New Year's Eve with the Rolling Stones

Why not get bigger and better as we roll towards midnight

In some places Guy Lombardo is big on New Year's Eve, in Ypsilanti, it's Iggy Pop

Chock full o swears, but it's New Year's Eve so what the hell

Say friend, who ya got in your 2008 celebrity death pool? Amy Winehouse? Us too!

So let's bop around the living room to her song "Rehab" while we can STILL enjoy her.

Some New Year's Eve fun with the B-52's

On the ground like a wild potato...

Some New Year's Eve cool with Buddy Holly

The first artist to double track in the studio.

We interrupt this New Years Eve to bring you this BREAKING NEWS: HUGE SNOWSTORM!!

That's right Huron Valley, this across the YCD teletype....Isolated light snow showers through about 4 PM...then scattered light snow showers....Tonight......Snow...possibly heavy at times......Snow accumulation 4 to 8 inches....Lows 25 to 29...Northeast winds 5 to 15 mph...becoming northwest 10 to 20 mph after midnight.......New Years Day.........Cloudy.....Snow through late morning...then snow showers likely. Accumulations 1 to 2 inches......Storm total snow accumulation 5 to 10 inches. Highs 27 to 31 before noon...with temperatures steady or slowly falling the rest of the day.....

We return you to new Years Eve

How cool is this? Maow on YCD

That's right, the short lived punk rock trio of ladies (with Ms. Neko Case on DRUMS and lead vocals) ripping through 'Ms. Lefevre'. This band is no longer in existence so enjoy the historical moving pixels.

Who is Maow?

From the Wikipedia: Maow was a Canadian indie rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia. A pop punk combo, the band was part of the "cuddlecore" scene. Maow consisted of guitarist Tobey Black, bassist Corrina Hammond and drummer Neko Case.

The Old 97's with a live version of 'Timebomb'

Groove with the Old 97's people

Here's how New Year's Eve works here at YCD

We put up videos throughout the day to keep your toes tapping, and your swing on. Ypsi City Desk will help get you right for your parties tonight. We'll kick it off with The Sadies, and their video 'The Horseshoe' Rat Fink Video

Late night open thread

A nice white blanket for the last day of 2007

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Reading the tea leaves: Expect the January Orange Taylor III retrial to be delayed

It looks like the retrial of Orange Taylor III, accused in the murder of Laura Dickinson in room 519 of Hill Hall in December of 2006, will be delayed past January. Taylor stood before Judge Archie Brown WITHOUT an attorney and requested a public defender last week at a pretrial hearing for his retrial scheduled to begin in January.

No doubt a new public defender will need time, LOTS Of time to get up to speed on this.

YCD wonders why the change now? One of two things most likely, either it's MONEY or hubris thinking the case is so slanted in Taylor's favor, following the first trial's roadmap EVEN a public defender could win it. Here's guessing it's the money angle.

Late night open thread

Michigan won the Great Lakes Invitational in college hockey tonight at the Joe Louis Arena. The Wolverines beat Michigan Tech in the title game 1-0 in double overtime. Travis Turnbull is not paying for drinks in Ann Arbor tonight.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Did you get tickets to James Blunt's concert yet?

Psych, too late, it's sold out. It's the scalpers for you, Chester.

James Blunt live at the Michigan Theater for February 23 is so sold out, James Blunt might not get tickets.

Can't find a swingin' New Years Eve party, Bunky?

The 16th Annual New Year Jubilee will take place in Ypsilanti near Depot Town. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission is $15. Ages 6 to 16 are $5 and 5-under are free.

It's Blues, it's Jazz, it's entertainment for everyone.

Late night open thread

EMU got dumped by #25 Rhode Island tonight 92-75. EMU is 4-6.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday morning open thread

YCD has a few things to tend to this morning.

Feel free to talk about the Washtenaw County Road Commission giving out 10% raises to supervisors and managers while they were getting ready to CUT retiree benefits.

Late night open thread

After today, 2008 could look a lot like 1968.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

OK Washtenaw County, let's FIRE Whole Foods for a while

No need to shop there if this is how they treat employees who are trying to help the company.

The story behind this:

John Schultz WAS an employee for Whole Foods on Washtenaw. Was because he tried to stop a shoplifter his manager and others had cornered in the parking lot there. The idiot shoplifter broke free from between the cars where they had him cornered (and isn't CORNERING someone still considered false imprisonment?) so Mr. Schultz ran after the man actually catching up to him and GRABBING THE SHOPLIFTERS COAT at Washtenaw Ave and Huron Parkway. When the manager showed up to where Mr. Schultz had grabbed the man by his jacket, the manager told Mr. Schultz to let go and he immediately complied.

So, the next day Mr. Schultz, an employee of Whole Foods for FIVE YEARS, was called into the office and fired. Schultz says since he was on break and the incident happened off of Whole Foods property there was no cause for termination. Whole Foods talk head spokesmodel Kate Klotz disagrees. "The fact that he touched him, period, is means for termination. He is still considered an employee of Whole Foods Market regardless of where he was and what was happening," she said.

Got that Whole Foods employees, better not try to stop someone from breaking into your car on the lot there, or depending upon what types of Sauron's Eye seeing everywhere company policy Kate Klotz thinks they employ, maybe not in your own driveway either.

So, Washtenaw County, now would be a very good time to simply stop shopping at Whole Foods for a while. What kind of sane company does this? OK, you want to punish this guy, ever hear of a "write up"? YCD thought Whole Foods was supposed to be the hippie, krunchy, liberal company, GUESS NOT.

Again, simply, if you choose, stay away from Whole Foods for a while. They've earned no less here.

Late night open thread

We're back from our holiday traverse through Michigan. Hope your Christmas was a safe and happy one

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD begins a holiday break, until Wednesday evening

Yes believe it or not, Johnny is giving the YCD staff the rest of today, tomorrow and most of Wednesday to travel our fair state and visit family.

YCD will be back broadcasting on Wednesday evening. Until then use this thread to share holiday greetings, track Santa, complain or brag on gifts, and general chit chat.

Merry Christmas Ypsilanti and all of Washtenaw County from the YCD staff.

Christmas Eve Christmas tune

Ah yes, all the British people singing about figgy pudding and Christmas in Africa. It's been 20 years, who the hell are most of these people?

Late night open thread

Snowing pretty good around town tonight.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Anybody have any classic good or bad gift stories to share?

C'mon Washtenaw County, represent, post anonymously if need be. Get a really great gift out of the blue? Get a real clunker that left you scratching your head?

Spill, or you could go watch the Lions, your choice

Late night open thread

Hey, there are no moral victories in losing. EMU came up JUST short as Temple hit a 3 ball with less than 2 seconds to play to beat EMU 58-55. Damn fine road effort guys. EMU played tooth and nail with the Atlantic 10 Owls but again, it just wasn't to be. Still, keep playing hard like that and good things can happen. EMU is 4-5.

Michigan gave full effort this afternoon against UCLA bowing 69-54 to the #8 Bruins. The Maize and Blue led by 8 in the second half but in the end UCLA was just too much. Michigan stands at 4-8.

Michigan State on the other hand is starting to look scary good. # 10 MSU beat #5 Texas tonight 78-72 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Sparty has beaten three ranked teams already.

Other scores you'll need before bed:
Army 59 Dartmouth 56
Wofford 63 Texas Southern 56
Rhode Island 88 Hofstra 69
Drexel 65 Bucknell 53

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Johnny didn't have many heroes growing up

He didn't have any sports figures or civic leaders or politicians he looked up to. He didn't look up to anyone in the music business BUT ONE. Johnny lost his true inspiration and yes his only hero 5 years ago today.

Bless you Joe Strummer, you will always be Johnny's only hero in life.


Like Joe said, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. This song, Bankrobber was always Joe's favorite Clash song

College hoops Saturday

EMU plays on the road this afternoon at Temple. EMU goes into the game after a long layoff at 4-4 while Temple's Owls are 5-5.

Michigan hosts Top Ten UCLA at 2pm at the Crisler. Michigan is struggling to find itself at 4-7 while the Bruins know who they are at 10-1.

Late night open thread

Shopping hell weekend has begun

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night Multimedia Extravaganza

Johnny has LOVED the band Heart since he was a wee shaver. He's seen them many times. Here is the seminal Heart lineup of Ann Wilson on vocals, Nancy Wilson on guitar (with the brilliant intro to Crazy on You called Dreamboat Annie), Roger Fisher on guitar, Howard Leese on keyboards and Steve Fossen on bass.

This show is from 1976. Nancy Wilson would have been 22 years old. Johnny doesn't know what you were doing at 22 but he sure wasn't in a rock band.

A word to the wise, if you really wanna piss off the management here, go on and on about Ann Wilson's weight. Who cares?


By the way, see if you can't spot Nancy Wilson in Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Cops looking for some dumbass credit card crooks

And we WILL run the picture from the Ann Arbor News of one of these idiots in hopes YOU may know this guy. First what they did from the News and then Mr. Stupid's picture.

Ann Arbor News:
"Ann Arbor police are seeking the public's help to identify three people who went on a hefty shopping spree with an Ypsilanti man's credit card last month in seven jurisdictions.
Still from surveillance video shows three people sought in credit card theft.

The thieves, two men and a woman, rang up a $412 grocery bill at Kroger in the 400 block of South Maple Avenue on Nov. 23, said Ann Arbor Detective Sgt. Jim Stephenson.

The owner of the card discovered it was missing two days earlier and reported it stolen after finding other unauthorized charges on his bill.

The card also was used at stores in Southfield, Ypsilanti and Pittsfield townships, as well as gas stations in Ypsilanti and Dexter, Stephenson said."

Anyone with information is asked to call Stephenson at 734-994-2851 or the anonymous tip line at 734-996-3199

We'll call him "The Butter Troll Thief"

Today's Christmas fun--A reading by David Sedaris

Humorist David Sedaris has an absolutley hilarious take on the differences between the US Santa and the European St. Nicholas. Here is a portion of his wonderful piece, "6 to 8 Black Men"

Unemployment rate soars under new Michigan head Coach Rich Rodriguez

New Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez has increased the unemployment rate in Washtenaw County by many in the two days he's been on the job. Rodriguez called in all Michigan assistant coaches under Lloyd Carr and fired them all. You're done, you too, get steppin, see ya, goodbye, buh bye.

All assistant coaches are signed through February of 2009, so the University will still be paying them, they just won't work for Michigan football anymore.

Late night open thread

Asbestos has been removed. Dumped successfully in Monroe County.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Late night open thread

YCD will be doing scant coverage of anything tomorrow as the asbestos crew will be vacuuming out the toxins from our palacial offices.

Not really. But we'll be closed most of tomorrow anyhoo. Need something to read? Check out any number of our fine Link O Rama writers.

Time for Ypslanti, After Dark

Today's Christmas song, a little more familiar to you

John Lennon's Happy Christmas, War is Over (If you want it)

EMU's bill for the failures in the Laura Dickinson case just came due

Eastern Michigan University was fined $357,500 by the U.S. Department of Education for violating a federal crime reporting law.

"We expected this, and we will accept the final outcome once we have completed the (appeal) process," Executive Vice President and Provost Don Loppnow said.


OK, it SUCKS, they did everything possible to deserve this fine, it's a shame parts of it can't be paid by former shamed DPS Director Cindy Hall, fired former EMU President John Fallon, and former EMU VP of Student Affairs Jim Vick, who all helped made this fine so possible.

Congrats all three of you, you really did bang up work in late '06 and '07.

Late night open thread

OK start your stopwatches. The Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way Galaxy (your home) will collide PRECISELY three billion years from today. YCD dares you, prove the editorial board wrong. Better pack a lunch.....and bring a flashlight

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Here's some of that holiday cheer you hear tell of

OK hipsters, bloggers and online gods and goddesses

Johnny wants you to all pull up a chair. We need to have a little sit down, just like they did on Sopranos.

So, you're a blogger, contribute to a blog or you run a social network website. MANY of these sites are very up on the latest website bells and whistles. There is ONE troubling trend Johnny has seen and we ALL need to snuff it out before it gets bigger. The Flash Music Players or other free to add to your website media players that AUTOMATICALLY play music when you show up. THIS NEEDS TO STOP.

It's NEVER cool
It's NEVER bleeding edge
It's NEVER funny
It's NEVER a great indicator of who you are

It's simply stupid. So, citizens, if you travel to a site that is addled with some narcissitic hipster doofus' Fall Out Boy or Coldplay or Korn or ANYBODY leave them a note. Tell them they are losers. Tell them they lack basic online skills of not annoying others. If YOU are a person who does this kind of jackassery, here is your cease and desist notice.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled life.

Today's Christmas Video--per a request--Dueling Misers, Snow and Heat

Couple quick little news items this morning

First off, the Top of the Park will STAY at Ingalls Mall off of East Washington. "We were quite overwhelmed by the community's positive response to our being at Ingalls Mall," Robb Woulfe, festival director said in a press release. "In making our decision to stay, we felt that the greener, more open space provided us an opportunity to grow our event through new outdoor programs and expanded artistic offerings ... There's just so much more potential at this beautiful location."

Traffic is backed up at US 23 on Westbound I-94 this morning as a semi has hit the ditch.

Also a clerk at the Shell gas station at 3240 Washtenaw (Arborland) pulled a handgun on some customers he got into an argument with. The 20 year old man was arrested after the customers in question complained and police searched the premesis and found the gun in question.

Late night open thread

Still trying to picture Michigan running a spread offense

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Let it Snow with the Chairman of the Board

Frank Sinatra himself asking for some snow business

Monday morning open thread

Johnny's busy so you feel free to talk snow, sidewalk snow removal, Michigan's new head coach, Christmas or whatever

Late night open thread

A little snow like that is good once in a while

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Washtenaw County school closing list for Monday

This does not excuse you all from your homework assignments

ANN ARBOR CHRISTIAN
ANN ARBOR DISTRICT
ANN ARBOR LEARNING
CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
CENTRAL ACADEMY
CHELSEA DISTRICT
CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI (ANN ARBOR)
DAYCROFT MONTESSORI
DEXTER DISTRICT
EMERSON
FR GABRIEL RICHARD HIGH
GREENHILLS
HONEY CREEK COMMUNITY
HURON VALLEY CATHOLIC
LINCOLN CONS. DISTRICT
MANCHESTER DISTRICT
MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
OAK TRAILS
PINEVIEW CHRISTIAN
SALINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPIRITUS SANCTUS JOY
SPIRITUS SANCTUS PLYMOUTH
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN
ST. THOMAS ELEMENTARY
WASHTENAW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
WASHTENAW ISD
WHITMORE LAKE DISTRICT
WILLOW RUN DISTRICT
YPSILANTI SCHOOL DISTRICT

YCD BREAKING NEWS, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez is NEW Michigan coach

From ESPN:

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan has hired West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez as its next football coach following a search that featured two other top prospects deciding to stay put.

A source close to Rodriguez told ESPN that the Michigan deal will average in the range of $2.5 million per year, which would be more than a half-million per year raise from his West Virginia salary.


West Virginia has now become the cradle of Michigan coaches as both Michigan basketball coach John Beilein and now Rodriguez were coaching the Mountaineers when lured away. You'll pardon them for giving Ann Arbor the stink eye.

Snowy Sunday hoops report-CMU 78 U-M 67

The Wolverines dropped game at Crisler last night to Central Michigan University 78-67. The strange thing was how dominant Central was most of the game. They led by 9 at half and but for a short spurt in he second half controlled the game.

Kelvin Grady scored 11 points to go along with DeShawn Sims' team-high 17 for Michigan.

Michigan is 4-7, while CMU is 4-5

Since 'Liveblogging' is all the rage, YCD will 'Liveblog' the Blizzard

11:05-A salt truck just went by and it's starting to get windier. Light snow. See, already, without 'liveblogging' this blizzard's human impact might be wasted on you.

11:10-More of the same. Also, it's dark tonight. Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing

11:45-Yep, the wind is picking up. Hoo man this is exciting. You just can't get this kind of reporting nor excitement by just going to your window. Don't even try.

1:38-The wind has picked up, the snow is swirling in the streetlights. In the distance a YCD reporter can hear the sounds of the Public Works garage rolling out the trucks as their engines gear up and head out. Two rather loud individuals run by, well underdressed for the night. A him and a her and they are not enjoying the brief sleet. You actually have to go outside to get reporting this good and close to the heart of the action. At YCD, we are willing to go outside.

2:36- Snowing harder. Nobody could have guessed this. Glad we're here to put the snow into context.

2:52-YCD can now confirm a plow truck just drove by.

3:03-Yes, this is heavy snow (artist rendering)

Either that or it's the famed painting "Ghosts Eating Marshmallows in a Snowstorm"

3:20-Our man made scraping tools are useless in the face of such power. YCD's packing it in for the night. We're all doomed

Noon Sunday-Lots of snow. For once the weather guys were right. Once again, that's lots of snow.

BLIZZARD!

YCD has been checking all the weather services and doing some in depth research and yep, the National Weather Service has called for dangeous blizzard conditions tomorrow. From the NWS:

Tonight:
Periods of snow. Low 23F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. 4 to 6 inches of snow expected.

Sunday:
Periods of snow and windy. Blowing snow with local ground blizzards. High 27F. Winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. 6 to 10 inches of snow expected.

So be careful out there. After 1am we could be getting an inch of snow an hour. Total storm totals 8-12 inches

You better tell your new "friends" you robbed a bank

Because you most assuredly wouldn't want the general population to know you are a convicted cross burner.

A 26-year-old Ypsilanti man will spend the next three years in prison for burning a cross outside a Sumpter Township home last year, a federal judge ruled Friday.

Ronald Joshua Youngblood, 26, of Ypsilanti, pled guilty in August and was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for burning a cross outside a Sumpter Township home in June of 2006. TECHNICALLY he was found guilty of a civil rights conspiracy charge, interfering with housing rights and oh yeah, the unregistered handgun cause cross burners are cowards. Youngblood even admitted setting off an explosion so the residents would come out and see his handiwork.

Police said a tip and information available on the Internet led investigators to identify him as a suspect. Nice going supergeunius, did you brag about it online?

Late night open thread

There's talk of this storm getting worse. It MIGHT be backing a bit east, time will tell.

Get the sleds ready Ypsilanti!

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

WINTER STORM WATCH for Saturday night and Sunday

By Huron Valley standards, it's a whopper (they always seem to miss us or skirt us) a possible 8 inches by late Sunday. Light snow is expected to begin around 4pm Saturday and intensify around 8pm and citizens, you should get to where you wanna be by midnight cause then it's on, Chester.

Wunderground:
Saturday Night
Light snow likely during the evening...then widespread snow. Accumulations 2 to 4 inches possible. Otherwise cloudy. Temperatures remaining nearly steady around 27. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph...turning to north. Chance of snow 90 percent.

Sunday
Snow with occasional snow heavy at times. Additional accumulations 2 to 4 inches possible...for a storm total of 4 to 8 inches. Otherwise brisk. Temperatures steady around 29 or slowly falling. North winds 15 to 25 mph...becoming northwest 10 to 20 mph late. Chance of snow 90 percent.

"It's comin right for us!"

Friday night Multimedia Extravaganza with Talking Heads

While intern Zoltron scrubs floors for a week for forgetting last weeks clip, Johnny's gonna put this one up himself.

I got some groceries, some peanut butter, to last a couple of days

Well this arrest took its sweet time in making the blotters

And YCD will be the first to admit we don't spend a lot of time searching police blotters (we're a blog, not the AP, we specialize in commentary) but maybe we need to start since this just hit the Detroit Free Press yesterday and the Ann Arbor News this morning.

Last Saturday night, University of Michigan assistant football coach Andy Moeller was arrested at the scene of a two vehicle crash. Ann Arbor Police Lt. Angella Abrams said Thursday the arrest came after police responded to a crash near the intersection of Stone School and Ellsworth roads at about 7 p.m.

Moeller refused a breathalyzer at the scene and police got a court ordered blood draw, the results of which are pending.

What the hell was the delay on this? Seriously, we can get a murder suspects family info everywhere within 24 hours and yet this goes almost a week without anybody saying anything? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Does it have to do with the fact it's a UNIVERSITY employee? Does it have to do with the fact he's a FOOTBALL COACH AT MICHIGAN?

Your thoughts?

Suddenly the city of Ypsilanti finds an extra $1.3 million

An audit of City of Ypsilanti finances shows an extra 1.3 million dollars on the books.

David Helisek of Plante and Moran, the firm that audited the city, said every department in the city contributed to the savings. "You're living within your budget," he told the council last week.

Now the YCD knows the money isn't some magic amount that's going to bail the city out of long term issues we all face but it does make one wonder about the 'wolf is at the door' stories peddled by CERTAIN groups before the city income tax vote. They didn't know of the extra 1.3 million on the books at the time but still, scare tactics for scare tactics sake SURE LOOK BAD when news like this makes itself apparent even after the fact. Makes you wonder how believeable these same folks will be in the future when lending their names to other issues. YCD thinks not too credible.

So, there is an extra $1.3 million in the bank, it won't last too long as other things need to get paid off but it's still good to have.

A Christmas poem

Late night open thread

Klieg lights over Ypsi

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD Winter Weather flashing light kinda thing

I mean really we shouldn't call it advisory or warning because those do have classifications and implications but rest assured, some amount of snow is headed for the Huron Valley on Saturday evening to the tune of, well, here are the pros at Wunderground:

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. A chance of light snow during the afternoon. Highs 26 to 30. East winds 5 to 15 mph...turning to northeast. Chance of snow 30 percent.

Saturday Night
Snow likely. Accumulations 3 to 5 inches possible. Temperatures remaining nearly steady around 26. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.

EMU settles with family of Laura Dickinson

Eastern Michigan University announced a $2.5 million dollar settlement with the family of Laura Dickinson found killed in her Hill Hall dorm room last December 15.

"Eastern Michigan University has reached an agreement with the Dickinson family and estate regarding the resolution of their claims," said Don Loppnow, executive vice president and provost in a statement "The Dickinson family remains in the thoughts and prayers of the entire campus community."

"The family of Laura Leigh Dickinson wishes to thank the Eastern Michigan University Rowing Team, all of the friends, teachers and fellow students of Laura for their heartfelt expressions of concern, sympathy and prayers and ask that the family's privacy be respected," the statement said.

You know the rest, trial begins anew in January.

Any GM workers among the readers today? YCD wants to tip our cap to you

Recently the Cadillac CTS was named Motor Trend's car of the year and yesterday GM gobbled up most of the nominations for North American Auto Show car and truck of the year. Among the GM stable of finalists are:

Car of the Year nominees:
Cadillac CTS
Chevy Malibu

Truck of the Year nominees:
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Tahoe

Well done folks, it's good to see The General step up and build the quality vehicles while OTHERS (hint hint Toyota) slip a little.

Also the Mazda CX-9 is up for crossover of the year and Mazda as you may or may not know is a Ford Motor Company joint.

General Motors won North American Car and Truck of the Year honors for 2007 with the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado.

Mr. Christmas, Burl Ives with 'Have a Holly Jolly Christmas'

I mean you couldn't even have Christmas if Burl Ives died.

Oh, wait

Avoid Death, important words to live by YCD thinks

From the AP-In an undated photo provided by the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch, a warning on a compact tractor that reads 'Danger: Avoid Death' has been chosen as the nation's wackiest warning label by the anti-lawsuit group. The' Wacky Warning Label Contest,' now in its 11th year, is conducted by the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch as part of an effort to show the effects of lawsuits on warning labels.

Wow, like that guys head is coming clean off.

Late night open thread

For what it's worth, it'll be snowing when you get up tomorrow. Don't forget your rubbers.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD says let there be light!

Recently, a proposal has emerged for a NEW lighted sign out at exit 183 off of I-94 at the WESTBOUND exit for Huron Street. There is one there now and it's a delapidated piece of crap. Lighting it on fire would be merciful. But on to the proposed NEW lighted sign. Now, not just ANY lighted sign but a BIG lighted sign, 50 feet tall (YCD can see actually buying ads on it to see the YCD logo in 50 foot letters!). It would be a "state of the art" sign, which would flash colorful and alternating messages and advertisements, is not without controversy, some wonder if the light pollution would bleed into local neighborhoods (a fair concern) but 3rd Ward City Council member Brian Filipiak said the sign would be facing away from the nearby neighborhood and not be a light leak issue.

The City Council is in talks via proxies to negotiate a lease agreement with Adams Outdoor Advertising for a 50-foot-tall sign along the Huron Street exit. Adams wants to lease the land from the city and replace the sign at no cost to the city - an investment of about $1 million.

The existing sign (the one that should mercifully be burned) is owned by EMU and the Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the land is leased from the city for $1 a year.

YCD asks, Free money for a light up big sign? Oh yeah, let's get this done.

Murder suspect Adonis Alexander Frye is in custody

According to reports he turned himself in last night around 9pm to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department.

Cmdr. Dave Egeler also said two of Frye's brothers were taken into custody today on 'unrelated matters'.

One brother was arrested after a short scuffle at the Red Roof Inn Ann Arbor. All brothers will likley be arragined tomorrow in a family arraignment moment sure to make anyone proud.

Today's Christmas Tune, a real classic

Judy Garland with "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

So. Les Miles says he's not a candidate, yet Michigan persists

So, one of two things is at play here. Either Les Miles WILL after all come to Michigan after repeated denials and going as far as to sign a new contract at LSU, OR Michigan and Michigan fans are stalking Les Miles.

There are court orders for such things ya know

Late night open thread

Something new tonight. Two movie mistakes you can look for:

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl-Just as Jack says, "On deck, you scabrous dogs," to the very left edge of the screen over Jack's shoulder is a grip crew member with a tan cowboy hat, white short sleeve tee shirt and sunglasses, just standing there looking out to sea.

Gladiator-In the "Battle of Carthage" in the Colosseum, one of the chariots is turned over. Once the dust settles you can see a gas cylinder in the back of the chariot.
--moviemistakes.com


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Stupid YCD intern forgot to put up Friday's video. Must Rectify

Stupid intern 'Zoltron' forgot to put up the Friday Night Multimedia whatever it is

Oh, kids.

Here we watch the magnificent band Dire Straits pretend to care about the video music format. The song is great nonetheless.

YCD WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for Wednesday morning

At this point if we saw toads falling from the sky we'd not be surprised.

That being said, yes Huron Valley, we have a Winter Weather Advisory for Wednesday morning:

The National Weather Service in Pontiac issued the winter weather advisory this afternoon. The advisory is in effect from midnight to 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Counties in southeastern Michigan, including Washtenaw, can expect today's rain to change into a mix of sleet and freezing rain toward midnight.

The mixed precipitation will then turn to all snow during the early morning hours before ending toward sunrise. The variable, sloppy conditions could result in dangerous ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch.

Today's Christmas tune: The Singing Six Pack and Slow Hand with 'Merry Christmas Baby'

Er, Johnny means Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton with a snazzy version of Merry Christmas Baby. I think they were dating at the time, Sheryl and Eric, not Johnny and Sheryl.

YCD Traffic Copter report

For those reading YCD while commuting, shame on you. Put the laptop down. Pay attention to the road.

The accident that had closed I-94 at M-14 Eastbound has been cleared and the roadway is back open just in time for the ice and sleet this morning.

YCD Traffic Copter (file photo)

Update on the Ypsi Township murder and a plot twist

Police now say the prime suspect (and YCD would argue there is NOTHING prime about him), is one Adonis Alexander Frye, 25, also of Ypsilanti Township. Frye is described by police as a light-skinned African American, 6 feet 4 inches tall, and about 190 pounds. Police said he is considered armed and dangerous.

The twist? The brother of the chief suspect had his home firebombed overnight

There is more information on the van police are seeking:

1996 black GMC Safari full-size conversion van with black and silver "spinner" rims, A raised roofline and paper registration in the back window. The van also a large TV inside. Chances are this vehicle is in a garage somewhere but maybe you've seen it before and know of this garage.

Call the cops at 734-973-7711 if you know something. This is obviously escalating so maybe the life you save will be an innocent bystanders.

Suspect image from the Ann Arbor News:

"I've seen better heads on boils"--Pee Wee Herman

Late night open thread

Seriously, if you're in Ypsi Township or anywhere around town and see this 'unique black conversion van with spinners' or you know something or more likely you COME TO KNOW something, call Washtenaw County Sheriffs 734-973-7711.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Dalai Lama will bring enlightenment to Ann Arbor in April

So, you're gonna have to wait.

The Dalai Lama will be giving a series of talks in Ann Arbor in April, at the only place fit for a man of his magnitude, Crisler Arena. It's a 2 day program April 19 and 20. The Dalai Lama will focus his speechifying on Engaging Wisdom and Compassion.

At the age of 2, the Dalai Lama, or Lhamo Dhondup at that time, was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.

The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity................But you knew that.......and YCD copied it.

Johnny is OK with the fact that for two days he will be the second most enlightened person in Washtenaw County. Which shows how enlightened he is.

Murder in Ypsilanti Township

Police tonight are seeking the public's help in finding a very unique conversion van with spinners involved in the shooting death of Lionel James Campbell Jr., in the Village Grove apartments. For those not in the know about the layout of Ypsi Township, the shooting took place ESE of the city just north of Grove and east of Harris.

Washtenaw County Sheriff Cmdr. Dave Egeler said police are looking for a black conversion van that had spinners on the wheels. Citizens are asked to call 734-973-7711 with information.

Mr. Campbell was only 27.

Eddie Gardner, and Mario Ameson, COME ON DOWN!

You're the next contestants on "Gee that was DUMB".

So you're riding around in a stretch (Ford Excursion) limo. A good time to be sure. But, as happens, your time is up and it's time to go back to the real world......unless your name is Eddie Gardner or Mario Ameson. These two super geniuses decided a handgun would get them more time so they struck the limo driver (ok, ALLEGEDLY struck the limo driver), and took off in the limo. They drove around in it for upwards of ONE HOUR before the police, and who thought the police would get involved, caught up to them and suddenly, Eddie and Mario were on the run. They hid, they hid well. They hid in a home and were only arrested when a cab they had called showed up and piqued police interest. BUSTED.

So our friends Eddie and Mario are facing serious jail time, certainly more than one hours worth, and are lodged in the Washtenaw County jail on $50,000 cash bond.

Well played you two master criminals.

Today's Swingin' Christmas song--Brian Setzer with Winter Wonderland

Swing hepcats, swing

Hope you practiced up in yesterday's ice, tomorrow will be worse

YCD has seen the forecast and yes Ypsilanti and the greater Huron Valley will be getting another icy blast late tonight and tomorrow morning. The rush hour should be a mess so be ye warned.

Late night open thread

Our fair city, in a chilled candy coating

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

NFL Sunday thread

The DallASS Cowboys roll into Ford Field today which always raises the hackles around here because they have roughly the same color sceme as the Lions. The game should be sponsored by Crayola.

Don't throw things at the TeeVee, scream it here.

Singer Aimee Mann to perform Christmas songs, Wednesday at the Michigan Theater

Yes as odd as that sounds, former Til Tuesday "frontman" Aimee Mann (who besides being in Til Tuesday is also a Berklee College of Music former student--not unlike Colonel Will) will be bringing her Christmas music show to the Michigan Theater on Wednesday. Of course she's not JUST doing Christmas music, Mann says it'll be about a 50/50 split.

Along with the music the show will sport a humorous film that will be cut up into several smaller segments including Janeane Garofalo and Fred Armisen.

Show is Wednesday at 7:30 and tickets are 25$ and 35$

Late night open thread

On an icy Saturday night

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Michigan basketball in Durham today to play Duke

2pm from Cameron Indoor Arena, where the only thing more permanent than a Duke fan devotions are the tobaccy spit stains outside the arena.

The game is on CBS. Channel 13 and or 233 for the high def crowd

Yep, It's the MacKenzie's talking about the famed holiday drink....Beernog

Late night open thread

Is your shopping done?

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Michigan head football coach search? More Whammies

First it was the Les Miles circus, then word The Wake Forest head coach was not interested, now the Rutgers head coach, you know the NEXT big thing on the list of the day, Greg Schiano, has said he too is not interested. And now, sadly, Johnny Action Space Punk must publically announce he is WITHDRAWING his name from consideration.

"Ii know that EMU job is gonna open up one day and that's where my heart is" said Johnny last night

Michigan will now be contacting those the alumni will cry, snivel, and weep about publically as they feel the sting of learning, maybe Michigan ISN'T the glamour job it's been built up to be.

Today's Christmas video, an Ypsi~Dixit pick

So when you open it at work, even though Johnny is telling you you might not wanna, you can blame Dixit.

A hilarious look at Santa done to Louis Armstrong's 'Zat You, Santa Claus'?

Late night open thread

Couple inches of white stuff on the way overnight and for rush hour tomorrow, do be careful out there.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD smells a WDIV Channel 4 hatchet job on EMU tonight

Evidently WDIV (Channel 4) is going to do an expose on how campus security at EMU has NOT improved over the past year since the murder of Laura Dickinson. YCD thinks sure, EMU is an easy target right now, they're down, the Orange Taylor III trial is about to start back up again in January, and people love talking abou this stuff. Hell, people in Ypsilanti talk about this stuff.

Lemme tell ya what Johnny has seen with his own two eyes. Over the past year, Johnny sees far more campus DPS police cars cruising around campus than he EVER did before. YCD would say THAT is an improvement. Johnny has seen a couple members of the new security team on campus at night. YCD can clearly see in the public record that EMU itself has launched a safety audit through TranSystems Corp., who has also done work for Central Michigan University. EMU has increased the SEEUS program (a student based escort sytem for late nights) since last December. EMU has institued a GOTCHA program for rooms found left unlocked. Campus and housing officials leave a card in the room of anyone found with an unlocked door. EMU has also instituted a new key policy for lost keys to help improve safety. YCD has also read COUNTLESS times in the Eastern Echo safety reminders to students over the last year.

These are all FACTS. FACTS. All instituted in ONE YEAR.

Has there been an increase in burglaries on campus? Yep, you bet. That cannot be denied. Is this because of the safety increases? HARDLY, Duh. Burglars are criminals of opportunity. You cannot stop everyone from committing crimes all the time. It cannot be done in a free society. So while burglaries are up (and no doubt the crux of the Channel 4 story), murders are down to ZERO. Yeah it's a little specious but it's true.

Look, EMU deserved all they got over the last year. They deserved all the critisism, the fines and the anguish. They performed poorly LAST YEAR. So far they HAVE made a boatload of improvements and have tried VERY HARD to improve not only campus safety but community relations and goodwill.

YCD is ready to give EMU some breathing room on this since they HAVE been so proactive. While YCD will watch the report, we think we see where it is headed right now, a hatchet job by Channel 4.

Afternoon open thread

Johnny's got YCD business to tend to so feel free to talk about anything ya wanna

Today's Christmas song, Bing Crosby from the movie Holiday Inn

Bing, who DID NOT beat on David Bowie's kids. I'm tired of hearing this rumor

Late night open thread

Colder than a snowman's butt out there tonight


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD asks you, what's YOUR favorite Christmas tune?

Is it a traditional favorite? Is it a rocker? A cover? An original? Do let us know here at Ypsi City Desk, as Johnny is gonna start putting up Christmas videos before too much longer and maybe, just maybe if you're good he'll look on the YouTube for your song.

Johnny's favorite Christmas song is, and always has been Run Rudolph Run, written by Chuck Berry and covered by Keith Richards, Dave Edmunds, Brian Setzer, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, actress Jane Krakowski, Hanson, Bryan Adams and Billy Ray Cyrus (Rudolph has a mullet?).

Glimmertwinfan, I TRIED to find the Keith version for you and it's out there but alas, 'embedding disabled by request'.

Here's Dave Edmunds on an MTV New Years Eve bash from a few eons ago. Enjoy!

Kudos to EMU for stepping up with $300,000 for Ypsilanti 'business incubator'

Yes, while EMU has long been absent in helping take a leadership role in the city of Ypsilanti, they really helped win some goodwill, and really helped the community at large. EMU has GENEROUSLY donated 300 large to the City of Ypsilanti to help foster a 'business incubator' fund. The funding was approved last week by the EMU Board of Regents. Ypsilanti is ALSO getting $50,000 from the Washtenaw County Government. Also a very nice gesture in these financially tight times.

It's been a long time since the ciy and university have worked together on something bigger than local policing and the Ypsi City Desk would like to commend all involved.

This pretty snow has Johnny thinkin

And while yes that can be dangerous, this time it's a good thing. If you are an amateur photographer and have some shots to send in from around town (of COURSE you'll get full credit) of this snow or any other day, email them to Johnny and from time to time we'll put them up and you can show all your friends you're now a PUBLISHED photographer. Another way to get your pictures published to to tag them (on Flickr only) "Amazingmich" and the Michigan is Amazing site (link in Ypsi-Arbor Link-O-Rama) will pick them up and from time to time THEY will put your pictures up and show them to everyone. Trust Johnny, Michigan is Amazing has a lot more traffic than YCD (for now).

Late night open thread

EMU beat Illinois State at the ACC tonight 72-63. EMU got behind 10 early but rallied and led by 4 at the half. EMU played TOUGH defense tonight and were led by Carlos Medlock with 18 and Justin Dobbins with 14. EMU is 4-4 and next play 12/22 at Temple.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friend of YCD, 'cmadler' posted an announcement in comments

A few posts down and since Ypsi City Desk is about YOU, I wanna give it some face time

On Thursday, December 6, the Ypsilanti Community Band and the Ypsilanti Community Choir continue an annual tradition with a joint concert of holiday music at Washtenaw Community College's Towsley Auditorium. The choir, conducted by Ariel Toews-Ricotta, will sing selections including Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride", while the band, conducted by Dr. Jerry Robbins, will play "Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed, Elliot Del Borgo's "Glory of Christmas," and a medley of holiday tunes. The band and choir will conclude the concert by joining forces for the famous "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah." The concert is free and open to the public, and will be at Washtenaw Community College's Towsley Auditorium at 7:30pm.

EMU hoops at home tonight vs Illinois State, Red Wings in Montreal

First off (before Johnny goes off on Gary Betteman, NHL Commish) the EMU basketball team is at home tonight the at ACC against Illinois State's Redbirds who are a cool 5-2, while EMU is 3-4. Illinois State is led by Osiris Eldridge and Anthony Slack. EMU is getting production from Jesse Bunkley, Carlos Medlock and Justin Dobbins, just not ENOUGH production. Let's pick it up guys, long ago EMU wouldn't have flinched in sending a team like the Redbirds packing. Johnny fears we as a community may need to have a talk about what once was the pride of EMU, the basketball team.

7pm tip, 89.1 WEMU on your FM dial

Now, the Red Wings do something they seemingly haven't done in an age tonight, travel to Montreal for a game. Yes, YCD remembers the great old days of this famed rivaly when they used to play more than every other year. That was until Gary BUTTMAN decided the Red Wings would be better off playing Trashville eight times and Columbus eight times rather than fly by night clubs in Boston, Toronto, Montreal and New York. Betteman's a tool and thank god his plan is crashing in flames and next year we go back to scheduling like it was in the before times, where you play everyone.

7:30 pm face off and the game is on, ugh, Versus

YCD invites you to write YOUR letter to Santa

What's on YOUR list? What do YOU want? Have YOU been good? Tell Santa in the comments section

Late night open thread

YCD thought the wind was supposed to die down

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD's helpful holiday party tips

This being holiday party season for work, Johnny insisted that YCD publish a handy list of what's naughty and or nice and likely to get you fired.

#1 In order to misbehave or act inappropriately you have to GO to the party. This is key. If you don't go, you'll never photocopy your butt, you'll never pull a co-worker into the alley behind the bar or under the mistletoe. Seriously, some of you, pick this option.

#2 Some idiot named Larry Buhl, for Yahoo HotJobs in an article said you should never spend more than SEVEN minutes talking to any one person. Great Larry, now lemme tell ya how America rolls. What if, you only like say four people you work with? Are you going to leave after 28 minutes? Is there a lesser amount you should talk to those you don't like? Seven minutes isn't enough to drink a bottle of beer. OK, you CAN drink a beer faster but if you start drinking them like that tongues will wag.

#3 Drinking to excess. If you plan on drinking a lot at your Christmas office party at least have the good sense to have someone tape it. You might need to look for a new job and YouTube offers YOU the exposure you need in today's fast paced unemployment world:


#4 So it's time to go and a co-worker is way too drunk to drive and ready to yack. What do YOU the conscientious person do? Drive them home? Yeah, right, you don't want your car smelling like churl, you call them a cab. Better a cab driver clean it up than you, YCD thinks.

Make sure to look for our next series in January, 'So, you got a co-worker pregnant'

Pioneer student assaulted, iPod taken, Cameras STILL a bad idea

A student at Pioneer High School was reportedly robbed on Friday in a Pioneer hallway and reported it to police yesterday that his iPod was stolen and other threats were made. He said he recognized one of his attackers as a fellow student.

So, what would cameras have stopped? Nothing. The kid can identify the fellow student so again, cameras not needed.

This is the part where Johnny should have minded his own advice

Walking on Liberty this morning downtown A2, steps on ice, wobbles, slides, in order to stay upright adopts a Larry Craig 'wide stance' still slips a little, knee bangs down, and SPLIT go the pants.

Let's be careful out there this morning, 2 traffic fatalities this morning

Two motorists were killed this morning on icy local raods.

The fatal crashes occured on North Territiorial Road Webster Township. Another motorist was killed in a crash on Saline-Milan Road and Judd Road.

Police are working on no less than 28 accidents around the county this morning.

Be safe, the YCD needs readers

Late Night open thread

Windy one on tap tonight Ypsi, hold onto your hats

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

NFL open thread

Is your team winning? Losing? Does your team employ a stupid coach who should take advice from you? Tell us

Plenty of Christmas doings around Washtenaw County today

Saline will hold their "It's a Wonderful Life in Saline" parade today beginning at 5:30. The parade will begin on Michigan Avenue at Davenport Street proceed up Michigan Avenue and end at Union School on McKay Street

In Chelsea they will hold the Hometown Light Parade at 6pm as part of their three day holiday kick off.

Milan's annual Holiday Parade (hopefully it's in the Washtenaw County part of Milan) starts tonight at 6pm. After the parade, there will be a Christmas tree lighting and a chance for children to get their photos taken with Santa at the old fire barn, 153 E. Main St.

In Ann Arbr today the Holiday Art and Craft Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Women's City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave.

Late night open thread

On a Paul Simon Saturday night, Slip Sliding Away on city streets


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Dreadful night for local college basketball

First off, EMU lost at Notre Dame 76-65. It was simply a skill game folks, EMU didn't turn the ball over any more than Notre Dame, they didn't get swept away on the boards actually outrebounding the Irish on the offensive glass. It was simply the skill of the Notre Dame shooters to make their shots, and some were three balls. The Ypsilanti 5 didn't play a bad game, in fact Sophomore Justin Dobbins had another monster game with 26 points and has really elevated his play. EMU could have done a better job from the free throw line but the extra 3-4 makes it would take to make that number look respectable wouldn't have changed the game.

EMU (3-4) is home Tuesday at the ACC for a date with Illinois State.

That sound you hear in Ann Arbor is Tommy Amaker laughing his fool head off. Michigan really hit a sour note tonight in Boston against Hah-vaaad. The Wolverines couldn't have hit water if they'd fallen out of a boat on 20 of 62 shooting (for those scoring at home that's a cool 32.3% clip). The Crimson scored the final ELEVEN points of the game and beat Michigan 62-51. No good way to spin this game, P-U.

Don't fret, the next game is an easy one. Next Saturday at some dump called Cameron Indoor Arena in some whistle stop town called Durham in North Carolina. Apparently this squad is good as they have a #7 next to their name.

The Wolverines are 3-5

Snow today supposed to begin around 4pm

So get yer runnin around done now. Tonight will be a real tough night to travel.

EMU hoops show lands in South Bend tonight

That's right Ypsilanti, YOUR Eastern Michigan basketball team travels to the barren wasteland that is South Bend, Indiana tonight for a 7pm tip off with Notre Dame. The Irish are 4-2 while EMU is 3-3. This would be a GREAT opportunity for the team to really show us what they have, a big name team, a road game and a huge opportunity to make statement and for a week or so put EMU basketball back on the map.

89.1 FM for the call

The fattest little leprechaun

Late night open thread

Saturday is a snow day, any plans?

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night Multimedia Extravaganza Part II with Wanda Jackson!

What can Johnny say? You've all been so good. And we're celebrating the fact Ypsi City Desk is now being allowed past the firewalls of several prisons.

Wanda Jackson, jeez, an American Treasure, The Rockabilly Queen. Gospel singer, Country singer and Elvis protege'. Johnny's partial to the Rockabilly since he's got tattoos. Wanda Jackson IS American music.

Friday Night Multimedia Extravaganza with Sheryl Crow

In one of the absolute bestest most wonderful 'remakes' of her song "If it Makes You Happy" from VH1 Storytellers. When she stood up to Wal-Mart, THAT was cool. Artistic vision is not worth some record sales. Neither is the truth.

Yes, Johnny was horsing around with the font

But only to make your trip to YCD a better, more viewable one. Also made the tags bigger and more readable as sometimes the best jokes are in the tags.

Do you need to get your breakfast eat on?

There is a BRAND NEW IHOP (International House of Pancakes found only in America) that opened last week near the corner of Carpenter and Ellsworth in Pittsfield Township. It's owned by Kal Farah and his family, who also own the IHOP in Livonia.

Farah also said IHOP will offer curbside carryout service and is considering expanding its hours to 24 hours a day on weekends in 2008.

It seats 185 and has been very busy so get in there Washtenaw County and get your breakfast eat on.

They're located at 4221 Ellsworth Road. Wear shoes.......and a shirt

MDOT to close M-14 over weekend for REFLECTIVITY

Yes yes all those big words coming from YCD. But here's the haps-MDOT will be closing the westbound M-14 exit to Main Street (Exit 3) in Ann Arbor at 4 a.m. Saturday and will remain closed until noon Saturday for a NEW SIGN with better night time REFLECTIVITY (you just had to give Johnny a chance to work that word in, see).

Of course, maybe they won't close it either. Why? If weather becomes an issue. It will later tomorrow (see below) but at 4am, they should be simply chilly.

MDOT says roughly 12,500 cars use the ramp on weekdays.

Official detour during the closure will be M-14 to the Maple-Miller roads exit and back to Main Street.

Got that? Or you could just sleep late and miss the whole damned thing.

YCD's first WINTER STORM WARNING for the Huron Valley

From our friends at Wunderground:

Winter Storm Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday morning...

Saturday
Partly sunny until mid afternoon...then becoming cloudy. A chance of snow by mid afternoon. Highs 28 to 32. Light northeast winds...becoming southeast 5 to 15 mph during the afternoon. Chance of snow 50 percent.

Saturday Night
Snow...possibly heavy at times during the evening...then freezing rain and sleet. Accumulations 1 to 3 inches possible. Ice accumulations possibly one quarter inch or greater. Lows 24 to 28. Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

Late night open thread

Maybe we'll get another visit from the spam fairy tonight.

And for no good reason, here's a short clip from the movie Slapshot. Here you learn the rules of the game with Chiefs goalie Denis Lemieux...


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

It appears not everyone is in love with paying for residential parking in Ypsilanti

Some of the neighborhood associations are looking into simply ending this idea. YCD has learned that the College Heights Neighborhood Association wants to keep it whereas others are not so keen on doing so. In an email sent out an email to neighborhood associations, Ypsi Police Chief Matt Harshberger asking the following:

"The Residential Permit Parking Program has been a very hard program to
administer, enforce and oversee from a city perspective. So much so that
we brought up the thought that perhaps there's not enough interest in
the community to keep it running. Because we get a great many complaints on the program and it seems we're constantly meeting to either revise the ordinance or come up with new administration procedures, it kind of made sense to just get rid of it. Basically, is it worth the headache?"

Johnny does not live in the College Heights area so he really has no say other than to remind everyone, if the police chief has doubts, why pay to park in our fair city? The city survived for a very long time without nicking residents to pay to park when their taxes and rental rates you'd think would cover such issues.

Oh yeah, YCD would LOVE to see this program ended them burned then buried and salt placed over it's grave so it can NEVER come back to haunt us.

Big Big BIG doings in Depot Town tomorrow night

Did we mention BIG?

The annual spectacular Depot Town Moonlight Madness and tree lighting ceremony gets under way at 6 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will welcome the Ypsilanti High School Chamber Singers who will sing carols while Santa lights the tree. Santa and the singers will then circulate among the Depot Town businesses, many of whom are open until midnight.

Revelers will also get the chance to help the less fortunate by making donations to two Ypsilanti area organizations; Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels and the SOS Crisis Center.

So come on down, have a smart cocktail, and sing along and shop in Depot Town tomorrow night.

OK, the Willow Run school district is NOT closing

How DO these rumors get started? Simply up and closing a school DISTRICT in the middle of the week? People, let's use our heads shall we? That only happens to professional sports teams who leave in the middle of the night for other cities and small chain stores that simply go belly up.

There is EVERY chance if you have kids in the Willow Run school district you'd have been alerted by someone other than the 'grapevine'.

Willow Run Superintendent Doris Hope-Jackson felt the rumors were getting out of hand and sent home a letter to parents which said in part:

"Apparently, this is a baseless, vindictive rumor designed to create chaos and confusion within the district and throughout the community".

YCD doesn't know about vindictive but it sure did cause confusion for SOME people.

Again, Willow Run is open for business

How priceless, we had our first SPAM comment this morning

A ha! The YCD KNEW we were getting bigger and more popular, now we have a spammer leaving us valuable information on something or other worthless.

Late night open thread

Lotsa college basketball scores to pass along tonight. EMU lost a second half lead and then lost the game to the Titans of U of D, 72-68. EMU Is now 3-3.

Boston College rode a strong second half to defeat Michigan 77-64 at the Crisler. U-M is 3-4

MSU took out the beating stick and took out North Carolina State 81-58.

Harvard 72 New Hampshire 67
Marist 55 Bucknell 40
Fordham 66 Manhattan 57

I know some of you were waiting up for those last scores before heading off to bed.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Eastern at home tonight vs U of Detroit

7pm tip off at the ACC. EMU is 3-2 and UD is 3-2. EMU is on a two game winning streak and has won 3 of 4. U of D has also won two in a row so somebody's modest winning streak will come to an end tonight.

The Titans are led by Jon Goode and Chris Hayes while EMU has been getting strong efforts from Senior Jesse Bunkley and Sophomore Justin Dobbins.

Tell 'em Johnny sent you

What are YOUR thoughts on holiday gifts? Buy online?

Are you someone who enjoys the bustle of the mall or retail stores during the holidays? Seeing the decorations and being out with the people put you in the holiday spirit? Do you LOATHE going to stores or the malls this time of year?

So where, Washtenaw County do you buy your gifts? Or, perhaps do you make your gifts? Are you an online exclusive shopper this time of year?

Do tell and feel free to share some of your nifty holiday shopping tricks.

YCD supports Ann Arbor Pioneer students in fight against cameras

Not JUST cameras, cameras EVERYWHERE. $80,000 worth of cameras in and around the high school. The Ann Arbor Pioneer students, bless them, have decided they do not want invasive cameras everywhere and have, along with their parents and with help from the ACLU, are trying to stop Ann Arbor School Superintendent Todd Roberts from making the high school into more of a prisoner camp. Of course the usual meme is being trotted out by some school officials, security reasons, theft deterrant yada yada yada. All words. Nothing more.

YCD asks, we have cameras all over the place and yet the crime rate is way UP. These cameras will not stop fights or theft or crimes, they don't in regular society. Crime does not drop when cameras are present. Jesus, look at the news, almost every night somebody is seen committing a crime on a store or convenience store video camera. It didn't stop anything.

No, you Ann Arbor Pioneer kids hold firm. Johnny would not have stood for this kind of thing when he went to school, school should not be run like Jackson Prison. I mean we have the head count and the feeding part down, do we really NEED (and the key question here is do we NEED these cameras) to go the Full Jail Monty with cameras?

Also kids, if they DO impose these cameras on you, maybe a school class project on the power of magnets in the hallways is needed, you know, big invasive magnets that screw up video feeds.

Late night open thread

EMU hoops Wednesday at the ACC (or as Johnny lovingly calls it, the house excitement built) vs. the University of Detroit.

But that's tomorrow.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Afternoon open thread

What's eating at you Ypsi? What's Good? What's coming up you want us to know about?

Ypsilanti High chooses new mascot..........The PHOENIX

OK, oddly YCD is OK with this choice. Yes, Braves is better but instead of something horrible, Phoenix is a name that can be worked with, you've got the bird angle the fire angle so you have some room to have some fun.

Now, YCD may have to show SOME what a Phoenix really is and here is ONE conception of the mythical firebird.

So there is ONE artist impression. Now does it come in purple and gold?

Seriously, the student choice of Royals was the BEST replacement choice but some administrators cannot stand it when THEY don't get to choose FOR kids so here we are with Phoenix. We'll see about this but it COULD have been worse, much worse if Board member Andy Fanta had his way, Ypsilanti would have been saddled with the HORRIBLE his choice of, get this, "Olympians".

"Olympians could permeate the totality of our school district," said Fanta. Yeah, so can a bad sewer line, Andy

Late night open thread

Wow, Monday Night Football, catch the fever

Pittsburgh 3-Miami 0

No, that's the final.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Ave Maria to be sold to local business?

It appears so and right in the nick of time, tax roll wise. The former site of Ave Maria College, run by religious extremist Tom Monaghan, is in the process of being sold to a Pittsfield Township photography business, Schoolpictures.com

Skip Cerier, owner of Schoolpictures.com, says they have outgrown their current locale on Hogback Road and will be buying not just the two college buldings along Forest Ave, but also the college president's house at 318 W. Forest St. to use as a training center for his employees. Certier says his company has gone from 7 employees to 40 in just three years.

Cerier also said he plans to offer upwards of 75 internships to EMU students.

YCD welcomes Mr. Cerier and his Schoolpictures.com staff!

Oh boy, a nativity dispute

WHY do people get involved with these things? It makes ALL parties look like retards. MY GOD is so important everyone must know their story. NO, THIS IS PUBLIC LAND and must never be touched by wise men.

It seems one Jill Carr wanted to get in the mood for Christmas. So naturally the ONLY thing she could do was decide to go decorate somebody else's property, namely the Ypsilanti Township fire hall on Ford Boulevard. Jill, look, we all get it. Christmas, Christ, we GET the tie in. You don't NEED to announce to the free world it's Christmas season, we get it. You are now bordering on something the Bible prohibits, prosthelitizing. I believe Jesus, (remember Jesus?), told his followers to pray and make their religious displays in PRIVATE.

Dear everyone against a moldy nativity scene. Look, just let them put the stupid thing up. Really, it's like having a version of Christmas flamingos or yard gnomes up. Forget for a second it's the baby Jeebus and Mary and some jackasses. Just IGNORE it. In three weeks it'll be gone.

WHY do people get so worked up over these things?

Late night open thread

Hey, we've seen that before. That's called snow.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Michigan hockey? Good. Michigan basketball? Not so much

The Wolverine hockey team continued their recent winning streak last night with a 5-1 whipping of the Golden Goofers of Minnesota. The Michigan hockey team winning streak stands at 12 games and the team is 13-1.

Michigan basketball lost to the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky 73-69 in the fourth/sixth place game of the Great Alaska Shoot Out. The Wolverines are 3-3

Model train collectors at the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds

Southeast Michigan Model Railroad Flea Market will be at 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road today from 10-4. Admission is 3$ and kids accompanied by an adult are free.

Late night open thread

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

EMU tips St. Bonaventure 63-60

Dateline Olean, N.Y., Home of the Bonnies of St. Bonaventure and also tonight, the home of SAD. The home club could not beat back the relentless and heroic charge from Eastern Michigan's basketball team Saturday night. Jesse Bunkley led the charge with 17 for EMU while Travis Lewis hit the key free throw to send Bonnies fans home dejected into the cold Olean night.

EMU is 3-2 with a HOME game Wednesday night vs. the University of Detroit

EMU's 2 game mini NY road trip? 2-0

EMU hoops tips off in 30 minutes vs St. Bonaventure

Geez, ya know Johnny, iffen we'd known that we might have bought tickets prior to but only 30 minutes before tip, well you know....Relax, it's a road game. WEMU 89.1 on your FM dial.

EMU is 2-2 and coming off a good win on Tuesday at the Manhattan Jaspers 61-57. Justin Dobbins and Jesse Bunkley were all that and a bag of chips for EMU with 22 and 19 points respectively.

Late night open thread

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night Multimedia Extravaganza with Joe Jackson

A little snarl on a cold Friday night. Joe and the band perform Sunday Papers on the Old Grey Whistle Test back in 1979

So what is Ypsi doing today?

Shopping? Chilling? Football? Online shopping? Traveling? If you're going out to the big box stores YCD suggests you leave all their computer display models browsers on Ypsi City Desk. Or, you know, if you happen to be walking by a white courtesy in house phone and you whoops say "YCD Rules" over the store P.A. you know, it is what it is.

Late night open thread

The pumpkin pie was exquisite

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Anybody wanna talk Lions or any Turkey Day ballgames?

Feel free. Anybody else sick of the studio guys and game announcers fawning over Brett Favre?

Late night open thread

Happy Thanksgiving everyone from YCD!

YCD issues 'Scumbag Alert', Code Orange

Ypsilanti Police are seeking a loser who robbed the Eagle Coney Island at 533 W. Cross Street on November 1st. The robber (and that name is being generous) stole an unidentified amount of cash and actually stabbed the cook in the stomach when he tried to stop him.

Black male 20-25, 5' 5" to 5' 7", 120 to 140 lbs and a high pitched voice, just like a LITTLE GIRL (OK, Johnny added that but cops do say he has a high pitched voice).

Ypsilanti Police advise against approaching this jerk if seen (unless you REALLY wanna mess him up) and urge you to call 734-483-9510.

Post Turkey Day Circle Jerk with the Ypsitucky Colonels

Those lovable ragamuffins, Ypsitucky Colonels, are at it again.

The Colonels will share the Happy Hour stage with the Nuke-a-billies at the Heidelberg’s Club Above this Friday from 6-8 p.m.

In the Nuke-a-billies, Corndaddy guitarist Kevin Brown rejoins his old band mate, Steve Newhouse, for a rollicking collection of truck-driving songs and classic country standards that recall those halcyon days at Mr. Flood’s. The Ypsitucky Colonels set the house ablaze with a hip-shakin,' boot-scootin,' belly-rubbin,' buns-cuppin' mix of garage, country, power-pop … and more AM radio hits than a K-Tel record. Guaranteed.*

The ‘Billies hit first, at 6, followed by the Colonels at 7. In other words, you can get all shit-faced and still get home in time for “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.”

So ... it's a win-win proposition and a perfect way to wind down after the Turkey Day festivities. Drinks are strong, the beer is cold and the cover is only $2, cheap-ass! As always, free bourbon and balloons for the kids.

The Club Above is located at the Heidelberg is located at 215 N. Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Don’t get mugged.

(And just to make it interesting, I’ll buy a beer for the first person in the audience to identify the Joe Jeffries Group cover in the Colonels’ setlist.)

See you there … Col. Will

*Not a guarantee.

If you're a COOL KID, why not check out the Ypsitucky Colonels on their MySpace page before they get banned.

Remember on Monday when U-M offered a COMPROMISE on handicapped Michigan Stadium seating

Monday on the YCD:
Gloria Hage, interim vice president and general counsel at U-M:

"To be clear, we are proposing this plan outline as an offer of compromise -- in the interest of implementing our commitment to full and high quality accessibility to Michigan Stadium for individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs, and in a way that will avoid the time and expense of protracted litigation with the Department of Justice


TODAY reality hit:
'The federal Department of Education has quickly rejected a compromise the University of Michigan filed Monday to add more handicapped seats than it had originally planned for a renovation now under way.'

Not JUST this, but also NOW the Department of Justice is joining the lawsuit against the University of Michigan.

How'd that press release work for ya Gloria? Just like YCD said it would?

Anybody taking a plane, train or automobile today?

Going to Stubville this Thanksgiving?

Late night open thread

Your greater Ypsilanti weather service for tomorrow's travel and last minute trips to the market. REAL cranberries please, none of that jellied stuff.

Wednesday
Showers with an isolated thunderstorm...heavy rainfall possible. Temperatures steady around 48 or slowly falling. West winds 10 to 15 mph...turning to north around noon. Chance of rain 80 percent.

Wednesday Night
Rain during the evening...then snow. Snow accumulations 1 to 2 inches likely. Otherwise cloudy. Lows 32 to 36. North winds 10 to 20 mph...turning to northeast. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Ypsi Township needs to be smarter with tax money

On a tip from a reader, YCD has found, and a judge has ruled that Ypsi Township, along with Augusta and Salem Townships are NOT entitled to $240,000 from Washtenaw County for extra policing.

The townships complained in court the county's four-year contract offer in 2005 reneged on a prior commitment to maintain a higher level of county funding for police patrols. So they sued the county and lost. They've lost all procedural points in this case thusfar (sans one, a open meetings possible violation) and still continue the legal fight, costing township residents more and more and more. There's an old phrase turned many ways that says 'fish or cut bait' and it certainly appears that Ypsi Township continues to fish with NO BAIT. No bait is not a good place to be if you're in court.

Perhaps Township attorney Doug Winters would like to let the taxpayers in on how much it's costing the Township.

All three townships have again appealed Monroe County Circuit Judge Joseph Costello's decision, meaning more money will be spent on attorney fees.

Who cares, right Townships? It's not YOUR money after all, it's the taxpayers who supply the cash you spend...

MDOT warns drivers to avoid Milan this weekend

This means YOU citizen. US 23 will be under construction one lane both north and south due to an earlier car accident down Milan way all weekend. You can still drive US 23 south but MDOT says expect delays.

Or just do what Johnny does, avoid Milan on principle

Naked man wandering on I-94 tasered by State Police

Now there's an attention grabbing headline eh? Fact is, it's true.

Michigan State Police had to taser a guy wandering naked on and alongside I-94, eastbound at Stone School last night around 7:20pm.

The man would not respond to police commands (imagine that, naked guy on highway has other plans than listening to cops) and so police, for his safety as well as those who may have had to swerve to avoid him, tased him.

The 21 year old man was taken to Michigan Medical Center for a psych eval.

City of Ann Arbor to blow things up real good

Ann Arbor City Council has voted to demolish the old downtown Y by spring. By a City Council vote of 9-1, they decided to demolish the building. Mayor John Hieftje said it could be down by February or March. The city will be asking the DDA (Downtown Development Association) to spend the 1$ million to demolish and dispose of the asbestos inside.

Disposing of asbestos is far more expensive in Washtenaw County these days since Monroe County found out where we USED to dump it all for free.

"Blow it up REAL GOOD"

Some speed limits around to to go UP

As some of our readers will recall, the State of Michigan TOLD Ann Arbor that it was safe, sane and fine to raise speed limits in certain areas around town. Of course some in the city of Ann Arbor, namely Mayor John Hieftje, said he didn't want ANY speed limits going up. Hieftje as you'll recall is not only Mayor but Head Minister of the Ministry of Ticket Money. There is your REAL reason some didn't want speed limits raised, REVENUE.

So, the state told Ann Arbor the speed limits WOULD raise and to save face the city says they have 'compromised' with the state and are allowing (allowing ha ha) limits to increase, most likely by the end of the year at the following stretches of raod:

*Washtenaw Avenue from Stadium Boulevard to Hill Street
*Main Street near M-14

The city says further review is needed (guess what's STILL going to happen) before speed limits are raised along Business 94 (Washtenaw and Huron Street) west of Hill Street to I-94.

Late night open thread

Your Turkey Travel forecast has looked better. Possible thunderstorms on Wednesday with temps in the upper 40's slowly falling with rain changing to snow. 1-2 inches of snow. Parade bound? Thursday dawns chilly and 34 with flurries with northeast winds at 10-15. A raw day to be sure.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Cause if there's one thing the federal government is about, it's compromise

The University of Michigan has decided to offer a COMPROMISE to the U.S. Department of Education over wheelchair accesibility inside Michigan Stadium.

U-M's 'concession' is to add 295 wheelchair accesible spots during the $226 million dollar renovation and expansion set to be finished after the 2010 fooball season.

You want some kahones? Listen to Gloria Hage, interim vice president and general counsel at U-M:

"To be clear, we are proposing this plan outline as an offer of compromise -- in the interest of implementing our commitment to full and high quality accessibility to Michigan Stadium for individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs, and in a way that will avoid the time and expense of protracted litigation with the Department of Justice"

Yeah, uh Gloria, time and protracted litigation are what the Federal Government is BUILT ON. We wish you luck but somewhere in Washington D.C. today a lawyerly bureaucrat saw your response and found him or herself job security.

Worst kept secret Dept: Lloyd Carr to retire today

Well, he'll announce his retirement as head coach of the UM football program. Always one to carry himself with class (minus the clock game at MSU) Carr achieved many things in his 15 years as U-M top man. A record of 121-40 with a winning percentage of .752. He won 5 Big Ten titles and a co-national championship in 1997 after a perfect season. Carr coached the Wolverines to 4 BCS bowls and overall had a bowl record of 5-7.


Johnny has NOT yet been contacted about the job but will let YCD readers know when that call comes. Granted, Johnny has some top flight competiton but figures it's his for the taking.

Late night open thread

Bring on the short work week!

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

YCD welcomes Mohamed Okdie, new EMU regent

Mohamed Okdie, 58 and a former Detroit Public School social worker has been appointed to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents by Governor Jennifer Granholm.

Okdie replaces Ismael Ahmed who left last summer to take over the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Okdie with a B.A. in anthropology and a Masters in social work, will hold his term until 12/31/08.

Sorry Mike Hart, sneaking out without talking was gutless

It appears, Michigan's unofficial spokesman, the guy who runs his mouth on HIS terms 24/7 decided NOT to talk to reporters after losing to OSU yesterday. The Ann Arbor News says Hart (and Chad Henne but Henne doesn't constantly run his mouth like Hart) was seen sneaking out a back door through Crisler Arena and managed this:

"Gotta go, gotta go"

That's REALLY nice Mike. I mean all you do is run hard and run your mouth harder. There is NO DOUBT some of your comments helped motive the Buckeyes. After last year's loss, while lobbying for a rematch in a title game Hart said:

"I guarantee if we play them again, it would be a whole different game."

Great so you wanna tak all this bravado and become the FACE of the program with your other comments on MSU and on former U-M QB Jim Harbaugh but when faced with adversity, when unable to back up your boasts, you slink off and hide. WEAK.

Oh, Mike, and by the way, back when Jim Harbaugh guaranteed a win over OSU, he delivered.

Late night open thread

Of football and Thanksgiving prep.....

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Michigan football gameday thread

Get your Buckeye hate out here...

How about THAT?! EMU 48, CMU 45

Well well well, so MANY things to discuss about the HUGE EMU victory over Central Michigan last night in Mt. Boring. This really changes things. YCD was fairly certain it was time for EMU Head Coach Jeff Genyk to move along but WAIT. Let's step back, take a moment and look things over.

First off the game itself. Pierre Walker rushed for a HUGE night, 149 yards on 31 carries and the winning score with just over 3 minutes to play. Walker had 3 TD's on the night. Here's a stat we've NEVER ever ever in the history of any football seen, EMU was 6 for 6 on 4th down conversion attempts. Talk about smashmouth. EMU QB Andy Schmitt was a steady 25-34 and 212 with 1 TD and 1 interception. Schmitt also ran for 3 scores. It was CENTRAL who blew this game themselves at the end with a terrible unsportsmanlike penalty on CMU offensive lineman Jeff Maddux (Hi Jeff and if you're reading this THANK YOU) with the Chumpewas on EMU's 14 yard line late. The Maddux brain cramp then led to CMU kicker Andrew Aguila having to try a 52 yards field goal to tie it at the end but Andrew was not man enough to kick it 52 yards so EMU wins. Nyah Nyah Nyah.

OK, so EMU wins and finishes the season at 4-8. MUCH improved LOOKING record from 1-10 last year no doubt but one of those wins was against Howard a Division 1-AA team who plays in the MEAC against such powers as Delaware State and Hampton. Yeah, it's a win BUT. EMU won 2 games on the road, Good job. Two conference wins on the road. One against a rival. Speaking of which, EMU turned the trick and beat BOTH Western AND Central this year. THAT right there is worth keeping Mr. Genyk around ONE more year. I mean is there some other coach EMU will find that's miles better right now? Sure, take a look see but if your top candidate isn't interested, chill. YCD would feel better about this endorsement of Genyk IF EMU had managed just ONE more win say against Ohio or BG in one of those high scoring shootouts. Also, they DID represent themselves very well against Michigan, though a 5-6 record with a 1-AA win would have made us feel better.

Next year, a NO EXCUSES .500 season is necessary.

Late night open thread

Michigan vs Ohio State
Easterm vs Central
Lehigh vs Lafayette

You'll get it all here.

Just not yet

You have to wait

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night multimedia extravaganza

YCD asks, who didn't grow up watching this game?

Michigan vs Ohio State and just who ARE the "idiots"

According to ESPN Gameday analyst Kirk Herbstreit, the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry has suffered a letdown in chivalry or sportsmanship or whatever you wanna call it. In fact, in an interview Herbstreit (An Ohio State alum) said since the Bo and Woody days:

"You get around the rivalry today and there's a lot of idiots when it comes to the fan bases, It's gotten very nasty. It's gotten very personal."

Ya know, Kirkie is right. See if you can spot the idiots in this clip of college football gameday in old Columbus town. Hey, it's how they roll along the Olentangy River.

(SOME language may not be safe for work unless you have headphones)

Late night open thread

Flurries blowing through town tonight, smells like winter

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

One week to Thanksgiving, give us a recipe from YOUR Turkey Day table

Would you care to share a recipe of something that makes YOUR Thanksgiving Day a great one?

Late night open thread

Big ballgame this Saturday. EMU vs. CMU up in Mt. Boring. The oddsmakers make corn the 10 point favorite...

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Here's a partial score

from the NHL

NY Rangers 1

YCD wishes James Holland Jr a LONG and HEALTHY life....in prison

Let's hope this idiot lives to be 130 years old. He can live in the hell that is a state facility forever. He's done nothing in his whole life but earn this life sentence.

Holland, 40, was convicted of first-degree and felony murder in the 1991 slaying of 19-year-old Lisa Shaw last month.

But wait, this guy has been a blight on Ypsi seemingly forever:

Holland was already serving life in prison and multiple 56 to 80 year sentences for a series of armed robberies rapes and assaults committed in the Ypsilanti area convicted in late 2005.

We'll give the last word on one James Holland Jr. to Robert Shaw, the victim's father:

"That's not a man, that's a low-life person"

Early morning open thread

What's bugging YOU today citizen? What do YOU wanna talk about?

Late night open thread

No word from authorities on what, if anything, is being done to stop the giant laser emoting kitteh.

We must allow the mayor to use the secret deathray high atop the water tower. Kitteh doesn't know it exists. In the meantime carry on, business as usual, stiff upper lip and all that. Keep out of cul-de-sacs we suppose.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

God save us all, GIANT cat head with frickin laser beams for eyes menacing Ypsi!

YCD reader 'Rex' sends in THIS unedited video clip. What ARE the police going to do, I mean we have a full on cat-head crisis in Washtenaw County. The cat has not been seen in Ann Arbor YET but it's only a matter of time...

Borders to launch in store TeeVee

Ann Arbor and Ypsi's preeminent bookstore, Borders is about to team up with Ripple, no not the cheap alcohol from the 70's, but Ripple in store TeeVee.

Borders TV (I want my Borders TV) will debut in 60 stores soon and it will be up and running in 250 stores by February. The network will feature news and entertainment from local markets as well as "Borders Live at 01" and "Borders Presents."

Well thank goodness nobody was hurt

And thank goodness it was a U-M bus, not an AATA bus that Johnny himself could have been on. THAT would have been a tragedy. What is Johnny rambling on about?

A2 news will fill you in:

The Ruthven Museum on the University of Michigan campus was evacuated after a suspicious package was found inside a bus at a nearby bus stop, police said.

Dispatchers received a call about the package on a U-M commuter bus along North University Avenue at about 11:51 a.m., said U-M Police spokeswoman Diane Brown.
Members of the Michigan State Police bomb squad are en route from Lansing and HAZMAT crews are on standby, Brown said.

Police are urging people to avoid the area of North University between Fletcher and Church streets.


Most importantly we repeat, Johnny is SAFE

City of Ann Arbor to spend 1 million to raze old 'Y' building

YCD has a better idea. Spend maybe 200$ in paint and paint the place BLUE. Then, find some mouthbreathing Ohio State fans this week and tell them they can have kegs and party and have bonfires and whatnot in there before the game. Trust us, that place will be destroyed in 3 hours.

Problem solved. You may now cart away the debris and a few passed out OSU undergrads

Dear Lincoln Board of Education....

If you are going to fire 24 food service employees to save money and privatize your food services you have an OBLIGATION to make sure the company you hire will do the work and feed the kids. It appears a company named Aramark who has the food service contract even agrees they need to get their heads out of their....ovens.

Glitches in the computer system would not allow parents to view their child's food account online, Reports of many "sabotage-type issues" such as ovens, warmers, fryers and lights turned on after staff had left for the day, also freezers were popped open and food left out that had to be destroyed.

YCD certainly hopes the Lincoln Board of Education will hold Aramark to the LETTER of their agreement. Just because they have a contract doesn't mean they can screw off and run up costs and not feed kids.

Late night open thread

Lovely headlines tonight. Man shoots intruder who broke into his heavily armed and boobytrapped drug den, a thrill killing and beheading in Canton, and the MOST abhorrant one, Ohio State and their fans come to town. I'd rather have Carnies. Wait....

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

A2 police urge drivers to hide valuables in cars

And not leave them sitting out because of a rash of break ins around town. No less than SIX cars haad drivers side windows smashed out and valuables taken Fourth Avenue, Maynard Street, and East Washington Street Saturday night between 7:30 and 9pm.

They then went on to intonate it's the driver's fault but that's for another post another time...

The two escapees have been CAUGHT

They were arrested at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital when they strolled in around 8am this morning. Police had been seeking the duo since their escape from a State Psychiatric facility in York Township around 8:30 Sunday night.

Sovird Allen Wardlow, 36 is in for evaluation regarding an armed robbery case and Dale Andrew Studaker, 20 is facing domestic charges.

Late night open thread

If you're getting the impression Johnny doesn't come into the YCD offices on Sunday too often you'd be right.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Late night open thread

YCD is sure Ryan Mallette is a fine young man. We also worry very much should he, and now you'd have to think it's somewhat likely, play any significant amount next Saturday against Ohio State. One would think that the wrath of the OSU defense may make itself known. They blew it, they know it, and for whatever reason, Tressel's defenses squeeze U-M quarterbacks.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Craft season has begun, a couple shows of note

* The Saline Community Education Craft Show begins at 8 a.m. at the Saline school campus, 7190 N. Maple Road, where 250 juried crafters will have their handiwork for sale.

* The 20th annual Holiday Art and Craft Festival of the American Business Women's Association will take place at Pioneer High School from at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 local artists will have art and crafts on sale.

* The Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild will host a holiday sale at Matthaei Botanical Gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1800 North Dixboro Road.