Afghans relocate to Lansing to find home

Lansing - Growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan, where she worked as an English teacher in an Afghan university, Helai Mahmood was close to her sister and two brothers. But that was before the country was taken over by the Taliban - who killed her older brother and closed her school. “I remember it was once beautiful,” she said as her eyes took on a faraway look. Helai says she will never go back - her homeland is not safe anymore. Six years ago, she fled to Pakistan with her family, but - like many refugees who are forced to leave their homes because of war, famine or oppression - it took years for the Mahmoods to be resettled to a permanent home. In February, Helai and six members of her family were relocated to Lansing, joining some of the nearly 140 Afghan refugees who now live in the area. But getting to the safety of a new, permanent home only is one of many steps refugees take to rebuild their lives. Escaping the camps After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in the mid-1990s, the Mahmood family fled to Pakistan, resettling in the city of Peshawar.

Aja stinks with Before the Beginning

The cliché “never judge a book by its cover” fits this record to a tee. At first glance, the misperception is that this is another trend artist trudging through the well-established footprints of “neo-soul-soothing-goodness.” Nope. Actually, Aja mingles with the “I want to be Alanis Morissette” crowd - and poorly at that.

Good move

While it sometimes can seem only bad things can come from bad situations, former Lansing Councilmember Louis Adado did a good thing Monday night by resigning from his leadership position.Adado’s decision came on the heels of accusations from two city council staff members, who claim he sexually harassed them.

Portable is strong no-nonsense rock

Portable isn’t exactly the next best thing for rock ’n’ roll - but that doesn’t stop it from putting together a great record. This is no-nonsense rock with a strong backbone.

Economics professors to discuss importing

The MSU’s Department of Economics will present a roundtable discussion today to discuss the steel import restrictions. The event will take place at 8 p.m.

Professors obscenity suit thrown out

Although a Macomb Community College professor’s lawsuit was thrown out by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on March 29 after he was suspended for using obscenities in class, some say it won’t have much impact on classroom conduct around the state. John Bonnell, a professor of Western literature and English composition at the community college, was suspended in November 1998 after a female student complained she felt sexually harassed by language he used in class. “It’s a dark day,” Bonnell said.

Increased parking rate plan faces resistance

A plan to increase city parking rates by more than 14 percent met opposition from East Lansing City Council members Tuesday night.Council members discussed the plan, part of the city’s 2002-03 budget proposal, at their work session.

T-shirts prompt greek action

An MSU fraternity faces a greek system hearing today in the system’s first charge regarding its anti-discrimination policy, after some members wore specially made shirts last week mocking gay men while at the Mason and Abbot halls cafeterias. Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s case could yield the system’s first suspension in the past 15 years. Witnesses said several members of the fraternity wore pink, sleeveless T-shirts to the cafeterias April 1 and April 2 that had phrases such as “I like little boys,” “Capt.

Big Trouble provides talented cast

Seven or eight months ago, the movie “Big Trouble” was really no big deal. An ensemble comedy with a bomb as its centerpiece, it was just a harmless movie adapted from a novel by middle-of-the-road humorist and newspaper columnist Dave Barry. Of course, with what happened in September, suddenly putting a bomb on a plane and making a joke was about as funny as farting at a funeral ceremony.

Spartans join U.S. national team

The red, white and blue of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team added a little green and white for its upcoming exhibition season. Former Spartan outside hitter Erin Hartley and assistant coach Todd Dagenais will represent America on April 18-20 as the national team begins the exhibition season with three games against China’s Tianjin. “Ever since I was little I wanted to play for the U.S.

RES deserves recognition for How I Do

by MARK HICKS For The State News RES is not a typical artist. A genre-crossing talent, RES (pronounced Reese) has produced a bold, daring, but pleasing first effort with “How I Do,” a record that has been overlooked by critics since its release last year. This album proves she deserves some mainstream recognition. She refuses to conform to one genre, blending hip-hop, soul, R&B, folk, organic pop, rock, drum ’n’ bass and electronica to create an adventurous, unique and refreshing sound miles above any typical R&B record - if it can be categorized as that. The disc opens with the lounge-y, drum ’n’ bass-styled “Golden Boys,” a social commentary of sorts in which RES admonishes the illusions created by “a prince in all of the magazines.” The orchestra-like instrumentals fuse with her fierce vocals to create an atmospheric, innovative cut that will leave listeners entranced. The best song is “They-Say Vision,” a pure pop/rock masterpiece awash with moody, sonorous guitars and infectious, thought-provoking hooks.

Bon Appétit

By MATT WHETSTONE For The State News Sparty burst onto the scene in classic fashion, accompanied by the MSU Fight Song and the roar of the masses. But Saturday night, the mass consisted of 256 alumni and guests, 120 students and 12 chefs from all over the state who gathered to celebrate a milestone - the 75th anniversary of The School of Hospitality Business. The event focused on the school’s history and accomplishments.

Police briefs 04/10/02

Judd obnoxious in empty, B-class High Crimes

Man, where to begin? I have so much bile to spew forth regarding the new Ashley Judd vehicle, “High Crimes,” that it may all come out as one long sentence, full of hate and rage for all the time I wasted watching this stinker. It’s a Lifetime movie with a bigger budget.

Lansing group to clean up 3 brownfield sites in summer

There’s not much room left in Lansing.But the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is looking to alleviate the problem this summer.The 5-year-old agency is getting ready for the development of several brownfield sites.Brownfields are contaminated sites redeveloped by businesses as a way to reduce urban sprawl and excess growth.“It results in additional tax value,” said Tracy Carney-Miller, development specialist for the city’s Economic Development Corp.

Lugnuts host doubleheader at Oldsmobile

The Lansing Lugnuts are hoping that even a solid rainfall and 24 hours won’t extinguish their red-hot bats when they continue their series versus West Michigan tonight. After rain forced the two teams to cancel Monday’s game, the Whitecaps (2-2) and Lugnuts (3-1) will play a doubleheader with game one beginning at 6:05 p.m. A 10-run first inning propelled Lansing to a 12-3 win over the Whitecaps on Sunday.

Something has to be done in Middle East

I have read Rishi Kundi’s columns for the past year and every time I am amazed by his ability to offer insight into current events while twisting in a little humor so it is accessible to all who read.

Study shows high level of male teachers

Although statistics released Monday report children in Michigan are more likely to be taught by a male teacher than in any other state, those teachers are not necessarily coming from MSU. The National Education Association reported Monday that 37.4 percent of teachers in Michigan are males - Kansas is second with 33.9 percent. Cassandra Book, associate dean for the College of Education, said 10 percent of the students pursing elementary education degrees at MSU and 33 percent pursing secondary education are male. “When people choose to teach at the secondary level, it is because it’s in their deep interest in the subject area,” she said.

Minority enrollment numbers up at U

The number of minority students applying, being admitted and enrolling at MSU increased in 2001 according to new data from the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring.

Facilities may see repairs

MSU buildings could see as much as $55 million in repairs and upgrades if the Board of Trustees passes a resolution to pay for the changes Friday. Aging university facilities are in need of the updates, said Fred Poston, vice president for finance and operations. Poston said most buildings usually need repair after 50 years. “Since we had such a huge amount of growth in the 1950s and 1960s, that’s kind of the period we’re entering into,” he said.