COMMENTARY

Assessing e-books prepares MSU for future

Now, the university is performing an informational study that gauges how prepared students are for a potential switch to e-books and other digital courseware. It makes sense from an environmental standpoint to utilize advances in digital technology to reduce paper waste. Moneywise, it wouldn’t hurt to find an alternative to the fleecing students receive when they purchase course textbooks.

COMMENTARY

Repealing "don't ask, don't tell" is good for the U.S.

A recent compromise between lawmakers and the Department of Defense has put the U.S. one step closer to repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Good for us.

COMMENTARY

Legislation not the answer to K2

It never fails that the minute someone finds out a substance can get the populace high, somebody wants to ban it. Can’t we all just sit down and chill out?

COMMENTARY

New specialization a step toward MSU's future

In an atmosphere rife with tension over which programs are valuable and viable to the university in the future, MSU’s seemingly innocuous decision to add a sustainability specialization is the right choice for several reasons.

COMMENTARY

Media is affecting our body image

What’s a person to do when he or she is praised and simultaneously condemned for having a certain body type? Cassie Smith, a 20-year-old waitress at Hooters of America, Inc. in the Metro Detroit area, experienced that firsthand.

COMMENTARY

University should look at role of technology

As Academic Technology Services, or ATS, upgrades the computer labs around campus this summer, it will be investing in the university’s top commodity: Students.

COMMENTARY

Ban on smoking protects rights

The smoking ban is in full effect, y’all. As of May 1, Michigan residents no longer can smoke in public areas. The areas of importance include restaurants and bars, as well as patios where food is served. I’m not elated or pissed off about the ban, but I will say I enjoy having clothes that don’t smell of old cigarette smoke. The scent of stale alcohol and shame will do nicely, thank you.

COMMENTARY

City officials' approach to budget commendable

As the budget season gets underway, we would like to commend the city of East Lansing on the 2010-11 fiscal year budget. Although there is news of market rebounds and an economic turnaround, city officials took a conservative approach to deciding how to allocate funds. In this case their estimates take into account a multimillion dollar deficit and reduced revenue from the state and property taxes.

COMMENTARY

Michigan can't afford immigration duties

There are a lot of problems with Michigan, but State Rep. Kim Meltzer, R-Macomb Township, clearly has a different perspective on what ails Michigan.

COMMENTARY

Solutions to environmental problems will take time

The opinions in The State News as of late have focused on environmental inaction. Much of the discussion has been commentary about the use of coal at the T.B. Simon Power Plant. Earth Day turned 40 this year, and I agree with other writers that our national government seems to perpetually drag it’s feet when it comes to enacting comprehensive environmental change.

COMMENTARY

Creating a home away from home

This summer marks the first time I will spend the months of May, June, July and August outside the warmth of Grand Rapids — the city I have called home for more than 20 years. Last summer I did manage to make it back to East Lansing to pal it up with some buddies, but for the majority of the time I bummed around the house and made sure my mother was adequately displeased with my doings.

COMMENTARY

Investment in commuter rail will benefit Michigan

For the better part of the last century, Michigan has been synonymous with cars. It is home to the Big Three — Ford, General Motors and Chrysler — and the “Motor City” of Detroit. At least, it was. The state is at a crossroads after the implosion of the auto industry and the loss of a sizeable chunk of manufacturing jobs. We are facing an identity crisis. Case in point: There are already tax incentives meant to make the state a “Hollywood-lite.”

COMMENTARY

Summer is a time for you to opine

Summer is here and it seems we can look forward to three and a half months of mild weather before unreasonably hot and humid temperatures arrive just in time for football two-a-days.

COMMENTARY

Recommendations don't reflect political reality

It is nice to see education moving to the forefront of debate in Michigan. At this point, residents have become accustomed to lawmakers seemingly doing everything except making laws.

COMMENTARY

Regrets don't spoil time at MSU

It felt odd to walk out of the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on Thursday after the final class of my undergraduate career. Like most graduating seniors, I was relieved to be done, and felt a bit of sadness as well. But another emotion crept in: regret. I wondered if I really made the most of my time in that building, or in my entire time at MSU. And with graduation one week away, I’m realizing that, yes, I have a few regrets.

COMMENTARY

Planned faculty brick demolition wasteful, not 'Spartan green'

I have worked on the campus of MSU for 13 years and have been impressed by leadership’s efforts at research, teaching, recycling and building rehabilitation that support a green and sustainable campus. I have appreciated being invited to participate in making these efforts successful and my own behaviors have been altered significantly over the past decade.

COMMENTARY

Offering up suggestions for a better tomorrow

This school year has been one to remember, but with a few tweaks, the 2010-11 academic year can be even better. Here are The State News Editorial Board’s suggestions — for a few select groups — to help make MSU students’ lives just a little bit better.

COMMENTARY

Many lessons to be learned at MSU

In my four years at MSU, I’ve learned a lot of things, most of which came outside the classroom. So many things, in fact, that I don’t even have time for transitions in this piece! So without further ado, everything I’ve learned since arriving in East Lansing as a naive 17-year-old:

COMMENTARY

Emergency fund benefits students, university

For nearly 50 students affected by fires in East Lansing and Lansing, the nightmare scenario of having their home and personal belongings destroyed is a reality.

COMMENTARY

Use smart studying methods for finals

Although they often have only minor side effects, the casual use of the drugs for studying can turn into an abusive addiction with dangerous side effects likened to those of cocaine. Yes, the drugs potentially can help you get ahead in terms of grades, but is using them and staying up all night really worth it?