Homes alone

The mass exodus of students during winter break is an open invitation for break-ins, broken pipes and big fines, city officials and police warn. East Lansing renters who return to their hometowns for winter break are still responsible for their homes and apartments, including snow removal, said Annette Irwin, operations administrator for Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Conservation in East Lansing. "You are responsible for snow shoveling," she said.

Sting like a bee

When Phill Pappas slams his fist into the double-end punching bag, it swings back at him so fast he ducks his head to avoid being hit. Just like it were a human fist. He doesn't just stand, he darts.

2 women to speak at fall commencements

MSU's fall commencement ceremonies will be held Friday and Saturday at Breslin Center. This semester's class will consist of 2,566 students and MSU President Lou Anna K.

International conference good for Iraq

The numbers keep coming, people keep dying, yet the two countries most closely linked to problems surrounding Iraq's increasingly disastrous civil war don't want to admit anything is wrong. It's obvious by now that Iraq and the United States are unable to solve the problems facing a country continuing to spiral out of control — and the latest is Iraq doesn't want anyone else's help either. On Sunday, Iraqi officials rejected suggestions from the international community that a conference be held to discuss the ever-intensifying violence within the country.

Richards' rant not related to affirmative action

So, when one man blurts out racial slurs, this is a strong indicator that our nation is still looming full of racism?

Students analyze future overpass

Senior design students from the MSU College of Engineering presented ideas to Lansing-area professional consultants about the future construction of an underpass beneath two railroad tracks near the intersection of Farm Lane and Service Road. Civil engineering professor Roger Wallace said the underpass will make it easier for cars to enter the university on the south side of campus, which is accessed via Farm Lane. The students were responsible for coming up with preliminary designs for the underpass — meaning students needed to illustrate to the consultants their ideas for the underpass' structural, hydraulic, environmental and geotechnical foundations, Wallace said. "One of the major problems is that Farm Lane self-crosses two sets of railroad tracks, and so there are a number of delays in addition to the safety hazards that are there," Wallace said.

Students, officials work to bring recycling center to campus

Students may find it easier to recycle their trash if an initiative to build a university recycling center is put into effect by university and student government officials.

Morgan has stress fracture, may miss up to 3 weeks

MSU's most promising and versatile young player has been sidelined by an injury that has plagued the program for years — a stress fracture. Head coach Tom Izzo said Monday that freshman forward Raymar Morgan will miss Wednesday's game against IPFW with a stress fracture in his right shin.

Police briefs 12/05/06

Book's 'superlink' helps students learn more efficiently

It's the night before a final and you've given yourself the entire night to study for the exam.

Uncertainty doesn't mean fear

Thank God it's almost over. I know that thought has crossed the minds of some of the kids slaving away at The State News, scrambling to close the books on a semester of stories.

Both Bristow, Turner's comments unnecessary

In regard to the incident between protesters and Kyle Bristow at the illegal immigration meeting last Thursday, it is very unfortunate that the protesters resorted to physical violence as indicated in "Protesters crash immigration event" (SN 12/1). Resorting to such measures is a display of serious immaturity, and it has no place at MSU — or anywhere for that matter. These actions also give Kyle Bristow and his band of radicals, the Young Americans for "Freedom," undeserved publicity.

How do things get into your head?

Though the dreaded week of finals is only six days away, there's no need to delve into the depths of despair — at least not yet.

Cozy study area key for finals

Here is a complied list of the top five places to study on or near campus: Main Library There shouldn't be a problem trying to find a place to study in this nice and cozy, four-story building.

Step in time

They step in rhythm. They practice until they can step together making one sound with each movement — with the sounds of their feet and clapping.

Catching up with the curve

When making the transition from high school to college, some students need to take refresher courses to prepare for college-level math and English. Although the number of students needing review courses is increasing nationwide, those numbers are shrinking at MSU. Sharif Shakrani, director of the Education Policy Center at MSU, said about 25 percent of entering freshmen lack preparation for college-level math, especially algebra.

Legal services advise students with civil, criminal problems

For some students, solving housing issues goes farther than meeting with a mediator. Sometimes, legal action is necessary. Issues with roommates, tenants and landlords can become a problem this time of year.

Fraternity house may sell before year's end

The former Delta Upsilon house located at 427 M.A.C. Ave., might be sold to an unknown buyer by the end of this month. Vacant since May, the house is being sold because there wasn't enough student interest to maintain a Delta Upsilon group at MSU, said Jim Pattee, president of MSU Delta Upsilon Corp., which owns the house.

Izzo still concerned about crowd

Tom Izzo wants more from you. The MSU head coach is looking for better crowd support. He said before the season he was worried that fans have become numb to success because of the team's recent history of Final Four appearances, and his concerns haven't been helped by sparse crowds at MSU's first few home games. "I hope we're not getting fat and sassy," Izzo said. MSU has reported a sellout in each of its seven home games thus far, but plenty of empty seats have been visible in both the Izzone and the regular-seating sections.

Cincinnati hires CMU's Kelly, opening door for Narduzzi at MSU

New football coach Mark Dantonio has already brought seven of his Cincinnati coaches with him to MSU.