Studies show violent games not harmless

I am writing in response to the column "Video games not cause of moral decay; politicians must dig deeper" (SN 4/07). Although some very valid points were made, and I wholeheartedly agree that it is much easier to point the finger at video games than at deeper societal issues (such as poor parenting), there still are some very real consequences for people (especially children) who play violent video games. Although I believe that it is decidedly within your rights to play whatever games you would like to, saying that playing violent video games has no consequences simply because you are able to "distinguish between fact and fiction" is an easy excuse, one that does not examine actual scientific fact. Studies by psychologists such as Douglas Gentile and Craig Anderson show significant negative impacts on people who play violent video games, including increased aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviors (Anderson & Bushman, 2001). And studies find that violent video games might have even stronger effects on aggression in children because the games are highly interactive, reward violent behavior and because children perform these behaviors repeatedly as they play (Gentile & Anderson, 2003). When it comes to young adults, Sandra L.

A second chance for Coke

In spite of the University of Michigan's decision Tuesday to begin selling Coca-Cola products on campus after boycotting them since January, MSU students say it won't hinder their campaign against the company. U-M stopped its contract with Coca-Cola on Jan.

Campus equality must include everyone, even those with disabilities

Last week a friend of mine had to sit through one of the those dorm floor meetings about tolerance and racial tension on campus. My friend's hall mentor read aloud MSU's anti-discrimination policy, reminding the residents of the university's commitment to treating everyone fairly. What my friend noticed, but probably no one else did, is that her hall is inaccessible to people with physical disabilities.

State House candidates agree MSU important to Michigan's economy

The two Democratic candidates for the 69th District State House seat agreed Tuesday night that MSU is critical to helping improve both the state and local economies and promised to advocate increased funding for the university. East Lansing City Councilmember Mark Meadows and teacher Mary Lindemann, who also has experience in social work, took questions from an audience of about 40 students and community members in a debate at Wilson Hall hosted by the MSU College Democrats. The two Republican candidates vying for the seat are John Knowles, an MSU College of Law student, and John Currie, a businessman from East Lansing. Lindemann said Tuesday that MSU has received proportionately lower funding than other state universities. "MSU has a higher percentage of success (than other universities)," Lindemann said.

Light up for your right

Dorm dwellers and smokers beware — survey says you might have to light up on the street. After the Residence Halls Association's attempt at surveying students about smoking earlier this year, University Housing is stepping into the debate. But can a public university really ban smokers from smoking in their own homes? Earlier this year, the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, conducted a smoking survey which 1,120 students responded to.

Folds shares stories, involves audience

Ben Folds chucked a stool at his piano twice, conducted the audience in a three-part harmony and invited Big Daddy Taxi cab driver Rick Shaw on stage to play harmonica. The mark of a great concert or any artistic output is a tension between two opposing emotions or ideologies.

Friday last day to sign up for Safe Place race

The deadline to register for the 12th annual MSU Race for the Place 5K Race, which benefits MSU Safe Place, is Friday. MSU Safe Place is the nation's only on-campus domestic violence shelter and program.

University processes must be lawful, open

The recent revelations that the MSU Board of Trustees is conducting business behind closed doors, "What's the secret?" (SN 4/04), should come as no surprise. Upon examining the official student life guide MSU publishes each year, Spartan Life, it becomes apparent that the functions of numerous boards of the MSU administration, such as the University Student Appeals Board, or USAB, also deprive students of their right to know what happens during official meetings. The USAB is charged with deliberating appeals filed to the Division of Student Affairs and Services, headed by Lee June, on a wide range of issues. Among the duties entrusted to the USAB is the authority to decide appeals based on due process violations.

Court holds benefits hearing

A Michigan Court of Appeals three-judge panel heard oral arguments Tuesday on whether same-sex couples should receive health care benefits from state entities.

Michigan choir helps patients with brain trauma

It started off as a choir of one. The first member was a 45-year-old man who was withdrawn and silent at the clinic.

Mormon missionaries devote time, meet MSU students

They can't watch TV. They can't date. They can't call home except on Christmas and Mother's Day.

No. of law school applicants on rise

Applications to the MSU College of Law have almost doubled in the past five years, at a time when law school applications nationwide aren't seeing much of an increase. As of April 7, the college received 2,731 applications for fall 2006 admission — just 10 applications short of the total amount received for fall 2005, according to numbers provided by the law college's admissions office.

Noise law could be changed by summer

New limits could soon be placed on drinking games at house parties, but the city's party noise ordinance may actually become less strict. In fact, East Lansing might not even have a party noise ordinance for much longer. The East Lansing City Council considered changes to the existing noise ordinance at its work session last night. "I would like to make our decision and announce it before students leave," Mayor Pro Tem Vic Loomis said.

Police briefs 04/12/06

Protesters rally for same-sex benefits

Protesters will gather today to rally on the steps of the Michigan Hall of Justice to challenge Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox on whether state institutions and employers can offer domestic partner benefits to unmarried couples. Cox will argue before the Michigan Court of Appeals that any state institution offering domestic partner benefits will be in violation of Proposal 2. "We have descended the voice of the people of Michigan and will continue to do so," said Nate Bailey, spokesperson for the Michigan Attorney General.

House candidates debate on campus today

The declared Democratic candidates for the 69th District seat in the state House of Representatives will meet in a debate today at MSU. Mary Lindemann and East Lansing City Councilmember Mark Meadows are seeking the nomination. The debate is free and open to any student or community member.

Leading ladies

Sheri Jones' read her script and joked with a cameraman as she applied her makeup before the 5 p.m.

Ethnocentric attitude too general, misleads

Beth Swanson's "Big culture gap exists between France, U.S." (SN 3/28) appeared to be the observations of a young and naive child rather than a college-educated journalist. Surely a thinking adult would be aware that Paris is a major metropolitan area and that would likely be an influence on the behavior of its inhabitants.

Campus housing rates could rise with board OK

Students might have to pay more to "Live On" next year, if the MSU Board of Trustees votes Thursday to raise on-campus housing rates. Basic room and board for residence halls could increase by 5.25 percent per year, or $300, and monthly rent for university apartments could increase by 3.3 percent per month, or about $20. The proposed increases are typical of past years, said Angela Brown, director of University Housing. "It still puts Michigan State in the low end of room and board rates for the state of Michigan and also in the Big Ten," she said. MSU's increase would, for example, increase a double room with a 15-meal plan to $6,044 per year, up from this year's $5,744.

'HMS Pinafore' operetta misses the boat for college students

College students might recognize a reference to Gilbert and Sullivan's 127-year-old operetta "HMS Pinafore" in "Family Guy" or "The Simpsons." But they wouldn't connect with the music or the outdated prim-and-proper aura of the show — "What, never?