Late night open thread

If your birthday is July 31st, you share it with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. The only difference between you and Ms. Rowling is that Borders never stayed open for a midnight debut of anything you ever wrote. That and 11 billion dollars.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Don't forget, Classic Cars in Depot Town tonight

It's Thursday in Cool City and Thursday night means the classic cars roll into Depot Town by the dozens. Ann Arbor has even begun imitating Ypsilanti's love of classic cars by having car shows themselves once in a while. So obviously if you enjoy those shows you'll LOVE the Depot Town shows each Thursday where the SERIOUS cars show up.

Why not get dinner at Sidetrack (best burger in Washtenaw County) or Cady's, walk along the tridge by the river, and check out some really really hot looking tailfins...

Late night open thread

"That car blowed up real good!"

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

The Susan Martin era at EMU has begun! Tuition increase of 7.7% on the way

Sure it wasn't her making the entire call, but it does come as the first thing most people have noticed at EMU since she's been there (unless you mean the parade she supposedly ditched that some are grumbling about).

Here's an amazing stat about this 7.7% increase, Regent Roy Wilbanks says 6.8% of it will not be going to update classrooms, not going to update computer labs, not going to update dorms, not going to update internal computer systems---nope, almost ALL the increase will be going to cover salaries. Students will be paying an average of $579 for the privilege of paying higher salaries to EMU employees.

0.9% will go to building improvements. 0.9%.

Student housing costs will also increase 5.1%.

PFFFFFFT. All the good PR, all the street signs, all the radio ads, all the promotion of 'Education First' kinda sorta just flopped. Not a lot of EMU students jumping up and down today saying "Oh boy, I can't wait to get back to Ypsilanti and Eastern Michigan".

We're sure the financial aid office will now work overtime to help students cover the increase in costs and make sure they are covered by the time school starts. Yep there's more money in the financial aid pool this year for all students to draw from, and no doubt a bunch of new requests after reading this article. Seeing as how the Financial Aid Department at EMU is the deepest pit in hell on the campus, and has been for some 25 years running, we fear for the students who need more right now.

It's not going to be a pretty August around EMU.

One month to college football!

Yessir, EMU is now technically inside the 30 day window and U-M is exactly a month away from the Utah game. If it wasn't for football anticipation, August would be worthless, no holidays, no bank holidays, it's hot, blech.

But when football is near, August is bearable....

Late night open thread

Which of the following words is the odd-one-out?

IBIS IBEX ORYX SIKA ZEBU

Answer in comments

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Here's a crazy idea to raise money for Ypsilanti

Follow us on this.....

What if the City of Ypsilanti allowed ads on it's biggest landmark? What if there was say a giant Apple logo on the Water Tower that brought in say, 500K a year? Maybe it's a Chevy logo, maybe it's Ford or Coke or whomever but think about it. The city could make obscene amounts of money for allowing a big old ad on the side or top or front of the Water Tower. Now we're not saying let's make it garish, no, one big ad OR a kind of slide show at night that would project onto the Tower like people do at Christmas with projections of Santa and angels and what not.

We're not going to do it for anything less than 500K a year, if you don't wanna pony up, we're no worse off than we are now but IF a big company would be willing to advertise on it for the prescribed price, suddenly the bus subsidy or an extra few cops wouldn't bust us.

Think on it, then tell us in comments

EMU sets a record for gifts to the University

Finally, a record EMU wants to have, a record year for donations to the school. Yes friends of Eastern Michigan University have been VERY generous this past year, helping EMU out to the tune of $7.9 million dollars. You can find a list of donors HERE.

Hopefully, EMU can build upon putting the Laura Dickinson mess behind them with the new President Susan Martin, these new donations, and brand new outlook around the campus and in Ypsilanti. A big YCD thank you to those who gave their money to a fine university.

Late night open thread

Stand anywhere in Michigan you want to. Find any spot on a map of Michigan and you'll be within 85 miles a Great Lake.

It's a fact!

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Argo Dam, should it be removed for white water rafters?

There is a movement afoot to remove the Argo Dam, where the Huron River takes it's sharpest drop, and open up a white weater rafting experience. Now, the plan is only in the talking stages but we'd like to endorse a better use of a removed Argo Dam--hydro power.

We feel if the dam is to be removed (and there is a lot of time before that could happen) we'd like to see something that would benefit everyone since the rivers and lakes belong to everyone. Sure white water rafting would fun and cool for some, but in this new age of much higher power costs, Tree City should be looking into a hydro-plant of some kind.

Every little bit helps...

Late night open thread

A few good minutes with Stephen Wright before bed.

"I can levitate birds but nobody cares..."


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Nice write up on the Chick-Inn Drive In and Bill's Drive-In in the Detroit Free Press today

Ypsilanti's iconic curbside drive ins were listed as must see old fashioned eating fun were listed with three other retro drive ins in the Detroit Free Press this morning. A couple pictures and stories about the places. Ypsilanti was the only city with two such restaurants listed. Cool City indeed...

Freep story With all iconic drive ins

Bills Drive-In story 'Simple and Satisfying'

Chick Inn story 'A fifties feeling, from food to decor'

YCD would like to commend Scarlett Middle School Principal Ben Edmondson for showing leadership

Scarlett Middle School Principal Ben Edmondson as you may have read in the Ann Arbor News in what was described as a 'last ditch' effort to reach these students, is holding back, as in not promoting a grade, 24 students or roughly 5% of the classes.

Look, this is a HARD decision for an educator. Johnny grew up in a family of teachers. He knows that when a student is held back, in a way it's the teacher who feels they failed as well. They feel they didn't reach the child being held back. This is a tough thing to do, no doubt he'll catch hell from some parents. He's the pro and if he thinks ultimately this will help these kids, we stand behind him. It's nice to see a school administrator (and these teachers and school employees are under so much pressure to be yes people and make no waves) stick his neck out and show leadership.

Kudos Scarlett Middle School Principal Ben Edmondson. We don't know of an adult later in life who didn't then appreciate a tough teacher from their school days.

Late night open thread

The Police tonight at Pine Knob were fantastic. They rocked very hard, they had some bigger reggae beats to back songs and played for quite a while, two encores, 5 songs. Stewart Copeland had many percussion toys to play with and really put on a mesmerizing display with all of them. He was spot on. Sting was Sting and seemed to really be enjoying himself. He spent a good part of the evening challenging the crowd to get hyped even higher. Andy Summers was much more brash, much more noticeable and looking the part of lead guitar player in a rock and roll band.

Elvis Costello as the lead act was pretty amped himself. He tore through an hour set including a duet of 'Alison' with Sting (Sting all the way) that brought the house down.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Saturday open thread

Johnny's got business out of town today, and a concert at the Pine Knob tonight. In the meantime feel free to vent or tell us who you are voting for in the local primaries.

See ya tonight with some commentary on the Elvis Costello and The Police show

Late night open thread

Dear Mayor Paul Schreiber,

Would it be asking too much on behalf of local bloggers and newspeople for you to assault a Sheriff Deputy every so often? Can't you have some wild sex scandal like they do in other cities? Would it kill you have your security detail rough up some locals? Sheesh...

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE ROLLING STONES!

Long overdue, and I'm sure we'll have some commentary on this one. A song as raw and tough as the background this song was performed in front of/in/on.

Brian Jones once told a TV DJ "We want you to stop talking so we can have Howlin' Wolf out on stage", and Johnny will shut up now.

The Rolling Stones with 'Respectable'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with LED ZEPPELIN!

The trip down memory lane continues this delightful July evening with the --insert fawning adjective-- Led Zeppelin. Sometimes you just gotta rock.

FACT!

Go to the volume slider on your computer. Move it up. More. One more. Perfect, now here is Led Zeppelin with 'Kashmir'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE MOODY BLUES!

Ah yes, one of Johnny's faves from the olden times. Absolutely LOVE the drum intro to this song. The rest is pretty good too. Here are the Moody Blues with 'I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)'

So if you want this world of yours
To turn about you
And you can see exactly what to do
Please tell me
I'm just a singer in a rock and roll band

The Willow Run Board of Education seems to be getting pretty close to violating open meetings rules we think

So now, the Willow Run Board of Education wants to decide what qualifies as 'business' in front of them and are arbitrarily (as we can find no legal opinion that supports their stand) dictating what can be said in an public meeting. The WR Board is now proclaiming that NO personnel issues of any kind can be addressed towards the board and MUST be addressed in private.

What the hell? You can't tell people in public meetings what they can and cannot say. You're holding the meeting, people, and yes school district employees are people, have a RIGHT to use their 1st Amendment rights. Board President Claudette Braxton, nothing if not looking to make up rules about public meetings as she goes claimed "There's a protocol for addressing personnel issues, and those issues should be discussed in private." More like they CAN be discussed in private but to us, public meetings are public meetings.

This sounds to us like the Willow Run Board of Education wants to control the message and not allow hurtful or improper behavior aired in public where they could find themselves uncomfortable and or embarrassed. Board member Sheri Washington seemed to grasp this, why can't the rest?

That's what open meetings are for, we think. Redress of grievances...

Ann Arbor News has a handy dandy voter guide for YOU

And with the local primaries coming up--and some real good important races--this will help you be prepared for the voting.

You can find the Ann Arbor News voter guide HERE

Late night open thread

Amelia Earhart would have been 111 years old today if she'd not flown on Seaturtle Airlines. Supposedly, Ms Earhart's ghost haunts the Landmark Inn in Marquette.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

The Speaker of the House will be the Speaker In the House at Borders on August 7th

Nancy Pelosi, the thusfar spineless Speaker of the House in Washington DC , will be in a panel discussion and sign copies of her new book "Know Your Power" (She should have called it "Capitulation: Grabbing your ankles in front of GWB") at 7 pm on August 7th, at the downtown Borders.

Ann Arbor will be Speaker Pelosi's first stop on her book tour. If you want in, Borders will be giving out wristbands beginning at 8 am on the 7th. Borders says first come first served but there is NO guarantee you will meet Ms. Pelosi.

NO pictures will be allowed.

Hey, AATA, thanks for the call back, we REALLY appreciate it....NOT

In trying to do some actual reporting, intrepid YCD reporters left a couple messages with the AATA (no not the general route info number, the general office number) and asked why during Art Fair AATA was using their new hybrid busses almost exclusively to shuttle Art Fair riders and leaving their old rickety busses for the regular riders. We have evidence we wanted to discuss with AATA and gave our number to get a reply but apparently, the AATA may be a little touchy about giving the regulars the back of their hands for a few days while spoiling the out of towners. Yep, those who support AATA the other 361 days a year got the 'filling adjusters on wheels.'

Why AATA, why wouldn't you take a few minutes to call us back? Something making you feel guilty?

Late night open thread

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday at 10 bells for an October 7th show by Alanis Morissette at The Michigan Theater. You know how it works $49.50 gets you in the door, $67.50 gets you close enough to scare Alanis.

Do those ticket prices seem high or is it the whole USA/Canada metrics thing?

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

You know the routine, another day, another car, another building...

Yep. Again. This time a driver who had been drinking, managed to drive through a GIVE BLOOD sign on Packard (ironic no?) and into the American Red Cross building. Luckily the building sustained minimal damage while the 25 year old driver was cuffed and charged. He blew a .08 for those scoring along at home.

Sewage rates in City of Ypsilanti going up (slightly) and water rates coming down (even slighter)

First the City of Ypsilanti, were sewage rates will increase less than 2$ on bi-monthly statements, or 3.5%. Water rates will remain the same as the city stores water for emergencies and other peak useage. The increase of 3.5% will roughly amount to a change from $66.55 to $67.96. The water customer in Ypsilanti will see a miniscule drop in cost due to a surcharge falling off which could drop bi-monthly bills 34¢.

Ypsilanti Township sewage rates will increase from roughly $38.82 to $40.12..

Rates will take effect September 1, if the plans are approved by the Ypsilanti City Council and the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees respectively.

Oh noes, where will the underage drinkers and sleaze hang out now?!

Studio 4, the uber sleazy and equally disgusting nightclub has been ordered to close for two separate weekends this fall, the move in weekend for U-M students, September 4-6 and the Thanksgiving weekend November 27-29. These closures are as a penalty for repeated violations of liquor laws, a passed out minor and repeated visits by Ann Arbor police.

There was also a report of an improper use of a weapon by staff there.

What a classy joint....

Late night open thread

In New York, it's against the law to throw a ball (any ball) at someone's head for fun. Killjoys.

TIme for Ypsilanti, After Dark

A hat trick of vehicle crimes

Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Superior Township, come on down....

First, Ypsilanti where a 15 year old misguided ute (and a real jackass) carjacked a woman in the 800 block of Huron Street. Police later saw the vehicle driving around Washtenaw and Oakwood, right by EMU and tried to pull over Captain Homeroom, but he drove down a dead end street on EMU's campus, and then jumped out only to be caught after a short foot chase.

Next up, Superior Township where a Nissan Murano was driven into a home. Residents appear to be OK, and some of the losers in the vehicle were apprehended but police still are seeking the driver. The Ann Arbor News has cool pictures HERE

Finally, University of Michigan police (and we're guessing Ann Arbor) are looking for the idiots who smashed in the windows of 3 U-M vans and made off with $1000 worth of power tools. The crime took place over the weekend. The vehicles were parked at 328 Hoover.

If you have any information that could help locate the driver of the car who slammed into the house or the person or persons who stole the tools, please help out and make sure YOU aren't their next victims.

A ban on plastic bags in Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor City Council Member Stephen Rapundalo wants to ban plastic shopping bags because they wind up as litter, or so he says. Discussing the bag situation, he said "... they're everywhere. Blowing down streets, hanging in trees.".

This would seem like a problem of PEOPLE who let said bags blow away. I see an awful lot of hubcaps and yet no worries about ensuring they are bolted tighter onto cars. What about cigarette butts Mr. Rapundalo? There are a hundred times more cigarette butts lining the A2 streets and sidewalks and you don't take on smoking.

We were also told that we couldn't use paper bags because we were killing trees the plastic would be a godsend. Guess somebody was fibbing huh?

Late night open thread

Ode to summer camp and anyone who was ever forced to go. Bill Murray is your wake up call in this clip from Meatballs.


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Monday open thread

Johnny's down and out this morning, you feel free to take over and say what you want to....

Late night open thread

Anybody see Batman? Your thoughts?

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

There are now more 'Re-Elect Sheriff Minzey' placards and yard signs than there are voters in Washtenaw County

We get it Sheriff man, you're running for re-election. We're also aware that there are rules and regulations about picking up your campaign signs after the electioneering. We'll hold you to those rules on each and every sign.

We also have the idea that all the Minzey signs in front of the student rental and frat properties isn't some swell in support from the kids. It's landlords who would never put a yard sign in their own yards advertising for the current Sheriff. Also, are ALL the businesses sporting candidate signs going political on us? Might make some citizens less likely to support your business.

Sunday morning post church open thread

Because uh, all the YCD staff and interns will be doing church events all day long, to um, be active in the community and uh, serve God, yeah, serve God. Or something...

Late night open thread

The very first parking meters debuted on this day in 1935 in Oklahoma City. They only took nickels. A nickel in the meter today isn't enough time to pop the trunk.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Hard to believe, in just over a month it's EMU football

That August 28 home date with the Suckamores of Indiana State can't get here soon enough. Soon as Art Fair is over it's time to start thinking football.

The Ypsi City Desk Traffic Copter may be asked to do the flyover at Rynearson that night.

Late night open thread

Did you know the fastest flying insect is the dragonfly? They can travel at speeds up to 35 mph.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with GARBAGE!

Dark. Industrial. Vivid.

Garbage with 'Only Happy When it Rains'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with BLONDIE!

Fab Five Freddy, raps, hip hop--and you don't stop--and they were white and it was 1981. Slightly ahead of their time no? Here's Blondie with 'Rapture'.

"Oh Debbie, hi..." --Mike Damone, Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with SMASHING PUMPKINS!

In honor of Art Fair tonight let's just put up three videos that really do go the extra mile to entertain and amuse and challenge

Leading off Smashing Pumpkins with their Georges Méliès inspired video of 'Tonight Tonight'

One more batch of Art Fair 2008

And yet MORE Ann Arbor Art Fair images

Some Art Fair pics on this sweltering Friday morning

Late night open thread

A very unofficial estimate says crowds are down this year at the Art Fair. Granted it's only Thursday but you wonder if the economy and or the weather is kinda impacting attendance. It's certainly a hearty bunch of attendees and artists this year. Let there be no doubt about an artist's commitment ever again. Four days of a crowded blast furnace IS sacrifice.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

A hot walk around the Ann Arbor Art Fair Part 2

The McCain booth? Crickets. The Obama booth? People. Who knew?

A hot walk around the Ann Arbor Art Fair

The Ypsi City Desk is pleased as punch to add 'The Ypsi Tattler' to our links

They're like us, only better......

Random Art Fair pics on a hot hot July morning

The sun beating down past some stop lights, lemons soon to be lemonade, crushable hats and a brush stroke technique

If you're coming down for Art Fair, be prepared

40 people went down with heat related issues downtown yesterday in the sweltering temperatures. More of that heat is on tap for today. Bring water, know where you can find water, dress for the occasion. Early mornings are best.

Come on down but be ready

Late night open thread

Say friends, next time you're watching the Wizard of Oz, when you get to the part where Dorothy is dancing with the Scarecrow, watch the length of her pigtails go from above her shoulders to below her shoulders and then above and then back to below again. Anything is possible in Oz.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 pm for the Huron Valley -- UPDATE Extended until Midnight

So if you were planning on dinner after the Art Fair, and are checking in on YCD from your new iPhone, (Again, it could happen), just take a gander at what's approaching.

We don't want to start a panic but a street sign from Milwaukee just landed in the YCD parking lot.

More images from the 2008 Ann Arbor Art Fair

The crowds are big out there, the temperature is big out there, the food is delicious and the hipsters are making with the chicken fingers

Don't say dinner, say Funnel Cakes!

It's what's for dinner

So it begins, scenes from an Art Fair

Johnny will be putting up random pictures from the 2008 Ann Arbor Art Fair. Here are a few as it kicked off this morning...(Or we will as soon as Google figures out their image system is kaput this morning, Stupid Google)

Late night open thread

If your birthday is today, you share it with Rembrandt (aka Harmenszoon van Rijn).

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Police seek your help in identifying these two losers

See them? They're in an apartment that is not theirs and they are stealing belongings that, well belong to someone else. This image was taken by a webcam the apartment resident set up. Good thinking. If you know these idiots, you can drop us a line here or call 734-973-7711 and put the sheriff to work on the case.

News from just across the county line, Leggs has burned -- UPDATED 6:08 pm

Yes, the eminently creepy strip club in Van Buren Township, just past the Washtenaw County line on Michigan Avenue burned this morning. Reports say the blaze was out by 7:30 am this morning but holes were punched in the roof to let the smoke out.

Will anyone even notice it smells like smoke and that there are holes in the ceiling and water damage on the floor? Our guess is it'll be open by this afternoon. That place has more lives than a cat...

UPDATE -- It will not be open any time soon. Oh, and the ATF is investigating the fire. Dear ATF, if you want to rid yourselves of it you had better burn it some more, then bulldoze it, re-burn whatever is left and will burn, then bulldoze some more then salt the very earth it sat on.

Or it'll come back....

BIG accident at US-23 and I-94

A tipster just called in and the Ypsi City Desk News Copter is on the way. Stay away from this major intersection of the county if you can...

The invasion of the white van people in Ann Arbor has begun

The yearly infestation of crafters and some artists has begun downtown. Johnny from high atop his Ann Arbor locale will be bringing you the good the bad and the ugly of Art Fair 2008 so stay tuned for coverage only the Ypsi City Desk can provide.

Late night open thread

Saint Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly, off the southwest tip of England was looking for an air traffic controller. The job description said "...controllers need to be able to keep a close eye on the changeable weather as their work "is not over-dependent upon very costly and sophisticated electronic equipment".

Applications were being made available in braille.

Hey, if you can pass the tests, and beat out some other sighted air traffic controllers, more power to ya.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Some AATA routes will be changed this week for Art Fair

According to the AATA website, the folllowing routes will have detours:

AATA to detour routes around Art Fair
ANN ARBOR, MI Twelve Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) bus routes will be detoured around the Art Fair Townie Street Party, July 14, and the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, July 16-19.

Routes to be detoured during the set-up and operation of the Townie Party are :

* 2 Plymouth
* 9U Jackson-University
* 12UL Liberty-University
* 14 Geddes-East Stadium
* 36 Wolverine Tower Shuttle

During the four-day Art Fairs, the above routes will be on detour, along with routes:

* 5 Packard
* 6 Ellsworth
* 7 South Main-East
* 8 Pauline
* 12B Liberty-Miller
* 15 Scio Church-West Stadium
* 16 Ann Arbor-Saline Road

The latest information on AATA routes, schedules and detours is available at 734.996.0400


More on routes HERE

The City of Ann Arbor is FINALLY cracking down on bikers

And handing out some hefty fines for bikers who break the rules. Good for them. Frankly we're sick and tired of hearing from bikers about how they are ENTITLED to do certain things then run stop signs, red lights and turn any and everywhere.

Now if we can get them off the sidewalks it could be mission complete.

Late night open thread

On this day in 1954, Dean Stone was the winning pitcher for the American League in the All Star Game but he never threw a pitch and didn't retire a batter. How then does one become the winning pitcher in such a circumstance? Stone picked off Red Schoendienst who tried to steal home for the third out. The AL then scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead and make a winner out of Dean Stone, July 13, 1954.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Looking towards the Art Fair

Art Fair this week in Ann Arbor. Do you have an Art Fair tradition? Looking forward to seeing your favorite artists. Do you have a favorite? Are YOU an artist at the fair, what's your viewpoint?

Late night open thread

Johnny might be a little fuzzy on his bible stories, but when Jesus was going places to preach we don't recall him having a weapons giveaway of any kind to get the kids to show up.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma church canceled a controversial gun giveaway for teenagers at a weekend youth conference.

Windsor Hills Baptist had planned to give away a semiautomatic assault rifle until one of the event's organizers was unable to attend.

The church’s youth pastor, Bob Ross, said it’s a way of trying to encourage young people to attend the event. The church expected hundreds of teenagers from as far away as Canada.

“We have 21 hours of preaching and teaching throughout the week,” Ross said.

A video on the church Web site shows the shooting competition from last year’s conference. A gun giveaway was part of the event last year. This year, organizers included it in their marketing.

“I don’t want people thinking ‘My goodness, we’re putting a weapon in the hand of somebody that doesn’t respect it who are then going to go out and kill,'” said Ross. “That’s not at all what we’re trying to do.”

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Dog fighting in Washtenaw County? Kick their asses prosecutors!

There's an old line online trolls use to raise hackles that starts; "I speak on behalf of everyone when I say _________"

Johnny is pretty secure in saying he speaks on behalf of the citizens of Washtenaw County when he says those arrested for dogfighting here need to face the most severe punishment allowed. It's always disgraceful to prey on those weaker than you but to prey on a species weaker than you is a special kind of wrong.

A home (where exactly is being kept under wraps right now) in Ypsilanti was raided by Humane Society employees and ten pit bulls, used in dogfights were taken from the home and sadly later had to be put down.

Charges are being sought as Humane Society cruelty investigator Matt Schaecher told the Ann Arbor News:

"We plan to press for prosecution to the fullest extent possible." Good Matt, we'll be right here supporting you.

Late night open thread

Mentioning to trixielovesypsi in the Alanis Morissette clip comment, Johnny used to carry around a D.R.E.A.D. (Detroit Rockers Engaged in the Abolition of Disco) card in his formative years. The legend known as Steve Dahl, who is Johnny's all time favorite DJ evah, had a Disco Demolition night at the old Comiskey Park in between games of a White Sox and Tigers doubleheader.

The Tigers were awarded a forfeit victory in a game that never came close to being played. Here's the local Chicago news as it happened. Happy anniversary.


Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA WITH ELVIS PRESLEY!

Well DUH. Watch this then wander on over to Elvisfest. The King with 'Heartbreak Hotel'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA WITH FEIST!

Is Feist fierce? Is Feist a farce? Are Feist fans fantastic? Only you, the YCD reader can answer these questions. From the album 'The Reminder' here's some Friday Feist with '1 2 3 4'

Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA WITH ALANIS MORISSETTE!

Ah, just who IS this song about? Many stories floating around out there. A Toronto Maple Leaf? Dave Coulier? The part at the beginning where Alanis sings "I want you to know, that I'm happy for you, I wish nothing but, the best for you both" yeah it's Johnny's opinion she doesn't mean that.

Here's the aluminum bat upside the head called 'You Oughta Know'

Apparently, there are no elevators in Utah

Since 15 teenagers, ranging in age from 14-17, in town for the Brigham Young University Especially for Youth camp at EMU, had to be rescued and some transported to local hospitals because they got stuck (yes all at once) in an elevator at Eastern Michigan's Walton Hall.

The overloaded elevator stopped between the first floor and the basement for an hour. After being rescued several showed signs of dehydration and were transported.

We'll simply write this off as a case of "Boys Will Be Boys"

As reader Eric points out, Dos Hermanos celebrates their 1 year anniversary in Ypsilanti

You can read the Ann Arbor News story HERE

Happy Anniversary from YCD, Dos Hermanos

Tomorrow only, The Scrap Box Sculpt-Off 2008, at the Corner Brewery at noon!

Elvisfest isn't the only thing going on in Cool City this weekend. Johnny got a press release of sorts from an old friend about the The Scrap Box Sculpt-Off. Read on citizens:

The Scrap Box Sculpt-Off is THIS SATURDAY! Join us at Corner Brewery at noon to make some art and support the Scrap Box.

Scrap Box Sculpt-Off
Scrap Box
The Corner Brewery

The Scrap Box Sculpt-Off 2008

Artist Team Information

Tool List: Please note that the Scrap Box does NOT provide any tools. Teams need to bring their own.

We do encourage teams to share during the competition.

You can bring any/all of the following:
FASTENERS: Wire, Screws, Nails, Tape, Glue, Thread, Yarn, Cord, Staples, Rubber Bands, Rivets, Zipties

TOOLS: 1 awl, 2 pair of pliers, 2 scissors/sheers, 2 saws, 1 knife, 1 hammer, 1 needle, 1 cordless drill, 2 screwdrivers, 1 multi-tool (Swiss Army, Leatherman, etc.), 1 staple gun, 1 rivet tool

PAINT: 2 colors with brushes (or spray paint)

WILD CARD: One item that is either a raw material that can be used in your sculpture or one additional tool. (Remember the tool must not require electricity.) The raw material cannot exceed 20% of the final sculpture content.

SCULPTURE MATERIALS: The Scrap Box and other local businesses provide materials for the teams. Materials will be a varied array of items. Each team will receive the exact same materials and an inventory of those materials at the start of the competition.
Again, there is no electricity available on site. Do not bring tools that require electricity, only blood, sweat and tears here!

Time Description
12:00 – 12:15
Artists arrive and check in. PLEASE BE ON TIME. Artists will be given work areas and can unpack tools. Artists may not look at materials until the competition begins.
12:20
Theme announced and competition begins.
12:20 – 2:30
Teams work on sculptures. Referees will monitor teams for any questionable activities throughout the event and be able to award and take away points. (bribery of referees may be allowed.)
2:30
All hands off sculptures!
2:30 – 2:45
Judges/referees will critique and score sculptures.
2:45 – 3:00
Raffle drawing and awards ceremony.

DRESS CODE: While not required, teams are encouraged to dress alike and/or in costume. Teams sponsored by specific organizations may want to wear identifiable shirts, etc.

COMPETITION RULES:
· No more than 5 artists can work on a sculpture at any given time. Team members must sub-in tag-team wrestling style (high-five or similar hand slap). Referees will be watching for team member number infractions.

· Due to limited space, your finished sculpture cannot be larger than 3'x3'x3'.

· Teams will be responsible for removing their sculpture and cleaning up their competition area after the competition is over.

· Each team will have roughly 2.5 hours to create their sculpture. The event is timed and monitored by a gang of wacky referees. Referees will give demerits to teams who violate any of the rules. They also give bonus points for bribes. The Referees are their own body and event organizers take zero responsibility for their arbitrary awarding of bonus points and demerits. (Remember, it's all in fun!)

· The finished pieces will be judged and top winners will be displayed at the Scrap Box (though top winners also have the option of taking their sculptures home if they so choose).
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Honors will be awarded for such things as:
· Best use of theme
· Best dressed
· Most enthusiastic
· Best team work
· Best team name
· Clean your plate (most materials used)
· Best behaved
· Most demerits
· People's choice

ABOUT THE SCRAP BOX:
For those of you who are not familiar with the Scrap Box, here is a bit more information.

The Scrap Box is the place for creative recycling. You will find a large assortment of unique materials which manufacturers and businesses would otherwise send to landfills: remnants, samples, seconds, and scraps. This good "junk" can be recycled into useful materials for art classes, learning games, science experiments, crafts and other expressions of creativity. The Scrap Box is open to the public.

AND FINALLY THANK YOU:
Thanks for being a part of the Scrap Box Sculpt-Off! This year's event will be bigger and better than ever, and we appreciate you being a part of it, and especially appreciate your support of the Scrap Box.

Late night open thread

In minor league baseball tonight it was the Lehigh Valley IronPigs over the Syracuse SkyChiefs 8-3. Travis Blackley evened his record at 5-5 for the Pigs while John Knott hit his 11th home run.

Go IronPigs

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

The Socialist Party will be holding an event in Ann Arbor this weekend

The National Socialist Party will be holding an organizing event this weekend. Their national candidate for President, Brian Moore will be on hand to run one of the workshops.

All totaled there will be 15 workshops and the event will be held at the Inter Cooperative Council on Hill Street.

The Socialist Party isn't just talking about politics, there will also be a workshop on the benefit of open source software.

If you'd like more info, feel free to click HERE

Anybody else smell that? It smells like, like....Peanut butter and banana sammiches!

Which can only mean, it's ELVISFEST TIME IN YPSILANTI!

That's right hound dogs and gyrating fans of the King, Elvisfest is live and local this weekend in Ypsilanti. YCD could go on and on about how cool it is and how much fun you'll have but we know a better place to get info with VIDEO mind you from last's years shows.

Will the performer known as Elvis Himselvis make an appearance? Check out the OFFICIAL ElvisFest website HERE and find out...

Late night open thread

The big hazardous spill out on Liberty Road continues to baffle fire departments and HAZMAT teams alike. Nobody can identify the yellowy substance. We might suggest a sudden geyser of Lemon Fresh Joy dishwashing liquid.

It could happen.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

According to the Detroit Free Press, the University of Michigan WILL PAY 2.5 MILLION for Rich Rod's lawsuit

What kind of CRAP is that? Tuition is going up 5% while U-M pays 2.5 MILLION dollars for a football coach. How many improvements can't get made? How many projects sit due to lack of funds? How many classrooms need updating? Computer labs? The Michigan Daily offices need some help? How about the basketball program, devoid of life at U-M?

This is the worst money spent at the University of Michigan in a LONG LONG time.

This should incense every taxpayer in the state of Michigan, you just subsidized a football coach who ran afoul of a school in West Virginia.

F THAT.

Free Press story here

Rich Rodriguez 'agrees' to pay the 4 million owed to West Virginia

Huh, isn't it funny how quickly these things work themselves out when University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman was staring down a subpoena from West Virginia and was threatened with getting dragged into this case? Yep, Michigan football coach Rich Rod has "agreed" to pay back the 4 million he owed after jumping ship to Ann Arbor in December.

Rich Rodriguez SURE has made an impact since being named coach hasn't he?

One nagging question YCD has, did U-M agree to cover Rodriguez's 4 million in ANY way shape or form? THAT would be a heinous waste of University of Michigan monies.

Late night open thread

Anyone find it odd Kevin Bacon wasn't in 'Six Degrees of Separation'?

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

The Huron Valley is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 pm

So, uh, um, WATCH for one...

There may be a severe lack of men wearing underpants in Saline this Saturday

That's because men in kilts don't wear underpants and Saline is gonna have kilts all over downtown for the Highland Games Masters World Championships which will be downtown in Mill Pond Park.

To prep folks into getting into a haggis state of mind, Thursday will have free rugby matches at Henne Field beginning at 5:30 pm. Friday brings Gaelic football, again at Henne Field but on Friday starting at 7:00 pm.

Saturday brings the big names and the big games; Hammer throw, stone put, sheaf and caber toss will all be contested. Festival goers can also expect fiddling championships and dance troupes all day Saturday.

Sadly, there will be no Scotch drinking contest...

City of Ann Arbor buys Tios property, promises 30 minute delivery will continue

OK, Tios never promised 30 minute delivery, but with the police now delivering tasty Tios chow, can it be more than 30 minutes?

It's true, the City of Ann Arbor has bought the property that Tios now sits on near Fifth and Huron, but will honor the new lease Tios just signed.

You better believe the minute that new lease is up, the city will move to destroy Tios and wrap that property into the new unnecessary city/police/ministry of ticket money building.

Late night open thread

July 7, 1984, a mere 24 years ago 'When Doves Cry' was #1 on the charts. If you remember those days you're almost past your bedtime.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Crime-O-Rama these last couple days

A woman walking right near her apartment in Ann Arbor is assaulted and her purse stolen. A coward with a gun sticks up an Ypsi Township store, a man in Ann Arbor hurls race invectives at two guys driving by (and gets his ass kicked for his big mouth), a man steals from a Cross Street business early Sunday (luckily he was arrested), and a prowler is arrested in Ann Arbor.

What the hell? What is going on anymore? We ALL need to be more vigilant and start looking out for our friends and neighbors. Cowardly criminals count on the fact you won't get involved, that you won't say something or do something to impede them.

Let's prove them wrong. If you think something looks wrong, it probably is. We all carry cell phones, make the call, don't worry about being wrong, worry about doing nothing.

So, we're shooting each other over pool arguments now?

According to reports, Dwight Darnell Bryant was shot and killed in the doorway to his abode because of an argument at the swimming pool at Hidden Cove Apartments the day before. Not that it matters, because dead is dead, but Mr Bryant most likely wasn't AT the pool argument and was a victim of opening his door. That's all, he opened his door.

The people involved in this should be ashamed, their families should be ashamed and as a community we should be ashamed that this passes for "respect" or "not getting dissed" or that it happened at all.

Police have suspects they have interviewed, we'll see if they fit the bill for this stupidity.

Late night open thread

Looks to be the weather the next couple days intends to act like July around here.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Perhaps it's time to call the Matthaei Botanical Gardens 'Little Jamaica'

Yes once again marijuana, or as they call it over at Little Jamaica, ganja, has been discovered. Police were called out earlier this week to Matthaei Botanical Gardens as someone found five more "suspected" plants. No suspects are in custody and still no arrests have been made from this spring's discovery of the ganja pants on Matthaei Botanical Gardens grounds.

Can dime and nickel bags in the gift shop be far behind?

Late night open thread

Which state leads the US per capita in ice cream consumption? Almost twice as much as everyone else. Answer HERE

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Saturday open thread

Waaaaay too nice out to worry about blogging and or reporting. Let's do that parade thing again.

Late night open thread

Oh what an evening. 2 bricks of firecrackers, dozens and dozens of all kinds of bottle rockets, roman candles galore and yes, then the bigguns. Standing outside you can actually hear the sound of happiness on the air. People lighting off fireworks are happy, they are excited, they are enjoying the day. You can hear it with every crackle and thud. Johnny absolutely adores the 4th of July as we all come together as one, no one political party enjoys fireworks any more than any other. Everybody enjoys food on the grill. Enjoying the company of other Americans.

The Ypsilanti Independence Day parade is becoming the most talked about one of it's kind. The Cadillac of 4th of July parades. Case and point Johnny talked to a friend from Pinckney after the parade and she said she wanted to go to a parade today and had heard Ypsilanti's was the best one around. Not the first time that's been said around SE Michigan.

Has there ever been a better looking day on the 4th? Somebody write this one down and when we go to order days from the catalog we remember it. As perfect a day as there's ever been.

Cool City earned it's new nickname on this day friends.

Time for Ypsilanti, After Dark

Scenes from the Ypsilanti Independence Day Parade 2008