Responding to fan mail is a privilege I enjoy. My first offering of the semester, "Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism" (SN 1/16), generated a number of letters. Joe O'Connell's was my favorite.
May 2007 will release another group of MSU graduates into the job market with one question in mind: "What's next?" For some, the job search will be relatively short and painless, but many will find it a long and unwelcome trek. The most recent blow to Michigan's economical infrastructure is the recently announced closing of Pfizer Inc. research and development facility in Ann Arbor.
I didn't expect everyone to agree with my viewpoints in "Column shows ignorance in logic-based argument" (SN 1/19), but I did expect a sound and relevant response, neither of which has happened. Laura Godek made a severe error in "Ancient, current thinkers reject God's existence" (SN 1/23) by saying that I claimed "there is no evidence disproving the existence of God." Not only did I not say that, I didn't even imply it.
I am writing in response to Steve Sutton, whose letter "Recycling does not save resources, reduce costs" (SN 1/22) enlightened me to a new way of thinking about recycling.
We Americans are often known for our optimism. Still a young country, only 231 years old, we have had a great track record with our revolutions, our inventions and even our overall red-white-and-blue history.
Concerning The State News' editorial, "Proposed campus upgrades warranted" (SN 1/23), what the swimming facilities at IM Sports-West need "to bring the '50s-era facility into the 21st century" is a new indoor 50-meter, 10-lane swimming pool with an attached diving well. I practiced and competed in the present pool during the '60s and early '70s, and nothing has been done throughout the years to keep pace with improvements in the field of aquatics.
ASMSU's final female chairwoman, Julielyn Gibbons, has resigned under mysterious circumstances, saying she did not agree with various situations, but refused to elaborate. The loss of Gibbons will affect ASMSU's Student Assembly.
It is an exciting, albeit frustrating, time to be a supporter of embryonic stem cell research. Last summer, the U.S.
Thank you for your coverage of our health screenings that were held at the Islamic Center of East Lansing on Jan.
Kudos to some of the members of MSU's Spartan Brass for making Friday evening on campus a bit more fun. Not only did we have a chance to enjoy the MSU hockey team's 3-2 overtime win over Lake Superior State University at Munn Ice Arena, but after the game, while walking back to the car, we were treated to an impromptu serenade. You have to admit, there are few places in the world where you can hear Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," skillfully played by a tuba quartet! Thanks much for the smile! Jim Smith Lyman Briggs School associate professor
Joe O'Connell's letter, "Column shows ignorance in logic-based argument" (SN 1/19), perfectly displays one of the most overused and terribly flawed arguments — "It doesn't hurt to believe in God.
Hey there, occasional/loyal/first-time State News reader. You and I are going to get to know one another these next few months, while we're both still at MSU.
All right, I'll admit it — I enjoyed John Bice's column, "Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism" (SN 1/16). After spending so much time on a campus — where I encounter sidewalk chalk ads for Christian groups, flyers for Bible study and the occasional religious zealot outside Wells Hall — it is always a relief to know I am not the only person who questions the ideas of God and organized religion. In the letter "Column shows ignorance in logic-based argument" (SN 1/19), I expected a well thought-out counterpoint to Bice's article, but instead, found blind faith running amok.
In response to "Technology holds police accountable" (SN 1/18), I was one of the people who took footage during the 2005 tear-gas attack.
University officials recently announced the next two stops on MSU's 2020 Vision Campus Master Plan: Breslin Center and IM Sports-West. The year will be full of improvement for both establishments, which each have unique needs and users. At Breslin Center, the men's and women's locker rooms will be adjusted to better accommodate players — well, at least MSU's players.
I'm so glad John Bice's columns are back. However, his critics should remember that his complaint is with them more than with their God.
I can't speak for every agnostic person, but if there were an aspect of religious people I find annoying, it would be their perpetual attempts to alter my stance on something that is totally my own decision.
Recently, the University of Texas at Austin became the latest participant in the Google Books Library Project, a program aimed at digitizing books from the libraries of universities nationwide. Thus far, in addition to University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford universities and the New York Public Library have participated in the project.
Rachel Wilkerson's letter, "Style icons prevalent in American culture today" (SN 1/19), unwittingly embodies the very lack of class and style Beth Swanson bemoans in her article "Columnist seeks 'Old Hollywood' style in Golden Globes' attendees" (SN 1/17). The old-world style and pedigree Audrey Hepburn epitomized transcends mere apparel.
I would advise State News readers to scrutinize the recent column "Congress should not alter student loans" (SN 1/16), by Brian Riedl concerning the possible reduction of interest rates on student loans.