Alternative fuels need more funding

This opinion is in regard to President Bush's State of the Union address. I was appalled to hear that in the past four years, the federal government has only funded $10 billion toward researching and creating cheaper, more efficient sources of fuel and energy. That is pocket change. This is especially hard to swallow, after Bush announced that the government has provided $85 billion to aid Louisiana and other areas affected by the recent hurricane.

Scripted responses don't give all sides

It was interesting to see Kyle Bristow and Katie Wilcox, "Cartoon repulsive, wrong message sent" and "Cartoon makes light of unsafe abortion" (SN 2/1), writing from the same script of half-truths and complete fabrications — a script developed by people who want to assure that women are punished for having sex. Contrary to what Bristow might think, abortions are performed on dogs fairly regularly.

From the road

Women's basketball reporter Ethan Conley writes about how MSU should follow Illinois' example to spice up a game.

MSU will re-examine study trips to Israel

After Hamas won a landslide victory in the Palestinian Authority election late last month, the question became — what would it mean for Palestinians, Israelis and the Middle East? It also had some in East Lansing wondering what it meant for the future of MSU's study abroad program to Israel. Hamas, a Palestinian political group, is listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

President not giving proper care to health

The president missed a great opportunity Jan. 31 in his State of the Union address. Americans today have great concern over the cost of health care and higher education, but the president failed to outline a strategy for helping those Americans who need help the most. Instead, the president warned us that the government would not have enough money to support programs that help the poor and elderly get health care.

Women should make own bodily decisions

Although I will not defend the abortion cartoon (SN 1/27), I have a problem with some of the statements made by Katie Wilcox, "Cartoon makes light of unsafe abortion" (SN 2/01). She believes that because abortion is legal, it leads women to believe it is safe.

Traditional cleansing pool opens for Jewish women, marks area's first mikvah

Before participating in the age-old cleansing ritual known as the mikvah, Jewish women must rid themselves of everything except for what they were born with — no makeup, no nail polish, no contact lenses. They are even encouraged to clip their fingernails. A new mikvah, a ceremonial bathing area for women of the Jewish faith to use once a month in order to reach spiritual purity, was dedicated in East Lansing on Jan.

Electric Six delivers predictable 2nd album

By John Hudson For The State News Electric Six's upcoming album "Señor Smoke" allures listeners with the same contagious dance beats and droll songwriting heard on its previous release "Fire." Warner Music UK refrained from releasing "Señor Smoke" in the States despite its considerable acclaim in England.

Men's Basketball: Izzo says foul troubles a 'nightmare'

MSU head coach Tom Izzo, in a way, has a habit of developing "themes" for practice during a given week. During winter break, it was team defense.

Bill could change local seed rights

Local governments could lose the right to decide what type of seeds are grown in their counties if a Michigan Senate proposal passes. Senate Bill 777, introduced in November 2005, would remove a local government's power to decide whether farmers can grow genetically modified seeds or organic seeds. Genetically modified seeds are technologically manipulated to become resistant to herbicides or have more nutrients, said Sen.

Cancelled TV show fresh look at reality

"The Book of Daniel" was my favorite television show of all time. Note the keyword: was. The program involved an Episcopalian priest dealing with family dilemmas, church politics and his own pill-popping addiction.

Spartans lose QB coach to NFL

Quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier has left the MSU football team after three seasons to take the same job with the NFL's St.

Downtown could gain new retail, rental area

Space along Division Street in downtown East Lansing could be getting a little tighter. A local developer hopes to squeeze new retail space and rental apartments into a narrow lot between two existing buildings — a compromise after city officials rejected his original plan. The East Lansing City Council will decide whether to permit the project at its meeting tonight. The proposed building would be a four-story, 10,000-square-foot structure with retail space on the first floor, and seven two-bedroom apartments on the upper stories.

The changing space of music

The Internet has become a vehicle to establish and reinvent one's own identity. And for many cyber-savvy folks, MySpace.com has become a popular Web site to exercise one of the human race's most prized personal tastes — music.

Comprehensive look at good, bad, ugly living conditions in E.L.

Why is there a sheet of cinnamon sugar glazed across my bed? That was my first response as I tore off the sheet from my Cedar Village mattress on a fall 2004 night. After running a marathon in Chicago that day, all I yearned for was a nice, soft place to sleep.

Letter full of errors; God alone can judge

It is clear from Craig Duckworth's letter, "Following all Bible doctrines impossible" (SN 2/03), that he is unfamiliar with the Bible and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are instructed by Jesus to love all people, even those who sin.

Illiterate graduates?

There are some things people need to know by the time they graduate college. How to read is one of them. A recent study showed that more than half the graduates from four-year universities couldn't understand what they were reading at a basic level.

Alumnus creates documentary on Flint athletes

Flint is a sports town, and athletes from the area frequently play at MSU, University of Michigan and other major universities.

Police briefs 02/07/06

Doctor testifies on autopsy in LCC murder trial

Carolyn Kronenberg, the Lansing Community College professor murdered last year, could have died one of two ways, said Dr. Joyce DeJong, who conducted the autopsy. DeJong, Lansing's Sparrow Hospital's forensic pathologist, testified Monday in the trial of Claude McCollum, a former LCC student charged with the murder and rape of Kronenberg, 60, who was found dead 15 minutes before her class was to start on Jan.