Police look into street art, propose solutions

For East Lansing police and city officials, the writing is on the walls of businesses and city property — both random and artistic graffiti. Since September 2005, East Lansing police have seen an influx of symbols, or "tags," cropping up in the downtown area on parking ramps, businesses, traffic signs and sidewalks. Although city and police officials said graffiti in East Lansing is not a large issue, they deal with it quickly when it happens and are looking for long-term solutions. East Lansing Detective Jeff Walsh, who is in charge of documenting graffiti cases, said the department is more concerned with spray-painted graffiti than small markings drawn in permanent marker. He said that in many instances, graffiti artists are marking places that aren't painted over quickly.

Packaging conference focuses on disabled

Ellen Weaver was delighted to receive a bouquet of 18 multi-colored roses for her birthday two weeks ago.

Michigan Pride festival to celebrate diversity

Thousands of activists and supporters will fill the streets of Lansing this weekend for the statewide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, or LGBT, Pride weekend. The 18th annual festival will open at 10 a.m.

Granholm good governor, her record does speak for itself

In response to Fred Sharp's letter "Granholm blames Bush for Michigan's problems," (SN 6/16), stating that Governor Granholm's record "speaks for itself," I wholeheartedly agree. Granholm is succeeding, albeit under the radar, in her goals of creating jobs and jump-starting our economy.

Defending against Internet attacks

More than a year and a half ago, MSU's library server was breached. It was the biggest threat to online security the university had ever seen, and MSU officials scrambled to try and minimize the threat. David Gift, vice provost of libraries, computing and technology, said there was "potential" exposure to Social Security numbers, but evidence surfaced that none had been taken.

Intelligent design makes sense, complexity of life not accidental

Not long ago, President Bush got some folks upset when he suggested teaching intelligent design alongside the theory of evolution in our educational institutions.

Mich. ballot initiative faces legal challenge

Two different groups are challenging the legality of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative on grounds that petition signatures were collected fraudulently. The Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN, are taking action against the ballot initiate that, if passed, could end race-based preferences in government hiring and public education. The commission submitted a 1,000-page report to the Michigan Supreme Court on June 7 containing compiled information from verbal and written testimonies from people saying they were lied to when they signed the petition, or that other information was fraudulent. The report is meant to prompt the court to conduct further investigations, and a copy was also provided to the state Attorney General Mike Cox's office and state legislators.

Study: Sites reinforce unhealthy behaviors

Learning how to stay healthy has become increasingly easy with the growth of the Internet — but according to a recent study, so has maintaining and hiding eating disorders.

Students should speak up to change unfair ways

I am writing to offer my support to Stephanie Giurlanda's letter "Unnecessary course packs waste students' money," (SN 6/16). I believe it to be outrageous that a professor made mandatory the buying of a coursepack that was composed of so much waste. That is not only an insult to the students of that class, but it also reflects poorly upon the faculty and the university when such obviously outrageous occurrences are allowed to pass. Here is my suggestion to all of you who are still paying for tuition and fees, and who are lugging your way to class each day to earn your degree — be proactive.

Sonic Youth still making enjoyable records

To: High Council of Pop Culture Critics (high_council@wearecritics.com) From: Erik Adams (adamser9@msu.edu) Subject: Re: Transgressions Against the Art of Criticism Dear High Council, Thank you very much for the concern expressed in your previous e-mail, but I'm not taking back anything I said about "Laguna Beach." These things happen; certainly you all have favorite pieces of junk culture, too. Anyway, the real reason I'm writing this is because I feel that if I am to be accepted as a pop culture critic, I need to get some things off my chest.

Columnist should look around; war is everywhere

In response to Vanessa Notman's column, "America doesn't look like a country at war; daily lives seem untouched," (SN 6/16), I would like to point out that the war doesn't touch people who aren't paying attention. I am currently studying in Egypt, and I know exactly how war affects my life.

Birmingham deals with drug overdose

Look closely at your best friends. Do you know whether or not they are doing drugs? Thanks to programs like Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, we are conditioned to associate drug addicts and users as having apparent physical features. For instance, someone who smokes marijuana is supposed to look like a hippie — long hair, ripped jeans and laid-back demeanor.

E.L. to host sidewalk sales for businesses

The annual East Lansing Sidewalk Sales will begin Thursday. During the event, local businesses will open their doors and offer discount prices.

Justices: Wetlands defined by states

The definition of what wetlands are and when developers can build on them was the topic of a sharply divided U.S.

Representing Youth

Walking through the suburban neighborhood of Troy, 20-year-old MSU student Eric Gregory passed out fliers Saturday on the issues and goals he wants to address if he is elected into the Michigan House of Representatives. As the Democratic candidate in the Aug.

Simon to hold final community meeting

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon will hold her final community meeting with the Avondale, Bailey and Brookfield neighborhood associations this week. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m.

Camp Duckett

Kalamazoo — Former MSU football star T.J. Duckett has found a way to give back to his hometown — he has established a football camp at his old stomping ground, Loy Norrix High School. "First year, you're going to have your bumps and bruises, but so far everything is going smooth.

Police briefs 06/20/06

'Lake House' unrealistic, original

When I first saw "The Lake House" on Friday afternoon, I was originally going to give this film two stars.

E.L. to renew Staton's contract

City manager Ted Staton's contract is scheduled to be renewed through 2012 at today's East Lansing City Council meeting. Staton, who has been the city manager for 11 years, had been in negotiations for several months to get the renewal before it ended in late June. "We can hopefully get this all concluded by tomorrow," Staton said.