Benjamin Alan Burgis

Age: 24 Party affiliation: Socialist/Green Hometown: East Lansing Occupation: Teaching assistant Education: Bachelor's degree from Aquinas College; pending master's degree from Western Michigan University (expected August 2005) Experience: Graduate teaching assistant at Western Michigan University; receiving department, Meijer Inc. Family: Single Web site: burgisformsuboard.spmichigan.org/index.html • Supports the Graduate Employee's Union • Supports communication between the board, university employees and students

Nominees present views of provost job

Despite the temporary nature of the position, both acting provost candidates say they want to be more than just caretakers of the job.

Fans argue who shows more spirit: 'U' or Blue?

Beneath the differences that fuel the intrastate rivalry, MSU and University of Michigan students and alumni agree there is a common bond of pride and spirit that continues to grow each year. "I go to games at both places and both sides are equally intent and into the game," said R.

Tournament bid still alive with team's 2 weekend victories

After beating Michigan on Friday 2-1 and then beating Eastern Michigan 1-0 on Sunday, the MSU women's soccer team is riding on a three-game winning streak. "My biggest concern was that we might suffer a letdown after a big win against Michigan," head coach Tom Saxton said.

Trustee candidate supports dry campus, tailgate rules

Crystal Van Sickle said when she went to college at Siena Heights University, relations between students and the police were very different than they are today. "It was a time when, if they found you drunk, they took you home," the 1989 graduate said.

Voters vary on Prop. 1

Swartz Creek - The five horses turned the corner at the Sports Creek Raceway track on Friday night and began the final dash to the finish line.

Olin Health Center offers suicide-prevention program as alternative

Suicide can be prevented through discussion between friends, family members and university officials, MSU health officials say. And Olin Health Center, the MSU Counseling Center and the Department of Residence Life will use this idea to try to deter suicide with the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. "We're living in times with a lot of fear and we want to start a dialogue about that fear," said Dennis Martell, Olin Health Education Services coordinator. Martell said suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-24, after accidental injury and before homicide. The campus organizations will distribute display placards with information about obtaining help. MSU's Yellow Ribbon project began a month ago when Martell was approached by Shelley Wieting, president elect of the auxiliary to the American Osteopathic Association. The Michigan branch of the Osteopathic Association is funding the MSU Yellow Ribbon project. "People who are considering suicide, they don't necessarily want to kill themselves; they want whatever pain is causing suicidal thoughts to stop," Wieting said.

Rookies survive 1st practice week

These aren't typical high school practices, where everyone else is smaller and you're the best player on the team. The four freshmen on the MSU men's basketball team found that out last week. "Practice has been tough - very tough.

Students help 'ReStore' site

By Lydia Weiss Special for The State News Explosions of laughter and the smell of paint seeped from the doorway of Habitat ReStore on Saturday as racial ethnic student aides from East Complex armed with paintbrushes added a coat of paint to bookshelves.

Spending for national defense not in line with nation's real priorities

"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex," said President Dwight Eisenhower in 1961.

E.L. parking ticket effects still unclear

A month after East Lansing parking fines were increased, city officials say it is too early to tell if the change is paying off. East Lansing officials increased the rates in September to free meter spaces and cover parking department costs. The increases range from $5 to $25, depending on the violation.

Conservatives realize Bush is dangerous

Originally, I planned to write a column detailing the disturbing similarities between the Bush administration and George Orwell's masterpiece, "1984." During Bush's watch we've witnessed Big Brother attempts to organize a volunteer army of citizen spies (Operation TIPS) and create an invasive government database of personal information (Total Information Awareness). In Orwell's dystopia, the government uses misleading language and patriotic rhetoric to control attitudes and beliefs.

U-M Skunk Bears not worth breath

It's Monday. The big game is nigh. I don't even have to mention the name of our opponent because we all know.

Novel by 'U' grad psychological ride

By Debbie Labedz Special for The State News "Esperanza" is a psychological journey of Espy, an underprivileged young girl in prison for murdering her cousin.

Police briefs 10/25/04

Victory seals consecutive Big Ten titles, 3rd in the past 4 years

The stakes were high for the No. 5 MSU field hockey team for Sunday's outcome against Indiana, when the Spartans claimed a second consecutive Big Ten title. With the 5-2 victory against the Hoosiers (10-7 overall, 0-5 Big Ten), the Spartans (15-2, 5-1) celebrated their way to another conference title.

Students set soccer record

By Jon Junia Special for The State News Underneath the lights on a muddy Munn field on Saturday, a world record fell.

Usability conference to be held on campus

MSU will host the second annual Usability and Accessibility Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday at Kellogg Center. The two-day event will feature industry and academic leaders discussing usability and accessibility principles, research findings, policy, design, methods and tools in relation to human-computer interaction. Conference attendees are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the MSU Usability and Accessibility Center, which will be open for tours and information-sharing. The facility will be used for conducting research and usability testing, as well as for education and consulting services on accessibility.

Vote Rogers

He might not have run an intensive campaign, he might have stars in his eyes of larger political aspirations and, well, we might even disagree with some of his politics, but, by and large, Representative Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, is still the best choice to represent you in the House of Representatives. In the race for the 8th District Congressional seat - who represents you in the Washington, D.C.

Do you know what Proposal 1 and 2 are? Are they important to the election?

"Proposal 1, I know. Proposal 2, I have no idea. Proposal 1 is about the schools and the lottery.