New releases

It's about that time (it seems to happen about every two years - Madonna reinvents herself and releases a CD to promote it). "American Life," which makes the count over 10 studio albums, follows the 2000 release of "Music." Newer chart-topper 50 Cent is already catching on the trend of the quick release with his second major release of 2003, "50 Cent: The New Breed." The CD and DVD package looks to compete with his other releases' record-breaking numbers of 872,000 units moved in five days.The Flaming Lips release of "Fight Test" is the group's second-ever EP release since beginning its career in 1985.

Sophomore arraigned in connection to riots

Another person allegedly involved in the March 28-30 disturbances was arraigned Monday in 54-B District Court.Daniel Callton, a hospitality business sophomore, faces felony charges of rioting, malicious destruction of property and a misdemeanor charge of arson.Police believe Callton is partly responsible for damaging a 1996 Dodge Neon, which was parked outside the Auditorium on March 30.The felonies carry up to a five-year sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.

Steam triggers alarm

Civil engineering junior Brandon Kinter got an early wake-up call around 9 a.m. Monday, courtesy of the Shaw Hall fire alarm.The alarm system was activated when steam started leaking in the mechanical room."I'd rather have them working than not working," he said.

Scouts is intolerant to kick out Lambert

This letter is in response to Dave Jackson's letter to the editor "Scouts is openly Christian society," (SN 4/17). Jackson pointed out to us, "A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." It seems to me, just to avoid any more controversy, the scouts should also add "straight" and "Christian" to that long list of attributes.

Second forum planned to discuss war in Iraq

A forum to discuss the effects of the war on the United States and the reconstruction of Iraq is scheduled from 7-9 p.m.

Web site goes down, e-mailing interrupted

MSU's new e-mail system was inaccessible Sunday for unknown reasons. Users of the system who called the Computer Center for maintenance were greeted by a message saying employees were aware the Web site, located at

City council to consider harsher noise penalties

The East Lansing City Council plans to hear recommendations Tuesday to increase penalties for loud and unruly parties in the city. In a continuing effort to combat noise problems in the city, council members can move forward with considering a series of revised recommendations submitted by student, city groups and local commissions.

Public issue

At least he's consistent. That is about all that can be said for Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido, who convinced the Arabic satellite TV news channel al-Jazeera to relocate a town hall-style meeting about Iraq's future. The news channel had hoped to secure a public venue within the city with the largest U.S.

Police briefs 04/21/03

Manners have fallen by wayside

I know many of us have tried to take a closer look at our actions because of the happenings of the past months.

Police continue search for rioters

Police are still trying to identify about a dozen people they believe took part in last month's disturbances. But, officials say, that number could increase as officers continue searching for evidence implicating others into the ring that has grown with the help of about 85 tips. During the March 28-30 disturbances, unruly crowds caused more than $40,000 in damage to campus and the city. In the days following the riot, East Lansing and MSU police launched a Web site to post pictures and allow tipsters to e-mail information to aide in the investigation.

April album wrap-up: The Apparitions

The Apparitions are on a mission to make mental conditions a daily tradition. Seventies crack-head rock would be the best way to describe "Oxygen Think Tank." It is crack-head in that fun way, before the terrible life-debilitating addiction kicks in. The lyrics in the opener "Hospitality," are "day breaks/the sun wakes/valium and cornflakes/freeways/speed saves/stoplights and heatwaves." It's a word collage that paints an average morning for the portion of sunny America that still claims to be half-conscious. Working with mostly traditional rock elements, The Apparitions is an enigma in that it comes off sounding anything but traditional.

Grand Wazoo to reopen under a friend's watch

John Novak's first reaction was to turn down an offer to carry on a friend's record store, but on second thought the idea seemed to fit perfectly. Wazoo Records, 619 E.

Van Halen's impact, image just as vital as its pure rock sound

Van Halen's 1978 debut album was possibly the most influential release of its time. Guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen's self-taught, unparalleled style of tapping and ultra fast solos made "Van Halen" a classic with an instant impact on the future of hard rock music. The album single-handedly provoked an entire generation of zitty, preteen boys to pick up guitars and teach themselves the 101 of rock 'n' roll by playing along with "Runnin' with the Devil." In all fairness, the album also motivated the age of hard rock excess; which of course included loose women, rowdy lifestyles and lots of drugs.

Foolish fans

Demonstrating that alcohol and a team loss can be a dangerous combination, some baseball fans have once again proven their irresponsibility when it comes to alcohol consumption. On April 15 and 19, fans endangered the lives of players, umpires and other fans when they rushed onto U.S.

Autopsy fails to yield cause of student's death

The results of an autopsy performed on an MSU student found dead at his East Lansing apartment Sunday are inconclusive.East Lansing police Capt.

Nothing comes from war except death, destruction

As the heavier fighting and conflict in Iraq seem to be winding down, one message that I keep hearing over and over again from this country's administration to Middle Eastern countries and effectively the rest of the world is to learn from this war.

ASMSU creates new position

ASMSU officials are trying to bridge the gap between representatives and their constituents and have created a new position to help.MSU's undergraduate student government reworked its executive positions for the next academic year - eliminating its director and assistant director of public relations in exchange for a new director of digital media and graphic marketing and constituent activism."(Activism) is something we're going to stress to all the positions," Student Assembly Chairperson Missy Kushlak said.

April album wrap-up: Lizzie West

A bit further from the pop rock, girl-empowerment theme, Lizzie West triggers only the memory of 10,000 Maniacs' Natalie Merchant - almost exactly.

Sports briefs

Sluggers lose 3 of 4 games to Wolverines Despite winning the series-opener, the MSU baseball team still dropped three of four games against archrival Michigan this weekend. The Spartans (11-24 overall, 4-10 Big Ten) triumphed 12-3 behind a strong pitching effort by junior Bryan Gale on Friday night at Oldsmobile Park, 505 E.