Bye week freshens minds, bodies for U-M game

Although this is only his second year as MSU's head coach, John L. Smith knows the rivalry game against Michigan is the most important game of the year. And this season, the game is the best opportunity the Spartans (4-3 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) have to prove themselves. "This is what you look forward to - this is why athletics is so neat and why the game of football is so great, particularly college football," Smith said.

Richard (Dick) Cheney

Age: 63 Party affiliation: Republican Hometown: Born in Lincoln, Neb., grew up in Casper, Wyo. Occupation: Vice President Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees from University of Wyoming Experience: Nixon administration, Deputy Assistant to President Ford, White House Chief of Staff, House Rep.

Group discusses role females play in crime

A group of women met Monday to discuss how females have been historically ignored and misrepresented in criminal research. Merry Morash, an MSU criminal justice professor, recently completed a textbook entitled "Gender, Crime, and Justice: Advances in Understanding." Morash said she wanted to create the book to provide a more accurate depiction of women in relation to criminal activity. She said many of the past crimes committed by females have either been ignored or blamed on the fact that they were acting outside what was socially acceptable behavior for a woman. "One of the most important findings very early on was that adolescent girls who are sexually abused frequently run away," she said. Morash added when the women run away their coping mechanism is to prostitute, steal and take drugs to survive on the streets and to dull the pain. "In essence, what happens to those girls is they are taken to court and then sent back home, or sent to an institution and then sent home.

Gretchen Whitmer

Age: 33 Party Affiliation: Democrat Hometown: East Lansing Occupation: State Rep.

Members avoid splatter-effect, shoot to win

Pop! Pop! Pop! Paintball pellets ricochet off red and blue bunkers. Within 10 seconds, several people in green and white MSU shirts emerge from behind barriers, rushing across the field toward their opponents. Firing endless shots, paintball shells scatter about the field and MSU teammates shout back and forth to each other.

Political play spins Halloween

This year, Halloween won't be the scariest day of the fall. According to the Real People Players, the real chills begin Nov.

Polls overlook cellular users

While sitting on a bench outside of Wells Hall on Tuesday, Jennifer Brownlee pulled out her cell phone for a quick chat.

George W. Bush

Age: 58 Party affiliation: Republican Hometown: Crawford, Texas Occupation: President of the United States Education: Bachelor's degree from Yale University, master's degree at Harvard University Experience: Texas Air National Guard pilot, owned various oil and gas companies, partner in Texas Rangers baseball team, Texas governor Family: Spouse Laura; daughters Barbara and Jenna Web site: georgewbush.com

Vaulted vow

Two prison inmates were standing a few feet away from her, but this was the happiest day of her life. There weren't any bouquets of extravagant flower arrangements and no invitations were sent out beforehand.

Bush hopes to hold onto presidency

Abortion What President Bush says: Supports abortion rights only in cases of rape, incest or when a woman's life is endangered.

Japanese film makers share expertise with 'U'

The emergence of female producers and directors in the Japanese film industry will be addressed at a discussion and film screening next week on campus. Director Sachi Hamano will give a special lecture with screenwriter Kuninori Yamazaki to talk about her experiences as a female film director in Japan.

ASMSU begins push for degree program minors

ASMSU is discussing bringing undergraduate minors to MSU to diversify the rigid course work and degree requirements in some professional majors, such as business and engineering. "In other universities, all of the students have the inclination to take classes outside of their major," said Dan Weber, Academic Assembly chairperson.

Proposal 1: Voter approval for gambling

A proposal to amend the state constitution to require voter approval of any form of gambling authorized by law and certain new state lottery games. The proposed constitutional amendment would: • Require voter approval of any form of gambling authorized by law after Jan.

Police briefs 10/26/04

Proposal 2: Amendment defining marriage

A Proposal to amend the state constitution to specify what can be recognized as a "marriage or similar union" for any purpose. The proposed constitutional amendment would: • Amend the state constitution to provide that "the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose." About the measure: • The proposal is intended to ban homosexuals from being married and keep marriage sacred for heterosexual couples.

Stephen Markman

Age: 55 Party affiliation: Republican Hometown: Mason Occupation: Michigan Supreme Court Justice (incumbent) Education: Bachelor's degree from Duke University, law degree from University of Cincinnati Law School Experience: Court of Appeals judge, U.S.

Longtime announcer shares roots, decades of court and gridiron memories

Art Bukowski Special for The State News George Blaha sprang from his press-box seat and rose with thousands of fans as redshirt freshman running back Jehuu Caulcrick sprinted into the endzone during the Spartans homecoming triumph against Minnesota.

Michael H. Miller

Age: 53 Party affiliation: Libertarian Hometown: East Lansing Occupation: Inspector, General Motors Corp., 1976- present Education: Bachelor's degree from MSU Experience: Leadership positions in the libertarian party; ran (unsuccessfully) for MSU Board of Trustees in 1996 and 2000, and Michigan House of Representatives in 1990 and 1992 Family: Single Web site: None • Believes university should provide more evening and weekend educational opportunities • Believes university should take greater efforts to serve the educational needs of adults

'The Grudge' slides past slow plot, offers big scares

There's no better way to create suspense than to have characters hesitantly walk down a dark hallway while the floor ominously creaks beneath their feet.

Angela Lindsay

Age: 29 Party Affiliation: Republican Hometown: Haslett Occupation: Advertising account executive at WLNS-TV, Newscenter 6 Education: Bachelor's degree from Wright State University Experience: More than six years of advertising and marketing Family: Engaged Web site: angela2004.com