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.

Peace Corps draws MSU grads

Yvonne Wood traveled to her mother's native Colombia when she was about 5 years old. But it's not her own memories that stayed with her through the years — it was the stories her mother told her about her own childhood. Wood, an environmental studies and applications senior wants to travel back to Latin America by serving in the Peace Corps. "My life is completely different than any of my (Colombian) relatives," she said.

Are some lives more valuable than others?

I am writing to openly and vehemently disagree with Kyle Bristow's declaration in his letter "Cartoon repulsive, wrong message sent" (SN 2/01) that "each unique human life begins at conception.

Bernero asks city for budget tips

By Amy Oprean For The State News Lansing — Mayor Virg Bernero is asking the public for help with next year's budget. As part of a four-stop tour of Lansing, Bernero met with residents at Letts Community Center, 1220 W.

Knowles as student gives him great edge

It is time for the 69th District to elect a new voice to the Michigan House, and John Knowles is right guy for the job. Knowles wants to fight for East Lansing's economy, protect our property rights specifically the East Village and, most important, revive the educational system.

Boiler-breakers

MSU head coach Tom Izzo wanted his team to play better defense. Check. He wanted them to do it without falling prey to foul trouble that has plagued it at times this season.

Actors Ford, Bettany discuss new movie, roles, future plans

"Firewall" stars Harrison Ford and Paul Bettany took some time to talk with The State News and other college newspapers about their recent movie.

Police briefs 02/09/06

The Bartender: Hot Sugar Rum

February is a frightful month in Michigan. It's cold, and usually involves a lot of ice and snow.

Happenings

Arts Tonight: Peppermint Creek Theatre presents "Assassins" the musical, Feb.

ASMSU is selling out its constituents with Mobile Campus service

ASMSU's Student Assembly, a student government body elected by and serving the students of MSU, has voted to head down a new path: corporate advocacy. Bill 42-60 allows Student Assembly to pursue a contract with Mobile Campus Inc., a private, for profit, campus text-messaging service.

Feminist, pro-choice views incompatible

I found Sarah E. Hunko's letter "Women need choice over their bodies" (SN 2/06) about abortion to be hypocritical.

Artist blends culture, humor in storytelling

James Luna is a performance artist with a flair for presenting his life experiences and American Indian heritage in an iconoclastic way.

RHA OKs tax hike; students will vote

Residence Halls Association officials passed a bill Wednesday evening that will put a new student tax increase up for a student vote. The proposed increase would raise the tax by $3, from $22 to $25 per semester for on-campus students. Kevin Newman, president of RHA, said the tax increase is beneficial for students because of the potential for enhanced services. RHA provides programs such as Campus Center Cinemas and movie rental offices and is campaigning to bring more wireless Internet spots to residence halls. "What we need to do now is make our case to students," Newman said.

ASMSU passes bill recommending state tax exemption on textbooks

Student government officials are working on a plan that could lower textbook costs by refunding students a portion of their total purchase for the school year. A bill recommending Gov.

Young gifted voices

Lansing — Kanye and Mariah got nothing on the MSU Children's Choir. The singing group, made up of fourth through 10th graders, nabbed Grammy Awards on Wednesday for best classical album and best choral performance for the album "Songs of Innocence and of Experience," by composer William Bolcom, on which the MSU choir performed. "We won!

Purdue's recent success hurting Big Ten's image

When Purdue beat Wisconsin on Saturday, many around the Big Ten were left scratching their heads. After all, the Boilermakers had won only one of their nine Big Ten games to that point.

Police briefs 02/08/06

Raise in student tax put to vote

ASMSU and the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, are both asking for a $3 tax increase — but the final decision would be up to students. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. The student body would have to approve the tax increases through an online vote later this semester. Kevin Newman, president of RHA, said he does not know the exact date of the vote, but said it would be near the end of March. "By holding the vote the same day, it will increase the number of votes," Newman said.