Those lost in Iraq are real people

These people have names. These people have mothers and fathers. Some of these people have children — children who now lack a parent.

Small-claims court maze of regulations

By Pamela Yip The Dallas Morning News Dallas (MCT) — "Give me my money back or I'll sue!" Nearly everyone, at some time, has at least thought about trotting out that trump card in a dispute with a merchant, neighbor or former friend. And it's good to know that small-claims courts are there to handle such disputes, even if most people never follow through with the threat. But how do small-claims courts work?

Couric overrated first time at CBS anchor desk

I wish Katie Couric well, but Sarah Harbison lays it on a bit thick in her review of Couric's first outing, "Couric wows as first female news anchor," SN 9/7.

Police briefs 09/13/06

Groups aim to expand wine industry

MSU researchers could be responsible for increasing wine-grape production, as well as tourism in state vineyards. About 1,500 acres of land are devoted to Michigan's wine industry in the northwest, and it is estimated that Michigan's wine sales grow at an average of 9 percent each year. "The industry is small; there are only 47 wineries in Michigan.

Innovations: Plant biology

Names: Sheng Yang He, professor of plant biology; Maeli Melotto, post-doctoral student; and Bill Underwood, graduate student Department: Plant Research Laboratory, Natural Science Type of research: Plant biology Date of research: He has been working with plants at MSU for 11 years. Basics of the project: This particular study focuses on the stomata, microscopic pores on the leaves of almost all plants, which have been known to save plants, He said. "People thought these were passports for bacteria," He said.

Players pick and roll

Maggie Dwyer, Jenny Poff and Tiffanie Shives are back to work this month. They're adjusting to a familiar preseason routine with gym workouts, court time and conditioning wrapped around their class schedules.

Spartans blank Titans, 1-0

Although gray skies and rain covered Old College Field on Tuesday afternoon, the MSU women's soccer team came out smiling after a 1-0 victory against Detroit. But it wasn't all smooth sailing.

MIDDAY UPDATE: BluesFest blends color, music in Old Town Lansing

On Friday and Saturday in the Old Town section of Lansing, color, light and music will come together as part of the 12th annual Old Town BluesFest, thanks to a lighting design that will highlight the area's historic architecture during the outdoor festival's nighttime hours. "Our attitude is we always want to do something new at Jazz and BluesFest; try to come up with some new and creative ideas," said Terry Terry, president of the Old Town Business & Art Development Association.

Research program offers scholarship

An open house geared toward MSU juniors and seniors will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 26 in 311 Bessey Hall to inform students of opportunities in their preparation for graduate studies. The Ronald E.

MIDDAY UPDATE: 12 candidates step up to take council seat

A former City Council member, a student and several planning commissioners are among the contenders vying to be one of East Lansing's next leaders. As Mark Meadows' career on the East Lansing City Council wraps up Friday, 12 people are gearing up to fill in for the rest of his term, which expires in November 2007. "They have 12 outstanding candidates," East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said.

Waiting around for men is a waste

There are a lot of things I don't need in my life. I don't need a teacher who thinks I'm only taking one class.

On-campus bike repair shop opens

What began as the MSU Bike Project has grown into a business. Now located on the Red Cedar River behind Bessey Hall, the MSU Bikes Service Center opened Sept.

Irish pub to replace downtown restaurant

Noel LaPorte is transforming the former Evergreen Grill into his pot of gold. The Lansing-based lobbyist and a business partner are revamping the vacated restaurant into a traditional Irish pub. About a month into renovating the property at 327 Abbott Road, LaPorte predicts a pub will flourish in the downtown area, which is already inundated with bars and restaurants. "We looked at the site and at the community and felt there was a need for this type of product," LaPorte, 35, said.

Online infidelity up as new technology emerges

By Mark de la Vina San Jose Mercury News San Jose, Calif. (MCT) — Call it crazy, paranoid or cynical, but the next time you peruse the personals on Craigslist.org or scan profiles on MySpace.com, consider this: There's a good chance you just ran into a cheater. Just as purchasing concert tickets or checking baseball scores has become as simple as logging on to the Internet, infidelity is a simple keystroke away. Cheating is on the rise because technology eases the search to find a willing partner, according to therapists, researchers and relationship experts.

E.L. environmental journal to be distributed

East Lansing residents will soon have a way to keep tabs on what's been done in the city to help the environment. The Curbside Journal, a publication to be distributed for free to residents later this week, highlights environmental events and provides information on special events and city services. The latest event is the book and media recycling collection scheduled for Sept.

Stop using Facebook if you don't like changes

In regard to the article, "Facebook features flounder," (SN 9/7), I do not know why people have gotten in such a fluster about the new changes. I feel that there is one answer to their dissatisfaction, and probably the most powerful — leave.

Bush's speech was poor, but had good intentions

I was thoroughly intrigued by Isaac DeVille's column "Prepare to be attacked if you try to corner a dangerous 'animal,'" (SN 9/5), but I also thoroughly disagree with it. I feel the "axis of evil" speech had a good intention, but was executed poorly. It informed the nation that we may, down the road, be involved militarily with the countries of Iraq, Iran and North Korea.

TV station recognized for 4th consecutive year

Meridian Township's HOM-TV Channel 21 won four national honors for programming from The National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

MSU Honors Sept. 11

Displayed in rows near the bank of the Red Cedar River, 2,977 miniature American flags stood in the drizzling rain early Monday morning — each flag for someone who died during the Sept.