Defendant testifies in murder trial

Claude McCollum said he understood what he was doing when he chose to testify Monday in his own murder trial. His defense attorney, David Lee Taylor, had just announced that McCollum's decision was against his legal advice. Judge James Giddings reminded McCollum that he was not required to testify and pointed out he could face life in prison with no parole if convicted. But still, in an unexpected turn of events in the trial, McCollum took the stand. McCollum is charged with the rape and murder of Lansing Community College Professor Carolyn Kronenberg, who was found dead in her classroom about 15 minutes before her class was to start on Jan.

Writers' logic flawed; don't justify murder

In response to Kim Dyer's and Jeff Sievert's letters, "Scripted responses don't give all sides" (SN 2/07) and "Women should make own bodily decisions" (SN 2/07), defending abortion rights, I offer the following criticism. First, what could be more scripted, or predictable, than Dyer's charge that the answer to the abortion problem is to not have one if one does not believe they are morally permissible?

Experiences vary at 2006 Olympics

Tara Cariano, a psychology and family and community services junior studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, attended the U.S.

Concertgoers need to handle themselves better

The lights are shining, guitars tuned, mics checked. I'm standing in a sea of pierced, Converse-clad teens and 20-somethings and also girls sporting trendy miniskirts and flip-flops.

Slanted language skews facts, opinion

I read Kyle Bristow's letter "Feminist, pro-choice views incompatible" (SN 2/09) and found it heavy in slanted language and light on scientific fact. The statement that over 46 million "babies" have been aborted is absolutely false.

The books of love

They grade their papers in red. They print their syllabi in blue. And they also tell each other, "I do." Students aren't the only ones in class making a love connection.

Fatal side effects land patch in court

The contraceptive Ortho Evra is the focus of several lawsuits after causing severe side effects or death across the country. About 60 individual federal and state suits have been filed, said Missouri attorney Jerry Schlichter, who is handling 24 Ortho Evra-related cases. College-age women and younger using the birth control skin patch are having strokes and blood clots, sometimes leading to death, Schlichter said.

Following the plan

The wait might be over, but anxiety about the East Village Master Plan remains. The new development in the Cedar Village area will include buildings with space for residential, retail and office use, provide higher-density housing and allow for better public access to the area through the creation of a park and pedestrian-friendly streets. There's no question that the development will improve the shabby looking area.

Police briefs 02/14/06

Valentine's history not same as modern holiday

Everyone knows what Valentine's Day is: It's that glorious (or torturous) day when sweethearts all around the world exchange gifts to show how much they care. If you're attached, you spend a lot of money and expect your other half to do the same.

Talk will take audience to Appalachian Trail

Summitting mountains along the more than 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail might not qualify as a casual hike. For those interested in the trail but not ready to commit to a really, really long walk, the East Lansing Public Library is offering an informational session for would-be backpackers. "Adventures on the Appalachian Trail," will be hosted by husband-and-wife team Coy Heath and Karrie Korroch on Wednesday. The talk will include a short history of the trail, as well as basic tips for planning a backpacking trip, hiking solo, choosing the right gear and packing "ultralight." The program begins at 7 p.m.

Shimek, Bowen fuel comeback on Senior Day

Two of the most impressive players in MSU women's basketball history were given their moment in the spotlight after Sunday's 53-47 over Wisconsin. Senior forward Liz Shimek and senior guard Lindsay Bowen, playing in their second-to-last home game as Spartans, were honored in front of teammates, coaches and a crowd of more than 9,000 — the sixth-largest in MSU women's basketball history. They are two of only three players in MSU history to score more than 1,600 career points and will likely be racing neck and neck for the MSU career scoring record as the season comes to a close. Given the circumstances under which the then-No.

College admission going digital

The average number of online applications for MSU admission — including freshmen, graduate and transfer students — is up almost 8 percent since last year, which is consistent with a national trend in college admissions, officials say. Online freshman applications for fall 2006 alone jumped 10 percent from last year, with about 75 percent of them received online as of Feb.

New 'Panther' is prequel to 1st one

Shawn Levy's "The Pink Panther" has been billed as a prequel to the 1963 original, but it's more of a separate story.

Senate seat election primary to be Feb. 21

The primary for the special election to fill the vacant senate seat for the 23rd District will be held Feb.

Freedom of press must be respected; violence not suitable reaction

I am one of those ridiculous people who worship the First Amendment of the Constitution and the liberty it brings.

Original 'Pink Panther' much better than 'prequel'

Introduced skillfully with some of the best animated credits to date, "The Pink Panther" does not disappoint. The whole film is carefully planned out, and each part is set up cleverly.

People skirting issues, merely comment on 'tastelessness' of images

If you haven't noticed, political cartoons have been in the news a lot lately, both at home and abroad. The Muslim world is in an uproar over several European cartoons depicting Muhammad — the most infamous being a Danish cartoon showing the Prophet wearing a turban shaped like a bomb. Although Islam forbids visual representations of Muhammad in any context because it is considered idolatrous, the reaction seems just a bit excessive: Violent demonstrations have sprung up across the Muslim world and Europe, resulting in several deaths and the arson of numerous European embassies and consulates. In light of the fact that publications in the Muslim world routinely churn out cartoons depicting Jews as hook-nosed Nazis, the reaction seems to be not only overkill but hypocritical. To the uninitiated, it seems like the Muslim world overreacting disingenuously, even insanely.

Greek comedy revived

Icarus Falling gives a Plautus comedy from 2,000 years ago new life in "Truculentus." It's 1950s Las Vegas and a soldier, city boy, woodsman and cowboy vie for the affection of Phronesium, a manipulative harlot.

WEB EXTRA: Students: LBGT community comfortable celebrating Valentine's Day at MSU

Patrick Gaulier thinks twice before putting his arm around his boyfriend in public. But the English and secondary education freshman said the way he celebrates Valentine's Day isn't much different from anyone else. "We go out to dinner and give each other valentines," he said.