Retreat doesn't show fiscal responsibility

It was with one eyebrow raised that I read your page one article "Board discusses how to deal with funding problem" (SN 8/11). I was struck by the irony of the trustees mulling over MSU's financial bind while on "retreat" at an exclusive resort in Bay Harbor. Before my drive through northern Michigan this weekend, I wouldn't have given it a second thought, but my first-hand glimpses of the area's yacht club, equestrian club, and golf courses made me wonder just how much this meeting cost the university.

Theater department kicks off year

The MSU Department of Theatre is on the scene again. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. today in the Arena Theatre, the department will kick off the year with its annual open house.

'Ex-gay' class ridiculous idea for people

What if I said I didn't want tax dollars to pay for a religious studies class at MSU on non-Christian religions, because that would support sinners who chose not to be Christian? It sure sounds ridiculous to me.

City Council bans outdoor sofas

The days of lounging outside on the sofa are over for East Lansing residents. On Aug. 19, city council members prohibited the use of upholstered furniture to be placed outside.

E.L. schools might delay start dates by 2 weeks

Summer isn't over yet for students in the East Lansing Public School District. Students, teachers and administrators were expected to return to classrooms today, but with construction continuing at East Lansing High School and MacDonald Middle School, school officials decided to delay the beginning of the school year by as much as two weeks. "We need safe and appropriate working conditions for the kids," East Lansing Superintendent Thomas Giblin said.

What if God told 1 of us what to do?

For months, I have been wondering about the hidden motivations for the preemptive attack on Iraq. Our addiction to Saudi oil and the opportunity to pull our troops from the "holy land" played a large and unspoken role.

Fine performances can't cover bad script in 'Range'

Cowboy flicks have been around since the first days of film. Sometimes they are a formula for success and sometimes it's just a shoot 'em up, cornball movie - and Hollywood's newest western "Open Range" seems to be a pretty good mixture of both. Beautifully shot with excellent performances and a script that could have been just an updated Roy Rogers' movie, Kevin Costner starred and directed in this mediocre western. The story follows Costner, Robert Duvall, Diego Luna and Abraham Benrubi who play free grazers, cowboys that roamed the prairies allowing their cattle to graze upon the open fields.

Rancid puts on new face

Rancid's latest album, "Indestructible," might not live up to its maximum potential, but it's a nice blend of the group's progression from all-out punk to having tinges of ska and folk. It also shows off the band's variety in songwriting on the 19-song, nearly 54-minute album. The Californian quartet sets the tone right from the start with the guitar-charged, punked-out title track.

State compiles list of blackout losses

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division has collected reports from local communities detailing costs incurred following the August blackout that hit eight states and areas in Canada. A final report of all losses will be presented to Gov.

Police briefs 08/25/03

Soccer complex adds walkways, seating

Improvements to the East Lansing Soccer Complex, 3001 Abbott Road, continue to develop with the help of a community-based fundraising drive.

'Freddy Vs. Jason' gory fun

When I was a kid, my older brother would rent the "Friday the 13th," and "A Nightmare on Elm St.," flicks, which I was forbidden to watch. That never stopped him from waking me up in the middle of the night and dragging me downstairs to watch them. I was scared of Jason, and today I still get a little shiver when I see him trudging around on screen.

How will the season begin

MSU football head coach John L. Smith isn't worried about naming starters less than a week before the season opener.

Area river safe after sewage leaks

Lansing area rivers are safe after more than 2 million gallons of raw sewage spewed into the Red Cedar River Aug.

Some rooms overbooked as students move in to 'U'

With her hair pulled back and arms wrapped around a Dell computer, Jessica Katz and two of her friends battled the warm Friday sunshine as they moved her belongings from her over-booked triple room in Abbot Hall into her new room in Mason Hall. While most incoming freshmen were adjusting to the stress and anxiety of moving into dorm rooms on campus, the no-preference freshman had to deal with it twice.

Spartans' hoop schedule features U-M twice

The national spotlight will be casting its light on the Spartan Men's Basketball team many times this season. The Big Ten released this year's conference schedule Tuesday, which includes eight nationally televised games for MSU. The 16-game stretch, which is sandwiched between byes at the beginning and the end of the season, will begin Jan.

Spikers impress coach in green and white scrimmage

The MSU volleyball team kicked off its 2003 season Saturday night with the annual Green and White exhibition match at Jenison Field House. "Tonight was our time to showcase what we've been working on all summer and all preseason," junior outside hitter Kim Schram said.

Celebration welcomes residents

A popcorn machine, Apples the clown , ice cream treats and kangaroo bags filled Spartan Village's pavilion Sunday afternoon to welcome new and returning residents to the complex.

'U' a no-show on Review list

MSU didn't make a showing on the 2004 Princeton Review's party list, after landing the number 12 spot last year. The New York-based organization surveyed 106,000 students at nearly 2,000 North American colleges to compile the data into the book, The Best 351 Colleges, 2004 Edition.

Groups offer student involvement

Hanging 20 feet in the air on a cliff side, Jeff Beachnau could see MSU's many student organizations below, each trying to draw interest to their groups. The English freshman was taking part in a rock climbing event at Saturday's Party at the Aud, an event that encouraged students to get involved in campus organizations. Beachnau said he was happy to participate in campus activities but was worried about classes starting. "This is a good chance to meet people and see what goes on in more than just the dorm," he said. Hundreds of students attended the event, which also offered candy, refreshments, ice cream, martial arts exhibits, basketball, rock climbing and fencing.