation now is off to the House, where, if approved, it would send rates for undergraduates to 3.86 percent, while graduate students would pay 5.4 percent, both significantly lower than the present 6.8 percent.

Although the plan sets rates near their pre-July 1 levels, market forces could elevate rates to 7.25 percent within the next few years according to Cullen See LOANS on page 2 u

Praying the Price

Local Muslims share sense of community observing Ramadan

By Anya Rath

Okemos resident Salim Selim, center, tries to give out extra desserts to East Lansing resident Abdallah Ouahmane, left, and Lansing resident Tarak Khdair on Friday at The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, 940 S. Harrison Road, during Ramadan.

arath@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

A

mina Bahloul considers the Islamic Center of East Lansing, 940 S. Harrison Road, to be her second home.

Islam is not just a religion for her.

It is the essence of her community, a guide for whom she strives to be.

During Ramadan, an annual Islamic practice that lasts 29-30 days, nighttime is when Muslims truly revel in a shared community experience. Bahloul takes her faith to a whole new level in this month, often staying in the Islamic Center from dusk until dawn.

Bahloul and other Muslims have been working toward fulfilling deeds and accomplishments throughout the year, and the time has come to realize their full potential. “(Ramadan is) kind of like game time for us,” Bahloul said.

Pillar of Islam Mohammad Khalil, MSU associate professor of religious studies, said there are five pillars of Islam. The fourth of these pillars is fasting during Ramadan, which began this year on July 9.

“Fasting entails the following: abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset. Every day, those who are able have to fast," Khalil said.

He added those who are elderly, sick or traveling are exempt from the fasting ritual.

photos by Justin Wan/ The State News

Graduate student Sherif Ibrahim kisses his daughter, Aeshe Ibrahim, 5, of Lansing in between prayers on Friday at The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, 940 S. Harrison Road, during Ramadan.

The purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa, or God-consciousness, Khalil said.

“You’re conscious of God, you’re aware of God,” Khalil said.

“Aware that God has given you food, given you drink.”

Each day, after the sun sets, fasting Muslims enjoy iftar, or breaking of the fast, which is traditionally broken with dates or milk. It is customary to take iftar with family and friends. Khalil added the fast becomes easier to handle with each progressive day.

See RAMADAN on page 2 u

To watch a video of MSU students reflecting on what Ramadan means to them, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

HopCat’s August arrival to spice up E.L. bar scene

By Derek Kim dkim@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Weston Brooks/The State News

Grand Rapids resident Jared Veale smooths out concrete Wednesday at HopCat bar and restaurant, 211 Ann St. Construction is expected to finish late in August.

The East Lansing bar scene: Dublin Square, Harper’s Restaurant & Brewpub, Rick’s American Café, The Riv. In August, a felinelike juncture will be added to the city’s bar lineup.

HopCat is set to open its East Lansing location at 211 Ann St. in August, tucked beneath the altitudinous Residences apartments of Cron Management.

“We don’t just serve craft beer,” Barfly Ventures President Sam Short said. “We work tirelessly to ensure that our staff is educated and trained in a way that you don’t necessarily see with larger companies

and is tough for some small companies.”

One hundred draft lines will be available at East Lansing’s newest beer vendor, including India pale ales, pilsners and lagers, Belgian style, amber and browns, porter and stouts and wheat; the largest amount in the state, Short said.

Beer Advocate magazine voted HopCat the third-best beer bar on the planet. The original HopCat location opened in Grand Rapids in 2008.

Short said his business’ true aim is to provide for the underserved market of non-21-yearolds, such as families. However, HopCat isn't only famous for beer, he said. Burgers, salads, fish and chips and an abun-

dance of appetizers also are on the menu, or as the establishment’s website puts it, “the food your mom would feed you if your mom loved beer.”

Short also spoke highly of his new business’ location, which is in conglomeration with the Residences. He said he loves the location because it is surrounded by local businesses and close to students.

“The Residences are spectacular buildings; they’re doing really, really interesting things,” Short said. “In general, it’s a very neat architectural building, as well” The Residences offer two-bedroom leases for students to rent during the 2013-14 school year, starting at $1,700 per month. The

high-rise apartments will include contemporary furnishings, walkin closets, washer, dryer, microwave, dishwater, air conditioning and parking. Cron Management’s newest building also will open in August.

East Lansing Planning & Community Development Director Tim Dempsey anticipates that HopCat’s adjoining with the Residences will create a more interesting and engaging downtown area. The combination will create more street life throughout the year, he said.

Mixed-use of retail, residential and commercial is a key factor in building a more successful downtown area, Dempsey said.

See HOPCAT on page 2 u

more inside National Tequila Day The drink you love to hate — or hate to love?

Campus+city, page 3 El Azteco employee Consuela Campbell.

Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Food development team takes 2nd place Nondairy dessert product nets team of Spartans $2,000 prize Campus+city, page 3

Whole llama love Read why llamas aren’t so different from your pets Campus+city, page 5

julia nagy/ The State News

2 | T he State N e ws | t hursday, ju ly 25, 201 3 | stat e ne ws.com

RAMADAN

Islamic custom currently being observed stresses cleansing, togetherness from page one

Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Because of the contrast between lunar and solar calen-

Police brief

dars, Khalil said Ramadan falls at a different point each year with a 33-year cycle. This could potentially result in every Muslim having the opportunity to experience the Ramadans of both summer and winter in the course of their lifetimes.

Ramadan holds additional importance to all Muslims because it’s also the month the Quran, the Islamic religious text, was revealed, Khalil said.

editorial staff (517) 432-3070

Police arrest suspects in drug transaction

Editor in chief Dillon Davis

Lansing police officers observed a drug transaction on Monday at approximately 8:30 p.m. The observed transaction led to a chase through the Lansing Community College campus and ultimately to the arraignment of two suspects.

Both were arraigned in 54A District Court on multiple felony charges, according to Lansing Public Information Officer Robert Merritt.

The chase began when the suspects pulled over near Washington Avenue and Shiawassee Street and then ran on foot from their vehicle.

One suspect was in possession of a handgun and attempted to enter the campus building, although he did not succeed.

He was placed into custody after resisting arrest.

The police initially lost sight of the other suspect, but after assistance from the police K-9, he was located in the backyard of a residence in the 700 block of Seymour Avenue.

Design editor Drew Dzwonkowski

Holly Baranowski

Corrections

Three-day forecast

Thursday Weather High: 79° Low: 58°

Friday Partly cloudy High: 79° Low: 62°

Saturday Cloudy High: 74° Low: 53°

managing editor Stephen Brooks

PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy Opinion editor Michael Koury campus+City Editor Robert Bondy Sports+Features editor Omari Sankofa II Copy chief Katelyn Gray

“Fasting is just one aspect,” he said. “People will read more of the Quran than they normally read.

Practicing Muslims are expected to pray (at least) five times a day.

(During Ramadan), they’ll pray (more than) the five times a day.”

'A month of cleansing' Sawsan Mahmoud, a teacher at the Islamic Center of East Lansing and an Okemos resident, takes strong pride in her religion and finds that practicing Ramadan brings her spiritual peace.

“In Ramadan, all the evil, all the Shaytan, is locked,” Mahmoud said. “I’m a person who has (a) short temper. In Ramadan, I feel that I am more quiet.

I feel that I am doing my prayer in a very special way.”

Mahmoud feels the serenity that is present during the month is proof they are genuinely doing what God wants them to do.

Bahloul, an MSU alumna, identifies Ramadan as a time to reinvent one’s self.

“It’s basically a month of cleansing — a month of physical cleansing, a month of spiritual cleansing," Bahloul said. "It’s kind of like a rebirth, if you will.

Going back to your original self,

devoid of all your previous mistakes and starting anew. It means reconnecting with your creator, reinforcing that relationship.”

Doctoral student Zain Shamoon said he considers the hardest part of Ramadan to be maintaining that same God-conscious mindset throughout the year.

“I want it to be genuine, that we carry that throughout the year,” Shamoon said. “There is a distinction (in Ramadan), but not such that we’re not conscious of God throughout the year. That’s the hardest part: making sure that I’m not hypocritical.”

Shamoon added this Ramadan he has been thinking of holding his relationship with God higher than he holds other relationships, as a means of emotionally and spiritually nourishing himself.

“If I’m validated by God, all the relationships that come under God — I can celebrate as they come and go and come back,” Shamoon said. “Life is a process.”

A united community The Islamic Center of East Lansing offers a large community iftar every Friday night during Ramadan. The halls of the center burst with people from sun-

Continued set until dawn, when the fast must begin again. Prayers and religious lectures are all offered until dawn. “(Ramadan is about) fostering that sense of community,” Bahloul said. “At these dinners, we’re able to see people that don’t normally identify themselves as Muslim come out of the woodwork. That girl that doesn’t necessarily cover, that brother that doesn’t necessarily pray — they’re all steadfast in their obligations during Ramadan.”

Susan Tomes, a Williamston, Mich., resident, studied religion for 20 years before converting to Islam. The diversity in worshippers that is apparent during Ramadan is important to her, she said.

“You see 40 or 50 countries of everyone together,” Tomes said.

“You know it’s a worldwide religion, and it just has such power.”

Shamoon said he believes the shared element of fasting has profound effects on the community as well.

“Other people are fasting, too — not just from eating or drinking, but fasting from objectifying each other or fasting from talking ill about each other," Shamoon said." It’s a communal experience; we’re all doing it together.”

Bahloul said during Ramadan a youth group associated with the Islamic Center performs 10 Days of Service, during which they conduct community service at various locations in East Lansing and Lansing.

“I think giving back to the community … is what exemplifies Ramadan,” Bahloul said. “It’s the epitome of Ramadan. You’re benefiting somebody else.”

Ramadan will come to an end on Aug. 7 this year and Eid AlFitr, a major Islamic holiday, will occur the next day, Khalil said.

“Ramadan is more than just fasting,” Khalil said. “The whole point is to attain God-consciousness. The fasting is more of a tool. It’s not the end, it’s the means to the end.”

nn

Professional staff General Manager Marty Sturgeon, (517) 4323000 Editorial adviser Omar Sofradzija, (517) 4323070 CREATIVE adviser Travis Ricks, (517) 432-3004 Web adviser Mike Joseph, (517) 432-3014 Photo adviser Robert Hendricks, (517) 4323013 Business Manager Kathy Daugherty, (517) 4323000

nn

The State News will correct all factual errors, including misspellings of proper nouns. Besides printing the correction in this space, the correction will be made in the online version of the story. If you notice an error, please contact Managing Editor Stephen Brooks at (517) 432-3070 or by email at feedback@statenews.com. nn

The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during fall, spring and select days during summer semesters. A special Welcome Week edition is published in August.

LOANS

Senate’s approval of legislation to lower student loan rates draws mixed reactions from page one

Schwarz, Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s communications director. The cap for undergraduate loans would be set at 8.25 percent, while graduate student rates cap at 9.5 percent under the new bill.

White House officials advocated the plan, pointing to a Congressional Budget Office report, which said the new legislation is expected to cut $715 million from the federal deficit throughout the next decade.

Impacting more than 11 million recipients, officials added the plan is expected to save the average undergraduate $1,500 in interest.

The news, while a potential relief for the approximate 14,800 Stafford-assisted students at MSU in 2012, according to Val Meyers, the associate director of the MSU Office of Financial

Aid, failed to sooth critics.

Megan Havern, the communications director for the MSU College Democrats, was hoping for more of a concrete plan, rather than a patchwork solution.

“The issue is that Congress doesn’t deal with things until they are already falling apart,” Havern said.

Although she found the president’s efforts to bring relief to already heavily indebted college students promising, Havern said the legislation simply provides temporary relief, rather than being a comprehensive solution.

A number of Senate Democrats concurred, including Stabenow, whose plan to lock rates at their previous levels failed to pass after Republicans successfully filibustered the measure.

Schwarz said the senator had no plans on supporting the White House-backed initiative.

“I’ve taken a close look at this proposal, and the bottom line is by the time a freshman entering school this fall becomes a senior, her rates could nearly double,” Stabenow said in a press release.

Stabenow said she intends to continue fighting for a comprehensive solution for students.

Stabenow was joined by fellow Democrat Elizabeth Warren, who proposed her own plan to lower rates to .75 percent, the same rates paid by banks who borrow money from the federal reserve.

Will Staal, chair of the MSU College Republicans, contended that continued opposition from Democrats demonstrates a lack of leadership and will ultimately hurt students.

“We support the bipartisan bill proposed by House Republicans and President Obama, and hope Senate Democrats will come to their senses,” Staal said. "If they don’t, students are the ones who will suffer.”

HopCat

Renowned craft beer bar on track to open second location in E.L. in August from page one

Finance senior Dav id Groechel calls himself a big fan of East Lansing’s diverse bar scene. Groechel said HopCat will flourish because of its large selection of world-class beers and good food.

“A ll my friends from Grand Rapids love it,” Groechel said. “(HopCat) separates itself from the others because it has more than the normal brews.”

Rice Kitchen

CHINESE

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East Lansing, MI 48823 MON-TUE: 11AM - MIDNIGHT WED-SAT: 11AM - 4AM SUN: NOON - 1AM

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One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies $0.75 at the business office only.

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L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.

to contact the state news (517) 432-3000

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SOLUTION MONDAY’S PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE

7/25/13

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

www.sudoku.org.uk

© 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

1 “The Walking Dead” network 4 Home of William, known for his logical “razor” 9 Dubuque native 14 John of England 15 “Guess again!”

16 Aria response, perhaps 17 Poet’s eye 18 *Union VIP 20 Image on Irish euro coins 22 Weigh station unit 23 Kitchen extension?

24 *You might sleep through it 27 Abates 30 Feedback for a masseuse 31 Tip for smokers 33 José’s hooray 34 It may contain a $10 bottle of water 37 Bicker 39 *Self-esteem essential 41 Super 8, e.g.

42 The Big Easy, to locals 43 “Yuck!”

44 S.A. country 46 Inc. cousin 47 Silk Road desert 49 *1998 Sandra Bullock film 55 Peas, at times

57 “Deathtrap” playwright Levin 58 Horseradish, e.g.

59 Swimming infractions, and what the first words of the answers to starred clues can all have 63 An invitation might include one: Abbr.

64 Small landmass 65 Prepare to be dubbed 66 Casual top 67 Sculpted works 68 Après-ski drink 69 Intensify, with “up”

Down

1 Sign of tropical hospitality 2 Parable message 3 Hooded slitherer 4 Hooter 5 Tiny Tim’s surname 6 Early computer language 7 “That’s __!”

8 Ball club VIP 9 Skeptic’s reply 10 Speak with style 11 Besides Derek Jeter, only Major Leaguer whose 3,000th hit was a homer 12 City map abbr.

13 Here-there link 19 Change in Albania?

21 Laud

25 Tropical capital 26 Seven-time A.L. batting champ 28 Really bummed 29 Observe 32 Skater known as “America’s sweetheart” 34 Puts in storage 35 Word shouted at church 36 Actress Gardner 38 Bitterness 39 Kelly’s possum 40 Like star-crossed lovers 41 Ham it up for a shooter 45 P-like letters 48 “You ready?” answer 50 Grand __ 51 Had to say “Oops,” say 52 Vital conduit 53 Clan symbol 54 High-end 56 Ball club whose colors are blue and orange 59 Little white lie 60 Sch. with a Mesa campus 61 Box office buy: Abbr.

62 Slick

Get the solutions at

statenews.com/puzzles

stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | t hu rs day, j u ly 25, 2013 |

Campus+city Ac a d e m i c s

u of m changes International Tuition fee

By Katie Abdilla kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

The concept of lower tuition for undocumented students, or individuals without the documents to be considered American citizens, has sparked statewide controversy for years.

A f ter negotiating since 2011, the University of Michigan approved in-state tuition rates for such students, rather than charging out-of-state fees, as long as they attended both middle school and high school in Michigan.

Although MSU does accept undocumented students, they still pay out-of-state tuition, which was raised by about 3.6 percent for the 2013-14 academic year. While in-state students could pay up to $476.50 per credit hour, out-of-state students deal with up to $1,160.50 per cred-

it hour.

Kary Moss, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, said the students should be treated as any other in-state students, both in admission and spending.

“Undocumented students are in-state students,” Moss said. “They have been living in Michigan, presumably attending school there since they were in middle school, yet they’re being treated as out-of-state students.

All this (change) does is equal the playing field for them.”

But with tuition on the rise annually, the extra money brought in from out-of-state students, which currently includes those who live undocumented, could potentially lower tuition. “(Out-of-state tuition) has an enormous impact on the budget, as much as in-state does,” MSU Trustee Brian Mosallam said in a previous interview. “It’s a phil-

osophical question — historically, MSU is a land-grant school, so we have to meet needs for instate kids first.”

With a low number of out-ofstaters compared to other nearby universities, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said MSU still has a long way to go.

“We’re about 80 percent instate,” Simon said in a previous interview. “Out of our peers in the Big Ten, we’re particularly low in out-of-state students.”

Moss, however, said the small margin of undocumented students would not make a visible difference in tuition rates for other students.

Rather than bringing harm to anyone, Moss said the change would only bring more diversity into universities across the state.

“If other universities followed in (U-M's) footsteps, it would make Michigan a more welcoming place,” she said.

3

Campus+city Editor Robert Bondy, campus@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

Drink

Danyelle Morrow/The State News

El Azteco bartender and elementary education junior Danielle Cook pours tequila shots on the second level of El Azteco, 225 Ann St., on Wednesday. July 24 is National Tequila Day, and the restaurant was offering discounted prices on margaritas and tequila.

Local residents celebrate National Tequila Day Awa r d

MSU food development team takes 2nd place in competition

By April Jones ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

MSU’s Food Development Product team captured second place at a national conference in Chicago last week with Minus-theMoo!, an all-natural, nondairy, almond milk-based, sugar-free dessert, taking home a sweet reward of $2,000.

From July 13-16, MSU took their food product inventions to the national IFT Student Association & Mars Product Development Competition located at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Ill. There, a panel of six judges graded their food items on product and process description, technical problem-solving, safety and shelf life, originality, profitability and marketing.

This year, MSU’s five-member team won second place amongst five other finalist teams, with 20 other schools originally competing. Cornell University’s 10-member squad took first place with Squashetti, a frozen chicken entree containing spaghetti

squash in place of wheat-based noodles.

This year was team member and food science senior Edward Szczygiel's first time participating in the event. He started working with the team after taking MSU's food product development 470 course.

"It's a big commitment being a part of the team," Szczygiel said.

"We work long days and late nights. We all took time out of our lives to work on this, and I'm really happy with second place. I would be happier with first, but it's second in the nation."

Since its beginnings in 1975, the main purpose of the competition is to give students a chance to apply the skills and knowledge learned in school to real-world situations and to give food industry representatives the opportunity to seek talented students for potential employment.

MSU’s team adviser, Janice Harte, advised the first MSU team in 1991 that took second place in the national competition. Bill Haines then took over in the mid 90s, and he also led the team to

the finals before Harte returned in 1998.

“They have been finalist 10 times with four second-place (finishes), counting this year’s, and three first-place (finishes) — 2007, 2008 (and) 2011,” Harte said.

According to Mara Laurain, this year’s team captain and recent MSU grad, Minus-theMoo! is marketed to consumers who are seeking dairy-free alternatives. The product is low calorie with all natural ingredients, high soluble fiber and high antioxidant content that contains servings of fruits and vegetables.

“After you submit a preliminary 22-page paper to get your team to the finals, judges grade your product on an oral presentation with a question section, your display poster and a tasting session,” Laurain said.

Each year, the competition rotates from New Orleans, Chicago and Las Vegas. The 2014 competition will be held on June 21-24 in New Orleans.

"Our goal is to make a new product that's actually needed in the market," Szczygiel said.

RELIGIOUS GUIDE Look for this directory in the paper every Thursday and online at: www.statenews.com/religious Ascension Lutheran Church 2780 Haslett Rd., E. Lansing Between Hagadorn & Park Lake Rds. (517) 337-9703 Sunday Worship: 10am Sunday School: 9am Adult Bible Study: 9am ascensioneastlansing.org Edgewood United Church, UCC 469 N. Hagadorn East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-8693 Sunday: 10am LGBTQ Celebrating, Justice and Peace Congregation www.edgewood.org Greater Lansing Church of Christ 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 898-3600 Sunday Worship: 8:45am Sunday Bible Study: 10:15am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm www.greaterlansingcoc.org Hillel Jewish Student Center 360 Charles St., E. Lansing (517) 332-1916 Friday Night Services: 6pm September - April Martin Luther Chapel 444 Abbott Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-0778 Sunday: 9:30am, 7:00pm Mini-bus pick up on campus for special activities and bible studies. martinlutherchapel.org

Peoples Church 200 W. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-6264 www.peoples-evolution.org Sunday Worship: 10:30am Tuesday: Love Life: 7-9pm Wednesday: Dinner at 5:30pm, Journey at 6:30 Red Cedar Friends Meeting (Quaker) 1400 Turner St. Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 371-1047 www.redcedarfriends.org Sunday: 9am, 10:30am Weekdays: 7:30am St. John Catholic Church and Student Center 327 M.A.C. Ave., E. Lansing (517) 337-9778 Sunday: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 5pm, 7pm Reconciliation: Mon, Wed, Fri: 11am to Noon www.stjohnmsu.org St. Paul Lutheran Church 3383 E. Lake Lansing Rd. East Lansing, MI (517) 351-8541 Adult Bible Study: 9am Worship:10am www.stpaul-el.org St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church & School 955 Alton Rd., E. Lansing (517) 351-7215 Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30pm Sunday Mass: 9am, 11am Reconciliation: Saturday 3-4pm, 5:30pm www.elcatholics.org

Religious Organizations:

Trinity Church 3355 Dunckel Dr. Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 272-3820 Saturday: 6pm Sunday: 9:15 am, 11am http://trinitywired.com Unity Spiritual Renaissance 230 S. Holmes St. Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 484-2360 or (517) 505-1261 Sunday: 10:30am Wednesday: 6:30pm meditation Office: Monday-Thursday 9:30-12:00 University Christian Church 310 N. Hagadorn East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-5193 Non-Instrumental: 8:45am Traditional: 11:15am www.universitychristianwired.com University United Methodist Church 1120 S. Harrison Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-7030 universitychurchhome.org Sunday: 10:30am TGIT: 8:00 Thursdays 9:00am Garden Service thru Labor Day Weis Lutheran Campus Ministry 704 Abbott Road East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 580-3744 www.msu.edu/~weisluth 6:00pm Saturday

Don’t be left out of the Religious Directory!

Call 517-432-3010 today to speak with an Account Executive

By Michael Kransz mkransz@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

It's a mysterious drink, made strictly in Mexico, associated with throwing knockouts, colored white, blue, gold and brown, and sometimes occupied by worms and scorpions. Wednesday, we celebrated it.

We celebrated tequila.

“I heard a guy say once that a tequila drinker is kind of like a recovering heroin addict — if it's around, they’ll do it, but they won’t go seeking it out,” James David, bartender at Woody’s Oasis, 211 E. Grand River Ave., said.

David said he rarely serves a single person a shot of tequila, but the shots are a mainstay with high-energy groups like bar crawls.

Josh Smalley, manager at El Azteco, 225 Ann St., explained that mixed tequila drinks are more popular than straight shots.

“On any given week, we probably go through an average of 63 gallons of margaritas,” Smalley said. “Tequila is strong. It’s the good stuff, especially the cheap stuff; it’ll knock you down.”

Mexican-made tequila must be distilled from the succulent plant, blue agave. The land plays the biggest role on the taste of the drink.

“Tequila is a very traditional drink from a very unusual plant,” Berglund said. “What the land imparts to the product is most important.”

Berglund ranked the traditional drink's popularity third or fourth among liquors, tied with rum, behind vodka and whiskey.

He said the highest priced bottle of liquor sold in the world was barrel-aged tequila.

Professor of food science and chemical engineering Kris Berglund explained how he doesn't believe in the a popular adage pun that goes with tequila drinks.

“Tequila is an alcoholic beverage, typically 80 proof, and too much of a good thing is never a good thing,” Berglund said.

“There’s no real truth behind one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.”

While some stray away from the challenge, studio art junior Sarah Fagerman said the tequila adage can be, and will be beat.

“I love tequila,” Fagerman said.

“It’s always a good time, but one must be cautious. I think you can go past three. My advice is to space it out to keep the tequila fun rolling.”

To watch a video about margaritas, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | T h ur sday, july 25, 201 3 | stat en ews.com

Featured blog

Opinion

Royal baby gives life meaning

Ou r v o i c e | E d i t o r i a l

Industry needed for detroit comeback EDITORIAL BOARD Dillon Davis editor in chief Michael Koury opinion editor Michael Kransz staff representative Ariel Ellis minority representative

W

ith crippling debt and internal problems, last week the city of Detroit filed Chapter 9 bankruptcy, the largest city ever to do so. The debt is estimated to be between $18 and $20 billion by Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr. The declaration is the last straw of the city's dire financial straits and struggling population problems, where it has lost more than half of its residents in the past 65 years, reduc-

ing from 1.8 million to 700,000.

Being the first city of this size to file for bankruptcy, there is no precedent for Detroit to follow. No city before it has been in this much financial trouble. And now the Motor City has to drag itself from the brink of collapse once again.

Detroit is at rock bottom, and now's not the time to break out the "We are Detroit" T-shirts because the city is in real trouble and needs actual help. But, luckily, at rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up.

To bring itself back to prominence is going to be no simple task, and it's going to take the industry leaders of Detroit to help save it. The city needs investors to come to it and build something new that will want to make people come back to the city to work.

It needs people such as Little Caesars Pizza, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings owner and Detroit-native Mike Ilitch, who has invested millions of dollars into the city and is trying to build a new arena in

“ Being the first city of this size to file for bankruptcy, there is no precedent for Detroit to follow.”

“Duchess Kate had a baby! Reading that CNN headline gave me that warm, tingly feeling you get when you look at the stars or sit by the ocean for a while...the world is filled with meaning and purpose. Right?

— Michael Gerstein, State News reporter

Read the rest online at downtown Det roit for statenews.com/blog. the Red Wings.

Or like Clevela nd Cav a l ie r s and Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert, who moved the headquarters of Quicken Loans to Detroit and has purchased many abandoned buildings in the city to try to revitalize its stuff together. When Detroit is able to show its urban core. it can get industry to come and stay, then they’ll If Detroit can get people like this to the consider coming to the city. city, it might help convince college graduIndustry is what's going to bring Detroit out ates to reconsider going to Detroit to work. of its pit of despair. Gov. Rick Snyder, who was Young professionals are the backbone of a elected in 2010 with a strong emphasis on the populous city and help make it drive, so to economy and using his business prowess to help speak. There's little incentive for them to Detroit, needs to prove he is able to do that and go right now but if a new investor or com- use his influence in the business world to bring pany makes its way to Detroit, then may- workers to the city. be that excitement will get people back There's no telling what Detroit's going to look to Detroit and make it the once-thriving like in 20, or even 10 years. But what it does have city it was during its hayday. is hope. Hope that something good will come out Young professionals will not consider of declaring bankruptcy and it can come out a moving their lives to a city that can’t get much stronger and more vibrant city.

opinion column

editorial cartoonist

Why Christians must disagree with gay marriage

W

Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com

thursday’s poll results JUST SO YOU KNOW

Today’s state news poll

What’s your opinion of the Rolling Stone “Bomber” cover?

Rolling Stone Oneshould 23% be ashamed 50%

Do you care about the birth of the royal baby?

Other news sources would do the same 50%

0

10

20

30

40

To vote, visit statenews.com.

50

PERCENT Total votes: 60 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday

Comments from readers nn

“MSU ranks 3rd in Michigan with tuition, total costs” Right. You know how many alumni got pissed at the University when our email accounts, which McPherson strongly alluded that we’d always have, got deactivated. A lot of us even offered to pay. (comment continued at statenews.com) MSUSpartan99, July 20

It’s easy to complain. The reality is that everyone has had to cut back, even with tuition hikes. Eliminating those e-mails saved costs related to equipment, maintenance, etc. (comment continued at statenews.com) Lexi, July 23

To share your thoughts on this story or any other stories, visit statenews.com.

We want to hear your thoughts.

The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.

How to reach us Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Michael Koury at (517) 432-3070.

By email opinion@statenews.com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

hat do you get when Westboro Baptist Church. I’m talkyou cross the church ing about those who study, delight in, and most importantly, obey what and gay marriage? A the Bible says. headache.

At some point in our journeys, we Christians tend to get a bad rap must answer this noble question: when it comes to the homosexual what is love? (Baby, don’t hurt me.) agenda; rightfully so in some cas- Seriously, though. How would you es. I am not oblivious to the record define love? And for the sake of this of hypocrisy that exists in certain conversation, what is the biblical defdenominations. But I am also aware inition of love? of faithful, devoted congregants who In contrast, what’s the societal have gone on to change the world definition of love? For me, love is for the better. not explicitly defined on the Some are spreading the East Lansing altar. Love is Jesus’ example Gospel to unreached peoof endeavoring for another’s Reporter ple groups in Kazakhstan. well-being at a tremendous Others dedicate themcost to himself; the stronselves to por ing into gest of all affections. the lives of college stuIn order to love homosexdents, and there also are ual people, Christians must a select few who seek to stand firm on their convicproclaim grace and truth tion that homosexual behavin the clash between the ior is harmful and sinful. church and gay rights.

Because “(love) does not Derek kim That’s my goal in these dkim@statenews.com rejoice at wrongdoing, but next 719 words. rejoices with the truth.” In Let’s get a couple of his earthly ministry, Jesus things straight. continually referred to himself as First off, yes, I am a Christian. “life.”

Therefore, I am well aware many In other words, his commandof you will disagree with me. That’s ments weren’t meant to vexate. Like OK; I disagree with you. One of the a good shepherd, his commandments primary issues I want to address is are meant to guide from harm and why disagreement is not a disparag- toward a life of eternal significance. ing response.

Christians acknowledge homosexuNext, my goal is to dialogue, not al behavior ultimately harms those shove religion. I humbly ask for your involved. Henceforth, Christians permission to hear me out. Wheth- would be society’s narcissists if they er you agree, disagree, consider me complied with what they believe to brave for standing up for my faith be pernicious. or think I’m another narrow-mindNow, does this mean I will give ed Christian, I welcome your com- you and your partner a nasty look if ments online. we cross paths on campus? AbsoluteBut labeling me “arrogant” or a ly not. I will if you’re both wearing “bigot” solely on the basis of antago- maize and blue, though. Notwithnism is awfully hypocritical; because standing, I can disagree with someI could give you the same response. one without scorning them.

Christians and homosexual people As a matter of fact, Christians are - those who disagree - must learn to commanded to love people regardcommunicate. Let this be a step in less of their conduct, especially the right direction. those with whom they are at a disFinally, let us acknowledge words cord. Because the only appropriate in print sound much more stiff- response to grace is to show grace; necked than spoken language (did loving in the truth - the essence of you notice earlier in the paragraph?) what it means to be a Christian.

I’m not mad. Do I feel passionate Some of you disagree with me; about this issue? Absolutely. But that does that mean you also hate me? doesn’t mean I hate those who dis- Maybe for a few, but I hope that most agree with me. It’s actually quite wouldn’t equivocate disagreement the opposite. One of the most lov- and hate speech. ing things, I, as a Christian could Yet, this happens too often with do, is disagree with the homosex- the Christian stance on gay marual agenda. riage. People assume that Christian According to the Bible, which I opposition is rooted in animosity, acknowledge as the infallible word solely because they stand firm on of God, God intentionally created their conviction. That’s a jump in everything; zebras, neutron stars, logic, folks. c-minor, anything that has or ever If Christians hate homosexual perwill be was brought forth to bring sons solely because of contrariety, glory to its Creator. then you must assume to disagree And that includes the holy matri- with someone is to hate them. And mony of marriage, the joining of one that’s not necessarily true. Disagreeman and one woman as one flesh. ment and hate are not synonymous.

Jesus reaffirms this in the New Tes- Frankly, in this case, it’s quite the tament; now, the church is com- opposite. manded to love God and love peoIf Christians believe that marriage ple by spreading the Gospel to the is exclusively designed for one man ends of the earth. and one woman - and that anything By the way, “church,” does not else is detrimental - wouldn’t it only include the travesty known as the be loving, for me to disagree?

Campus+city

stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | t hu rs day, j u ly 25, 2013 |

Politics

SN

State surcharge helps low-income families

By Michael Gerstein mgerstein@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

After two years of quickfix solutions, the Legislature passed a new long-term plan to provide heating assistance for low-income families.

The recently approved program adds a new surcharge on utility users — up to $1 per month. But that small fee-hike would result in up to $50 million the Michigan Public Service Commission would then distribute to various nonprofits in the form of grants, said Judy Palnau, a commission spokeswoman.

This plan comes after an earlier 11-year program was ruled unconstitutional and consequently struck down in 2011, with temporary, seasonal solutions offered until now.

Palnau said the commission welcomes the new program.

And Gov. Rick Snyder called it “an important bill that will provide a long-term solution to help Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens.�

However, t he Michigan League for Public Policy, an advocacy group that researches issues related to poverty, has been critical.

Whole llama love

Judy Putnam, the league’s communications director, said that while the group sees the program as something that will indeed help low income families, she noted that the first program — the Low Income Energy Efficiency Fund — offered $89.9 million, which included money for energy efficiency items such as weatherizing leaky windows.

The new program would not include state funding for weatherization, but would require certain nonprofits to pick up that tab. “People have been struggling mightily to pay their bills,� Putnam said. “And (this program) is great, but people are still struggling. I know that $90 million is better than $50 million.�

Photos by Julia Nagy/The State News

Don and Sheryl Topliff feed their llamas on Saturday at Topliff’s Tara Bed and Breakfast and Llama Farm, 251 Noble Road, in Williamston, Mich. In the summer, Don typically feeds the llamas grain only a few times a week, letting them mostly graze in the pasture.

T

he Topliffs have a whole lotta love for their llamas. In 1993, Don and Sheryl Topliff bought their first two llamas. Now they have 24 on their farm in Williamston, Mich.

Detroit resident Dishon Ambrose was denied the motion to quash in the Ingham County Circuit Court this afternoon, according to a representative from Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings’ office. Ambrose was attempting to quash the bind-over, which would have dismissed his charges.

Ambrose, then 19 years old, was arrested after MSU freshman Olivia Pryor was found dead in her South Hubbard Hall dorm room March 19, 2012. He currently faces felony charges for selling or furnishing to a minor causing death, as well as a felony charge of accessory after allegedly attempting to clean the crime scene.

Ambrose and then 17-year-old Marquez Cannon were with Olivia Pryor and her roommate on the night of her death.

They reportedly consumed two bottles of tequila, ultimately leading to Pryor’s death. Cannon was charged with the rape of Pryor and her roommate and sentenced to six to 20 years in prison, according to a past State News story.

“They're sort of like cats," Sheryl Topliff said. "They're elusive, but some are real friendly and they come to you. Some are shy and stay away."

Don Topliff helps organize the annual Lamafest at the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education at MSU, and judges some llama shows around the area.

At the Fowlerville Family Fair, Howell, Mich., resident Mitchell Carroll, 15, was getting his alpaca Dreamer ready to show.

"They're lovable," Carroll said, hugging Dreamer. "It's funny to see their personalities."

Holly Baranowski | SN

­— Julia Nagy, SN

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THE STATE NEWS distribution department is looking for responsible, reliable drivers to deliver The State News between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. M & Th beginning immediately. M-F also avail. beginning Fall semester.

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want. You’re surrounded by love.

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Don Topliff feeds his llamas on Saturday at his farm in Williamston, Mich. There are 24 llamas on Topliff’s farm.

Horoscope By Linda C. Black

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More online‌ To watch a video about local llamas, visit

“An important bill that will provide a long-term solution to help Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens.�

Crime

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6 Sports+features | Th e State Ne ws | thur sday, ju ly 25, 2013 | state n e ws.com events

sports briefs

Students organize sausage festival

Dantonio shows optimism at big ten media days

Justin Wan/The State News

Organic Farmer Training Program student Ezra Bertakis bites off the root of a garlic plant on Tuesday at the MSU Student Organic Farm during the third annual Sausage Throwdown. Each student of The Organic Farmer Training Program came up with a sausage recipe for the annual competition.

statenews.com To read about the MSU Student Organic Farm’s Sausage Throwdown, visit statenews.com

Head coach Mark Dantonio addressed media at the Big Ten football media day yesterday and stated the team’s mantra —and goal— for the upcoming season: “Chase it.”

Following a 2012 season with the inability to “find the inches” and close out tight conference games, Dantonio said he is looking forward to 2013.

“We sort of feel like our football team has a little bit of an edge to them right now. We’ve got a lot of experience back,” Dantonio said in a release by the Big Ten. Ranking second in the nation last season in fewest touchdowns allowed with 20, MSU found its strength in its defense. The team will look to continue its defensive authority next season.

“The defensive side of the ball is loaded with

seven starters — back with a lot of players ready to make their mark,” Dantonio said.

Senior linebackers Max Bullough and Denicos Allen will lead the MSU defense.

Last year, an inexperienced Andrew Maxwell and the wide receivers struggled to get on the same page at the beginning of the season.

Maxwell now has 13 games of starting experience under his belt, as well as a returning core of receivers, and Dantonio expressed confidence in his offense.

“Right now, Andrew is our No. 1 quarterback,” Dantonio said. “He’s got a great deal of experience and a lot of confidence right now.”

Dantonio has changed the culture of MSU football and hopes to bring the team back on track in 2013.

“It will always be our hope to chase the dream as I said, to go to the Rose Bowl, to become a champion at the highest level, to get into the championship format,” Dantonio said.

Senior offensive guard Blake Treadwell and Max Bullough and senior cornerback Darqueze Dennard will speak Thursday at the media days luncheon.

Derrick Nix signs European contract Former MSU center Derrick Nix signed a threeyear contract with Krka, a professional basketball club based in Nova Mesto, Slovenia.

“Congratulations to client Derrick Nix for signing with Adriatic & Eurochallenge club Krka in Slovenia,” Nix’s agent, Daniel Moldovan, tweeted Wednesday afternoon.

Nix was not selected in the 2013 NBA Draft but attended workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Moldovan said on Twitter that Nix had numerous offers across Europe and chose Krka because of the level of competition and their coach.

Nix thanked his teammates and coaches for helping him get through his "shenanigans" last year on his Twitter feed Wednesday.

Formerly Michigan's Mr. Basketball in 2009, Nix averaged 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds during his senior season at MSU. Matthew Pizzo

Wandering Waffles offers unique, portable foods

By Ariel Ellis aellis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

The traditional breakfast waffle has been transformed into a unique vessel for breakfast and nonbreakfast foods, and it's wandering into the mouths of Lansing residents and beyond.

"Wandering Waffles came from the fact that I love breakfast," owner Samantha Wilbur said. "My husband recently got out of the Marine Corps … so the time that we had together was Sunday morning, and we would make breakfast."

After opening last March in the Lansing City Market, Wandering Waffles sells sweet and savory options such as a s'mores waffle, pizza waffle, burrito waffle and peanut butter and bacon waffle — better known as The Elvis.

Wilbur said there's no limit to what can be done with waffles, and she set out to discover the tastiest options.

"I was the world's pickiest eater, so I kind of went on this adventure in my life to try new foods constantly, where if there was a food that I looked at and said, 'I really don't want to eat

that,' I'm definitely going to eat it," Wilbur said. “This helped me to be more daring with my food combinations at Wandering Waffles."

Although Wilbur takes pride in her unique menu at Wandering Waffles, she said most of the genius behind the menu came from her brother-in-law, who moved to Michigan to help her with the restaurant.

"One day he decided that he was bored and started coming up with amazing combinations because when my husband and I originally opened Wandering Waffles, it was completely cus-

tom," Wilbur said.

While the food combinations might sound bizarre, Wilbur said her restaurant was created for those who want to experience food that is made from local ingredients.

"I see people have that pause, that 'Oh my gosh, this isn't filled with corn syrup and refined sugars and ingredients that came from 1,000 miles away,'" Wilbur said. "This tastes real, this tastes like something that your body needs and not just in terms of 'Fill up my belly,' but in terms of nutrient-rich fresh food,'" Wilbur said.

Lansing resident Laura Kennell said the flavorful, local and gluten-free ingredients at Wandering Waffles are the reason she enjoys the food.

"They offer a gluten-free waffle, which is awesome for me. …

They also use all local ingredients," Kennell said. "The waffles have a nice hint of sweetness, but it's not too overpowering."

Lansing resident Roger Weathers said the bacon at Wandering Waffles keeps him coming back.

"I usually get the bacon and egg waffle. The waffle has a distinct flavor; it's well prepared, it's tasty, but it's not a heavy-lay-

ing item," Weathers said.

Since opening the restaurant, Wilbur said her customers' reaction to the food validates the decision she and husband made to start the business.

"The most common reaction that we get is silence," Wilbur said. "I love that happy, totally content silent expression that people get when they take of bite of something that they've never had before. It gives me an opportunity to help people reform what eating quickly means and that having a portable under-$10 lunch can be can be something wonderful and delicious."