ypsi~dixit

24 juni 2005

GQ MAGAZINE VOTES YPSILANTI'S SIDETRACK'S "OUR FAMOUS BURGER" ONE OF NATION'S BEST in their article "The 20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before you Die."

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:06 pm | Comments (37) | TrackBack

23 juni 2005

DEER DIP: Examine this < href="http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/4641369/detail.html">slideshow [just to right of photo] of a deer trapped in a Macomb Twp. swimming pool, and the approach the authorities took.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:49 am | Comments (5) | TrackBack

19 juni 2005

10 Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries

What does The Feminine Mystique and Mein Kampf have in common? They're both in the top 10 books judged most harmful of the past 2 centuries, according to Human Events, "the national conservative weekly." The Feminine Mystique "disparaged traditional stay-at-home motherhood as life in “a comfortable concentration camp”--a role that degraded women and denied them true fulfillment in life." Goshers. Guess Ypsidixit has been missing out on her true fulfillment. And I didn't even realize it, busy as I am with a dream job and a lovely house and garden and beloved friends. Phooey. I suppose I should be depressed or something. Anyways, the Kinsey Report Is also on the list, since it is "designed to give a scientific gloss to the normalization of promiscuity and deviancy." Ah. OK. Complete list here. Also check out the NPR On The Media interview with one of the Human Events book judges, Herb London, whose transcript is here.

Posted by ypsidixit at 11:00 pm | Comments (24) | TrackBack

17 juni 2005

Zing!

Local writer Michael Betzold takes a swipe at Mitch Albom in the Metro Times, by reviewing Albom's play.....which doesn't open till June 23. Enjoy!

Posted by ypsidixit at 04:47 pm | Comments (74) | TrackBack

16 juni 2005

Startling Link Between Autism & Vaccines, written by Robert Kennedy Jr.

Part of a Salon and Rolling Stone joint investigation, Kennedy's article uncovers troubling information about a government coverup between a neurotoxin commonly used in childhood vaccines--which are now up to 22 jabs by first grade--and the stupendous rise in autism in the last decade. Persuasive, disturbing, and alarming, this story could make Vioxx look like Pez. Story (do the tedious daypass thing).

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:41 pm | Comments (19)

Ypsi City Income Tax Meeting

"I'M INTRIGUED BY THE WAY YOU USE 'EMPLOYMENT' AND 'WORK' INTERCHANGEABLY." This laconic, bone-dry comment delivered by a member of the city's income tax study team to one of two reps from Plante and Moran, there to explain their income tax study, struck Ypsidixit as a comment on the study, a study later criticized by team member Ingrid as skimpy and failing to meet the team's original criteria.

This $22,000 study examines the impact of a city income tax on Ypsi residents. After the droning presentation, which included the disembodied voice of one "Dave" via conference call from, presumably, Plante and Moran, things heated up in the audience participation period.

One Kevin Hill asked whether it would be more practical to levy a one-time emergency fee instead of undergoing all the preparation necessary for the institution of a tax. Fellow blogger Mark Maynard cleverly pointed out the wisdom of waiting to see if Ann Arbor will (possibly/probably, according to Plante & Moran) institute its own income tax, and then lure businesses to tax-free Ypsi. Ingrid discussed an innovative program whereby firefighters could be empowered to transport patients to hospitals and charge the hospitals, a program that has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to western Wayne county. Another resident, an Ann Arbor businessman, said that as soon as the news of AA's own proposed income tax hit the streets, his clients anxiously asked him for contingency plans to more their businesses outside AA city limits in case AA instituted a tax. This gentleman made it clear that a tax looms large as a consideration in the business community. Sitting next to Y., a gentleman from a local paper made a bon mot about a possible future revenue source, the "Visteon Prison."

Judging from the overall audience response, an Ypsi city income tax will not pass a vote. So what's the next step for a city already trimmed to the bone?

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:58 am | Comments (11) | TrackBack

15 juni 2005

Text of Income Tax Feasibility Study

(in "Continue Reading")

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary
Project Objective: p. 1
Project Methodology: p. 1
Findings: p. 2
Revenue Summary
Property Tax System-Current State: p. 3
Income Tax System-Proposed/Future State: p. 6
Cash Flows (timing): p. 9
Burden Shift and Effect on Individuals: p. 10
Next Steps: p. 11
Listing of 2003 Michigan INcome Tax Cities and Rates: p. 12

Appendices

Appendix A: Income Tax Revenue Model
A-1: $600 Exemption Level
A-2: $1,000 Exemption Level

Appendix B: Income Tax Revenue Model without Visteon
B-1: $600 Exemtion Level
B-2: $1,000 Exemption Level

Appendix C: Comparison of Property Tax and Income Tax Burden for Resident Taxpayers

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The City of Ypsilanti, Michigan ("City") is conducting a study of the potential effects of instituting a city income tax. The purpose of this study is to estimate whether an income tax is a feasible option for the City and to assess the potential burden shift between the different classes of taxpayers: residents, non-residents, and businesses.

PROJECT METHODOLOGY

To meet this objective, statistical information about the City's population, worker demographics, residential household income and business income was gathered from various sources. Sources included the City, United States Census Bureau, Michigan Department of Treasury, U. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employer surveys, surveys of other cities which assess income tax, and market research companies. Once the source data was collected, certain assumptions were made in order to estimate the revenue that would be generated under an income tax system and to project revenues over the next five years.

Historical data about the current property tax system was compiled by the City. Using growth rate assumptions made by City personnel, revenue that would be generated from the current property tax system was projected over the next five years.

After preparing the income tax and the property tax models as described above, the results of each were compared. Not only the total revenue which would be generated from each system, but the percentages of each revenue type that would be paid by the different classes of taxpayers (residents, non-residents, and businesses) were compared.

The analysis has been developed using the best available information concerning financial and demographic trends and conditions. As mentioned above, each model was developepd using certain key assumptions and should not be evaluated without a thorough understanding of those assumptions. The assumptions and the accompanying rationale are documented in later sections of the report.

All assumptions are the responsibility of the City of Ypsilanti's management based on their best judgment at the time of the study. It is possible that the forecasted results may not be achieved because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected.

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FINDINGS

Based on the assumptions outlined in this report, an income tax using maximum tax rates and minimum exemption allowances allowed by Michigan law could generate approximately $4.0 million, net of estimated administrative costs. The City's operating property tax millage is estimated to generate approximately $6.8 million of revenue in fiscal year 2005. Therefore, an income tax and operating property tax millage could generate approximately $10.8 million of revenue for the City.

For comparison purposes, income tax revenue using [an] alternative exemption level of $1,000 has been calculated. See Appendix A for the results of these calculations. Additionally, estimates have been developed for the City assuming that the Visteon plant (1,100 jobs) closes. Please see Appendix B for these estimates.

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PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM: CURRENT STATE

Property Taxes and Millage Rates

The City currently has a property tax system which generates revenue from property owners in the City limits. The revenue is calculated by multiplying the taxable value of property by the millage rates. The following millage rates have been approved by the City for the 2004 tax year:

Operating: 19.0937
Refuse: 2.7870
Debt service: 0.7887
Streets: 3.8533
Police Pansion: 1.7593

Total: 28.2820

Significant Factors Affecting the Property Tax Model

The folllowing factors have an affect [sic] on how the property tax is calculated and projected:

--Headlee Amendment
--Proposal A
--Tax Increment Financing District
--Administration Fee

Under State law, the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A have a significant impact on the rate of revenue growth that can be achieved through property taxes.

The Headlee Amendment

The Headlee Amendment limits the growth of property tax revenue by controlling how the City's maximum authorized millage rate is calculated. The maximum authorized millage is rolled back when growth on existing City property is greater than inflation, hence limiting the increase in revenue from those properties to the rate of inflation.

Proposal A

Proposal A limits the increase in taxable value of individual properties to the lesser of inflation or five percent annually. While the state equalized value (SEV) continues to grow with the market, the taxable value is limited by Proposal A. When property is sold or transferred, the taxable

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value is reset to SEV in a process referred to as "uncapping." This process results in an increase in the taxable value base for the City; however, the uncapped values are factored into the Headlee calculation and can cause a rollback.

Tax Increment Financing District

Another matter which affects property tax revenue is the existence of a tax increment financing (TIF) plan for the City's Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Under the TIF plan, the DDA district is able to "capture" a portion of property taxes levied by the City. In other words, of the total property tax revenue collected by the City, the DDA will receive a portion of the revenue for its own use. The taxes captured by the DDA have been factored into the model.

Administration Fee

An additional source of revenue generated under the property tax system is an administrative fee of 1% of the total taxes levied on every tax bill. Property taxes are charged not only by the City, but by other units of government, including Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti Public Schools, Washtenaw Community College, and the Intermediate School District. The City acts as an agent for the other units of government by billing and collecting the property taxes on their behalf. The administrative fee is charged by the City to cover its costs of administering property taxes on behalf of the other units of government. In the event that the City's operating millage is eliminated, the related administrative fee on the operating millage would be eliminated as well.

Assumptions: Property Tax System

With assistance from personnel in the City's Assessing Department, certain assumptions about the growth of existing property, growth of new property, the rate of transfers of existing property, and the factors affecting the DDA capture were made. These assumptions were necessary in order to estimate future revenues that would be generated if the current property tax system remains in effect.

The assumptions used in the property tax model relating to the ad valorem roll are summarized as follows:

FACTOR GROWTH RATE ASSUMPTION

Existing real property CBO Consumer Price Index Rate, 2.00% in 2005 and then 2.20%

Existing personal property 0% per year

New property, net of losses 0.5% per year

Rate of transfers of existing property 1.0% per year

Growth of DDA capture 1.0% per year

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The assumptions include no additions to, and no significant growth of, the industrial facilities tax roll (IFT)

The model begins with actual taxable values and state equalized values for the 2004 tax year and uses the assumptions to project revenue over the next five years. Effects of the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A are factored into the model.

Classes of Taxpayers

In order to calculate the portion of property taxes which are paid by residents vs. businesses (non-residents do not pay property taxes), the makeup of the 2003 taxable values between homestead and non-homestead properties were compiled. Since a taxpayer must use property as a principal residence in order to qualify for a homestead exemption, it was assumed that the homestead totals represent the residents of the City. Homestead properties represented 32.9% of the total taxable value, while non-homestead properties made up the remaining 67.1%. This same ratio is assumed for each year of hte model.

Revenue Projections

Based on the above assumptions, the calculations indicate that the property taxes will generate the following revenues over the next five years, including the 1% administration fee on the operating millage:

2005: $6,782,200
2006: $7,047,800
2007: $7,193,200
2008: $7,389,200
2009: $7,595,200

According to the current model, the DDA is projected to receive between $156,000 and $176,000 per year over the next five years. from the City's operating property tax levy. In the event that the levy is eliminated in favor of an income tax system, the DDA could lose part of this revenue.

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INCOME TAX SYSTEM: PROPOSED/FUTURE STATE

An income tax would be assessed on the taxable income of residents and corporations in the City, as well as the salaries and wages earned in the City of Ypsilanti by individuals who do not live in the City.

Under the State's Uniform City Income Tax Act (UCITA), (Public Act 284 of 1964, as amended), the voters must approve the imposition of an income tax. The maximum tax rates that can be assessed are 1% on residents and corporations and 1/2% on nonresident individuals. The rates can be lower; however, the nonresident rate cannot exceed 1/2 of the resident rate. This model was prepared using the maximum allowable rates, which are the most common rates among other cities which impose an income tax.

UCITA provides that a taxpayer is allowed a minimum deduction from income of $600 for each personal and dependency exemption (as determined under the federal internal revenue code). Additional exemptions are allowed for taxpayers who meet certain qualifications, such as being 65 years of age or older, blind, deaf, or totally and permanently disabled. For comparison purposes, two models have been developed using different exemption rates: $600 and $1,000.

Another provision of UCITA specifies that residents who pay income tax to another city be allowed a credit for the amount paid to that city. Given the City's location compared to other cities that impose an income tax, the model gives consideration to residents who work and pay income taxes in the City of Detroit.

In preparing the income tax model, taxpayers were segregated into the following categories:

--Individuals who live and work in the City of Ypsilanti
--Individuals who live in Ypsilanti, but work elsewhere (non-taxing City)
--Individuals who live in Ypsilanti, but work in Detroit (taxing City)
--Individuals who work in Ypsilanti, but live elsewhere ("commuters")
--Corporations

Data was [sic] gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau (2000 Census) in order to determine how many people were in each of the "individual" categories above. Once the number of individuals in each category was known, the amount of taxable income for each category was estimated.

Estimate of Taxable Income

INDIVIDUALS WHO LIVE IN YPSILANTI: Residents of the City are taxed on their taxable income, regardless of where it was earned. The amount of income subject to tax was obtained from the State of Michigan Department of Treasure. By multiplying the ratio of residents in each of the

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categories above by the income subject to tax for the entire City, the taxable income for each category of residents was estimated.

In addition, for the residents who work in the City of Detroit, an estimate of the credit for taxes paid to another city was made. The average salary for jobs in the Detroit area, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, was multiplied by the Detroit non-resident tax rate to calculate the average credit per worker. The average credit per worker was then multiplied by the number of resdients who work in Detroit to determine the total credit for all residents who work in Detroit.

COMMUTERS: Commuters are taxed on their salaries earned in the City. To estimate income subject to tax from commuters, the number of commuters was multiplied by the average salary for jobs in the Ypsilanti area, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

BUSINESSES: To assist in the estimation of income from corporations, seven cities that impose an income tax were surveyed. Statistical data about tax collectioins, the number of returns filed annually, the cost of administration, and the timing of collections was requested. Four of the seven cities responded to our request. Using the data obtained from the surveys, combined with corporate sales data obtained from the marketing research company Claritas, Inc., the average tax collections as a percentage of sales was calculated. A ratio was applied to corporate sales of the City of Ypsilanti to estimate income tax from corporations.

Estimate of Exemption Deductions:

For each of the categories of individuals, an estimate was made about personal and dependency exemptions to be claimed. The number of individuals in each category was multiplied by the average family size, based on the 2000 census; the result was multiplied by exemption rate used in each model ($600 and $1,000).

An estimate of additional exemptions for individuals over 65 was also made. The percentage of senior residents who work was calculated uusing data from the 2000 census and the Current Population Survey; this percentage was multiplied by the exemption rate used in each model ($600 and $1,000).

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Growth/Projection Assumptions

In building the income tax model, the following assumptions were used in projecting income tax revenue over the next 5 years:

DATA GROWTH RATE ASSUMPTION SOURCE OF ASSUMPTION

Population 0.002% over next 5 years Claritas, Inc.

# jobs in Ypsi 1.50% per year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Average annual
salary 1.50% per year Claritas, Inc.

Taxable income
for residents 1.50% per year Claritas, Inc.

Worker ratio
(resident workers,
commuters, etc.) Assumed stable ratio N/A
throughout the model

Administrative Costs

As with any revenue-generating program, a variety of costs are associated with having an income tax. There are costs related to the start-up of the program, such as putting the issue out to vote, establishing an ordinance, and creating forms and instructions for each class of taxpayers. Ongoing administration costs include processing the annual returns and related payments/refunds, processing quarterly estimated tax payments, registering employers for withholding, and processing the related quarterly withholding returns. Additional costs should be considered for enforcing the income tax as well. The average administration cost for the cities that replied to our survey was 3.40% of collections.

Revenue Projections

Based on the above assumptions, it is estimated that an income tax would generate the following revenues, net of administrative costs, over the next five years (assuming a 1% resident/corporate tax rate, 0.5% non-resident and $600 exemption level):

2005: $4,071,000
2006: $4,193,000
2007: $4,322,000
2008: $4,452,000
2009: $4,589,000

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Under the current property tax system, the City recieves its operating millage once per year. However, under an income tax system, the City would receive its revenue stream throughout the year via payroll withholdings, estimated tax payments, and with income tax returns.

Based on information obtained from other cities, the average cash flow for collection of income taxes would follow this approximate schedule. Dollar amounts are based on $600 exemption level

Percent of
collections 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

January 11.41% 480,817 495,308 510,483 525,887 541,975
February 7.86% 331,136 341,116 351,567 362,175 373,255
March 4.91% 206,823 213,056 219,584 226,210 233,130
April 15.32% 645,501 664,954 685,327 706,007 727,605
May 7.83% 330,125 340,074 350,493 361,069 372,115
June 5.12% 215,673 222,172 228,979 235,889 243,105
July 9.68% 407,999 420,296 433,173 446,243 459,895
August 7.86% 331,220 341,203 351,656 362,267 373,350
September 7.23% 304,588 313,767 323,381 333,139 343,350
October 10.29% 433,789 446,863 460,554 474,450 488,965
November 6.66% 280,568 289,024 297,879 306,867 316,255
December 5.83% 245,760 253,167 260,924 268,797 277,020

Total 100% 4,213,999 4,341,000 4,474,000 4,609,000 4,750,0000

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Burden Shift

By segregating the population of taxpayers into categories, an estimate of the share of tax burden between a property tax system and an income tax system was developed. Under the current property tax system, non-residents do not have a share of the burden, while individuals and corporations share the burden at 33% and 67%, respectively.

Under an income tax system, the burden would be shifted to approximately 52%, 43%, and 5% for residents, non-residents, and corporations, respectively. Appendix A includes graphs to illustrate this comparison at the various exemption levels included in this analysis.

Effect on Individuals

Three tables that compare various property tax levels to income tax levels at the $600 and $1,000 exemption levels have been preapared.

To use the chart, an individual would first identify the taxable value that best represents their property. The number below the taxable value is the amount of property tax that is paid for the operating millage currently at 19.0372 mills. To determine the estimated income tax that would be paid, an individual would review the taxable income column and select the row that best estimates theri taxable income level. Moving to the right the amount of income tax is provided.

At the $600 exemption level, the resident share of the income tax would be approximately $2,195,000 in year one. The level of revenue equates to approximately 6.5 mills in year one of the model. The table below indicates the millage rate equivalent of the projected resident share of an income tax.

Model Year Millage Equivalent Millage Equivalent
at $600 Exemption at $1,000 Exemption

2005 6.497 6.136
2006 6.480 6.129
2007 6.402 6.065
2008 6.404 6.075
2009 6.402 6.083

These charts can be found in Appendix C.

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Next Steps

In moving forward with the evaluation of a City income tax the City should undertake the following.

1 Directly contact cities with an income tax to obtain more information about the following:

--Administrative costs and staffing
--Tax processing
--Enforcement
--Business registration
--Available technology to assist in the processing effort

2. Additionally, the City may wish to identify research available on the business impact when communities establish an income tax. This research will want to address the following:

--Possible business exodus upon establishment of an income tax
--Impact on business location choices

3. Continue to examine cost cutting methods, the City, the City should continue to examine ways to reduce costs. [sic] It is our understanding that the City is currently engaged in a strategic plan; the City will want to thoroughly examine and consider the outcomes of this study.

4. If the City still desires to take the income tax to a vote they need to consider the following:

--Identification of a possible election date.
--Working from the election data, establish a strategy to educate the electorate about the issue. Look to continue the business community, schools, large employers and others in the discussion.
--Identify services and/or projects that will need to be discontinued if the income tax is not passed.
--Use the research about operations and impact (Items 1 and 2) as a means to ease fears about an income tax.
--Examine the ability to reduce the current millage rate in order to reduce the impact to residents.

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LISTING OF MICHIGAN INCOME TAX CITIES AND RATES

City...............................Year...Resident...Corporate...Non-Resident...2003 Exemption
Albion...........................1972...1.00..........1.00..............0.500..................600
Battle Creek................1967...1.00..........1.00..............0.500..................1,500
Big Rapids..................1970...1.00..........1.00..............0.500..................600
Detroit...........................1962...2.55..........1.20..............1.275..................750
Flint...............................1965....1.00..........1.00.............0.500..................600
Grand Rapids.............1967....1.30..........1.00.............0.500..................3,000
Hamtramck..................1962...1.00..........1.00.............0.500..................600
Highland Park.............1966....2.00..........2.00.............1.00....................600
Hudson.........................1971....1.00.........1.00.............0.500..................1,000
Ionia...............................1994... 1.00.........1.00.............0.500..................700
Jackson.........................1970...1.00.........1.00..............0.500..................600
Lansing.........................1968....1.00.........1.00.............0.500..................600
Lapeer...........................1967....1.00.........1.00.............0.500..................600
Muskegon.....................1993....1.00.........1.00.............0.500..................600
Muskegon Heights......1990....1.00........1.00..............0.500..................600
Pontiac...........................1968....1.00........1.00..............0.500..................600
Port Huron.....................1969....1.00........1.00..............0.500..................1,200
Portland.........................1969.....1.00.......1.00..............0.500..................1,000
Saginaw.........................1965....1.50........1.50.............0.750..................1,000
Springfield.....................1989.....1.00........1.00............0.500...................1,500
Walker............................1988.....1.00........1.00............0.500...................750

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APPENDICES

[Note: I here omit appendices A & B since they are tables and charts difficult to reproduce in text format. However, I here reproduce appendix C's two tables since they give you an idea of your tax.]

RESIDENT SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AT $600 EXEMPTION LEVEL

Taxable Value...40,000....60,000....80,000....100,000....120,000....140,000....160,000
_________________________________________________________________
City Property Tax..764.......1,146......1,527......1,909.........2,291.........2,673.........3,055
_________________________________________________________________
Taxable Income
_________________________________________________________________
10,000....................82.............82..........82................82............82...............82..............82......
20,000..................182............182.......182.............182..........182............182.............182
30,000..................282............282.......282.............282..........282.............282............282
40,000..................382............382.......382.............382..........382.............382............382
50,000..................482............482.......482.............482..........482.............482............482
60,000..................582...........[same amount all other columns]
70,000..................682 [same]
80,000 782 [same]
90,000 882 [same]
100,000 982 [same]

RESIDENT SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AT $1,000 EXEMPTION LEVEL

Taxable Value...40,000....60,000....80,000....100,000....120,000....140,000....160,000
_________________________________________________________________
City Property Tax..764.......1,146......1,527......1,909.........2,291.........2,673.........3,055
_________________________________________________________________
Taxable Income
_________________________________________________________________
10,000....................70 [same across all columns]
20,000..................170
30,000..................270
40,000..................370
50,000..................470
60,000..................570
70,000..................670
80,000 770
90,000 870
100,000 970

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:22 pm | Comments (25) | TrackBack

IT WAS A BLOGGERS' CONVENTION at the city income tax meeting tonight. Mark Maynard was there, as was East Cross Street, plus reporters from the Courier and the News, plus around 15 citizens, who proved articulate indeed in the comments period. Ypsidixit got a copy of the report and will be typing it online in chunks tonight, followed by a meeting roundup in another post.

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:12 pm | Comments (4) | TrackBack

BORDERS PROTESTS ONLINE SALES TAX: A California court decision forces Borders to charge sales tax for online purchases. The ruling could make it easier for states to charge sales tax on all online sales. States haven't so far because no one knows if that would infringe on federal laws regarding commerce. Meanwhile, state and local governments have lost 15.5 billion dollars in sales tax revenue to online shopping. Under a 1992 ruling, states can tax businesses for interstate transactions only if the business has bricks in the state. Trouble is, this law was clearly made long before anyone really understood how online shopping works, or how big it'd get. It's a huge, complicated mess that won't get sorted out anytime soon. Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:31 pm | Comments (3) | TrackBack

CRISIS AVERTED: It's reassuring to know that some people have their priorities straight in these troubled times. After the Detroit Zoo impishly named its two new wolverine kits "Sparty" and "Bucky," the deluge of outraged emails and phone calls from U-M alums, threatening to cancel their zoo memberships or withhold donations, forced the zoo to re-name the kits to Tamarack and Tilia, two native Michigan trees. Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:02 am | Comments (15) | TrackBack

14 juni 2005

SALVATION ARMY PERSISTS in builidng a recreation center in Ypsi. Trouble is, the national group nixed the original pricey project, so they've scaled the project way back. Therefore the potential for lameness is larger. Also, to what degree will everything be overlaid with Christianity? For example, the SA recently held its charity fair in Recreation Park, featuring a moon bounce and not much else. But they couldn't just call it "Summer Carnival"; it had to be the "Son Castle Fair." I first learned this over the phone, and I misunderstood it as "Sun." The lady said, "Son--the Son of God," with a certain aghast incredulity that someone would not instantly understand what she'd meant. I remember reflecting that people who expect the world to understand their own personal invented lingo are often classified as nuts.

God bless the SA for the good they do. But, one cannot escape the impression that the whole organization is hopelessly square. This won't be some deal like Ann Arbor's cool Neutral Zone teen center, where kids can produce records and hold poetry slams and learn how to create films. One suspects such things aren't on the SA radar. So we'll get a tepid recreation center to drain people away from what recreational offerings the city still has--is this good for the city? Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:51 pm | Comments (2) | TrackBack

DOG PEOPLE! Worried that your dog just isn’t doggy enough? Want to give your dog a chance to regain and develop his dogginess? How about dog day care? There he’ll get a chance to nap in a “cabin,” take “short hikes,” and romp merrily with other dogs. Where? At the new dog day care slated to open in Ann Arbor in the Fall of 2005, Camp Bow Wow, “where dogs can be dogs.” Don't miss the dogcam.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:59 pm | Comments (5) | TrackBack

PUSH TO END FUNDING FOR PBS AND NPR: A MoveOn email alerted me to the fact that the House panel has voted to eliminate all public funding for PBS & NPR, beginnine with "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow," and other children's shows. The cuts would slash funding by 25% this year and end funding in 2 years. MoveOn has a petition up to support continued funding for NPR and PBS.

[Excerpt from the email:]

This shameful vote is only the latest partisan assault on public TV and radio. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which exists to shield public TV and radio from political pressure, is now chaired by Kenneth Tomlinson, a staunch Republican close to the White House. Tomlinson has already forced one-sided conservative programs on the air, even though Tomlinson's own surveys show that most people consider NPR "fair and balanced" and they actually trust public broadcasting more than commercial network news.2

Tomlinson also spent taxpayer dollars on a witch hunt to root out "liberal bias," including a secret investigation of Bill Moyers and PBS' popular investigative show, "NOW." Even though the public paid for the investigation, Tomlinson has refused to release the findings.3

The lawmakers who proposed the cuts aren't just trying to save money in the budget—they're trying to decimate any news outlets who question those in power. This is an ideological attack on our free press.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:44 pm | Comments (12) | TrackBack

13 juni 2005

Top Michigan Lobbyists in DC: GM, U-M

THE TOP 14 MICHIGAN ENTITIES spending money to influence politicians in DC include GM (#1 at $6,200,000), Ford (#2) DaimlerChrysler (#3), the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe (#8), and, weirdly, the University of Michigan (#14). The complete list of lobbyists. Why is the U-M using tuition moneys to lobby politicians in DC? Whom did GM pay, and why? Why is Kmart paying politicians? Citizens deserve answers to these questions.

Posted by ypsidixit at 07:48 pm | Comments (5) | TrackBack

CITY INCOME TAX MEETING: Some information from kind reader Suzie: "There's a meeting to discuss the proposed income tax 6:30 p.m. Wed. June 15, City Hall. I’m interested to learn about the tax and what it might mean for residents and local businesses."

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:55 am | Comments (61) | TrackBack

SLAVE LABOR BUILDS WHITE HOUSE: Slaves rented out for $5 a month during the off season built many of the federal buildings in Washington D.C., including the White House and the Capitol Building--even the 18-foot bronze monument crowning the Capitol was cast by slaves. Slaves lived in huts on the Capitol and White House grounds and ate pork, beef, and corn bread.

Visitors at the time remarked on the irony of temples of freedom being built by slaves, says this story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:02 am | Comments (9) | TrackBack

10 juni 2005

Attempted Bike Theft

Ypsidixit was startled on the #3 bus today when at a stop near the paper mill she happened to see a kid taking her bike off the rack. Y. leapt to her feet and ran off the bus to confront the guy. He insisted it was his bike.
Y: "You got a key for that lock? 'Cause I sure do."
Guy: "Yeah, I got a key. Git your hands off my bike."
Y. "That's not your bike!"
The bus driver came off the bus and a busmate hovered in the door. Y. repeated the key bit.
Driver to guy: "Let's see the key."
Guy: "Here it is (a housekey)."
Driver: "Go ahead. Unlock it."
Y: (grabs bike and wheels it away).
Driver: "That's not your bike. You know, we got this all on videotape."
Guy: (curses, shuffles off).
The driver asked me and my busmate, who's seen me with this bike a million times, to give him our contact info. My busmate was very helpful--nice guy. And a big one. His hovering helped drive off this shameless thief.

If you're gonna corrupt your very soul with thievery, maybe you could at least sell it for a higher price than for a rusty, one-speed (formerly 12-speed) grotty, broken-pedaled, split-seat ruin of a bike. Pathetic.

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:56 pm | Comments (9) | TrackBack

Acoustic Weapons

Israel is using a new weapon called "The Scream" (or "The Shout") which emits audible but not loud bursts of sound that are very distressing to those who hear it. The Scream was used at a recent demonstration and those who heard it felt dizziness and nausea. The weapon can also be "dialed up" to lethal frequencies.

The U.S. is said to have a similar weapon, which is only twice as loud as a smoke detector. Though some hail acoustic weapons as a new humane form of crowd control, others criticize them for the danger they may post to children and seniors.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:31 am | Comments (6) | TrackBack

09 juni 2005

GOT A COLD? ARE YOU 17? Tough--you can't buy cold medicine...

..., according to a new bill passed 104-5 on Wednesday (Ypsi's Alma Wheeler Smith voted no) by the Michigan House of Representatives. The bill also stipulates that adults buying cold medicine must show ID.

The idea is to crack down on meth labs, which manufacture meth from cold medicine. But what good does showing ID do? So you show your ID to the bored teen summer-job clerk; so what? Do they make a note of it? Photocopy it? Apparently not. What's to prevent someone from buying enough cold medicine from the various CVSs in the Ypsi area, spaced out with only a few packages at each store, to run a meth lab? This legislation seems ineffective. Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:23 pm | Comments (9) | TrackBack

FEELING RESTLESS because you're too free? Why not move into a local subdivision and sign up for chokingly restrictive bylaws?

...At Travis Pointe, (bylaws on the right--use username: lfores & password: uoytpwc) there's no swimming or boating allowed on the lake. Also, they reserve the right to charge special assessments for "capital improvements," and if you don't pay within 30 days, they can foreclose on your property. At Lake Forest, no above-ground pools, antennas, or fencing other than split rail. At Walnut Ridge, you can't plant a single plant--no, not one--and they, not you, will pick the "'size, color, style, location, and other attributes" of your mailbox.

One small consolation is that Walnut Ridgers are apparently allowed to do some creative pet genetic engineering to make "2 dogs or 2 cats or any combination of 2 such animals" [a "cog"?]

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:58 pm | Comments (17) | TrackBack

08 juni 2005

FIVE SPITTING CATS met on the patio next to Sticks at Aubree's tonight...

... to hash out myriad site details for the incipient local media organ the Ypsi Sentinel. M. helpfully steered the meeting by going through key points recently developed on the wiki. I. brought the just-minted Plante & Moran report on the city income tax and added useful comments (and bought me a beer; thanks, I.).. G. contributed the usual valuable info on site architecture. B., nattily attired as usual in a tie featuring hunting dogs, added comments about a local-history wiki and took a picture of me swilling beer which doubtless will appear on his site. A lot of useful work was worked through, and Y. was grateful to the other Cats for their thoughtful contributions. Y. is grateful to be working with people with such good ideas and commitment to launching a meaty local-journalism site. Time well spent.

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:55 pm | Comments (12) | TrackBack

Hydro Plant Tour

Mannabouttown has posted anentry about a hardhat tour he took with township board members.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:56 pm | Comments (1) | TrackBack

NORTH KOREA: ABC News's Bob Woodruff, in North Korea to report on efforts to restart negotiations with the West, offers a fascinating miniglimpse of the country. Another journalist's recent glimpse.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:33 pm | Comments (6) | TrackBack

07 juni 2005

Thompson Building Within 3 Years of Being Torn Down

THE THOMPSON BUILDING IS WITHIN THREE YEARS OF BEING UNRECOVERABLE AND TORN DOWN, said a Beal and Beal representative at tonight's Historic District Commission Meeting. "It's much worse than when I was in there just a few months ago," he said. "The winter and spring have taken a toll." Plaster is now falling in chunks off the inside walls and parts of the interior remain wet from roof damage. Beal and Beal is trying to ask the courts to render a verdict of Demolition by Neglect and pressure landlord David Kircher to pay around $600,000 for repairs, and was asking the Commission to endorse B&B's letter detailing same to the court.

The Beal and Beal representative detailed the extensive work that needs to be done. In a nutshell, almost everything needs to be ripped out inside, right out to the bricks. The rep said his priorities were to control the rate of decay, remove rotted interior material, stabilize the ceilings, and stabilize the subfloor. The joists can be saved, but all plaster must be removed. It needs extensive masonry work, new steel reinforcements, and a new roof.

The rep indicated that Judge Sheldon had previously denied Beal and Beal from billing Kirchner for repair work, for unknown reasons. The rep said George Ward, who appears to be Kircher's lawyer, is "going buck wild" by issuing a flurry of legal documents that the rep characterized, in so many words, as obstructionist. The rep had a professional demeanor but you could tell he was frustrated. "Every dollar in legal fees I spend is one less dollar I can spend on the building," he noted.

Everyone in the room listened raptly, riveted. The atmosphere was one of concern and anger and sadness. Then HDC chair Jane Schmiedeke broke in not to pledge support or thank the guy for his obvious conscientious work, but to chide him that eventually the windows would have to be repaired or replicated. As if he didn't know that.

After this anticlimax, Y. chatted with the rep outside. She said she had many friends who like her loved and wanted to support saving the building, and asked if something like a citizen's petition would be helpful. The rep said not now; maybe later. I can understand they don't want to deal with a petition. Perhaps in the meantime we need to found a Friends of the Thompson and seek a liason with Beal and Beal. Could they make repairs using fund-raised moneys?

IN OTHER HDC NEWS, "YOU CAN PUT PERFUME ON A PIG...BUT IT'S STILL A PIG." So said a Mr. Todman (sp) who petitioned to repaint 8-10 W. Michigan. He was talking about the uselessness of doing shoddy work. As he described the project, HDC member Ron Rupert trotted out to do an impromptu inspection, returning with much advice about scraping off paint by hand and not using high-pressure sprayers, which would force water into the old brick that would be trapped in there under a new coat of paint.

All other projects were approved, including 302 S. Huron's porch rebuild, 210 W. Michigan's rooftop deck, 46-48-50 Cross Street's new multicolored paint job, 629 N. River's various exterior tweaks, 113 S. Washington's new paint job, 312 Washtenaw's foundation replacement, 209 Pearl's barrier-free access ramp, and 213-215's W. Forest Ave's chimney project.

At the beginning of the meeting, a lady came in and sat next to Y. She (though, strangely, not Y.) was asked if she were here for a certain property. "No, I'm just an observer," she said. This lady tried to catch Y's eye and when she did, asked, "Are you the secretary?" Y. smiled sweetly and said, "No," in a way that signalled that the conversation was over. As if I looked even one fourth as respectable enough to be a secretary, in my raggedy shorts and T-shirt, slouching in my chair. Y. wondered who this individual was.

If you'd like more details about any project listed above, please let me know.

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:43 pm | Comments (4) | TrackBack

HYDRO TOUR: Y. has learned that the Township Board will be touring the old Hydro Plant this p.m. at 4:30 (just a tiny news update on this ongoing story).

Posted by ypsidixit at 02:20 pm | Comments (0) | TrackBack

THE GRAPEVINE says that a certain local historian has begun writing a new book, to come out this fall. It has a very interesting theme which Y. has been asked not to reveal. At any rate, I am looking forward to reading it.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:07 pm | Comments (3) | TrackBack

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: OK, I wasn't going to blog about this...

...given the media saturation, but the late-night WAAM talk show is yammering on about it and I've reached the breaking point. The Supreme Court's decision to outlaw medical marijuana is a violation of the principles of compassion. Y. does not partake, but wants cancer sufferers to have the option of marijuana if it eases their pain. The ineffectual drug wars have gone too far when they prohibit people from harmlessly smoking a joint in the hopes of quieting bone-deep aches and maybe regaining a shred of appetite. Pathetic. Cold. Short-sighted. One prays that the justices who made these decisions won't find themselves in the painful situations of cancer sufferers seeking relief.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:13 am | Comments (18) | TrackBack

06 juni 2005

DIALECT QUIZ: A kind reader's comment as to the pronunciation of "peony," whether PI-nee or pee-OH-nee or PEE-oh-nee, ultimately led Y. to this dialect quiz, at which she failed miserably. The only 4 I got right were the words for "snoopy," "rhododendron," "thank you," and "whip or beat." I bet you can do better. Two more dialect quizzes await your perusal when you're done with that one.

If you like, you can also brush up on your Michigan Slang, and find out what is a "Michigan Handshake" and a "Michigan Bankroll."

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:07 pm | Comments (20)

DESPITE HER GENERAL APATHY TO SPORTS, Ypsidixit has been secretly following the Pistons and has white knuckles about tonight's Game 7. To Y., it boils down to injury vs. history. Miami's Dwayne Wade's rib injury (his decision of whether or not to play tonight will depend on his "tolerance for pain"--yikes) is balanced against some sobering statistics pertaining to NBA Game 7s (there have been 90 thus far): 1. Overall, the home team has a .822 winning percentage, 2. 30 of the 90 games have come in conference finals, and in those games the home team has a .767 winning percentage, and 3. the Pistons are 3-3 in Game 7s. The 3 victories came at the Palace, the three losses on the road. How will these factors play out in tonight's game?

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:07 am | Comments (37)

05 juni 2005

Retail Report: Garrett's Greenhouse

Garrett's Greenhouse, seen here through the gates of Highland Cemetery, is a small combined florist and garden center offering a vibrant array of floral arrangements and standard bedding plants and shrubs. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a lady who along with her affable husband co-owns the place. She asked if I was looking for anything. When I said blackberry canes, she said she didn't have them on hand but that almost any plant could be ordered and available for pickup the next day. (!)

The greenhouse offers what looked like unusually healthy flats of geraniums, petunias, impatiens, and other garden plants. In back you can see stacked bags: this is manure, topsoil, potting soil, and mulch, for sale for a reasonable $2,99 a bag. This solves my mulch shortage problem.

Here's you'll also find a wide assortment of patio bricks in pleasing colors. The greenhouse walkways are a pretty patchwork of several different patterns and styles, so this is a good place to visit if you have a walkway project in mind but need some ideas.

Of note were Garrett's splendid hanging baskets, healthy and lush. Here you see a pink double geranium, an impatiens, and a lovely chenille plant resembling the one that died on Y. years ago which she's sought to replace ever since.

Y. was intrigued by the greenhouse mechanism. It looked like an old greenhouse that'd been rehabbed, with a neat covering of plastic replacing long-gone glass panes.

Outside, you'll find a small selection of garden shrubs and (foreground) daylilies. This is actually where the husband co-owner's landscape business stores and picks up its plants for his projects (but the items are also for sale for retail).

Garrett's offers free delivery to St. Joe's Hospital, Highland Cemetery, and all Ypsilanti funeral homes. It is the ideal spot to stop if you are headed to Highland Cemetery to visit a grave. They also wire flowers anywhere in the country.

Y. sprang for the charming, funny chenille plant, which the husband co-owner called "Muppet Fingers." This plant is so distinctive that Y. was stopped by a gardening lady at the "beagle house" at Forest and River and asked about it.

"Isn't that called the Lipstick Plant?" she asked.
"It has lots of names," I replied. "I've heard it called the Caterpillar Plant and chenille plant, and even 'Muppet Fingers'.I got it at Garrett's."
"Oh, yes, I've been there. Nice to have them here."

Indeed it is. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 480-0022 or visit their website.

The chenille plant, getting sprinkled, in its new home. It's sitting on the ground for the moment because every conceivable hook, hanger, and protubrance already has a hanging basket hanging from it...I'll figure out something.

Posted by ypsidixit at 02:00 pm | Comments (4)

ON THE WAY BACK FROM THE UGLY MUG, where I had a yummy bagel sandwich with chips, coffee, and the NYT, I noted a huge backup, from the water tower all the way down to the firehouse, caused by conage. It looks as though construction is about to begin on this stretch of Cross, and looks like a stretch to avoid on tomorrow morning's commute.

Posted by ypsidixit at 01:55 pm

03 juni 2005

WANDA AND WINKY WEBCAM: A webcam has been installed in former Detroit elephants Wanda and Winky's new home out West. You can watch free here (if you use Windows media player) for the next couple of weeks. Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 10:12 am | Comments (1)

01 juni 2005

PROGRESS? In making summer plans, Ypsidixit notes that the annual Manchester Community Fair has axed its time-honored rooster-pullin' contest.

Rats. That was the main draw. Who wouldn't want to see brawny Manchester draft roosters hitched to big sleds piled with concrete slabs, straining to pull ever-heavier heaps? Good old-time American fun, nixed by some meddling do-gooder.

And what has the Fair replaced this wholesome bit of Americana with, you ask? With a tacky "Fair Factor Eating Contest," modelled no doubt on the TV show. As the old-time traditions of our hardy pioneer forefathers devolve into the aping of dumb TV shows, one wonders what John Geddes and other no-nonsense settlers would think.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:55 pm | Comments (2)

31 mei 2005

The Next Paper Mill: Part II

YPSIDIXIT and friend toured the old hydro plant on Monday. Township supervisor Ruth Ann Jamnick opposes township trustee Brenda Stumbo's plan, seconded by trustee Larry Doe, to tear down this reuseable, structurally sound, and historic building for half a million dollars of township money. Y. and friend took a counter-clockwise tour of the roughly 3-acre long site. This view is from the north side of the main building, looking east from Bridge Road between Textile and Grove.

A little ways down the driveway, this weatward view shows the main building to be demolished at right. At left you can see the edge of massive in-ground water treatment rectangular concrete holding ponds, now empty.

A view of the holding ponds.

Further down the driveway, one encounters two massive light blue tanks creating pleasing shadows on the grass.

A view of the tanks from the easternmost tip of the site. Here we made a surprising discovery; there's a park hidden here, called Hydro Park. It's a tucked-away, bucolic place.

We crept down to the riverside on the southern side of the site. Here we saw several fishermen fishing near a giant "NO FISHING ALLOWED" sign, and paddleboaters enjoying the tranquil water.

At the same spot, here's the beautiful view looking east.

We clambered up the steep bank to the southern side of the fence around the site and saw the holding tanks. The fence had been cut here and re-patched with fence and rebar.

Once back at the main building, I took a last look from the northern side of the building, looking east over the holding tanks. After our examination, it seemed to us a waste of money to demolish a reuseable building. A huge tank visible in the main building made Y. wonder if the tank could be converted into one to brew beer, with the remainder of the building revamped into a brewpub/restaurant. The unique holding tank structure could be converted into a fish farm, swimming pool, or, more imaginatively, a cool urban-landscape style semi-underground paintball arena. Inside the giant blue tanks, a skateboarding park could be built to complement the paintball arena and make the place a cool hangout for young people. You could also make the main building a restaurant and the holding tanks an underground dance club and bar, so that people could enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing without having to drive anywhere. Lots of possible uses sprung to mind upon seeing this versatile site awaiting redevelopment.

Posted by ypsidixit at 07:12 pm | Comments (8)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALT WHITMAN: Our crazy, rebel, unfettered, sly, transgressive, loquacious poet turns 186 today. How to celebrate and sing of yourself and the cosmos? How about a visit to the Walt Whitman Mall?

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:49 am | Comments (4)

30 mei 2005

Parade.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Ypsidixit and friend commandeered the bench in front of the Hudson dealership and here enjoyed an unparalleled view of the parade as it turned from Cross onto River. The parade was a modest affair, consisting of three mounted soldiers, about six local school bands, and local governmental figures.

While waiting for the action to start, a stylish lady with daughter asked Y. and friend about the parade route and was told it'd go to Highland Cemetery. "Where's that?" she asked, a bit peremptorily.

Where's that?

At this, Y. studied the lady closely. She was expensively coiffed and wearing pricey, stylish athletic clothes intended for someone perhaps a decade younger than she. "Come along, Madison," she said as she crossed the street. Y. made her to be a newly arrived Ann Arborite priced out of the AA market. Y. mused how such migrants might change the character of Ypsi, but not for long, since music was getting louder and louder.

City Council members passed, ladies in the car and the men gallantly walking. Y. spotted Brian F. and Barry La Rue (mayor, in red coat, is also visible). Mark Mueller was spotted photographing and chatting with a soldier.

As the last band passed, with a police car following in the rear, about half of the paradegoers followed the mass to the cemetery. What was amusing was that en route, watchers continued to sit on their porches and streetside chairs, watching the passersby attentively, as if we were some spectacular float and not just ordinary people.

On the way we passed an old army truck, which mysteriously had not taken part in the parade.

At Highland Cemetery, a Betsy Ross-ish lady greeted arrivals.

In the cemetery, a soldier and his girlfiend walked among the graves.

A contingent from the YHS band played "Amazing Grace," well and movingly.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, VFW WW II vets gave short speeches and led two prayers. Mark Mueller again appeared, and may have included Y. and her friend in his shots of the VFW speakers. Three WW II aircraft from the air museum roared slowly overhead, circling the cemetery. After local officials took turns to lay flowers at the grave, a small corps of gunmen fired a 21-shot salute to the south, hopefully not hitting anything in Depot Town. The last VFW speaker closed the ceremony with an incongruous exhortation to "Buckle up!" Overall the ceremony was moving.

Y. imagines the flowers remaining as shadowy forms on the tomb come nightfall, in the dark cemetery, the ceremony long over.

Posted by ypsidixit at 03:08 pm | Comments (23)

27 mei 2005

AIR FULL OF HELICOPTERS: Ypsidixit is spending an idyllic afternoon digging up her prairie plot. It is exhausting work requiring many breaks. The dog is keeping me company and helpfully eating the two dozen grubs that turned up, two of which were 3 inches long and thick as my pinky.I also excavated two sleepy June beetles, a broken bike reflector, a sparkly orange bead from a child's necklace, and a glossy mahogany chrysalis, which I saved in a pot since I'm curious as to who's in there. At times when the wind blew, I straightened up and watched the dozens of maple-seed helicopters spinning down from my neighbor's immense grandmaw maple. The tiny white papery discs of elm seeds are also on the wind, filling the air with flakes of hopeful life. It is beautiful to see the air filled snowlike with floating seeds. Ypsidixit is trying to make hay before this afternoon's forecasted storms...back out I go.

Posted by ypsidixit at 01:34 pm | Comments (10)

26 mei 2005

What's the next Paper Mill?

It's the 1930s-era water treatment plant, possibly built by Henry Ford, on Bridge Road (east of Ford Lake), slated for demolition this summer.

The Ypsi Township Board of Trustees discusses this building's demolition at its May 17 meeting. Brenda Stumbo characterized the building as an eyesore, Larry Doe agreed with Stumbo and said the cost of renovation into something like condominiums "might" be very high and that "there's not much to look at except bricks and mortar."

Only one board member, Ruth Ann Jamnick, protested its demolition. She said the YCUA could save $500,000, the estimated cost of demolition.

And preserve a bit of history with possible Ford connections, instead of destroying one more piece of Ypsilanti's past. Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:23 am | Comments (45)

23 mei 2005

TECHNICAL QUESTION: OK, Ypsidixit has tried to do her part by trying to answer kind-reader questions...

... as they came up, so she feels it's OK to throw out a question for a change, in the hopes of finding an answer.

Here's the deal. I have Mac OS X and a pile of documents on the desktop in .DOC format. What I need is a search engine like the Word 5.1 search feature, with a preview box feature that will allow me to search for key phrases and preview the results, so that I can quickly assess if the search results are what I'm looking for.

Ypsidixit has done untold hours of research trying to find the answer to this question. She downloaded blinkx, the new search engine for Macs, and tried it, but it lacks the useful preview-box feature. She also considered transferring her files to an email system, using it as a data-storage system, but didn't find one with the useful preview box feature for Macs. Is there a way I can search my .DOC documents and preview them so as to decide, "no...no...no...yes, that's the one I want"? Ypsidixit is grateful for any kind guidance from those more knowledgeable than she. Thanks in advance.

Posted by ypsidixit at 11:15 pm | Comments (39)

POP CULTURE MAKES US SMARTER: So posits Stephen Johnson in his new book Everything Bad is Good for You.

The May 16 New Yorker comments on his book, saying:

"It doesn't seem right, of course, that watching 24 or playing a video game could be as important cognitively as reading a book. Isn't the extraordinary success of the "Harry Potter" novels better news for the culture than the equivalent success of "Grand Theft Auto III"? [ed.: not necessarily.] "Johnson's response is to imagine what cultural critics might have said had video games been invented hundreds of years ago, and only recently had something called the book been marketed aggressively to children:

"Reading books chronically understimulates the senses. Unlike the longstanding tradition of gameplaying--which engages the child in a vivid, three-dimensional world filled with moving images and musical soundscapes, navigated and controlled with complex muscular movements--books are simply a barren string of words on the page...

"Books are also tragically isolating. While games have for many years engaged the young in complex social relationships with their peers, building and exploring worlds together, books force the child to sequester him or herself in a quiet space, shut off from interactions with other children...

"But perhaps the most dangerous property of these books is the fact that they follow a fixed linear path. You can't control their narratives in any fashion--you simply sit back and have the story dictated to you...This risks instilling a general passivitity in our children, making them feel as though they're powerless to change their circumstances. Reading is not an active, participatory process; it's a submissive one."

Posted by ypsidixit at 10:08 pm | Comments (27)

YPSI PIONEERS SHORT-SHRIFTED IN 1874 SEMI-CENTENNIAL MICHIGAN AVE. PARADE: After smartly uniformed marching corps from Ann Arbor, Ypsi, and Detroit, glittering fire engines, clangorous bands, and lavishly decorated carriages "containing important persons," "at the end of the procession comes a raggedly marching line of men. Perhaps the crowd sees them pass without quite appreciating, but there is surely some one standing in the throng, perhaps older, more thoughtful, who senses an unaccustomed thrill and even watches through sentimental tears. Perhaps this division was left over for the last place in line on account of the finer appearance and better marching of the Arbeiter Society, Fire Department, Cadets, and Light Guards...These marchers were all men of years, that is, ranging from the comparatively youthful sixty to the comparatively aged eighty-five. They were the pioneers. They had felled the first trees, cleared the first fields, built the first cabins, invested the brawn and vision of youth in the new country. But that was a long time ago. One of them limped slightly as he kept awkward step to the music. It was a long way to the fair grounds and the day was hot. One of them tipped his hat and mopped his head with a red handkerchief. Someone should have asked them to ride. They would have looked better in carriages than the prominent citizens."

--The Story of Ypsilanti, by Harvey Colburn.

Posted by ypsidixit at 07:51 pm | Comments (2)

22 mei 2005

WHEN YPSIDIXIT'S FRIEND put in her hands a map of all the one-room schoolhouses in the county, she knew it would be impossible to go straight home after visiting for her mom's birthday. We headed out into the farmland southwest of Saline, where apparently everyone had planted their corn last week. The tiny sprouts, a perfect 3 inches apart, were a mere 2 inches high.

We saw three schoolhouses converted into private homes. The Gleason schoolhouse is on Goodrich road just south of Arkona. It took some doing to spot, since it's camouflaged so well.

The Hammond schoolhouse is at Jordan and Willow.

The Forbes schoolhouse lies on Macon Road just south of Braun.

Spotting the Oakhill cemetery on the map, we had to stop by. Here a grave overlooks a vista of rolling fields. We heard a pheasant calling several times in the distance. The sun came out. This pine-cone-littered graveyard was a peaceful and beautiful spot.

Next we stopped off at the St. John's cemetery just off nearby Michigan Ave. Here we watched in fascination as a red-winged blackbird dive-bombed a huge hawk sitting in top of a pine tree. That blackbird was bold. Again and again he came in for a diving peck. The harried hawk finally screamed and moved off to a nearby tree.

Here it sat screaming in apparent irritation. We edged closer across an open field. When we gor within 100 feet of its tree, the hawk angrily screamed and lifted off. It circled directly over us in a tight circle...one...two...three times. It dipped lower over us with menace. Yikes. We retreated to the gravestones and the hawk returned to its tree.

After checking out the many Germanic names on the headstones and noting the usual interesting stories hinted at by the stones, we couldn't help it, and edged up to the hawk again. Once more, when we crossed the 100-foot invisible perimeter, the hawk took off and flew circling above us. This hawk meant business. We were scared. As we walked quickly off to the church parking lot, both of us kept a close eye on the predator above. It was amazing.

Neither of us ever tire of exploring the back roads and piecing together the half-told stories that fading headstone inscriptions tell.

Posted by ypsidixit at 10:23 pm | Comments (7)

20 mei 2005

LOSERS OF THE NATIONAL ASPARAGUS QUEEN CONTEST include Ann Arbor law student Ryan Niel, who is also embroiled in "Schpantsgate," a campuswide scandal involving discrimination against wearers of pants that turn into shorts.

How does one pick up the pieces after failing to nab the Asparagus Queen title?

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:21 pm

THIS HAS ME SO MAD, I'm making a new post for it. Fellow blogger Lynne lucked out by being home when the city lawnmower SWAT team came by.

Last year they nailed her during a vacation, and sent her a bill for $135 (whew). This year she chased them off her property--but would have been out of luck if she hadn't been home. Unbelievable.

This is egregious in at least 5 ways:
1. They gave Lynne no notice (a letter in the mail announcing a week's deadline).
2. The pre-mowed lawn is neat, not untidy (see the pictures).
3. This is very invasive. Who wants a bunch of strangers wandering over the yard? Not me.
4. They mowed in an ecologically harmful manner (very short). This thinking is way behind the times.
5. What about elderly folk, or those recovering from an injury, for whom mowing is difficult?

Is this banzai mowing the city's new revenue stream? Does anyone in the city care that they're causing maximum environmental damage in the process? Who's in charge of this program? Why is this trivial thing apparently a high priority whereas hideous code violations appear wherever you look--including several in Lynne's neighborhood? Unreal.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:58 pm | Comments (13)

TOMORROW IS YPSI PRIDE DAY, the community spiff-up.

This year they cut out the T-shirts in a sensible money-saving move. But you'll still get a wristband that says, "Ypsilanti PRIDE." You can pick your own cleanup spot or be assigned one. Bonus: a free lunch at noon in Riverside Park, thanks to local restaurants. Preregister at 544-3636 (you just leave your name & number) or on the day of the event at 8:30 a.m. at the chamber, 301 W. Michigan.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:46 pm | Comments (3)

A DEEP-POCKETED DEVELOPER is dragging Saline Township into court, in order to ram through a 3,000-home blanket of sprawl that will ruin the area's rural nature. Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:36 pm | Comments (2)

"BUFFY" CONVENTION IN YPSI: Fans of the erstwhile TV show, which has a passionate geek cult following, may like to know there's a "Buffy" fan convention at the Ypsi Marriott June 2-5. It kicks off with a concert by "Spike," [Ypsidixit's favorite character] followed by a variety of events. Yes, the show was smart and fun. But shelling out up to $225 just to cozy up to strangers who are actors in a TV show--for an entire weekend--is silly and weird.Story.

Posted by ypsidixit at 08:13 am | Comments (6)

19 mei 2005

SOME INTERESTING ISSUES are coming up in future local meetings:

May 25, 2005: Superior Township will hear a developer's plea to alter its original plan of 31 single family homes and 96 residential units to 80 single family homes instead. The property is on the east side of Prospect between Geddes and Clark. Why would a developer want to do this? Also, it probably reduces if not eliminates the amount of affordable housing in the complex. Bad.

June 3, 2005: the City will examine open and examine sealed bids for a proposed Whittaker/Textile Road bike path. Excellent. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to bike down to the library--I wouldn't dare do so now. Good.

June 15, 2005: The City Planning Commission will meet to discuss the rezoning a parcel of land at 130 S. Grove from Public Land to One and Two Family Residential. 130 S. Grove? That looks like it's near the Water Street development. Is this Gilbert Park? Is Ypsi selling public park land to developers? Is this the selling-off of land discussed at the last Council meeting? Jury's Out.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:23 pm | Comments (19)

18 mei 2005

Bikes Free 1890s Ypsi Women

"The use of the wheel, especially by the ladies, was enthusiastically noted by some members of the medical fraternity. The Ypsilantian quotes from an eminent authority: "It means a stronger, healthier race of men and women for the coming generation. Women were going into a decline. Their nervous force was wearing out. This means a great deal, for the decay of a nation begins with the breaking up of the nervous system of its women. No amount of preaching about dress reforms has the influence of the bicycle. Putting a woman on the wheel and letting her go out on our smooth roads, where she has a freedom she had not thought of before, is an effective argument. The need of keeping balanced makes wheel riding of special value to women, for it demands that they control themselves. It also teaches self-reliance, something many of them need. A woman guiding herself along the streets learns that she is able to care for herself, even if there is not a man at her elbow. The bicycle will prove this to her satisfaction and to the benefit of the race." --The Story of Ypsilanti, by Harvey Colburn

As true then as now.

Posted by ypsidixit at 10:02 pm | Comments (24)

17 mei 2005

Heritage Festival Fatigue

HERITAGE FESTIVAL FUNDRAISING has already begun, after a shortfall last year. It costs $150,000 to put on the Heritage Fest, which started with a celebration of sidewalks. On July 15, 1978, Depot Town whooped up its new sidewalks with a sidewalk party. There was a ribbon-cutting, a formal, fancy-walkin' procession over the gleaming new sidewalks led by then-mayor George Goodman, and festivities that included bluegrass music, a flea market, old-timey movies, an art exhibit, and a raffle for a color TV. People had so much fun they vowed to "do this again next year--and invite more people," according to Down by the Depot in Ypsilanti.

Old-timers whom Y. has consulted confirm her suspicion that for many years the "Yesteryear Heritage Fest" or "Yesterfest," as it was once called, was primarily about local history, with lots of local-history demos and reenactments. Even in Y's 5 years in Ypsi (and previous Heritage Fest visits when she lived in AA), Y. thinks she sees a decline in the prominence of the history folk in favor of vendors, vendors, vendors. Where's the Ypsi heritage in the Heritage Fest?

Last year a straggly handful of reenactors camped out in their usual spot, on the southeastern side of the fest. They seem shunted off from the main traffic area and largely ignored. The beer-in-a-cauldron guys were there, and some Revolutionary War-reenactors, and a few Civil War guys. Audiences for an ongoing mini-concert of period music ranged from one to three. James Mann was broiling under the August sun at an isolated, umbrella-free rickety card table on Cross Street.

I remember taking a look around at one point and noting how the glittery vendors, most of whom were traveling from town to town on the summer festival circuit (if it's Tuesday, it must be Ypsilanti) nailed the primo spots along the main Riverside paths. The history folk were an addendum. A remnant. Pushed aside. Slowly disappearing in the flashy din of commerce. The festival seemed to be more about the idea of history than about history.

Y. will go as usual, but hopes she sees a bit more prominence given to the historical side of it all, this year.

Posted by ypsidixit at 07:37 pm | Comments (21)

16 mei 2005

MILAN'S POET LAUREATE TO SPEAK IN ANN ARBOR: Did you know little Milan has a Poet Laureate? I didn't, but find that completely charming. Milan's poet laureate is Richard McMullen, who will read his work at the U-M Clements Library and Shaman Drum in June. McMullen is a retired AA English high school teacher who is apparently widely loved.

Why doesn't Ypsi have a Poet Laureate? If we did, we could put it on all the "entering Ypsi" signs and it would look cool. Anyways, who should it be? Who are the candidates? The likely suspects? The hopefuls? Who would get to pick the Ypsi Poet Laureate?

Posted by ypsidixit at 05:03 pm | Comments (6)

15 mei 2005

Retail Report: Mantis Garden Supply

Mantis Garden Supply at 1145 W. Michigan offers a good selection of vegetable garden plants, herbs, annual and perennial flowers, shade plants, hanging baskets, unusual garden embellishments, and pet food and supplies.

Of note is Mantis's special shade-plants section, especially helpful to the novice gardener who has no idea of what to put on the north side of the house. A sea of impatiens (foreground) greets you here, as well as bleeding hearts, rhodies, astilbe, and other healthy-looking shade plants.

One of Mantis's strengths is its selection of interesting garden-themed garden accoutrements. They have interesting trellises, a selection of nice stone troughs, birdbaths, gazing globes, and other decorations. This is the place to go to get a gift for a gardening friend when you want something a little nicer than the ordinary.

This anomalous antique cart may be examined in the outdoor area. Bagged peat moss and various soils are available here.

Inside, there's an outstanding selection of higher-end cat and dog food, leashes, and treats "This is what keeps us going through the winter," noted the very helpful saleslady, who took the time to explain a couple of different kinds of dog food to Y. Friendly, helpful service is another one of Mantis's strengths.

Ypsidixit went whole hog as usual and bought eight collard plants, eight broccoli plants, two cherry tomatoes, 12 bell peppers, two each of thyme, rosemary, sage, and lavender, numerous seed packets, peat pellets (the fun expand-o-matic kind), a sprouting garlic, and some dog treats. Mantis is bikeable. You have a choice of taking the OK sidewalks on the west side of Michigan Ave and then trying the death-defying crossover, or taking the horribly broken-up sidewalk on the west side to get there. Hours are 9-7 Mon-Sat (you can stop off on the way home from work) and 9-5 Sunday. Saturdays are busy; Sunday is the best day to go. 481-1002.

Posted by ypsidixit at 12:36 pm | Comments (5)

11 mei 2005

SATELLITE RADIO: While scrutinizing the glossy program for the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Y. noted to her surprise that XM satellite radio is a sponsor. This upstart's peppy logo is right there among the grizzled titans: GM, the National Endowment for the Arts, SAAB.

For an infant radio service to already be flush enough to be in the concert-sponsoring biz is impressive enough--for XM to be cognizant of and responsive to an obscure festival in a flyover state is even more impressive. Yeah, maybe XM donated $5 and GM donated $5,000--but still, it's clear they're managing the outfit right thus far.

Posted by ypsidixit at 04:53 pm | Comments (14)

10 mei 2005

Over the past few months, the 60th anniversaries of various WW II landmark dates have surfaced briefly in the media, and then sank back into history. This slow series of dark memorial dates suggests the slow tolling of an immense bell over this late winter and spring.

Today Berlin unveiled its stunning new memorial to the Jews killed in the war. It is a block-long series of enormous blocks ranging in height from a few inches to 15 feet.

People are encouraged to enter the site. When they do, they find that not all the blocks are set straight. Some lean, and the ground undulates, encouraging a feeling of dislocation and vertigo. The memorial is designed to suggest the fright and disorientation of someone heading into the abyss.

More info and related stories--note especially this one. More images here.

Posted by ypsidixit at 06:34 pm | Comments (8)

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Just a note that the second-Friday book club is meeting online this Friday at 9 a.m. and throughout the day. The title is "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon.

Posted by ypsidixit at 09:03 am | Comments (3) | TrackBack

08 mei 2005

TIME TO DIP INTO THE MAILBAG now for this month's edition of "ASK YPSIDIXIT."

Dear ASK YPSIDIXIT,

My sister and her husband are vacationing in the U.P., as they've done before. They're renting a cabin up there for a week. My sister asked my mom and dad if they'd like to come as well, and they'll probably go. My sister did not ask me to come.

It may be unfair, but I feel sad and slighted. I don't have too many more summers with my (elderly) parents, and would like to go. I work a lot and don't get to see my family as much as I'd like, and the summer is a particularly busy time for me at work. I haven't brought it up with her because I don't want her to feel pressured or cornered. But I don't know why she didn't ask me. Am I being unreasonable?

--Forlorn in Ferndale

Dear Forlorn:

Yes and no.

It's possible she just didn't think of it. She may have assumed, given your heavy summer work schedule, that you wouldn't be able to attend. Maybe she didn't want you to feel stressed at having to carve out a vacation time.