60 E.L. teachers to receive layoff notice

More than 60 East Lansing teachers soon will be receiving layoff slips, but school-district officials say it's more of a technicality than a threat to teaching jobs. The slips are a preemptive move the district is making in preparation of a $1 million expected deficit in the budget to be released in July. Kelley Peatross, the director of human resources and public development for East Lansing Public Schools, said teachers shouldn't worry. "I really don't anticipate any permanent layoffs," she said.

621 offers live jazz, cozy feel

Place: 621 Address: 621 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing Hours: Opens at 11 a.m.

Consuming crap sad; embrace life

This letter is in response to Patrick Walters' column ("Worthless crap great for 'U', even better for P.

Plans for greenhouse might cause debate if bill passes assembly

If a bill supporting MSU's Student Greenhouse Project passes through Student Assembly tonight, the two branches of ASMSU officially will have differing plans on what should be built behind Old Horticulture Building. The bill declares Student Assembly stands behind the project, a tropical biodome slated to be built on north campus.

Grant offers free trip for 'U'

Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, a research-based summer study abroad program will be free of charge to undergraduate students for the next three years.

Former Spartan hurt in Blackhawks game

Former Spartans defenseman and Hobey Baker finalist John-Michael Liles, currently with the Colorado Avalanche, suffered a right knee injury in Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. In the Avalanche's 2-2 tie with the Blackhawks, Liles got tangled with Scott Nichol in the third period and had to be helped off the ice.

Coach to take part in July safari to Africa

John L. Smith is excited, and not just because he's looking forward to the start of spring practice. The Spartans' head football coach will get the opportunity to ascend 19,341 feet to the top of Africa's tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. "To be on Mount Kilimanjaro, watching the sun come up while sitting on a glacier, it's a moment to take your breath away," he said.

Woman robbed on campus in afternoon

A 72-year-old woman told police a man grabbed her purse and ran away while she was near the Human Ecology Building on Tuesday afternoon. The woman said she was walking through the parking lot toward the building at about 2:30 p.m.

Tada! : Cereal Snapshots

What is it exactly?: It's a photo puzzle made from old cereal or cracker boxes. A picturesque paper weight, this craft will add not only a little personality to your desk space, it also will keep you entertained during those humdrum hours on the job or dull days at the dorm.

The kings & queens of transformation

Andy Field lives out his male identity every day. He wakes up in the morning and prepares for his day, packing his pants and binding his breasts with an ace bandage to create a chest that appears more flat. He throws on jeans slung low, a T-shirt and sometimes a baseball cap over his shaved head before walking out the door. As a biological female, the way Field dresses on a regular basis could be considered drag.

WMU grad student to run for 'U' board spot

A Western Michigan University graduate student announced that he will run for the MSU Board of Trustees, but many people - including himself - don't have high hopes for him winning the majority of the votes in November's election. "I'll do everything that I can, but I'm not holding my breath," said Ben Burgis, who grew up in East Lansing. Burgis, a member of Direct Action and both the Green and Socialist parties of Michigan, said his decision to run for the board is not necessarily because he wants the position. "The primary purpose of radicals participating in elections has got to be an ally to the larger movement," he said.

On-stage options abound this weekend in area theaters

Bouncing back from a lulled week, the world of theater is in full swing this weekend with three shows opening up around the area.

Athletics director named Hobey Baker 'legend'

MSU athletics director and former Spartans ice hockey coach Ron Mason will be honored as the Hobey Baker Award Foundation's 2004 "Legend of Hockey" at the Frozen Four on April 10 in Boston. The award is given to the person who has committed a significant amount of time and energy in promoting college hockey.

Police briefs 03/25/04

Racial ethnic aides showcase cultures

The couches and chairs were pushed back for food and performers in the Asian Pacific American Student Organization room of Holden Hall during FLAVA, a multicultural event put on by the Holden Racial Ethnic Aides Wednesday.

'U' needs education on LBGT lifestyles

I am writing in response to a letter to the editor by Kevin Greaney ("Bedroom behavior should remain there" SN 3/23). While I do agree that public displays of affection are oftentimes out of place and uncalled for, I do not think that the group(s) posting the bulletin boards across campus are doing so to disgust people.

Photography, painting mix in show

For the past 25 years, photographer Jim Starkey spent his free time capturing different cultures with a paintbrush and his camera.

Strong women

The women's basketball team gave MSU hoops fans something to be proud of this season. Even though the Spartans returned home today with a second-round loss to Texas in the NCAA Tournament, they accomplished feats that have been matched by only a few prior teams. Members of the MSU women's basketball team should keep their chins held high.

Injury keeps QB spot open

As he rehabilitates his knee this spring, with hopes to be next season's starting quarterback, sophomore Drew Stanton said the memory of the Nebraska player who "cheap-shotted" him at the Alamo Bowl in December will serve as motivation. "I've never had such a pain in my leg before, and I remember the guy over top of me, laughing and talking trash," Stanton said during a spring football press conference Wednesday. "That's something that motivates me every day to go out there and make sure that I'm at the top of my game and showing everybody that that was a cheap shot and that I will be the starting quarterback around here." Stanton was a backup quarterback last season, but because of his athleticism, he was used mostly on special teams. Head coach John L.

Clarke attacks

When Richard Clarke speaks, it seems there is plenty to be wary of. Since a "60 Minutes" interview aired last Sunday and his tell-all book "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror" hit shelves this week and attempted to discredit President Bush's war on terror, Clarke is either Public Enemy No.