Strong women can be pro-lifers, too

It's "pro-life" week here on campus. You might notice the fliers and the rallies. Where do 'U' fit into this?

At the movies

"The Alamo" About as interesting as fifth-grade history class, this revisionist telling of the fateful battle builds up for 3/4 of the film, only to deliver a lackluster battle.

'U' freshman wins dorm room makeover

Education freshman Amy Birkmeier will be the tenant of MSU's coolest campus crib next fall. Birkmeier beat out 240 applicants to win "Room 4U," MSU's Division of Housing & Food Services' dorm room makeover contest, a part of its new Spartan Makeovers initiative. Journalism junior Kristen Waltman and interior design senior Laura Bonucchi will transform Birkmeier's Akers Hall room using materials selected from Meridian Mall in Okemos. Based on popular decorating TV shows such as "While You Were Out" and "Trading Spaces," the makeover process will be presented on the campus UTube network and East Lansing Comcast channel 29 in October. Future Spartan Makeover projects will include roommate, boyfriend and family makeovers.

Police briefs 04/15/04

Barrel a dream spot for sunny day

Place: The Peanut Barrel Restaurant Address: 521 E. Grand River Ave. Hours: 11 a.m.

McPherson, Peace Corps members meet

Former Peace Corps members, prospective members and their families gathered in the living room of Cowles House on Wednesday evening listening to MSU President M.

'U' eliminating paper billing, switching to electronic bills

Postal mailboxes no longer will be filled with envelopes for billing information from MSU. Starting in the summer, all tuition and housing bills will be available only on the STUINFO Web site.

Procrastinators prepare for tax day

After a year of relative freedom from the infamous letters "IRS," it's time once again for students and area residents to face one of life's certainties: tax day. Each year, the date April 15 serves as a hectic time for many procrastinating Americans who have waited until the last minute to tackle the maze of boxes and dotted lines that make up the income tax form. This year is no different. "I filed yesterday morning," said neuroscience graduate student Mike Schwartz on Wednesday.

'U' officials' meeting on workers' rights brings student protest

University officials say they will continue to protect workers' rights despite a student group's protest of a meeting between MSU President M.

Liberal outcry over Rice waste of breath

In anticipation of the liberal outcry on this campus, I would like to defend MSU President M. Peter McPherson's decision to have National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice speak at commencement.

Move may enhance area life sciences

MSU's College of Human Medicine could be a significant addition to Grand Rapids' growing life sciences industry, leaders in the west Michigan city say. Spurred by a statewide push to build up the life sciences and the creation of the Van Andel Research Institute, the city has worked to create one of Michigan's largest life science clusters. "There has been a lot of commercial business opportunity in the life science industry, and there is a real wealth of life science work that is taking place," said Matt Dugener, executive director of West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative. The creation of the SmartZone program, which designates regions of technology research within the state and the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor, have made industry growth a priority for the initiative and economic development organizations in Grand Rapids. A SmartZone designation helps different regions capture tax dollars to put back into the life sciences and technology industry while encouraging the clustering of those resources, said Susan McCormick, spokeswoman for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Rice will send wrong message to seniors

I am writing this letter to express my sincere disapproval of President M. Peter McPherson's selection of Condoleezza Rice as the commencement speaker.

Suspect description should include race

This is a question to the editors of The State News. Since I graduated from MSU, I have kept in touch with what's happening on campus and around East Lansing.

Tada!: Coffee Can Ottoman

What is it exactly? It's a footrest made from a little fabric and a few tin coffee cans.

Business upset over neighbor's new liquor license

An East Lansing jewelry store might close its downtown location after 23 years in a move the owner says is related to a recent liquor-license approval by the City Council. David Ladd, owner of Earport, 301 M.A.C.

Production explores alternative, realistic endings to fairy tales

In most childhood fairy tales, the key phrase "happily ever after," ends each book and places a smile on the child's face.

Traveling exhibit makes its way to E.L.

A collection of African-American artifacts is on display this weekend in East Lansing, highlighting the harsher aspects of history - from the slave trade to the civil rights movement. The Middle Passage African American traveling exhibit, with more than 250 artifacts dating back centuries, has taken residence in the second floor of the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, through Sunday. Above glass displays filled with rusted iron shackles and ragged leather whips, the weary faces of freed slaves stare from the Reconstruction-period tin-type photographs. James Petty and his wife, Mary Anne, the owners of the exhibit, were busy finishing up the final touches on their display Wednesday afternoon - the same display that has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN and Black Entertainment Television. "We want to tell the truth," said Petty, adding that Americans, from the time they first learn about slavery in school, are given a sugarcoated version of African-American history.

Linebacker takes over family business

Thornhill, a name synonymous with MSU football. Throughout the program's history, three Thornhills - all related - have worn the Green and White at the linebacker position.

Workshop focuses on women's identity

Women looking to find balance in their lives will have an opportunity to examine personal power issues through a workshop today. The Women's Resource Center will sponsor "Creating the Life You Want," a program designed to address life-coaching skills and personal and professional empowerment for women.

BREAKING NEWS: Fire burns acre of dry land near Okemos store

Meridian Township police and firefighters responded to a fire near the corner of Park Lake and Grand River Avenue around 11:30 p.m.