Summer living in E.L. isn't as bad as people make it seem

Before classes ended last semester, various people were asking me what my summer plans consisted of.

Fast and still furious

No Diesel is needed to fuel this sequel. After blowing his cover as a cop and letting hijacking kingpin Dom (Vin Diesel) skate in the first film, Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) kept his honor, but lost his badge. Now O'Connor has the chance to erase his record and redeem himself.

Street racing culture finds home near 'U'

Ryan Moreno playfully tapped his air ride suspension switches, his 2000 Pontiac Grand Am bouncing in the air in response."The controls play with the wheels, raising and lowering the car," said the 21-year-old Canton resident of the 12-switch controller.

Sword drawn in dispute

A student was arrested after drawing a 34-inch sword and threatening two people Tuesday night in an IM Sports-West gym. Engineering arts senior Giaphong Hoang drew a traditional Japanese sword with a 22-inch blade, called a katana, on two people who refused to give him a basketball back after they played a game.

Healthy, friendly pets sold to shelter

I saw your editorial on the current pound seizure controversy ("Pets in Peril," SN 5/29). I wonder if you got your script directly from Mark Grebner, a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners.

Jorgensen prepares for pros

Former MSU golfer Eric Jorgensen's golf career excelled on amateur golf courses, and now he hopes to continue his success on the professional circuit.Jorgensen's performance on the men's golf team earned him several recognitions - All-Big Ten Second-Team honor and being named to the Ping All-Midwest Regional Team for the second straight year to name a few - along with a load of confidence in his prospects as a pro."I was thinking about it before school ended," he said.

'U' apartments offer activities, social gatherings for residents

University Apartment residents looking for summer entertainment don't have to go far. The 2003 apartment summer program schedule has already begun, but several activities kick off June 9.Summer programs include:• Kids World allows children ages 5-12 to dabble in arts and crafts, science experiments and games from 1:30-3 p.m.

'Arc' decent change of pace

While fans of role playing games eagerly await the North American release of "Final Fantasy X-2" in early November, Sony seeks to quench their thirst with "Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits," a new role playing game coming out late this month. The game is the fourth and latest installment of the "Arc the Lad" series; the first three were only released in Japan. The story is pretty simple.

Spartan alumna not being treated well

After being steadfastly ignored by my alma mater for more than a quarter century, yesterday I received mail from the Office of Planned Giving seeking to remind me to include MSU in my will, despite any knowledge on their part of my impending demise.

Trustees approve 9.9-percent tuition increase

The university's 2003-04 budget was approved at the MSU Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, minus the support of three of its members.Trustees Colleen McNamara, Joel Ferguson and Dorothy Gonzales voted against budget guidelines imposing a 9.9-percent tuition increase, $31 million in university cuts and a 2-percent increase in faculty and staff salaries."I don't believe Michigan families can cope with this," McNamara said.

Pound problem?

Mason - The first time Penelope Tsernoglou walked through the front door of the Ingham County Animal Shelter she cried. "I was just devastated that there was a place like this in existence," said the East Lansing resident, who has been volunteering at the shelter for more than a year. But that has changed, she says. Tsernoglou and other volunteers say they have seen great improvements in the facility's cleanliness and care despite recent criticism from local animal activists who question the shelter's conditions and practices. Tsernoglou says there has been an increased attentiveness to messes and better medical attention to animals from a new veterinarian. "They have cleaned up a lot since they have been facing a lot of scrutiny from the media," she said. The quality of the shelter's facilities, though, remains in doubt with some community members, which caused the Ingham County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement committee to hold public discussion in May, allowing concerned citizens to voice complaints.

Police briefs 06/05/03

Local union upset, high school picks new construction team

Large white picket signs lined the sidewalk in front of the entrance to a construction site at East Lansing High School, 509 Burcham Drive, a mark of protest over work being done on the school.Members of the Ironworkers Local Union No.

Workouts change with seasons

Severe weather conditions in the winter and fall are major obstacles preventing Michigan residents from exercising during those seasons, a MSU professor says.Jim Pivarnik, professor of kinesiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation, analyzed a statewide study called the Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, or BRFSS, a 1996 survey of more than 5,000 Michigan residents.The survey focused on what Michiganians were doing to maintain their physical fitness.Pivarnik's findings were published in the June issue of the journal Medicine & Sciences in Sports & Exercises."Most people are fair weather exercisers," Pivarnik said.

Ramp closed at Trowbridge

The U.S. 127 northbound ramp at Trowbridge Road will be closed for construction until early August.In a joint effort with the city of East Lansing and the Michigan Department of Transportation, the road will be closed for traffic control while construction take places on the ramp and medians.

Strip system to ease license renewal lines

Customers seeking driver's license renewals might be spending less time at the Secretary of State.With the help of a new computer system and keyboards that are equipped with magnetic strip readers, driver's licenses with bar codes on them will automatically enter a person's license number, date of birth and expiration date into a computer instead of a worker manually typing in the same information.

Lower interest rates help save student dollars

Although interest rates have reached historic lows, university officials say MSU students will be seeing greater savings for the next academic year.On July 1, federal student loan interest rates are expected to drop from 4.06 to 3.42 percent.

'2 Fast, 2 Furious' rides might garner attention, but racing can cause injury

When "The Fast and the Furious" hit theaters in the summer of 2001, many Michigan residents were already adding flashy features to their vehicles, no matter the cost.

Former soldiers protest U.S. policy

By Azadeh Moaveni Los Angeles Times Baghdad, Iraq - Threatening suicide attacks against U.S.

Media monopoly

Eminem shouldn't be the only one complaining about the Federal Communications Commission. Everyone should be rapping about FCC's ridiculous decision to give media companies more power. The new resolution, which was voted on Monday, will allow companies to reach 45 percent of the country, whereas before they were limited to reach 35 percent.