Amtrak upgrades to high-speed rail system

In the first of what is hoped to be many upgrades in railroad tracks, Amtrak announced that 45 miles of its track in southwest Michigan was converted to a new high-speed rail system.The new track, laid between Kalamazoo and New Buffalo, runs along Amtrack’s Detroit to Chicago corridor.The upgrade, developed by Harmon Industries Inc. of Blue Springs, Mo., allows trains to surpass the previous limit of 79 mph set by the Federal Railroad Administration and reach 90 mph, said Jeff Baker, product manager for the system.“It combines an onboard computer on each one of the locomotives with information from the wayside signaling system,” he said.

Brotherhood of the Wolf scary and corny enough to entertain

Some people are scared of subtitles. When I went to the theater to see the new release “Brotherhood of the Wolf,” the woman who sold me my ticket made sure to warn me that it would require reading.

Fosse

Sultry bodies dancing with flared-out fingers dominates Wharton Center this week in the tribute musical “Fosse.” The musical’s run at Wharton began Tuesday and ends Sunday.

Sports briefs

Spartans lose recruit A hard-hitting linebacker from Ohio decided Wednesday that staying in the Buckeye State was his best choice. Bobby Carpenter will not be playing for the green and white next season - he’ll be playing for Ohio State University. The 6-foot-3, 235 pound linebacker from Lancaster High School picked the Buckeyes instead of MSU, Northwestern and North Carolina. “Location was a factor,” Carpenter said, whose family lives 30 miles from Columbus. Carpenter said getting a chance to see his three younger brothers compete was a factor, but family wasn’t the biggest reason. Carpenter made his decision Monday morning, but MSU remained a top candidate until that point. “They have a great program and a great coaching staff,” he said.

Spartans trounce Wolverines, 71-44

The MSU men’s basketball team gave head coach Tom Izzo the only thing he asked for on his 47th birthday - a win over rival Michigan. The Spartans (12-8 overall , 3-4 Big Ten) toppled U-M (8-10, 3-5) 71-44 Wednesday night at Breslin Center.

Whats happening?

Art • Barista Cafe, Case Hall: Exhibition, Friday through Feb. 28. The “Art on the Wall” program presents “A Celebration of African American Heritage - Art and Artifacts.” For more information, e-mail knightt@msu.edu. • Kresge Art Museum: CHARLA presentation featuring Anne Gilman, a visiting artist from New York, 3-4:30 p.m.

SPORTS UPDATE: Spartan win strengthens hold on rivalry; future remains uncertain

With its eighth-straight win over the Wolverines, the Spartans reaffirmed their dominance in the state’s age-old rivalry. MSU (12-8 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) has maintained a 23.6-point average margin of victory during the streak. On Wednesday, Michigan (8-10, 3-5) started strong, scoring the first five points, but MSU responded quickly with an 11-0 run to take control.

Professors, residents to discuss methods to rejuvenate economy

A day after a group of MSU professors and state representatives met to discuss urban issues in Michigan, a group of MSU professors and East Lansing residents will broaden the issue and ask how to turn around the U.S.

Fair offers information on studying overseas

Barb Dunlap returned from an MSU study abroad program 28 years ago, but she’s reliving the experience as her daughter prepares for her own.The East Lansing resident graduated from MSU in 1975, a year after studying abroad in England.“I absolutely loved the program,” she said.

ASMSU to vote on tax increase

A proposed $2-per-semester student tax increase likely will be voted on tonight at ASMSU’s joint Student Assembly and Academic Assembly meeting.All students can attend the undergraduate student government meeting to voice concerns at 6:30 p.m.

Even one word can change meaning

Matt Treadwell remarked that “the book known as the Bible... is not exempt from human error.” (“Biblical message found beyond wording,” SN 1/30) While I agree that sometimes mistakes are made in copying or translation, reading from a modern Torah scroll (the five books of Moses) in Hebrew is identical to reading from the Dead Sea Scrolls, even though there is a “publishing” gap of 2,000 years.

Subscription scam raises student awareness on consumer rights

Elizabeth Jenks got less than she bargained for when she subscribed to Cosmopolitan magazine through a charitable fund.In July 2001, the electrical engineering junior signed up for a two-year subscription to the fashion magazine.

Corrections director resigns, accepts CEO position

Gov. John Engler accepted the resignation of Michigan Department of Corrections Director Bill Martin on Wednesday.“Over the many years I’ve known him, Bill Martin has served the citizens of Michigan ably,” Engler said in a written statement.

Passport requests increase for break

Jodie Simons, a study abroad veteran, got her passport in time to leave for the United Kingdom.A decision that not only made her mass media trip to London easier, but also pleased her mother.“I held off probably until March,” the journalism junior said.

BREAKING NEWS: FDA grants BioPort go-ahead to begin shipping anthrax vaccine

Okemos - BioPort Corp. was approved by the Food and Drug Administration today to start shipping the anthrax vaccine.The FDA approved the pharmaceutical company’s Spokane, Wash.-based Hollister-Stier Laboratories to fill vials of the vaccine.The only FDA licensed producer of the vaccine, BioPort’s Lansing facility located at 3500 N.

Mail-order contact lens companies combat eye care legislation

Angela Brabant isn’t asking for much. She just wants the most convenient, fastest way to get a refill on her contact lens prescription.She turns to 1-800-CONTACTS and gets a refill within two to three days.“It doesn’t cost a lot less, but it’s a lot more convenient,” the family and child ecology junior said.

Center to hold winter events

The Woldumar Nature Center has several programs approaching geared toward family education.“Winterfest” will be held from 10 a.m.

Student strives to run successful record label

Kambiri Amadi isn’t the typical college student. He owns his own record label, has completed internships with some well-known record companies and is working with radio station WQHH (96.5-FM) in Lansing - this along with balancing a hectic class schedule and social life. “It was really difficult and I’m surprised I stuck with it,” the interdisciplinary studies and business senior said. Amadi had an internship with Warner Brothers Music Group in New York City during the spring and with Interscope Records in Detroit last fall. Sheree Bell is the associate director of marketing for Warner Brothers Music Group. “He has this passion for music and this willingness to want to learn and grow in this industry,” she said.

Police briefs 01/31/02

Enforcer commands respect

When Brian Maloney is on the ice, people take notice. And referees and opposing players have started to take extra notice. That’s because the 6-foot-1, 208-pound junior left wing has earned a reputation as one of the CCHA’s toughest enforcers. Maloney, 23, is the oldest and most-penalized player on the Spartans - the least-penalized team in the CCHA.