Cancer society celebrates 30 years of anti-smoking success

By Cecilia Oleck Detroit Free Press The American Cancer Society is celebrating 30 years of quitting. And that's a good thing. Thursday marks the anniversary of the Great American Smokeout, the campaign to help tobacco users go smoke-free for the day — and eventually for good. Although many anti-smoking efforts now are directed at putting smoking bans into place, the Smokeout is aimed primarily at helping individuals kick the habit. "We know that 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit," says Dru Szczerba, cancer prevention director for the Cancer Society's Great Lakes Division, based in Southfield.

Environment-friendly Urban Options home champions recycling, energy conservation

A toilet that uses one gallon per flush. Carpet made of recycled soft drink containers. Solar panels built into the roof. At first glance, the Urban Options house looks just like any other in downtown East Lansing — but its energy bills are probably half the price of its neighbors. The house, 405 Grove St., has a five-star rating from Energy Star, the highest rating given by the government-supported program that promotes energy efficiency.

MSU study abroad ranks high in national report

For the second year in a row, MSU was recognized as the top public study abroad university in the nation, according to Open Doors 2006, an annual international education report. According to the Institute of International Education, or IIE, in 2004-05, 2,385 MSU students studied abroad — second to New York University in terms of student participation among all colleges and universities. MSU offers 232 study abroad programs in 62 countries and all seven continents. Kathleen Fairfax, director of MSU's Office of Study Abroad, said MSU was happy to receive recognition because the university is very committed to its study abroad program. "The study abroad program is a signature program for MSU," Fairfax said.

RHA representatives push to add gender identity to MSU policy

A petition created by the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, in favor of adding gender identity and expression to the university's anti-discrimination policy is circulating throughout campus.

Council might OK new apartments

A local landlord is looking to construct condominium-style apartments on the 300 block of Evergreen Avenue — located north of the intersection of Grand River and Michigan avenues. Gregory Spiridakos, who owns rental homes at 334, 340 and 344 Evergreen Avenue, said he's going before the East Lansing City Council tonight to see if city officials are interested in approving an overhaul of the area. "We are in the process to think about what we can do," he said. At this point in the project planning, it's unclear whether students or young professionals would be recruited to live in the new development, Spiridakos said. The homes, which are located in one of the city's historic areas, are old and costly to repair, Spiridakos said.

Supplements may help ease flu

With cold and flu season in full swing, an MSU physician said bed rest and plenty of fluids aren't the only things that will protect people from viruses. Edward Rosick, a physician of family and community medicine, said natural supplements such as vitamin C or echinacea could help strengthen immune systems and even shorten the length of an illness. "The benefits for some of these supplements is there are not any prescriptions out there that shortens the duration of a cold," Rosick said.

A deering attempt

As Wonders Hall desk receptionist Matt Sutika handed change to a patron Thursday morning, he heard what sounded like a gunshot. But when the marketing and premedical junior looked in the direction of the clamor, he found a six-point buck staring him square in the face. "It didn't make any noise at all; it just ran down the hall," Sutika said.

MSU must figure out how to implement MCRI plan

This letter is in response to several statements made regarding the passing of Proposal 2. For the record, I voted in favor of Proposal 2 — Proposal 2 has passed.

Groundbreaking

Some MSU students and faculty members are happy to hear about the construction of a monument in Washington, D.C., to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Wrong shoes can cause medical problems

Stiletto strutters beware — high heels can lead to foot and back problems. But those who wear flip-flops aren't off the hook either — flat shoes provide minimal support. "Heels put a mechanical stress on the lower part of your foot," said Michael Papson, a podiatrist at Johnson Podiatry Associates.

Morgan's job: Contain Durant

The biggest factor in determining whether Thursday night will be a triumph for the Green and White or the Burnt Orange might be a matchup between two 18-year-olds. MSU (3-0) faces No.

Ecotourism destinations found throughout state

Walking along trails, traveling on cruise ships and examining nature are all part of getting to know Michigan's environment. There are dozens of ecotourism spots in Michigan.

Environmentally themed campus groups promote energy preservation

So you want to be an environmentalist? Join an MSU organization. Clubs on campus specialize in various aspects of the environment, with themes in agriculture and global warming.

Webberville native dies during tour in Iraq

Army Staff Sgt. Gregory McCoy, a 26-year-old Webberville native, died Thursday in Iraq after an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle, according to a Detroit Free Press article. McCoy was a member of the Ft.

Get ready for Clinton, McCain in '08

"She can really hold her liquor," Republican Sen. John McCain said of Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton. The quote is found deep in a 14-page article of November's The Atlantic magazine.

Downtime for DeVos

Correction: Gov. Jennifer Granholm defeated Dick DeVos by 14 percentage points, not by a 14 percent margin. When Dick DeVos began airing television ads nearly nine months ago, he had one goal in mind — to become the next governor of Michigan. Instead, DeVos was soundly defeated by Gov.

Goalie hopes to end talk of slump

Sophomore slump? Or comeback of the year? If last week's performances were any indication of how the rest of the season will pan out for sophomore goaltender Jeff Lerg, then forget about a second-year slump. In two games against Ferris State last week, Lerg stopped 64 of 66 total shots, including all 35 pucks fired his way in a 6-0 shutout of the Bulldogs in Big Rapids in the series closer. For his performances, Lerg was awarded CCHA Goaltender of the Week honors for the first time this season. "Everyone talks about the CCHA and the goalies and how well they can perform," Lerg said.

Police briefs 11/14/06

Students: MSU must take stand on MCRI

MSU students are asking university officials to denounce Proposal 2 after confronting administrators at Friday's MSU Board of Trustees meeting. About 125 students flooded into the board room with posters and black bandannas tied around their mouths to signify feeling silenced.

Forum to discuss racial experiences at MSU

Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs aides from Brody Complex, representatives from Purpose Magazine and several other students will be holding an open forum for all students at 7 p.m.