Turns out it's impossible to produce cat from scratch

Kirby Rials' column, "Intelligent design makes sense, complexity of life not accidental," (SN 6/20), made my day.

Letter writer's war parity also lacking, missing points

Brett Mellin's letter, "War comparison doesn't work; numbers not equal," (SN 6/22), is correct in that one cannot easily compare the wars in which the United States has fought.

Festivals aim to liven up Old Town

Old Town is Lansing's ornamental Times Square. This charming little section of the state Capitol serves as an exclusive hub for art, arresting character and scenic appeal. Many Lansing residents and officials refer to it as an untapped resource.

Spirituality, mind-body medicine plays valid role in health, healing

The concept of spirituality to study quality of life and health is not new, but has returned to the scene during recent years and has gone through an evolutionary process.

MSU hosts 4-H exploration

MSU's campus began flooding with people Wednesday as more than 2,500 4-H members and chaperones lined up to sign in for the 36th annual 4-H Exploration Days youth development conference.

Hubbard defendants to appear in court

Two men arrested in connection with the alleged Feb. 23 Hubbard Hall assault are scheduled to appear for their preliminary examinations Friday, according to one lawyer's assistant. A preliminary examination determines if there is enough evidence to go to trial. MSU student Albert Reginald Robinson and non-student Joel Ross Hamlar were arrested Feb.

Heartfelt harmonies

Walled Lake, Mich. — Alex Bbosa wants to be an architect when he grows up. He also sings, dances and says his "pleases" and "thank yous" so politely it's hard not to smile at the 10-year-old's charm. Alex is from Uganda and is part of the African Children's Choir — now on tour across the United States — which will appear at 7 p.m.

War comparison doesn't work; numbers not equal

Caitlin Scuderi, who wrote "War cycle repeats itself; shouldn't we have learned from previous mistakes?" (SN 6/19), must work on her comparisons. To compare Vietnam to Iraq, when there were about 20 times as many American casualties in Vietnam, is irresponsible.

University to offer research Web site

Virtual networking could lead undergraduate students to real-world experiences within their majors. A Web site focussed on linking faculty to undergraduate students for research opportunities was discussed at the Board of Trustees' June 16 meeting. The Web site is a hub for research opportunities spanning from the College of Natural Science to the College of Arts & Letters.

Police briefs 06/22/06

Creationists have flawed reasoning full of fallacies

Despite relentless efforts by creationists to obscure the facts, the religious underpinnings of intelligent design remain painfully obvious, particularity to anyone capable of discerning the difference between a firmly established scientific theory and mere opinion, personal philosophy or empty religious assertion. When creationists attempt to undermine evolutionary theory with various fictions, myths and deliberately obtuse misunderstandings, the transparently religious and fallacious mindset at the root of intelligent design is made especially clear. The recent error-ridden opinion column by Kerby Rials, "Intelligent design makes sense, complexity of life not accidental," (SN 6/20), offers a nice example. In my experience, hostility toward evolutionary theory invariably stems from ignorance of the scientific evidence or strong religious beliefs — usually both.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Man survives stabbing at apartment complex

A man was stabbed Wednesday night at College Park Apartments, 2722 Grand River Ave., according to apartment residents. Meridian Township police Sgt.

Vehicle etching reduces Mich. car thefts

A few drops of acid and two small colored stickers can make a car unattractive to auto thieves. That's why state police and the American Automobile Association of Michigan will be offering free Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, etching services on Friday, from 10 a.m.

Beware of bird flu; virus more dangerous than you might think

The influenza pandemic of 1918-19 killed more people than World War I. Thought to have originated in China, this form of the common flu was particularly virulent.

Transatlantics talk guitar solos, indie rock

It's a good time to be an underground band in Michigan, just ask Mike Spence, guitarist and vocalist for Mount Pleasant's Those Transatlantics. "It seems to me when we travel around the country, we always come back and think, 'You know, we're pretty lucky to be in such close company with people that are as talented as these bands are,'" Spence said. In the spirit of pride for the Great Lakes state, Those Transatlantics will be playing tonight at The Temple Club, 500 E.

Over under

MySpace.com is updating its security measures so minors under 18 will be given their own private section. The section is being introduced because of a bill being pushed through Congress that wants to pressure sites into boosting Internet security. The bill, which would affect social-networking sites like MySpace, would involve a filtering system in libraries and schools to protect minors from online predators. The bill, called Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006, is a revision of the Communication Act of 1934.

Ragbirds explore world music

The Ragbirds are not a jam band. "We actually do draw a lot from the jam-band scene and the jam-band crowd, but I think it's more because we play really interesting world music stuff," percussionist Randall Moore told The State News in a phone interview Wednesday. Moore also discussed his affinity for world music, along with what goes through his mind on stage and the origin of one of his band's more curious song names. How did the band come together? Randall Moore: The Ragbirds actually started with Erin (Zindle, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist) and I.

Solo project overly sappy with trite, unoriginal lyrics

Former Verve Pipe front man Brian Vander Ark has enshrouded himself in a cloak of absolute corniness. His latest solo project, "Angel, Put Your Face On," is a classic case of a pop musician with nothing left to prove, or at least nothing with any poignancy.

Modern day romance breaks barriers

It's been said that love has no boundaries. There is no distance it cannot span, no hurdle it cannot overcome.

Innovations: Economical engines

Name: Professor Harold Schock Department: Mechanical Engineering Location: MSU Automotive Research Experiment Station, 3361 Hulett Road in Okemos Type of research: Research to improve engines, making them more fuel-efficient and economical Date of research: The research, which is done for the U.S.