Michigan State University Blog - MSU Blog

Price That Tool Comparison Handyman Website

2010-03-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

www.PriceThatTool.com Launches with National Accolades

Over the past two or three years a new breed of website has sprung up, and these websites are designed to increase efficiently, reduce time consumption, and increase ease and convenience for consumers looking to get a good deal on a range of services and products.

The problem is that in order to "compare" prices across all internet retailers, across all product verticals is a breathtakingly complex job and there hasn't been a solution that works.

PriceThatTool has solved that problem by concentrating in a niche market, so that the visitor is delivered broad and accurate results in the tools, hardware and parts vertical.

In the past, those looking to get a good deal on their products and services often had to visit a wide range of website and collate the different information relating to price, benefits, and terms in order to determine which was the best deal for them, but PriceThatTool does most of the legwork for you, saving you time, inconvenience, and stress.

Sites like PriceThatTool.com are called "price comparison websites", and over recent years a number of these websites have sprung up.

Price comparison sites can be very effective in terms of saving you time and even money. These sites are very easy to use.

This saves you the trouble of having to hop from one website to another in order to get the best deal on a specific product or service.

Petazon Launches Price Comparison Engine and it's a Hit

2010-02-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

We couldn't contain ourselves when we saw the spartan dog polo on Petazon's price comparison - so we had to jump on the band wagon and blog about the new shopping comparison engine that has been the buzz of the blogs - as of late.

Pictured to the right is the Michigan State Spartans Logo Pet T-Shirt. On Petazon, you can find products like these and compare prices with similar or the same products to ensure you have the CUTEST and lowest price MSU ware for your pet or animal friend.

Petazon has a few other Spartan items listed:

Michigan State Spartans Official Dog Collar Bandana
Michigan State Spartans Premium Pet Football Jersey
........ and even a couple of our foe's gear:
Michigan Wolverines Logo Pet T-Shirt

So hop on the Petazon band wagon, and if you need anything for your pet, pond, garden or horse, make sure you stop in and compare prices before buying! http://www.petazon.com/price

Valentine Gifts for your MSU Spartan Fan

2010-01-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Find the Perfect MSU Gift for Valentines Day

Michigan State Spartans Michigan State Bridge 7/16 Pendant - 14KT Gold Jewelry

You often see shirts, caps and jackets that feature logos from your favorite collegiate and professional sports teams. Now you can add high quality jewelry products to the list!You will love the exciting collections available for each school and team! There are more than 300 universities and sports teams to choose from so you can build a collection that is perfect for you.Logo Art manufactures the broadest and most elegant collection of collegiate and sports licensed jewelry products ever. Most products are available in 14k gold and sterling silver.

To see a list of all Michigan State Spartans jewelry available, click here.

Show your Spartan spirit with the Michigan State University 3-piece head cover set. Quality construction and embroidered Michigan State University logos.

Made of durable nylon with expandable socks for maximum shaft protection. Three different sizes ensure a proper fit on your clubs, and the #1 headcover is designed to fit up to a 460cc driver.

Michigan Business Owners - Get Local in 2010

2010-01-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Your customers are searching for YOUR type of business, in your local area, using the Internet or their mobile devices.

All of the major search engines and local Internet directories are jumping on the bandwagon to become the YELLOW pages of the Internet and it's time that your business takes advantage of the fact that is currently an affordable way to market.

The Michigan Business Directory is partnering with SmartFinds Internet Marketing to help you navigate and exploit the "Local" aspect of online search for your small to medium size business. For under $400 (one-time fee) - they will:

Optimize your Michigan Business Directory listing for maximum exposure
Do the keyword research to optimize your new local online listings
Provide assistance to claim your local business listings
Upload your business information
Upload your Photos, Videos, Coupons and Offers
AND .. Google, Yahoo, Bing, Local.com, Yelp are included!

This is an affordable way to jumpstart your 2010 marketing - find out more about Professional Search Engine Local Listings for your business today!

SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO – “Research Before You Go!”

2010-01-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Spartans or other students thinking about going to Mexico this spring break, should research and be aware of what's going on and where.

Cancun is a fairly large city, approaching 500,000 inhabitants, with increasing reports of crime. Crimes against the person, such as rape, commonly but not exclusively occur at night or in the early morning hours, and often involve alcohol and the nightclub environment.

Therefore, it is important to travel in pairs or groups, be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions. To protect against property crimes, valuables should be left in a safe place or not brought at all. If you are a victim of a crime, immediately notify the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel or the U.S. Consulate in Merida at the telephone numbers provided below.

If you rent a moped or other vehicle in Cancun, it is advisable to purchase third-party insurance, as the insurance offered on some credit cards will not cover you in Mexico. Should you have an accident or cause damage to the vehicle, you may be required to pay the full amount of any repairs, in cash, as determined by the rental agency, or face arrest.

In Cancun, there is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to Club Med. Already this season, several U.S. citizens have drowned when overwhelmed by ocean conditions.

In Cozumel, several drownings and near-drownings have been reported on the east coast, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area.

In case of a serious emergency, travelers should immediately contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000.

You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Merry Christmas from MSUBLog.com

2009-12-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

The staff at MSUBlog.com wishes you a very, Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.
May the season bring you happiness and

warmth as you visit with family, pets and friends -

while enjoying conversation and laughter.

Merry Christmas!

Recycled GREEN and WHITE Bird House

2009-12-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Recycled Plastic Lumber Hanging Birdhouse by Vari-Crafts is an attractive bird house made from recycled plastic milk jugs and is in our favorite colors! - GREEN and White. Great for the Spartan on your Christmas list that loves wild bird watching and nature.

Use coupon: freeship to save on orders > $60.

This fully functional bird house is designed to attract Wrens and Chickadees. Roof is removable for easy cleaning. Hole diameter is 1 1/4 inch.

These recycled plastic bird houses are made from milk jugs to create an eco-friendly, green backyard habitat. We love them! They last for years, are strong, durable, weather resistant and very easy to clean.

You can even wipe them down with a light bleach solution if needed, and we are all about clean bird feeding stations for good songbird health.

They are our bird watchers best pick.

Happy Thanksgiving - A Few Black Friday Deals

2009-11-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

For the wild bird enthusiast on your list - visit http://www.rachelsrobin.com/ for great deals, beautiful bird feeders and bird baths, seed, Christmas Tree Ornaments (for outdoor trees) and a slew of other great gifts.

Use coupon: freeship and checkout with Google Checkout to save a minimum of $20 on orders > $100 (a hidden secret that you can "double dip")

----------------------------------------------

For the animal lover on your list visit http://www.grpet.com/ to find over 20,000 products for pets, fish, ponds and more.

They also have the hidden "freeship" deal that you can combine with Google checkout - but they also have quantity percent off discounts. They call it "Triple-dip" and it is really a steal. Stock up on stylish dog collars, find Grandma a new outfit for her pooch and save big.

Here are a few more that take the "freeship" coupon:

http://www.backyardstyle.com/

http://www.farmgeneral.com/ (can't find the details on the website .. but it worked!)

Get Started on Holiday Shopping with FarmGeneral's "Double Dip- Free Ship"

2009-11-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

"Double Dip- Free Ship" Launches on November 9, 2009 at FarmGeneral.com

With consumer confidence at a two-year low, shoppers are looking for deals. For online shoppers, that's especially true.

Farm General Store at http://www.farmgeneral.com/ is doing it's share to build customer confidence. Dubbed the "Double Dip / Free Ship" deal, Farm General is offering free shipping on it's inventory of over 20,000 products, in addition to it's already discounted prices.

FarmGeneral launched earlier this year in a tough economy and is growing stronger and faster than expected. The store specializes in products for farm, home and pet. Popular brands found at the FarmGeneral website include 3M, Manna Pro, Tingley Rubber and Bogs work shoes.

Farm General features excellent customer service run by experienced professionals. Parent company - GregRobert Enterprises has extensive experience and an excellent reputation for ensuring customer satisfaction. This is contributing to the fantastic reviews that FarmGeneral has received thus far.

Use coupon: freeship when checking out at FarmGeneral.com and "Double-Dip" on the savings.

Michigan State Spartans 13 / Iowa 9 with less than a minute to go

2009-10-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Kirk Cousins completes a 30-yard touchdown pass to Blair White. Extra point is good. MSU leads 13-9

Stanzi throws a 7-yard pass to Marvin McNutt on the final play of the game to give Iowa the win 15-13.

MSU linebacker Adam Decker gets a rush on third downs

2009-09-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

Michigan State might have the edge to make more third-down stops this season.

Against Montana State, the Spartans unveiled a new third-down package showcasing a different role for senior linebacker Adam Decker.

Instead of standing, Decker set up in a three-point stance on the line of scrimmage to enhance a unit that intends to bring more pressure.

"Maybe that will be my little specialty," Decker said of being an edge rusher. "It's a chance I look forward to."

Decker, a Rochester Hills native, had to adapt to several changes in the offseason because of what appears to be modifications to an increasingly deep roster.

After eight starts at middle linebacker in 2008, the product of Birmingham Brother Rice now is a backup to Greg Jones.

Jones' move back to the middle and the consistency of Eric Gordon and Brandon Denson outside are reasons coaches experimented with Decker in a new stance during preseason practice. Decker apparently generated enough production to earn the task.

"He can give us speed off the edge in a spot that maybe we were deficient," defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said.

MSU's lack of getting to the quarterback on blitzes was an issue last season: Its 26 sacks were the lowest total since back-to-back 16-sack seasons in 2005-06.

Decker couldn't help but laugh after a preseason practice when asked about how his improved quickness could help the Spartans.

Throughout Decker's career, he's received fewer snaps against spread offenses.
Asked if he now has 4.3-speed, Decker joked: "30-yard dash."

It isn't difficult for Decker to remain humble, despite being immortalized in Spartan lore for his fourth-and-inches stop of Iowa's Shonn Greene last season.

The highlight was used prevalently this summer in Lansing-area TV advertisements for MSU's season-ticket packages.

Decker likes to remind everyone Iowa didn't disappear from the schedule.

"We gotta beat them again," Decker said. "That play has to be put to rest."

FarmGeneral.com Launched with National Accolades

2009-08-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

Nicayla Enterprises, Inc., a leading e-commerce design, development and managed services provider, today announced the launch of a new web site for GregRobert Enterprises. The new site, http://www.farmgeneral.com/, GregRobert's sixth e-commerce initiative, allows agricultural customers and farm owners to shop the retail's large inventory in a safe and secure online environment. Discounting prices have been established for fencing, livestock and pest control products.

GregRobert is celebrating the launch with an exclusive coupon: Save $10 on orders >$100. Use coupon code: farmgen Expires 09/17/09.

The Web site is part of a comprehensive e-commerce effort that began with a strategic consulting engagement and includes the development and integration of a new customer communication system that encompasses pre and post order customer communications."We're pleased that GregRobert, a well-known retailer in Michigan, chose us to help launch their unique online shopping experience across the nation," said Mary Joyce, president and chief executive officer of Nicayla, Inc. "The new site is built with customer-focused features that are interactive, easy-to-use and reflect GregRobert's brand personality."Innovative site features include a shopping cart that can be viewed at all times without leaving the page.

Of special interest is the "Product Refinement" module which allows GregRobert's visitors the ability to pinpoint the product or products that they are interested in without lengthy page loads.The new features make it easy for GregRobert to manage content, showcase products and deliver an engaging experience for shoppers without clicking through multiple pages.

Like all GregRobert's sites, FarmGeneral.com features robust content management, easy-to-use promotional tools, targeted and personalized merchandising capabilities, and advanced site search."The new site delivers an online shopping experience that will surprise and delight our customers, just in time for harvest," said Carol Kalvelage, Director of E-Marketing for GregRobert. "The synergies of our business partnerships with Nicayla, will position us well for continued growth of our e-commerce business."In addition to the design and development of the site, Nicayla will host the site and provide enhancements on an on-going basis.

About GregRobert Enterprises, LLC
GregRobert has been in the online retailing business since 2001, and has evolved as an industry leader in providing discounted products in the pet, lawn and garden, equine and wildlife verticals. They offer PCI compliant shopping in a secure, easy to use environment. Visit GregRobert at http://www.grpet.com/.

About Nicayla Enterprises, Inc.
Nicayla Enterprises, Inc. specializes in developing interactive web applications geared towards online customer relationship management. Visit Nicayla’s website at http://www.nicayla.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mary Joyce
Nicayla Enterprises, Inc.
248.242.7231
mej@nicayla.com

GregRobert Pet Supplies on Facebook!

2009-08-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

GregRobert Pet Supplies on Facebook

MSU Study helps Arthritic Dogs

2009-07-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Arthritis sufferers long have sworn on the mysterious healing power of Michigan's tart cherries. The swollen fingers, the aching knees, the arthritis pains -- all minimized, thanks to the magic potion in cherries. Now pets can have this relief also.

Recently, scientific research proved these claims of relief from cherries.

Michigan State University studies have confirmed that the compounds that give tart cherries their bright red shade also relieve pain. The compounds also are rich in antioxidants, which slow the body's natural process of deterioration, MSU and other scientific studies show.

Eight years of ongoing study for MSU researchers show that tart cherries have an anti-inflammatory property called anthocyanin.

In addition, the antioxidants cherries contain are ten times more active than those in vitamin C.

Overby Farm worked closely with MSU university experts and practicing veterinarians in capturing these healthy benefits for our companion animals - in particular cats and dogs.

Research at Michigan State University’s Bioactive Natural Products and Phytoceuticals Laboratory identified that the natural enzymes and antioxidant compounds in cherries may help relieve discomfort and inflammation associated with normal daily exercise and activity.

Hip Bones have captured all of this research to an effective and natural way to relieve a dog's pain. (see picture above)

Use coupon: dogdays to save $7.00 on all orders > $100 at GregRobert Pet Supplies

Top 20 Universities and How to get Scholarship Money

2009-07-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

For a list of College Scholarships for schools below - visit FAST WEB College Scholarship search

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,173 Total enrollment:
19,257 Fall Acceptance rate: 9.2 % .

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $34,290 Total enrollment:
7,334 Fall Acceptance rate: 9.7 %

Yale University
New Haven, CT
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $35,300 Total enrollment:
11,454 Fall Acceptance rate: 9.9 %

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,390 Total enrollment:
10,220 Fall Acceptance rate: 12.5 %

Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,030 Total enrollment:
19,782 Fall Acceptance rate: 10.3 %

California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $34,437 Total enrollment:
2,133 Fall Acceptance rate: 16.9 %

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,526 Total enrollment:
18,916 Fall Acceptance rate: 16.0 %

Columbia University
New York, NY
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $39,326 Total enrollment:
22,655 Fall Acceptance rate: 10.6 %

Duke University
Durham, NC
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,525 Total enrollment:
13,598 Fall Acceptance rate: 23.0 %

University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,632 Total enrollment:
12,336 Fall Acceptance rate: 34.7 %

Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,915 Total enrollment:
5,849 Fall Acceptance rate: 15.3 %

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,125 Total enrollment:
18,028 Fall Acceptance rate: 26.8 %

Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,248 Total enrollment:
13,382 Fall Acceptance rate: 17.3 %

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,504 Total enrollment:
19,800 Fall Acceptance rate: 21.4 %

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,700 Total enrollment:
19,737 Fall Acceptance rate: 24.3 %

Brown University
Providence, RI
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,718 Total enrollment:
8,167 Fall Acceptance rate: 14.0 %

Rice University
Houston, TX
Score 80 Tier 1
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $28,996 Total enrollment:
5,243 Fall Acceptance rate: 25.1 %

Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,336 Total enrollment:
12,570 Fall Acceptance rate: 27.2 %

University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $36,847 Total enrollment:
11,733 Fall Acceptance rate: 24.5 %

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Costs:
2008-2009 Tuition and Fees: $37,005 Total enrollment:
11,847 Fall Acceptance rate: 32.8 %

MSU medical students serve as high school mentors

2009-06-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

EAST LANSING, Mich. — About 40 students from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine are helping Lansing high school freshmen learn academic and life skills as part of the college’s START program, which soon will expand both in Lansing and to Southeast Michigan.

The Lansing Eastern High School program, which stands for Striving Toward a Reachable Target, culminates May 29 with a barbecue and year-end ceremony at the high school starting at 2:30 p.m.

“The START program is a perfect example of the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s commitment to voluntarism and the community,” Dean William D. Strampel said. “Despite the time constraints and rigors of medical school, our students are actively making a difference in many venues, and they’re learning skills, such as cultural competency, that will make them better physicians.”

As part of the program, the more than 40 freshmen from Lansing Eastern took part in twice-a-month study tables that promote productive and lasting study habits for use in high school and college. At separate monthly meetings, the osteopathic students talk with the freshmen about solutions to personal issues that may be affecting their school work.

“The START program is unlike anything that has been tried before at Eastern High School,” said Pierre Balthazar, a guidance counselor at the high school. “Its phenomenal success can only be credited to the commitment and leadership of the medical students themselves and the leadership at the college.

“The program’s impact at Eastern High School will be felt for years to come.”

As role models, the osteopathic students also shared their own visions of becoming physicians and the attributes and skills to make that success possible. Of the high school students who took part, some had recently immigrated to the Lansing area and did not speak English.

The college is looking to expand the program at Lansing Eastern for next fall, with several of the mentors staying on although they will be entering clinical rotations as third-year students.

Also in fall, with the expansion in Southeast Michigan to sites at the Macomb University Center and Detroit Medical Center over the summer, the college is looking to develop relationships with area high schools so the START program can be implemented in those areas beginning in 2010.

Scholarships, Financial Aid and Tuition Aid - MSU

2009-05-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

For more than 10 years, FastWeb has been the trusted online leading source for Michigan college scholarships, Michigan grants and Michigan financial aid assistance.

Currently, over 34 million high school and college students (many in Michigan) are using FastWeb to help find money for Michigan advanced education.

Free Michigan Scholarship Search: As one of the most complete sources of local Michigan, national and college specific scholarships, FastWeb lists more than 1.3 Million Scholarships worth over $3 Billion.

Personal Matched Scholarships: FastWeb is the only online scholarships database that uses your personal skills, interests and background to best match relevant scholarship awards and opportunities.

Explore Colleges, Majors and Careers: Start comparing colleges and schools side-by-side on key criteria such as tuition costs, majors, student life activities and more. Plus, FastWeb provides access to the latest articles and blogs on financial aid, admissions and college prep test tips.

Find Part-Time Jobs and Internships: Realizing that today's college students need real-world experience prior to leaving college, FastWeb developed the first internship and part-time job database based solely on your major, location and year in school.

Our Privacy Guarantee: The information you provide to us is used only for matching content and listings within our website, and is never used for any other purpose without your express consent. All sensitive information is secured using industry standard technologies.

MSU 2009 Football Tickets On Sale

2009-05-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Spartan Stadium will enter its 86th season as home to Michigan State football in 2009.

Since its opening in 1923, Michigan State has won nearly 69 percent of its games played in Spartan Stadium.

MSU SPARTANS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

09/05/09 vs. Montana State East Lansing, Mich. TBA
09/12/09 vs. Central Michigan East Lansing, Mich. TBA
09/19/09 at Notre Dame Notre Dame, Ind. 3:30 p.m. ET
09/26/09 at Wisconsin Madison, Wis. TBA
10/03/09 vs. Michigan East Lansing, Mich. TBA
10/10/09 at Illinois * Champaign, Ill. TBA
10/17/09 vs. Northwestern * East Lansing, Mich. TBA
10/24/09 vs. Iowa East Lansing, Mich. 7:00 p.m. ET
10/31/09 at Minnesota Minneapolis, Minn. 8:00 p.m. ET
11/07/09 vs. Western Michigan East Lansing, Mich. TBA
11/14/09 at Purdue West Lafayette, Ind. TBA
11/21/09 vs. Penn State East Lansing, Mich. TBA

All persons, including children of all ages, must have a ticket for admission to Spartan Stadium. Re-entry is prohibited at Spartan Stadium. Once you exit the stadium, you may not re-enter. Gates open 1 1/2 hours prior to the scheduled game time. The Tower, for access to the suites and LaSalle Bank Club will open two hours before the game.

Michigan State University - No Handshakes with Diplomas due to SWINE FLU

2009-05-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Michigan State University students getting their diplomas this week may not get the handshake that typically goes with it.

Fears of spreading the swine flu, or H1N1, MSU enacted a no handshake policy.

"In light of the recent H1N1 flu (swine flu) outbreak, MSU wants your help in keeping your fellow Spartans and guests safe during this busy week on campus. At this time MSU's health professionals advise that all classes, commencement activities and business operations continue as scheduled. However, they do recommend taking one simple but prudent preventative measure--avoid shaking hands."

MSU has been actively preparing for the potential of a pandemic for a number of years. As more cases of swine flu are expected both globally and in the United States, MSU will continue to monitor the situation and make any scheduling and/or policy changes as needed.

At this time, there have been no changes to university operations or activities as a result of the outbreak.

All MSU faculty, students and staff are encouraged to always be vigilant about their health:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (then throw out the tissue).
Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you have a fever along with other symptoms, please call your medical provider to determine whether you should be tested for flu.
If you do have the flu, please stay home to avoid infecting others.

MSU / swine flu outbreak.

Swine Flu Outbreak in Mexico Cancels MSU Study Abroad

2009-04-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

MSU has canceled its current study abroad programs in Mexico because of the swine flu scare.

A university spokesman said today the decision affects four students.

One is already in Texas and the university is working on arrangements to get the other three students back to their homes in the United States. The classes already had been suspended in Mexico by local officials.

No decision has been made on the status of Michigan State’s summer study abroad programs in Mexico.

Swine flu is a type of virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get.

People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people. Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

A second probable case of swine flu in Michigan has been reported out of Ottawa County.
The state health lab confirmed a 34-year-old woman who was in a Kent County hospital has possible swine flu. The tests will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The first case involves a woman in Livingston County, whose test results were sent to CDC Monday for confirmation.
Both women are recovering at home.

VOIP for Small Business - Lowering your phone costs

2009-04-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

A free and useful comparison guide by VOIP-News if you own a small to medium size business and are interested in finding out more about Voice over Internet Protocal to lower your operating costs.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a relatively new technology that allows your employees to make phone calls (voice) using a broadband Internet connection. Prior to the last few years, voice calls were made using a regular (or analog) phone line.

Some VoIP services allow you to call other people using the same service for free or little cost. Other VOIP services allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number for little cost. The cost of local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers varies greatly between services - which makes this FREE VOIP Service comparison chart so useful.

Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone and other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to VoIP adapter technology.

If you prefer to do all the research yourself (rather than using the handy chart) - here is a list of VOIP services that we know of that work with small to mid-size businesses in Michigan.

Lingo VoIP - Internet Phone Service (Go Talk) One phone number for all your phones - calls reach you anywhere, every time
Packet8 Voice over Internet Protocol - VOIP
Skype - Free Calls over the Internet
JoiPhone Advanced VOIP Phone Services
VIATalk Broadband Phone - VOIP - ViaTalk has a comprehensive list of features like vacation calling, forwarding, do not disturb, conference calling.
Vonage Broadband Telephone - VOIP
AT&T U-verse - VOIP, Advanced TV and Internet - Worth mentioning although primarily residential. Unbelievable packages and technology now available in Michigan.
Net2Phone VoIP Voiceline Services
VoIP Your Life Internet Phone Service
RingCentral Business Phone, Fax & VOIP
Classic Phone Tools - Use your PC as a Phone - This is a package by Avanquest that allows a DIY VOIP over your existing broadband system.
Skype for Business

Happy Easter to all the Sparty Fans!

2009-04-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Celebrate MSU's Basketball Success this Spring!

A couple Sparty deals at CBS Sports this week:

The Michigan State Spartans 1 liter Thermal Vacuum Bottle from Bergamot is made of high-quality stainless steel and has lid that twists off, so it is easy to fill up or clean out. This officially licensed thermal vacuum bottle is designed to keep liquids hot or cold, and includes a convenient carry handle and strap for easy traveling. The fine pewter applique that is decorated in the team colors is proudly displayed on the front.

Sports Coverage Michigan State Spartans Valance Put the finishing touches on your favorite room with the Sports Coverage valance, showcasing a team-color design with a screen-printed team logo.

- Michigan State Spartans Bedding
- Michigan State Spartans Clocks
- Michigan State Spartans Garden Furnishings
- Michigan State Spartans Home Decor

and a whole lot more - use the links on this page to get the discounts and coupons for CBS Sports

Michigan State Beats No. 1 Seed Louisville to Reach Final Four

2009-03-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Get Final Four tickets here and don't forget to check at Stub Hub for MSU / Uconn tickets

The Spartans gave the Final Four a hometown feel, stopping overall No. 1 seed Louisville 64-52 Sunday to win the Midwest Regional.

Goran Suton had 19 points and 10 rebounds as the second-seeded Spartans (30-6) reached their fifth Final Four in 11 years — the most trips of any team in the nation during that span.
Only 90 miles from their campus in East Lansing, the Spartans will play Connecticut on Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit.

A crowd of 72,000, the largest ever for college basketball's signature event, is expected for each game.

The Cardinals allowed Michigan State to dictate the pace with their deliberate half-court style, and Louisville's vaunted pressure defense produced no fastbreak points.
Instead, Michigan State relied on its physical style and finally broke the Cardinals.
After going 28 minutes without either team taking more than a three-point lead, the Cardinals broke down.
Louisville came back from a 30-27 halftime deficit to take a 34-32 lead with 15:33 to go.
But the Spartans answered with the first big run of the day, outscoring Louisville 9-2 over a two-minute span for a 41-36 lead.

The Spartans were just getting started.

Michigan State took advantage of the Cardinals poor free-throw shooting to go on a 17-7 run that made it 58-43 with 5:50 to go.

That forced Louisville to rush its offense into bad shots, and with Louisville's rebounders out of position, Michigan State dominated.

The Cardinals made only one basket in the last 5:18 and shot just 38.3 percent from the field

Spartans rout Colonials, prepare for Trojans

2009-03-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

No. 2 Michigan State defeated Robert Morris on Friday night 77-62 ...

and will advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament’s Midwest bracket to face No. 10 Southern Cal Sunday night at 5:00 PM on CBS.

Michigan State will play No. 10 Southern California (22-12) in Sunday's 5 p.m. second-round game (CBS). The Trojans defeated No. 7 Boston College, 72-55.

"I have to say I was pleased with a lot of that game," said MSU coach Tom Izzo. "Our rebounding was phenomenal and our defense was pretty good. We still have some work to do with our shooters, but this was good for us because it was against a team that played pretty well for that first 15 minutes.

"Our subs came in and did a great job."
Freshman forward Draymond Green came on strong off the bench after junior forward Raymar Morgan got in early foul trouble and scored a career-high 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field.

St. Pat's Day - Things to do in Michigan

2009-03-15T19:51:00.000-07:00