Heisman watch

The past weekend was another interesting one, with the Mid-American Conference proving it is a legitimate conference. This will have large implications all season long, including the introductions of Northern Illinois' Michael Turner and Toledo's Bruce Gradkowski as distant Heisman candidates. Oklahoma State receiver Rashaun Woods moved himself from a long shot to one of the favorites for college football's top individual prize when he caught seven touchdowns against Southern Methodist last week. Although Oklahoma and Miami are the country's top two-ranked teams, they don't have any players that offer up large enough statistics to be worthy candidates.

Student files grievance, no board exists to mediate

An MSU graduate student said he is upset his college does not have a board established to hear grievances, but officials say procedures are in place to hear student concerns. Though some MSU officials say not every college or department has an established board to listen to student grievances. Engineering graduate student Stuart King filed a grievance with College of Engineering officials after problems arose with a request to keep his student information private. But there was no board to review the complaint. The Spartan Life student handbook guarantees all students the right to have their grievances heard by a board composed of equal parts students and faculty.

No. 2 barely above .500, picks Iowa

No. 1 buries No. 2 with picks Last week's predictions resembled the Purdue-Arizona game, an absolute blowout. Purdue won 59-7 and No.

Charter school legislation protested

About 3,000 supporters of the Detroit Public Schools system gathered around the steps of the state Capitol on Wednesday to protest a bill which would allow for the creation of new charter schools in Michigan.The protesters brandished signs and sang "We Shall Overcome" to make their cause heard.

'U' aren't here

Thanks to the government, you might soon be able to eat your dinner in peace. The Federal Trade Commission is continuing the crusade to legalize a national "do-not-call" registry.

Man arrested in summer store, gas station robberies

East Lansing police arrested a man Thursday afternoon believed to be responsible for a rash of recent convenience store and gas station robberies. It is unlikely that the suspect is responsible for the three gunpoint robberies of MSU students in the city this week, East Lansing police Lt.

Recall Circus

The "Super Bowl of debates" among California's recall candidates was a television circus that failed to focus on politics.

4-day exercise trains local firefighters

A team of 30 firefighters from East Lansing, Lansing and Meridian and Delta townships joined together in Delta Township on Thursday to finish a four-day long collapsed building training exercise.Fire hoses and axes were put aside in favor of power saws and nail guns.

U-M hopes to bounce back after 'difficult' loss

Northwestern at No. 4 Ohio State Ohio State (4-0) begins its defense of the Big Ten crown this week against usual conference-doormat Northwestern (2-2). The Buckeyes are coming off a 24-17 win over a stubborn Bowling Green team last week.

Simulated Spartans still winless on Xbox, lose 36-14

Welcome to the fake football report. Luckily for MSU, the video-game consoles have been wrong three out of four times.

Police briefs 09/26/03

Spartans better off under Smith

The Spartans march into Big Ten play this weekend, having successfully wrapped up their nonconference schedule.Through four games, MSU has shown in some ways it hasn't changed - a familiar lack of discipline, another last-minute loss - but the major change it did make before the season is naming John L.

Iowa's Russell excited to play in front of family

Fred Russell might have his sights set on joining some former teammates in the NFL, but he's going to have to get by MSU's rush defense first.The Iowa senior running back is the third-leading rusher in the conference after four games and was named first-team All-Big Ten in 2002.

'Temptations' substitutes acting for music

When a film starts out with a gospel song that's more energized than an East Lansing riot, you know even if nothing else in the movie works out quite right, at least the soundtrack will keep you awake.

Offense running more than planned

MSU fans were promised an airplane but given a locomotive.For all the coach speaks about aerial attacks, passing routes and multiple receiving options, the Spartans have done one thing more than any other: Run the football.Through four games, MSU has run the ball 151 times and thrown just 125.

Madonna works for her love of music

This is in response to The State News column "Madonna needs to leave the limelight". I know that the kiss between three of the most well-known female singers has been shown, shown and shown to the point of annoyance, but this doesn't warrant Madonna's music or performance as pure marketing.

Men's golf heads to Rhode Island

The men's golf team will be defending their title Sept. 28-30 in the 10th annual Adams Cup of Newport at the Newport National Golf Club in Rhode Island. Joining the Spartans and host Rhode Island this year will be Furman, Maryland, Marshall, Minnesota, Mississippi, Pepperdine, South Florida, Alabama-Birmingham, Xavier and Yale. The team finished seventh last week at the Inverness Intercollegiate tournament, shooting a three-round total of 907.

Costume Shop brings plays alive

Without the workers in the MSU Costume Shop, actors would be left wearing their birthday suits."They would be naked without us," said Karen Kangas-Preston, Costume Shop supervisor.

Langston gives spikers third middle weapon

After playing in only seven of the Spartans' first 29 games this season, sophomore middle Brooke Langston was itching for more playing time.Unlikely performances against No.

Proud Protest: Detroit teachers crowd state Capitol

Thousands of teachers, parents and politicians gathered at the state Capitol Wednesday to protest a bill that would allow the creation of new charter schools in Michigan. The protesters, mostly supporters of the Detroit Public Schools system, held signs and sang "We Shall Overcome" to make their voices heard. The bill would allow for the creation of 150 more charter schools in Michigan, including 15 new charter schools in Detroit.