Over there

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience for students. They get the chance to see a culture and country that can only be understood by immersion.

Spring's high fashion styles

As the temperature heats up to almost above freezing, it's time to think about ditching the bulky sweaters and clunky boots and changing into sheer tees and strappy sandals.

Band delivers folk, alt-country; songs about having fun

Marah's recent album, "If You Didn't Laugh, You'd Cry," is a loose, comfortable record with clever lyrics and a classic rock sound. Comparable to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, the quintet's songs range from fast paced ("The Hustle" and "The Closer") to contemplative ("Walt Whitman Bridge" and "So What If We're Outta Tune (W/ the Rest of the World).)" The album, which is rock 'n' roll, folk and alt-country all at the same time, is honest and easy.

ASMSU looks into plagiarism site

ASMSU officials are investigating a plagiarism-prevention Web site used by MSU's Lyman Briggs School to determine if the site is academically ethical. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Turnitin.com, a prewriting tool designed to catch plagiarism errors in papers, is used by some instructors in the Lyman Briggs School. Robert Murphy, ASMSU's Academic Assembly chairperson, said he learned of the Web site at a conference he attended in December. "It was brought to my attention by Saginaw Valley State University," he said.

State budget will focus on education

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposed budget for the next fiscal year will emphasize education, families and growing Michigan's economy, among other points. The proposed budget will be released today at noon by Mary Lannoye, director for the Office of the State Budget. "The budget the governor will present will continue to live within our means," said Greg Bird, spokesman for the budget office.

Cultural connections

Crinkled foreheads and questioning looks adorned the faces of students in MSU's Italian Club as a Scopa tournament developed. A corner of the Multicultural Center in the Union overflowed with chatter as students sought information from others on how to accurately play the Italian card game. "So, can I pick it up?" "Yeah, it's a Scopa, I think." Club president Achille DiNello said the group focuses more on social activities than cultural ones, but he's trying to change that.

Sidewalk preaching harmful to listen to

I walk to class quite often, and on my travels I stroll past good ole Wells Hall. With friendly squirrels, bright-eyed ambitious young students trucking their way to class, it's a heart-warming place. The warmth of these positive elements seems to pale in comparison to the fire and brimstone preached daily outside.

WEB EXTRA: Public hearing for MCRI set for tonight in Flint

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission will hear from the public about actions of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative at 6 p.m.

Writer has valid point, needs some tweaking

I am writing to commend Kim Dyer's letter "Scripted responses don't give all sides" (SN 2/7). Her "blindingly simple" answer is one we should all appreciate.

History, family fill restaurant

A step into Clara's Lansing Station, 637 E. Michigan Ave., is a 100-year leap back in time. Black-and-white photographs and scruffy animal heads line the walls, while chandeliers dangle from the vaulted ceiling.

Council approves rentals in some areas, limits others

The East Lansing City Council tackled more than two dozen issues Tuesday, from restricting future rentals in an area of the city to recognizing members of the independent commission that analyzed the April 2-3 disturbances.

Makeup is unhealthy, thongs comfortable

In response to the column by Lauren Fox, "Beautification takes work; women need to be liberated from ritual" (SN 2/03), I am completely flabbergasted by her remarks. I am married, and my wife rarely wears makeup.

Fetus not living until it exits womb, born

This opinion is in regards to the heated debate of the recognition of a fetus as a living human being. Fetuses cannot support themselves — they rely on the mother for nutriment. Life does not begin until external birth via the cervix.

By Vanessa Notman The State News Opponents gain control of the ball and MSU women's basketball fans step in.

Homeless in Motown

Next to the elaborate and expensive parties held for Super Bowl XL Sunday in Detroit, a quieter event was held for the city's homeless. Sponsored by Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, the event attracted a portion of Detroit's estimated 13,000 homeless people. The event gave people, without the means to do so on their own, the same perks most other people had — a place to eat, drink and relax during the game.

WEB EXTRA: More than 400 people fall ill after eating at Lansing restaurant

More than 430 people reported getting sick after eating at Carrabba's Italian Grill, 6540 W.

WEB EXTRA: ASMSU discusses textbook tax exemption, grade point standard at meeting

By Vanessa NotmanFor The State News MSU students might soon be richer, thanks to student government officials. A bill recommended to Gov.

Clothing may link suspect to murder

Uncommon fibers found on the clothing of a man suspected of raping and killing a Lansing Community College professor can't be distinguished from those in the professor's sweater, a forensic scientist said. Michigan State Police forensic scientist Troy Ernst testified Tuesday on the possible origin of fibers found on clothing worn by Claude McCollum, who is on trial for professor Carolyn Kronenberg's rape and murder. Ernst examined fibers taken from the shirts McCollum was wearing Jan.

Yellowcard matures on new album

Katie Fletcher For The State News "Lights and Sounds" is the newest release from Yellowcard, the pop-rock group whose last few songs were released among a flurry of California-themed singles from similar bands.

Trustees plan rare discussion session

The MSU Board of Trustees will hold a special "discussion only" portion of its regular public committee meetings Friday to discuss budget concerns and the redevelopment of University Village. The discussion will take place as part of the trustees' Finance and Audit Committee agenda, and will be a time for the trustees and the community to get an update of some issues the board is facing, Trustee Melanie Foster said. The committees meet publicly Fridays before the full board meeting is called to order.