Envisioning access

When Melissa Peele first started at MSU, the year was 1994 — before computers became commonplace and digital media was available. For Peele, who is blind, that meant listening to her textbooks on an audio cassette or sending them off campus to be translated into Braille. How times have changed. Today, increased technology has made it possible for blind and visually impaired students on campus to access their class materials in a variety of alternative formats.

DeVos would ban perks from lobbyists

Legislators might have to bid farewell to perks from lobbyists come Nov. 7. Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos said Tuesday he would stop legislators from getting their travel and entertainment expenses paid for by special interest groups if elected. "Special tickets and trips lavished upon state officials and lawmakers will not be tolerated in a DeVos administration," DeVos said in a statement Tuesday.

Tillman is Big Ten's best defender again

MSU men's soccer senior goalkeeper Jason Tillman has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks. Tillman was honored after posting consecutive shutouts against Bowling Green and Wisconsin last week.

Group should try to be constructive, not bigoted

This letter is in regard to the State News article "President responds to 'Immigrant day' event," (SN 9/25). Groups like the Young Americans for Freedom are dangerous because they use bigoted and unsavory methods to get their point across, rather than finding more constructive ways to do the same thing. For YAF to criticize President Lou Anna K.

City Council interviews candidates to fill vacancy

The 12 people vying for the vacant seat on the East Lansing City Council were interviewed Wednesday for the job. Candidates were asked about why they applied for the City Council, two issues facing the community and how the city might strengthen relations with MSU. John Fournier, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior who is running for a seat on the council, said communicating with East Lansing residents will help foster positive relations for students living in the city. "The relationship between students and residents is determined by the relationship between the city of East Lansing and the university," Fournier said. Transforming the downtown area into a more economically viable spot is something the city can do with the right tools, Fournier said. "The real bar of success for a city is the services it provides," he said. Fournier almost won a seat on council in the November 2005 election, but current City Council member Kevin Beard won by 403 votes.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Homecoming draws students, alumni to E.L.

Jason Zarate is aware Homecoming is this weekend, but he's not doing anything special to celebrate it. "I'm just tailgating for the game like every week," the pre-law sophomore said. On the other hand, Steve Von Till will travel from California to watch the Spartans take on the Fighting Illini, walk along the Red Cedar River and visit the MSU Dairy Store. "The significance of this day is it is a time for a reflection among graduates like myself," said Von Till, a 1966 MSU graduate. While many MSU students see Homecoming simply as another opportunity to celebrate a Spartans game in East Lansing, alumni from around the world will flock to the city to meet up, reminisce and cheer on their former team. The MSU Alumni Association's Green and White Brunch, which will bring close to 1,000 alumni together, is already sold-out. "Traditionally, that's what Homecoming is," said Nancy Brent, associate director of the MSU Alumni Association.

U-M 'Catch an Illegal Immigrant' postponed

Ann Arbor — MSU students gathered Wednesday morning to protest "Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day" at the University of Michigan, despite the event being postponed indefinitely. Some of the gatherers knew the event was canceled, while others did not. The Young Americans for Freedom, or YAF, U-M event was originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Van Rijswijk hat trick lifts Spartans

The MSU field hockey team finally found its offense — which helped the team finally find the win column. The Spartans snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday as they defeated Central Michigan, 5-3, at the MSU Field Hockey Complex. Freshman midfielder Anne-Sophie van Rijswijk led the way for the Spartans (4-7 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) by scoring her first collegiate hat trick. The Spartans took advantage of Central Michigan's defensive struggles early in the game, jumping out to a 3-0 lead through 15 minutes. "We started out strong," MSU head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof said.

Get rid of Smith, bring in Mariucci to end agony

Once again, the pain is deep and unforgiving. It's agonizing, frustrating, traumatic at times. There are Spartans out here on the West Coast walking around like zombies because they still can't believe we lost to Notre Dame.

Seven Mich. cities to participate in AIDS Walk

The annual AIDS Walk Michigan will begin Sunday at Valley Court Park in East Lansing. East Lansing Mayor Sam Singh and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero will lead the walk along Grand River Avenue in an effort to raise awareness of AIDS and HIV.

Homecoming court winners announced

MSU announced the 2006 Homecoming court Tuesday. The court is composed of seven seniors who will represent MSU students at an array of homecoming events throughout the week.

2 alleged rapes involve alcohol, acquaintances

Two women reported being raped this weekend in East Lansing, and both victims knew their perpetrator, East Lansing police said. The first incident occurred on Chandler Road in the Northern Tier sometime between Thursday night and early Friday morning, East Lansing police Lt.

Innovations: Catalysts

Name: Mitch Smith, associate chemistry professor Department: Chemistry Date of research: Smith has been working on this project since 1995, but Michael Faraday began working with chemicals in 1825. "Compared to that, I haven't been working that long on my work," Smith said. Type of research: Inorganic and organic chemistry Basics of research: Researchers working with Smith are studying carbon bonds.

Football team, fans need to put loss behind them

Spartans, you have a great team and are psyching yourselves out year after year. Stiffen up! Know your opponent — note, your opponent is not an enemy, just an opponent.

Virgins still at risk for STIs, best bet is to be educated

Dr. D., I'm thinking about having sex for the first time with a guy I really like.

Forwards return but defense, backup goalie unproven

If there's one big question mark for head coach Rick Comley and the 2006-07 MSU hockey team, it's the status of the team's defense after the key offseason losses of Jared Nightingale and Corey Potter. "I think our talent's fine at that position, but it's not proven," Comley said Monday at Media Day. The No.

MSU band members march to beat of game-day success

Practice, dedication, perfection. Everyone hears and watches the Spartan Marching Band on football Saturdays, but not everyone sees the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into making those performances game-worthy. The band puts everything they have into what they do — even rehearsals, said Corey Ganssley, political science senior and trumpet player. On Friday, director John Madden instructed the band with a PA system as he stood above everyone on a podium.

MSU students who choose to drink are not 'baboons'

This letter is in response to "Not all Spartans spend time drinking, partying," (SN 9/18). To start, I am not one of those students who reads the Opinion Page daily, looking to pinpoint anything showing a sign of ignorance.

Police briefs 09/27/06

Searching for work

Bachelor's degree — check. And now, Amanda Cochrane is on her way to landing a job — or so she hopes. The 28-year-old, who graduated from Davenport University in August, is instead facing a stagnant Michigan economy with an unemployment rate at 7.1 percent, as of last month. "That puts us tied for the worst (in the nation)," said Jim Rhein, an economic analyst for Lansing-based Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Cochrane, an Eaton Rapids resident, doubts her chances for finding work in Michigan, but she spent Tuesday afternoon with 2,000 other job-seekers at the Michigan Works!