Albom to make appearance at center

Mitch Albom, sportswriter for the Detroit Free Press, will introduce his new book "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" at 7:30 p.m.

Briggs director looks to improve

Elizabeth Simmons is always thinking of ways to make improvements. And as the new director for the Lyman Briggs School, MSU's college dedicated to natural sciences, Simmons is already contributing some of her ideas on how to better serve the school's diverse group of students."There is such a wide range of fields within the school, and because of that, I want to ensure the Lyman Briggs curriculum is appropriate and balanced between the different areas of study," Simmons said.Simmons will take over for Steve Spees, who was the acting director until this month.

Former education professor dies of colon cancer at age 68

Marvin Eugene Grandstaff, former professor of education and advocate for faculty rights, died Thursday of colon cancer at age 68."Marvin was an extraordinary citizen of the university," English professor Philip McGuire said.

Free movie, music on top of parking ramp

"Shanghai Nights" will be shown for free Thursday at the Parking Ramp Picture Show. The event starts with a performance from musical performers Westrin & Mowry at 7 p.m.

Police briefs 09/02/03

Former 'U' VP, dean dies at 86

Gordon A. Sabine, the original dean of the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences and former MSU vice president, died Thursday evening in Arizona at 86 years old.Sabine became dean of the newly formed College of Communication Arts and Sciences in 1955 and held the position until 1960 when he became vice president for special projects.

N. Tier residents voice concerns

Plans for a new development in the Northern Tier has raised concern from members of the East Lansing Planning Commission and neighbors in the surrounding area.

E.L. library to display work of local artist

Photographer Doug Elbinger will display his "Legends" collection at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road.The free exhibit will feature 22 portraits of famous people, including Bob Hope, John Lennon, Tina Turner and Elton John.

Lynching lecture to address supremacy

The department of African American and African studies will host a lecture titled "The Lynching of Black America: The Case of James Cameron" from 3 p.m.

Memory walk to aid Alzheimer's patients

The sixth annual Greater Lansing Memory Walk will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Breslin Center. The walk is sponsored by the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Workshop aimed at students with kids

Students who have children are invited to attend a free Student Parent Workshop from 1-4 p.m. on September 13 at the Kellogg Center.

Pay remains an issue for graduate TAs

Some MSU graduate teaching assistants are demanding back pay they say the university owes them after winning a grievance arbitration in August.

ASMSU considers events, goals for coming year

Student Assembly Chairperson Missy Kushlak faced several empty staff seats Thursday as ASMSU members discussed plans for the new year.Several assembly members could not attend MSU's undergraduate student government meeting.

Point system takes over Totally Takeout munchies

Totally Takeout is undergoing a fall makeover and has garnered mixed reactions from students on the run. The former system - where students were allowed two drinks, two entrees and three sides - has been replaced by a point system.

State police encourage safe Labor Day driving

With millions of Michigan residents hitting the highways this Labor Day weekend, state police are emphasizing safe driving.

Students, residents read Shelley's 'Frankenstein' for E.L. program

The second annual "One Book, One Community" program will kick off Sept. 3 with more steam than last year's trial run, coordinators say. The chosen book, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," wasn't on Elizabeth Whitmer's list of must-reads, but she found her way through the pages with the impression that it was a university requirement. "I thought I had to," she said.

Large complexes beat competitors

Independent housing in the city is suffering while larger apartment complexes that offer more luxuries are flourishing, East Lansing city officials said. East Lansing Planning and Community Development Director Jim Van Ravensway said he sees a large number of houses for rent on streets farther from campus, such as Burcham and Hagadorn roads. "There are fewer and fewer independent owners," Van Ravensway said.

E.L. schools join together

After almost 50 years of education, Spartan Village Elementary School closed its doors due to budget cuts last spring, leaving many new challenges for the East Lansing school district this year. The closure of Spartan Village Elementary, 1460 Middlevale Road, voids the contract between the university and the school district - returning the building to the university.

Editor: Yearbook needs improvements

Sara Ramsey, the 2003 editor in chief of MSU's yearbook, Red Cedar Log, already has plans to make big changes for next year's edition.Sitting with her legs sprawled out on the floor, sifting through a list of improvements, she diligently marked them with a big red 'S' shaped sticky notes.

New technology allows outdoor Internet access

The days of mooching off friends' Internet access or sweating in 100-degree computer labs might be replaced by wireless Internet access outside and around downtown East Lansing. Ann Street Plaza and Fountain Square, separated by the M.A.C.