The Bunker

The time at which a city locality starts to act like an "idiot" cell is not hard to discover. Anyone intimate with an outstanding successful city district knows when this qualitative turn is in the process of occuring. Those who use the facilities that are starting to disappear, or veiw them with pleasure, know full well when the diversity and interest of a locality to which they are attached are on the downgrade. They know full well when segments of the population are being crowded out, and diversity of population is narrowing - especially if they are being crowded out themselves. They even know many of these results in advance of their fulfillment, by projecting proposed or imminent physical changes into changes in everyday life and the everyday scene. The people in a district talk about it, they register both the fact and effect of diversity's self-destruction long before slowpoke maps and statistics tell, too late, the misfortune of what happened. Jane Jacobs - The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Only 5 more days until we close on the house in Hamtramck. Before we drive out there to celebrate the New Year, I thought it might be fun to post something about all the quirky things I'll miss about Ypsilanti.


"Space Chatter" and Saturday morning Falun Dafa on CTN. I was wrong about Mickey Bogart. He represents everything left in Ann Arbor that is good.


Conspiracy flyers.


The perpetual yard sale on Forest. For the past 3 years, there has been a garage sale at the entrance to our apartment complex every weekend, Friday-Sunday. He even shovels the lawn on snowy days.


The best strip mall ever is on the northeast corner of Ford Blvd and Holmes. Grocery with a great butcher, laundromat, party store, hardware, video rental, clothing store and beauty supply all in one place.


Ypsilanti People's Food Co-op - even if they've stopped ordering all the things I really like.


The convenience of buying produce at the Ypsilanti Farmer's Market.

2 family holiday parties down, just 1 more to go. Our families have largely dropped out of the consumer Holiday Season™ in favor of having a potluck and enjoying(?) a few hours of surreal political discussion. Raspberry jam is the favorite flavor so far this year and my "liberal" aunt voted for George Bush. My cousin, a senior at the UofM, tried to stage an intervention, but he didn't even bother to register himself to vote, so she wouldn't listen.


Anyway, what I wanted to tell you about was this article Steve sent to me about the failure of the anti-consumerism movement, despite being popular (as measured by sales, of course).

What we need to see is that consumption is not about conformity, it’s about distinction. People consume in order to set themselves apart from others. To show that they are cooler (Nike shoes), better connected (the latest nightclub), better informed (single-malt Scotch), morally superior (Guatemalan handcrafts), or just plain richer (bmws).


The problem is that all of these comparative preferences generate competitive consumption. “Keeping up with the Joneses,” in today’s world, does not always mean buying a tract home in the suburbs. It means buying a loft downtown, eating at the right restaurants, listening to obscure bands, having a pile of Mountain Equipment Co-op gear and vacationing in Thailand. It doesn’t matter how much people spend on these things, what matters is the competitive structure of the consumption. Once too many people get on the bandwagon, it forces the early adopters to get off, in order to preserve their distinction. This is what generates the cycles of obsolescence and waste that we condemn as “consumerism.”

I really loved this house, but since we only need one at the moment, we've got to let it go. The pictures I took were really huge and impossible to link to individualy.


This layout is very common in Hamtramck. The "owner unit" on the first floor has a living room or bedroom to one side of the door, two bedrooms off a formal dining room, bathroom, and eat-in kitchen with a large pantry in the back. Stairs in the back lead to an upstairs apartment. The layout is roughly the same as the unit downstairs. I'm told the unit upstairs will rent for $400-450, about the same as the mortgage payment for the whole house.


Normally, paneling is a bad sign, but this was the nicest paneling job I've ever seen. As horrific as it seems, this house is decorated with paneling. The original plaster ceilings aren't covered and the medalion in the dining room is intact. Given that there are wood floors upstairs and marble windowsills throughout the owner unit, there are probably wood floors under the carpet.

I've been out looking this past week and thought some of you might enjoy seeing the rejects. I should probably mention that I only saw the very worst properties in town. There are plenty of gigantic $120,000 houses that just need some redecorating.


I'm told the first house I looked at is worth about $30K, less than the asking price for this prize in Ypsi. The plaster is obviously disintegrating and there is a hole large enough to see the back yard through in the basement, but I'm told that a very nice 2-unit with a studio and skylight in the attic I saw later in the day was in similar condition not long ago.


Nearly all the houses I looked at were 2-units. One or both units were rented in many cases. Some were owner-occupied and very clean like this 2-unit with a garage. Others were built as rentals on both floors and in pretty rough shape.


This $90,000 palace will be 3 apartments when the attic renovation is completed. None of the houses in Hamtramck were built as 3-units. It's not uncommon for the attic or garage to be converted into an apartment. In some cases, the gargage has been replaced with another 2-unit house for a total of 4 units.


Probably the strangest building I toured was this former 3-unit + storefront. I say former because at some point, the bedrooms on the first floor became part of the storefront. It looks like they were in the process of adding two bathrooms as well. Maybe a restaurant?

According to Planned Parenthood, an amendment to the House version of the FY '05 Labor-HHS bill would allow any health care provider or institution (not just religious entities) to refuse to provide, pay for, or even refer for abortion for any reason".

* It allows individuals and institutions to refuse to provide abortions or give women full information about all of their options. They can also refuse to refer women elsewhere for abortion.


* While being portrayed by proponents as a matter of religious freedom, an entity claiming discrimination need not have religious grounds for doing so.


* This legislation reaches beyond the federal government and intrudes upon state and local decision-making.


* The sponsors of the federal refusal clause want to nullify decisions that are based on a state's own constitution.


* A federal refusal clause would allow the "conscience" of a corporate entity to trump the "conscience" and needs of the women they serve.

Planned Parenthood Action Network is an easy way to send an e-mail or fax to your Senator.

Lately, we've been trying to familiarize ourselves with Detroit by driving around until we find Hamtown rather than looking at a map. Mostly, our map isn't very useful because it's in several pieces and also from the Milliken administration.


A Detroit police car actually followed us down Rosa Parks Blvd for several minutes before speeding past and running a stop sign.



Boy Scouts of America and a house on Rosa Parks and Warren.


A little over a year ago, I stayed with my Grandma Dean for a week and she talked about how excited Grandpa was about moving to the new suburbs of Middleville. They drove out every weekend from their first house on Eastern and Alexander in Grand Rapids on newly-opened M-37 to look at the house construction.


Now I know what she meant. Steve and I drove to Hamtramck on Sunday to get a paper and wander town a bit. It's so fun just to be in Hamtramck. I had so much fun, I didn't take any pictures.


We were going to have shish-kabobs on Conant, but they were closed for Ramadan, so we headed over to the Salvador Deli on Yemans for lunch. The food was great and they had a mellow DJ. Yes, a DJ. Steve tells me you can't walk 10 ft in New York without bumping into one, but I'd never seen a DJ hanging out in a deli. Very cool.


After lunch, we bought some chocolate covered wafer blocks from Croatia at the corner grocery next to the deli. Their regular stock includes grape leaves and spice packets for dishes I've never heard of. Local sausage, too.


On the way home, we drove through Highland Park and another area of Detroit.




Handyman special.

Earlier today, 20 skippers set sail from France in the 5th Vendée Globe, a single-handed race around the world. Less than half of all competitors finish the race and 2 have died trying. The rules are "no stopover" and "no assistance".

Without stopovers! During his incredible adventure in New Zealand in the Vendée Globe 2000-01, Yves Parlier demonstrated that it was possible, in a particular way, to make a stopover. In reality, the skippers don’t have the right to tie up to a buoy, to another boat or along a quay, but may drop anchor in a bay to make repairs. Roland Jourdain did just that after Cape Horn, in the archipelago of Wollaston, to repair a broken mast track. In New Zealand, Yves Parlier went to the limit of the ruling by disembarking onto land, but at low tide, and without exceeding the limits of high tide. In this way he never made any physical contact with people or exterior infrastructure. Without assistance! No physical aid, no material from outside, no extra food is authorised after the start, unless they return to Les Sables d’Olonne.

The last winner and runner-up have decided not to compete so it could be anyone's race.

It doesn't look like the "Blizzard of 2004" will generate any t-shirt business. NOAA is forcasting another drier than average winter for SE Michigan.

John W. Stanowski (R) - Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney


Just last summer, I said I'd never vote for a Republican prosecutor, but I feel Stanowski is clearly the better choice.


Mackie wants to expand the county jail. Stanowski wants to start programs for domestic violence offenders and drug users to prevent recidivism.


By Mackie's own addmission, Washtenaw County received a $10 million dollar federal grant to reduce domestic violence and his domestic violence conviction rate is only 68 percent for felonies, 56 percent for misdemeanors. Stanowski has an 87.5 percent conviction rate for domestic violence in Jackson and thinks Washtenaw County can do better preventing domestic violence.


Daniel Minzey (D) - Washtenaw County Sheriff


Unopposed.


Lawrence Kestenbaum (D)- Washtenaw County Clerk


I met Larry once and I think he's perfect for this job. When Washtenaw County makes decisions about election equipment or methods, I want Larry at the table.


Catherine McClary (D) - Washtenaw County Treasurer


Unopposed


Janis Bobrin (D) - Washtenaw County Drain Commisioner


Unopposed


Ronnie D. Peterson (D) - Washtenaw County Commisioner District 6


Peterson reluctantly supported a jail expansion mileage proposal, but said he would rather see a modest renovation and expansion within the counties current budget. Also, in an Ann Arbor News article, Peterson said he would like to create programs for repeat offenders of nonviolent crimes.

I was hoping that some candidates were missing from my Publius ballot, but eWashtenaw also shows 4 Ypsilanti Township candidates running unopposed. Remember William T. Lawson? Not only is he unopposed, there are 2 positions open.


Other than Ruth Ann Jamnick, all of the Ypsilanti Township candidates are part of Team Stumbo, responsible for internet filters on Ypsilanti Library computers and accused of chilling free speech with a lawsuit against a community newspaper.


Even in races where it looks like there is some choice, there really isn't. Of the 4 candidates running for 2 Township Trustee positions, 3 are of the Stumbo clan.


10 people, 9 of which are Democrats, are running for 9 positions on the Township Parks Commision. Instead of voting for 9, I'm only going to vote for the Republican in hopes that she'll bring a different veiw from the others to the commision.


Given my options, here are my current voting plans:


Ruth Ann Jamnick (D) - Ypsilanti Township Supervisor
WRITE-IN - Ypsilanti Township Clerk

WRITE-IN - Ypsilanti Township Treasurer
David Ostrowski (D) and WRITE-IN - Ypsilanti Township Trustee

WRITE-IN and WRITE-IN - Ypsilanti Township Constable
Christine Adams (R)- Ypsilanti Township Park Commisions


Very sad.



Anyone who would like to be a write-in candidate, please leave a comment.

Steve and I were in west Michigan today for car repairs at Dad's garage in Freeport.


There are not many political signs in the country. I expected Barry County to be squarely on the side of Bush/Cheney, but the majority of Bush/Cheney signs were on big farms. I dare say there were just as many Kerry/Edwards households. Stunning in Gary Newell's district.


My dad tried out his new joke about the Presidential race on us.

You know, Bush is an oilman, and the price of oil has really gone up. If Kerry gets elected, no one will be able to afford a lobster.

In other news, my brother mentioned an article he read about "farmsourcing". To be more competitive with companies in India and China, one software company is locating in rural Arkansas where the cost of living is low. Steve and I are hoping that "farmsourcing" doesn't catch on.

Mark will be at Frenchie's watching the debate Wednesday and has invited friends and bloggers to join him.





Please help spread the word by posting the graphic on your blog or by telling friends!

TSM posted some scans of a Detroit Free Press at DetroitYES that read just like YHF newsletters. An insert, "Detroit: Rebuilding a Great City", describes some of the urban renewal projects that were happening in 1977:

(T)he stunning Washington Boulevard Plaza, is a leading example of rebirth, with its fountains, sidewalk cafes, replanted trees, contemporary street furniture, and a built-in stage for community events. This $5 million public works project is just getting underway and will be finished in the spring of 1979.

The Young and Milliken administrations have worked with the State Legislature to enact tax incentives for Michigan industries. The legislation has spurred $256 million in industrial investments in Detroit. The Industrial Development Revenue Bond Act can provide financing for new and existing industries and the Michigan Job Development Authority can assist projects which will increase employment. This year, and again last year, the State of Michigan put $30 million in equity funds into Detroit institutions, an invaluable - and unprecedented - change in State fiscal policy.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. -- Albert Einstein


Today, Detroit is replacing the $5 million streetscape improvements on Washington with an $8.9 million copy of the original design.


Over the next 15 years, Compuware will benefit from tax abatements estimated at $70 million for their headquarters in Detroit. In addition to the tax abatements, the City paid an estimated $15 million to implode the Hudson and sold the land to Compuware for $2.


In 15 years, will Compuware still be downtown? Just last week, K-Mart, a Michigan based company for over 100 years, announced that it may be moving to Atlanta. Rumors are circulating that the decision has already been made.


Businessman with ties to the community don't require tax incentives to stay. Isn't it time we invested in people rather than bricks and corporations?

KERRY: Now, I‘d like to come back for a quick moment, if I can, to that issue about China and the talks. Because that‘s one of the most critical issues here: North Korea.


Just because the president says it can‘t be done, that you‘d lose China, doesn‘t mean it can‘t be done. I mean, this is the president who said “There were weapons of mass destruction,” said “Mission accomplished,” said we could fight the war on the cheap—none of which were true.


We could have bilateral talks with Kim Jong Il. And we can get those weapons at the same time as we get China. Because China has an interest in the outcome, too.


LEHRER: Thirty seconds, Mr. President.


BUSH: You know my opinion on North Korea. I can‘t say it any more plainly.


LEHRER: Well, but when he used the word “truth” again...


BUSH: Pardon me?


LEHRER: ... talking about the truth of the matter. He used the word “truth” again. Did that raise any hackles with you?


BUSH: Oh, I‘m a pretty calm guy. I don‘t take it personally.


LEHRER: OK. All right.


BUSH: You know, we looked at the same intelligence and came to the same conclusion: that Saddam Hussein was a grave threat.


And I don‘t hold it against him that he said grave threat. I‘m not going to go around the country saying he didn‘t tell the truth, when he looked at the same intelligence I did.

I was browsing through a skyscraper forum and found this picture of M-6 south of Grand Rapids, among others, taken by Adrian Leskiw about a month ago.



The sign on the left is for Southwood Village in Cutlerville, where I lived for 6 years. I used to wash my clothes at the laundromat where the new eastbound lane is.



Also in the archive: the 68th St exit where I managed a gas station, the 54th St overpass where I abandoned my '91 VW Fox (had to walk a mile to get to a Meijer Shifty Takers I could have hit with a rock from the car), and the Franklin St overpass where I changed a flat tire in the breakdown lane once. Creepy!

There was an awful article in the Freep yesterday about some of my favorite Detroit blogs. Two of the best bloggers in Detroit were portrayed as criminals and the only post reprinted was about the recent increase in gun violence. Apparently that's what Mike Wendland does to people who don't return his e-mails. Or maybe he just hates Detroit.


John's Detroitblog is more than just "photographs of blight and decay". The Summer Drinking Series was as educational as it was entertaining. John studies books about the buildings and history of Detroit at the library and then shares his discoveries with his readers. I also enjoy his commentary on local issues.


Pedro's photo blog covers less known buildings of Detroit and street scenes. He still works with film unlike most of us slackers. I love his church tours and local advertisement photos.


Detroit Funk is another great urban exploration photo blog. Graffiti photos are always favorites.


In addition to blogs, there are several image archives like International Metropolis and Forgotten Detroit. Forgotten Michigan even includes pics of out-of-town ruins like the Ypsilanti State Psychiatric Hospital. The largest archive of all is The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit at DetroitYES, containing around 1000 images. There's also a forum for discussing the D, which is proving to be a great help in planning our move.


Last but not least, the Detroit News Online Polls are always entertaining. One of last week's polls shows that 62.16% oppose a ban on assault weapons. Now that's the Michigan I know and love!

Steve and I have looked at every house listed for under $100,000 in Ypsilanti. Remember the $35,000 squatter house? Or the "metal" basement supports on Pearl? Some other gems we didn't share previously include piss smelling house of bad texture treatments and Frankenhouse of rotating floor joists.


Over the past few months, we've discovered that the housing market is inflated, there's no venture capital available for retail start-ups, storefront renovation costs are prohibitive, and there are few jobs in the county. All the jobs in SE Michigan are in the northern suburbs of Detroit.


We've decided to stop looking in Ypsilanti. We didn't think it would become too nice for us so soon, but we can't/won't afford to live here. I'm reluctant to post the locality we're scouting (the Cool Cities Initiative might find out), but we'll probably end up in the 48212.

Luckily, Steve discovered this satellite photo on EWashtenaw before the deal was completed. A property line dispute involving illegal apartments is more than we want to sign up for.

Do you remember Depot Town in 1974, for example, when Bev and Don Shankwiler bought the Artrain Building? The place looked like London after the blitz... Yet in 1977, when the Heritage Foundation held its September meeting in Shankwiler's imaginatively renovated building, things had begun to happen all along that part of Cross Street and a new spirit had emerged - the spirit is very much in the flesh, and Depot Town is a vital, living area popular to thousands all over southeast Michigan.


Small projects as well as big ones contribute to the new sense of faith emerging that Ypsilanti cant lose, that the old idea that this was a town without an identity is dead, and that a new sense of community pride is spreading well beyond the city limits.


Movement now is into Ypsilanti, not out of it. Enthusiasm is high, property is selling, people are moving in, most encouragingly into downtown. Lowered interest rates are a big help. Still, people want assurance that their investment is safe. A tight Historic Ordinance is a major way of protecting those investments which are so vital to the continued revitalization of Ypsilanti. -- Jack Harris, Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation

My mom and I canned tomatoes last weekend. She uses the Ball Blue Book recipe, but has a more fluid process worked out. My parents use the burner on their grill for the boiling water canner so they have an extra burner on the stove. I'll probably throw my lids in with the jars or pour boiling water over them in a dish on the side.


Check your older jars for defects and wash them with soapy water. Fill a boiling water canner 1/2 full with water. Heat the canner and other pots of water for lids, jars, blanching and topping jars off. When the water is simmering, 180 degrees, add a jar, lids and tomatoes to the various pots. Blanch the tomatoes until the skins crack, 60-90 seconds.


Move blanched tomatoes to cold water. Replace the now hot jar on the stove with a cool one. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the bottom of the hot jar. Trim the stem and blossom ends and any hard spots or defects from the tomatoes and remove the skins. Cut the tomatoes as desired and pack them into the jar, leaving 1/2 an inch of headspace. Don't be afraid to really stuff them in. Fill the jar with boiling water, again leaving 1/2 an inch headspace. Add up to 1 teaspoon salt, if desired. Remove trapped air by sticking a non-metalic spoon or spatula in around the sides. Pull back against the tomatoes gently to free hidden bubbles. Wipe the rim and threads clean with a damp cloth. Cover the jar with a hot lid using tongs or a lid wand. Screw a band on just until resistance is met. Place the jar on the elevated rack in the canner. Repeat until the canner is full.


Lower the rack of jars and process pints 40 minutes, quarts 45 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool, an inch or two apart. The lids will pop down within a few hours.

This is an excerpt from the May 1990 YHF newsletter. A variation of this tour appeared in the August edition, distributed during the Heritage Festival.

FUN WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN RECOMMENDED NOW!


Not so long ago, everything seemed to be happening all around downtown, while the downtown itself stood relatively idle. Now the scene has changed, and downtown is where you’ll find the action. In fact, we suggest you stir your stumps and take a walking tour of Ypsilanti’s NEW historic downtown.


Some highlights;


1. The Eastern Deli: just east of Brooks’ IGA and the laundromat. Expected market: EMU’s College of Business, opening in September — but why wait to try it?
2. EMU College of Business: the grounded nun, as someone have called it, capped with its great white brim; now silver tile are covering one of the great bays. What next?

3. Maria’s Yogurt: Watch for it at the NE corner of W. Michigan and Adams — a deli and frozen yogurt shop.
4. Tom Sachler’s renovation of the old Weurth building across from the fountain: stand by the fountain and look closely at what’s going on and note the red sandstone cornerstones at the top: quite impressive!

5. The facade and renovation at T. C. Speakeasy’s, next to Louis’ Cafe. This is the long—awaited removal of grillwork, the last eyesore on that side of the street in that block: feast your eyes on what a superb job they’ve done.
6. Louis’ Cafe itself, for good food and the charm of an old English interior, newly decorated.

7. Ralph Ellis’ facade work, in progress at 116 W. Michigan, next to his bike shop.
8. Then wander into Max’s Restaurant & Catering, at 6 West Michigan (just east of Haab’s). There you’ll find that owners Joe and Diane Mikulec have created a Gallery of Old Ypsilanti photographs, beautifully reproduced and box—framed on clean white walls, a real treat whether or not you stay to enjoy the ALWAYS fresh food (sandwiches, cole slaw, soups — yummm!)

9. Materials Unlimited is just next door, the site of our last great Foundation meeting, thanks to the owners. There’s nothing like lingering over a great collection of architecturals and antiques.
10. Then you could pop down into Riverside Park, via the entry just west of Max’s, for a wander — and up behind the Ladies’ Library, with its hanging garden, and head south on N. Huron, observing on the way . . .

11. The Oscar Haab Health Center: THE MOST PERFECT in-fill in a Historic District in every way: size, materials, design. Look! Look closely — and at its relationship to its neighbors. And remember: it was back when the buildings that filled that now long—barren lot were torn down that the present preservation movement really began in Ypsilanti. That movement has led to the establishment of our Historic District and the strong commitment to preservation that has become the backbone of this community. Now Ypsilanti is gaining a reputation for having more historical integrity than most of its neighbors. Smile. Look up that street, one of the great sweeps of historic architecture in the Midwest - and smile!
12. Turn the corner onto Pearl and observe what’s still going on at 108 & 110, where the Maxtons are doing a super quality job on what were two very sorry historic structures (one, at least, of great historic value - our G.A.R Hall).

13. If you haven’t seen the upstairs of the Phoenix Building on the SE corner of Pearl and Washington, do it now: just enter the stairway off Washington and do the tour: lots of activity going on up there in an historic atmosphere (you’ll love it). There is more——more new shops to look into——but that should give you a start. Again, take a nice morning, noon, or afternoon walk through downtown Ypsilanti; we think you’ll be pleased at the progress.

The following is from the March 1985 Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation newsletter. It details recommendations made to the City of Ypsilanti by advisors involved in the federal "Mainstreet Program", the Cool Cities Initiative of the 80s.

=> Read more!

Our new carpets and spoon.

=> Read more!

Despite all our complaining, we still think Ypsilanti is the best thing going in Michigan. We looked into moving to Detroit when we got home from Portland, but the areas we really like have lost most of their houses and we aren't poor enough to buy any of the new ones. I guess our idea of neighborhood doesn't fit with Detroit's income segregation program.


Pending the inspector doesn't find that the house is falling in, we will be residents of Ward 1, Precinct 1, in plenty of time for the November election. A friend tells us the style of our new bathroom is yooper-chic.

I just saw this Ann Arbor News article at Ypsidixit and am absolutely infuriated by it.


Apparently some time last week, the executive director of Walkable Communities, Inc., sponsored by the Cool Cities Initiative, walked through Ypsilanti and made a number of ridiculous recommendations.


"One of (Burden's) suggestions was to design a pontoon walkway system that can rise and fall with the water level," Goulet said. "It's a creative system to get people across Michigan Avenue or under the bridge." - A floating walkway over the Huron would be useless. Not only is there nothing on the other side of the river to walk to, but if the DNR allowed the city to put it in, I doubt it would fair well over the winter. The city is not able to keep the trees trimmed in the parks and recently appointed a Blue Ribbon Commission to look for ways to cut the budget further. The last thing we need is another useless thing to maintain.


Factors such as sidewalk width, traffic speeds and handicap accessibility were taken into consideration - Having a community that is walkable from parking spaces to stores isn't what Richard Florida had in mind. A walkable community is defined as one in which you can get the majority of needed services within 1/8th of a mile of your residence. Ypsilanti is missing the "services" part of this equation.


Transformer boxes that hang on posts two feet above the ground could be obstacles for blind people using canes to feel their way along the sidewalk. "A simple solution is to put a pot of flowers under it." - How much money will we spend on the 2 blind people walking around town? Again, the city is not able to keep the trees trimmed. At the last city council meeting, several people from Bell and Casler streets came to beg for gutters and curbs on their street... they didn't even ask for sidewalks. Ypsilanti should be ashamed to have two streets so close to the central business district without sidewalks.


New benches to provide a resting spot for pedestrians and adding wheelchair ramps are other small additions that the DDA will explore. - Again, there has to be a place to walk to. It's nice that this group was able to take a stroll around town, but the rest of us are walking for transportation. We don't have time to sit around on a bench (unless it's at a bus stop) and the flowers are one more thing to maintain that you can't chain a bike to.


Burden also suggested reducing Huron and Hamilton streets to two lanes by adding angle parking, thereby slowing traffic and encouraging people to park their cars and walk through the city. - This takes the cake. Not only will MDOT never approve Huron or Hamilton (trunkline) lane reductions, but rows of cars in-front of businesses hinders walkablility. Cars parked on the street make crossing dangerous by obscuring the view of pedestrians and drivers. Parking belongs behind buildings.


Dan Burden doesn't know the first thing about Ypsilanti and has no business evaluating our city after one pleasure stroll through town. Every public participation event Steve and I have been to has resulted in the city going along with the recommendations of an out-of-town consultant (or public university) against the wishes of citizens at the meeting. Steve asked for financing information for the Water Street Project months ago and the city blew him off. Others have started to ask questions and aren't doing much better. We also asked the city who decided to change the original plan from commercial units on Michigan Avenue to residential. They have not responded. Ironically, some of the ground on the site is heavily contaminated and may not be salable as residential. The solution: Spot zone it for commercial!

About a month ago, we took our first vacation of the summer to one of our usual spots in the Pigeon River Valley.

=> Read more!

One of the farmers mentioned that the freighthouse is closing at the end of this month and an alternate site on Michigan Avenue may be in the works. If that doesn't pan out, he'll be selling his produce in Saline.

Here are the candidates I'll be voting for tomorrow.


54th District Representative - David E. Rutledge


Washtenaw County Commisioner, District 6 - Ronnie Peterson


Ypsilanti Township Supervisor - Ruth Ann Jamnick
Ypsilanti Township Clerk - Samantha Adkins-Buescher

Ypsilanti Township Treasurer - Scott Martin
Ypsilanti Township Trustees John Shook, Derrick Jackson, Ralph Walls, David Ostrowski


Ypsilanti Township Constable - I don't quite understand what is going on in this race, but it would appear that Cheryl Lawson, wife (or ex-wife?) of the incumbent, William T. Lawson, is running against him as a write-in candidate. Since her announcement, 2 others have also announced write-in candidacies: Marylin P. Kelly and Willis Lee Israel. I can't find information about anyone but W. Lawson online. I am not impressed and will write-in Willis Lee Israel and Marylin P. Kelly.



Ypsilanti Township Park Commissioner - Vote for 9 of 11? The Courier/AA News didn't cover this race, so pending I don't find out something awful about any of them, I'm voting for Sandra Andresen, Marcia Chapman, Njoki Sandra Kamuyu, Carolyn Ann Minot, Annette Russell, Debbie Swanson, Charlene D. Wice, Kathleen Williams, Ed Wooton. I like a Parks Commision that has adult use in mind.

I bought a variety of melon at Coleman's the other day that I had never seen before. I bought 2 of the largest melons. Most of them were softball size and white. They don't smell like anything. They have brown circular marks on one end and a stem at the other.

=> Read more!

The population is 440. There are usually no police employed by Freeport, the fire department is the last 100% volunteer department in the country (not paid), and the school closed in the 60's.

=> Read more!

Monday night, our car broke down on our way home from the grocery store. Steve had been telling me earlier that he thought the car was running rough, but we have a bad wheel bearing anyway and I didn't think it sounded any worse than the last time I drove it. Luckily, we were only a block from our apartment and I have 2 VW mechanics in my family.


Talked to my brother and he told us how to check the timing belt to see if it's broken. We were quickly able to confirm that it was. I had the car towed to dad's garage. He had our car on the road the next day, but in Freeport, MI.

=> Read more!

Steve and I like the freedom of camping without a cooler, but don't like to pay for expensive dehydrated food. Here are some things we make while in the woods that can be purchased at a regular grocery store.


Pasta Dinner Mixes with ham, chicken, turkey, or tuna in foil pouches - Betty Crocker "Helper" meals are incredibly cheap. I tape together the contents of the box, meat, and directions I cut out. I replace butter with oil and milk with reconstituted dry milk. The chicken and ham taste a little better if you saute them in the oil before adding the other things. I don't buy meals that require eggs to make. Zatarain's Pasta Dinner Mixes are also good. More expensive, but only require water to make.


Lipton Sides - The ones that cook in 15 minutes or less.


Couscous sides - Near East makes some good ones.


Breakfast Wraps with powdered eggs and dried refried beans. Easy because you can boil water for eggs, beans, and coffee all at once.


Potatoes baked in a tin foil packet with a little oil.


Applesauce, single-serving.


Pudding - Scary, but there is now non-dairy, no refrigeration required pudding.

Who was Ainsworth and why are so many streets named after him?

We bought some corn from the men's group. They had potatoes, green beans and cucumbers that looked good, but I thought we had all the vegetables we could eat in a week. Then I bought some baby zucchini and squash from the guy from Blissfield.


The fruit farmer was there with the first of this year's peaches and blueberries. His farm was hit hard by weather and he lost all his cherries and apricots to frost. His apples and plums have hail damage. I believe he said the west side of his orchard had been "devastated". I wanted to buy some cherries from him this year so that's disappointing, but hail damaged apples and plums will be 1/2 price and great for canning.


In other Ypsi food news, the Maple Raisin Crisp on sale at the co-op is disgusting. Even the raisins taste like cardboard!

We had to make our own fire starters this year as Alaskan Fire-Mite is no longer being produced. Alaskan Fire-Mite was essentially a roll of wax covered gauze with wooden matches rolled in every few inches. I don't have a way of rolling hot, wax covered gauze, but cardboard seems like a logical substitute.



Melt 2 blocks of paraffin canning wax in an aluminum can using the double boiler method.


Remove from heat.




Using metal tongs, coat 2" squares of scrap cardboard in the melted wax. Coat a second time if desired.


Let cool on parchment or wax paper.

=> Read more!

Steve and I just got back from a whole week in Portland.


The light rail system is to die for. Between the light rail, streetcars and buses, you can get anywhere in Portland. A year pass is $408, less than a UofM blue pass. We walked to a MAX stop at 6:30 this morning and took a train to the airport. It was wonderful.


Mixed-use buildings are everywhere. Portland has hundreds of bars, party stores and restaurants within residential neighborhoods. People sell food out of trailers parked at the edge of downtown parking lots. Commerce is thriving, to the point that high-end shopping occupies most retail storefronts downtown.


Skateboarding is really popular. There are signs marking the best skateboarding route through town. Lots of skateboard shops.


The strip joints for men and women are very different. Steve and the guys went to a place where the female strippers are up on stage and can't be touched, even to get tips. I went to a cabaret/female impersonator show followed by male strippers who collected dollar bills from the bras of young brides with their teeth.


Everything in Portland is really clean. I went to a bar downtown (Embers I think). It was supposed to be a popular gay bar. A girl in the bathroom remarked that it must be the dirtiest bar in Portland. There wasn't a cigarette on the floor or spilled drink anywhere. The decor was neon and glass block, but everyone was wearing light colored t-shirts and sandals. No dog collars, no outfits made of electrical tape. Not at all like Detroit.


We drove MLK Blvd, "the worst part of town" and it was like Ypsi, but cleaner with better maintained empty storefronts. No diesel exhaust on the buildings. The park between the Performing Arts Center and the new Art Museum has been completely taken over by drug addicts and cart people. They were the only people that looked like they would fit in in Ypsi.


Portland is nice, but it's too much like Ann Arbor (with better restaurants).



Thai food?




Seafood eatery w/ fish statue.




Record store, clothing store and residential buildings across from Powell's bookstore on Burnside and Powell.

To my surprise, the vegan breakfast on Northwest flights is actually vegan, but grape jelly on a raisin bagel?

Thing you need:
fruit

fruit pectin
sugar

lemon juice (optional)


big wooden spoon
6-8 qt saucepot

lids and bands
1/2 pint jars

potato masher
paring knife

large bowl
measuring cups

tongs


Nice things you can do without:
jar funnel

lid wand





Tips
Fruit pectin comes with recipes. You can fish the recipe out at the store to see how much fruit to buy.


Boxes of new jars come with lids and bands.


I use the "inversion method" to seal jam instead of using a boiling water canner. After I seal the jars, I invert them on a towel. After exactly 5 minutes, I turn them over and they seal themselves in around half an hour.


I use low-sugar Sure-Jell. It doesn't set as firm and spreads more like apple butter than jam. I think it tastes fruitier.


After comparing the fresh strawberry jam to last years, I will be putting lemon juice in to prevent browning next year.


1/2 teaspoon butter, margarine or vegetable spreads like Promise or Country Crock all work to reduce foaming. Strawberries foam a lot.



Before you pour boiling water on the lids, turn over every other one so they're easier to grab with the tongs later. Steve likes salad tongs for this purpose.

$2.39/qt at Coleman's on Holmes and Ridge.



They're from Sodus, Michigan, near St. Joseph.

They had Michigan strawberries at their Holmes and Ridge location yesterday, though they ran out today. They should be getting more tomorrow.


I think we'll be making strawberry jam this weekend.

Get your free chart here.


Update:

=> Read more!

We'll be grilling at a friends house tomorrow and I wanted to make something from the barbecue book my mother bought for me for Christmas. My mother has a membership at Sam's Club and buys Canadian cookbooks printed in China.


"Barbecue" was once sold under the title "The Ultimate Barbecue Cookbook". I think every local news channel owns a copy for grilling demonstrations on their weather patio. I can't find a thing in this book that I will make. Who eats loofah? Every recipe has an ingredient that I couldn't get even if I wanted to eat duck breasts with red pepper jelly glaze. Why does everything have to be so damn special? I have the same complaint about the Canadian cookbook Mom gave me for people who like sardines and groundnuts.


Anyway, there are only 3 cookbooks I would replace if I lost them all in a fire. I do not own The Joy of Cooking. I'm sure it is a fine cookbook.


Betty Crocker's New Cookbook: Everything You Need To Know To Cook: The most average recipes for the most commonly served dishes in America using common ingredients. I learned how to cook using this book (and Food TV) and still use it about twice a week. I like the large print and hints. The cooking time charts are also helpful for reference.


American Heart Association Cookbook, 25th Edition: The recipes on their web site (which is really nice, by the way) are just like those in the book. The dishes are easy to make and the ingredients readily available. It comes highly recommended to anyone who enjoys spicy food.


Kibbee 'n' Spice and Everything Nice by Janet Kalush: Lebanese food. 16-pages of color photos really help if you're not familiar with the prep. Incredibly simple recipes using (yes, you guessed it) common ingredients, like lemon, mint, cinnamon and allspice.

The orange jump suit Nick Berg was wearing in the video has bothered me from the get go. After hearing a reporter on NPR tell of the CIA rigging a lie detector test to discredit a man he had revealed to them as someone who would help them, I doubted the CIA confirmation that the voice on the Berg tape was that of al-Zarqawi. Nick Berg's father maintains that he was questioned by Americans, though American authorities deny they had custody of him. Here's a guy that thinks the Nick Berg video was staged and I think I believe him. He has posted several subsequent articles this month with more information.


If that isn't the same fucking chair, it's some coincidence.

Some notables in attendance at the Blue Ribbon Finance Committee last night: Trudy Swanson, Mayor Pro-Tem (Love her. Very pro-business); Sandi Schulze, Ward 3; William Nickels, Ward 2; Kirsten Mowry, Normal Park Neighborhood Association; the woman that runs Parish House Inn (excellent, easy scone recipe from Parish House I make at least once a month); a young woman involved in the Washtenaw Cool Cities program who also attended the Cross Street meeting; Pam Hamlin from the Lincoln Street neighborhood; a middle-aged couple from Oak street; Godfrey Udoji P.E., city of Dearborn; and Laura!


Mowry was far more prepared than I was as usual. She made a good point about ordinance enforcement that was echoed by Hamlin. (At one city council meeting, they were confronted with photos of cars that have not moved in over a year.) While I agree that ordinance enforcement regarding dumping and abandoned cars should be better, the 3-trash-can rule was cited. I believe that enforcement of trash limits will only lead to more illegal dumping. Residents should be able to buy tags for bags they have in excess of three cans to cover the additional cost of the service, thus increasing revenue and preventing illegal dumping.


If I'm reading the rules right, you could eliminate the city trash removal service all together and repurpose the funds without lowering taxes. Hope they don't figure that out. In my estimation, it would make illegal dumping worse than it is now. Contracting a trash removal provider should probably be considered though.


After the delivery of prepared talking points by residents, a board member explained the causes of our budget shortfall. Here is the same topic as explained by the Detroit News:

Proposal A raised the state sales tax 2 cents and limited property tax increases to the rate of inflation, even as property values soared in the 1990s. Once a property was sold, the new owner was taxed on the higher value, which should mean higher revenues to pay for services like schools, police and fire protection.


(The) Headlee Amendment to the state Constitution limits the growth of government revenue to roughly the inflation rate, so local governments never see an increase in property tax when homes are sold. Headlee requires the community to lower its mileage rate to keep revenue to the set amount.

A member of the panel asked if anyone knew how many Ypsi police officers are on the street at any given time. To the surprise of the questioner, Steve shouted 3. Ypsilanti Fire and Police Departments have the same staffing levels as in the 1960s when they responded to a fraction of the calls. No cuts to be made there.


One proposed way to cover the expected $1 million deficit in Ypsilanti's budget was a city income tax. I offered that the average income in Ypsilanti is under $30,000 and they would be hard pressed to get any more money out of us. Cool Cities agreed. Oak Street stated that he owns several properties in town and would be taxed disproportionately. Members of the committee explained that in most instances, city income taxes are offset by a decrease in property taxes. I do not believe that an income tax levied to cover a budget deficit would be accompanied by a tax reduction. Cool cities pointed out that a city income tax would never pass and was pointless to discuss.


Steve made the point that the opulence of Depot Town is insulting to the poorer elements of our community. Another man mentioned that Cross and Michigan get all the improvements while residential neighborhoods crumble. Parish House, in defense of excessive banner use, pointed out that the Depot Town and Michigan Ave businesses pay dues that pay for the banners. I would suggest that fewer banners be placed and the money saved be used to wash the windows that make our town look dirty.


Udoji came out in support of business and said it would be a mistake for the city to overlook economic development.


Parish House pointed out that tourism is the 2nd largest industry in Michigan and that we should do more to hook into the tourism market. This was my chance.


In essence, I said that we've lost so much commercial space, I'm concerned that we no longer have a viable shopping district. I try to buy everything in the city, but I have to buy basic things like groceries in the township. Studies show that people like to live and shop in walkable communities, typically defined as one in which the majority of services are available within 1/4 mile and without retail on Michigan Avenue, Water Street will not be a walkable community. Once people get in their cars, they're gone. Cool Cities agreed.


After the meeting, Steve talked to Mr. Udoji while I talked to Oak Street who wanted to tell me about the Ypsi Food Co-op. Her daughter works there sometimes. Then I joined Steve's conversation about the importance of business to the community. I hope he comes to the next meeting, whenever that is. More people who believe in local business are needed to represent.

At the cemetery presentation yesterday, I learned that Highland cemetery in Ypsilanti is of the French Garden design tradition, the most famous of that type being Pere Lachaise.


The English version isn't available yet, but there are no words to describe the virtual tour of Pere Lachaise. The site includes 360 degree panoramic views of around 100 spots and pictures of the most famous graves (Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein). It's easy to navigate... overall the best use of Flash I've ever seen.

Steve and I attended the Highland Cemetery presentation at the Ypsilanti Historical Museum this afternoon.


It was the quarterly members meeting, so business preceded the talk. The Underground Railroad display is quite popular and visitors are more frequent than in previous years. The museum is taking in around $21,000 annually, roughly $1000 more than their expenses, which was good to hear.


The rails unearthed during street demolition near Washington and Pearl will also be on display soon. (Mark posted pictures of them still under the street April 27th.)


The best news was that the University of Michigan is partnering with the YHM to put their photo archives online. I'm getting an error today, but when the project is finished, there will be over 5000 images available from the 1850's on. They need people to put descriptions and keywords into their database. I can't wait to see the pictures. I may have to volunteer.


Our reason for attending the meeting was the cemetery lecture, but most of it was about cemeteries in other places. I did learn that cabbage patch faces with wings on early headstones are evolved skull and crossbones symbols. That must be good for something.

The Great Migration began in 1913. Black sharecroppers in the south having lost their cotton crops to boll weevils and floods came north looking for work in factories like Ford's. Detroit's black population swelled from under 6,000 in 1910 to 120,000 in 1930. The city was unprepared for the influx of immigrants and a housing shortage ensued. By 1920, 30,000 families were without shelter.


Migration slowed during the Depression, but in 1941, Ford sent recruiters south who promised high wages. Both black and white moved north on busses. The housing shortage intensified.


Blacks were only allowed to live in one public housing project and paid rents 3 times higher than rent in white neighborhoods for houses with no plumbing. In June of 1941, the Detroit Housing Commission chose sites for two defense housing projects, one for whites and one for blacks. The commission picked a site in a black neighborhood for the black projects, but the federal government decided Nevada and Fenelon in a Polish neighborhood would be better.


Tensions increased during the summer of 1941. Random street fights occurred between black and Polish teens. Whites protested the project, now named after Sojourner Truth. Reverend Constantine Dzink, a catholic bishop in Detroit at the time, wrote that the housing projects "would jeopardize the safety of many of our white girls" and "ruin the neighborhood, one that could be built up into a fine residential section."By the time the Sojourner Truth Housing Projects were completed in December, no one would move into them. Officials looked for another site, but one could not be found.


Washington, decided that blacks would move in. February 27th, the night before the first tenants were to arrive, an angry white mob burned crosses in a field nearby. By morning, 1200 people had gathered, some armed. Most tenants left at the sight of the mob, but two drove through the picket line and a fight erupted. Fighting continued into the afternoon when mounted police were dispatched. When the police arrived, they favored the white mob, arresting 106 blacks and only 3 whites. The move in was postponed.


In April, 200 families finally moved into the Sojourner Truth housing project under the protection of 1,750 police and militia. The most destructive race riots in Detroit history occurred the following summer.


During WWII, Detroit's more common nickname was "The Arsenal of Democracy". Residents thought arsehole more fitting.

Oppose Sex Education Changes: Planned Parenthood is requesting changes to SB 943 and 944, including removal of "The unconstitutional statues from this legislation regarding sodomy.


Oppose political license plates: SB 112 and HB 4680 amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the Secretary of State to develop and issue a “Choose Life” fundraising plate. The Secretary of State must deposit $20 in to the “Choose Life” fund, which will be distributed to "crisis pregnancy centers" that do not provide medical services or give accurate information about birth control or abortion. (PP alleges the clinics "are established by persons who are opposed to legal abortion under all circumstances, use false and misleading advertising to lure unsuspecting women into their offices where they are harassed and intimidated about the "evils of abortion".


Oppose the campus "gag rule": SB 72 would allow colleges to establish and operate Pregnant and Parenting Student Services offices on campus with state funds, but would prohibit those offices from providing referrals for abortion services or information.


Support Contraceptive Equity: SB 470 and SB 471 would require insurance companies to "include contraceptives without any dollar limit, co-payment, deductible or coinsurance provision that does not apply to the general prescription coverage within the plan."

The freighthouse was closed, but a good number of vendors were at the Ypsi market. Most were selling plants and crafts.


Coleman's on Holmes and Ridge has seeds, flowers and soil in addition to the usual produce. Asparagus, but no rhubarb. Maybe next week.

I just finished the last jar of peaches and put the last of the applesauce in the fridge. Around 40 jars of jam, 50 applesauce, 7 peaches, and 4 BBQ sauce... all gone and 2 months too soon. Given that I would like to be opening the last jars in late June, we will need to can the following this summer:


Strawberry Jam - 2 batches
Plum Jam - 2 batches

Cherry Jam - 2 batches
Wild Raspberry Jam - 2 batches

Half Peaches - 2 batches
Applesauce - at least 8 batches


Mixed Berry Jam - 1 or 2 batches

Cherry Pie Filling - 1 batch
Brandied Cherries - 1 batch

Pickle Relish - 1 batch
Whole Tomatoes - 2 batches



The bottom half of the list are things we've never tried before. I hope to get to 2 of those.

Harvest dates for Michigan Fruits and Vegetables


Just rhubarb and asparagus in May.


EASY RHUBARB CRISP


about 4 cups cut-up rhubarb
2/3 to 3/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. quick or old-fashioned oats

1/3 c. butter or stick margarine, softened
3/4 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. nutmeg


Preheat oven to 375. Grease 8x8 pan.


Spread rhubarb in pan. Mix together remaining ingredients and sprinkle over rhubarb.


Bake 30 minutes.


(Can also be made with cherry pie filling, apples or blueberries. I serve it with whipped cream.)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has North American Slave Narratives online as part of their Documenting the South project. This narrative was submitted by the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan. It contains first hand accounts of the Detroit race riots of 1863.


Thomas Faulkner allegedly raped 2 girls, one black and one white. Faulkner was white, though it seems there was some question as his voting record is cited as the source of this information. In any event, a drunken white mob formed near the jail. For reasons unknown, shots were fired and at least 2 men were injured. The mob turned violent and started down Beaubien street, throwing bricks and other missiles into houses owned by black people.


"Just below Lafayette" they came to a cooper shop where several men were working. The mob broke all the windows in the shop and pelted the building with stones. One of the men in the cooper shop shot into the mob with an old shotgun. The mob fell back momentarily and then moved on to stoning the attached house, occupied by 3 women and 4 children. Seeing that the women and children were in danger, the men from the cooper shop ran into the attached house and tried to shield them with their bodies. The mob set fire to the cooper shop, which later spread to the house. The women and children ran out followed by the men, who were stoned and beaten. One man, an escaped slave, was struck in the head with an axe and later badly burned. After some 30 hrs, he died of his wounds.


The mob proceeded up Fort and Lafayette streets, robbing and then burning some fifteen houses owned by black people... a horrific scene is described. A baby was reportedly kicked almost to death. A blind man was nearly burned up in his home. US Army soldiers were eventually deployed to put down the rioting.


After order was restored, a meeting was held at A. M. E. Church, on Lafayette, near Beaubien. Resolutions condemning the actions of the mob were adopted. Faulkner was convicted of the rapes. The Legislature advocated compensation of the victims, but the Detroit City Council decided against it. Some things never change.


NOTE: The Detroit News claims that Faulker was a black man whose first name was William. I tend to believe the narrative, written 5 weeks after the riot. The Detroit News also claims that the girls recanted their rape accusations.

Michigan parents who want the best education for their kids, but don't want or can't afford a private Christian school, now have another choice in Michigan -- charter schools. -- Michigan Family Forum

Fortis Academy, a charter school, is opening this fall on Golfside in the building formerly occupied by Tom Monaghan's Spiritus Sanctus Academy. According to the booklet I received in the mail, National Heritage Academies reinforce "traditional values, like honesty, integrity, and respect."


They forgot religion!


National Heritage Academies was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by evangelical Christian, J.C. Huizenga. Five parents with children attending Vanguard Charter in Wyoming (a suburb of Grand Rapids) filed a lawsuit in 1999, later joined by the ACLU.

Vanguard Charter School Academy sanctioned prayer in the school, allowed the distribution of religious materials during class, allowed a nearby church to use its facilities rent-free to conduct worship, conducted a mandatory staff retreat with distinct religious overtones and taught creationism as an accepted scientific theory.

In October of 2000, Vanguard instituted policies barring the promotion of religion in the classroom and the suit was dismissed.

"We are fully prepared to bring security to Najaf, Fallujah...."


Thanks to us, "the torture chambers of Iraq are closed."


"I'm not going to change my mind. I'm not going to change my mind at all."


Also: the economy is strong, the administration has a clear plan for Iraq, and stem cell research is evil.


At least Goebbels had the sense to admit his defeats.


Excerpts from Goebbels 1944 New Year Address:

=> Read more!

It would seem the publishers of The Ultimate Bad Candy Website reveiwed my favorite candy, Dubbel Zout, double salted black licorice from Holland.

It tasted like a midget had shoved his sweaty palms into my mouth and was playing with my tonsels. Or like a salty car tire.

My great grandfather used to call it "salted tires". Most people aren't able to keep DZ in their mouths long enough to taste the aniseed oil, even when there's money at stake. Grandma puts 2 rolls of Dubbel Zout in my stocking every Christmas. I love it. Must be genetic.


Anyway, Dubbel Zout is one of the least offensive candies Mark and Ben have tried to eat. Prepare to be disgusted and then read about tamarind, the fleshy part of frut.

John Negroponte, current Ambassador to the UN, has just been named the US Ambassador to Iraq according to FOX News.


Mr. Negroponte is considered a war criminal by the international community after he sanctioned widespread human rights abuses during his ambassadorship to Honduras.

Main points:


Michigan is 47th on the list of states attractive to young people. 200,000 young people have left in 10 years. Ira interviewed an 18-year-old student at Lansing Community College, Nancy. Ira points out that they use the words "cool" and "hip" a lot. Nancy thinks the state is out of touch. She laughs at broadband access being on the list of things the state thinks will make Michigan "cooler". Says it's "like your mom redecorated your room to be cool".


Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, coal mining towns during the industrial revolution, turned into ghost towns when America switched to oil and electricity from coal. The townspeople collected nickels to do something to attract more people, $10,000 in all. Their story made the national news.


Jim Thorpe, famous athlete and man of many talents, died penniless at 63. His widow heard of a town collecting nickels and went to Mauch Chunk. She offered to bury Jim Thorpe there, build a hospital and shrine there and maybe even a Hall of Fame for the money they'd collected. Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk voted to change their names to Jim Thorpe and accepted the offer.


In the end, the town got nothing but a shrine (that's been vandalized a few times) and Jim Thorpe's body for their money.


What can we learn from this? The governments of East and Mauch Chunk knew they had a problem and collected money to do something about it, but didn't know to fix the problem. When Mrs. Thorpe approached them with her idea, they took it because they had no better plan.


Right now, our state knows that it has a problem, but doesn't know how to fix it. Local governments are being sold the idea that they should abandon their history and pay for expensive street improvements and condos to "attract young people". Someone is selling the State of Michigan more "broadband access".


People like Nancy hate on everyone else's ideas, but don't offer any of their own. The "Cool Cities Iniative" only has a chance of working if young people participate in the process.


The people that participate make the choices.

There's a conversation on Ann Arbor is Overrated about 70's dining that reminded me of Lilek's Gallery of Regrettable Food.


If you have time, Meat Meat Meat! and 10 PM Cookery are favorites.



Pictured: Ham hocks and saurkraut garnished with strawberries from the Better Homes and Gardens Meat Cookbook.

New style sheet!

Paths to Freedom is maintained by The Dervaes Family, anti-consumerists living simply in Pasadena, California. They keep a homesteading diary detailing their many projects and maintain an extensive link database. They also send newsletters.


I don't think I'll be chicken farming any time soon, but I can't resist the practicality of gardening much longer. Last year, the Dervaes' grew 6097 lbs of food on a 1/5th acre lot. Maybe I'll plant some herbs this year...

Ypsilanti should have had it's own section with the number of Ypsilantians mentioned in the article, but I can't really argue with the bit about my blog in the Observer.

Recent Posts: Detailed report on an Ypsilanti community meeting, the "top ten reasons I still live in Michigan", how to can applesauce (illustrated).

Quote: I am tired of disposable plastic trinkets. The baby boomers are cheap junk lovers that can't get enough of the Bing Crosby Animated Christmas Figurines.

An interesting choice of quotes given the innocent nature of the others printed. You'd think Steve was Fred Rogers. Even Mark sounded normal with the exception of his soup recipe. Ball shaving and brain eating monkeys, both recurring ideas on Mark's blog, weren't even mentioned. I shouldn't complain though... I think I was represented accurately and I enjoyed the article. It's interesting to see which posts stick out to other people.

Our desire to buy things which aren't absolutely necessary ensures future generations of humans will not attain a standard of living anywhere near what we enjoy today. That is greedy, and rude. What will they think of us? How would you explain it to them?

--- Bob Horowitz, Anti-consumer Advocate

Anti-consumerism advocates buying fewer and higher quality goods in an effort to stave off global environmental collapse. Also, anti-consumerists believe that auto culture, mass consumerism, corruption and corporate influence are working against communities and that we vote with our money to work against these forces. It's basically the sum of a number of smaller movements with an emphasis on sustainable communities and voluntary simplicity.


Some elements of sustainable communities are transportation options, housing options, jobs, commerce and sensible zoning that encourages social interaction.


The voluntary simplicity movement advocates moderation and self-sufficiency. By paring down your possessions to essentials and working less, you can have more financial freedom and live a lower stress life.


Other ideas incorporated in anti-consumerism include urban homesteading, gardening, knitting, recycling, canning, environmentalism, and city planning.


For me, anti-consumerism ties together many of my interests that I hadn't connected; like city council meetings, crochet and local business advocacy. It also gives a clear plan of action to defund corporate advertising, which I believe is a hindrance to the success of local business. I don't want to live in a country where you need $25,000 to start a sandwich business and 7% goes back to Denver.


For more information on anti-consumerism, Sustainable Enterprises is a great resource.

Airbeagle reports that The Ann Arbor Observer recently included The Bunker, Seat of the Revolution and Mark Maynard in a piece about Ann Arbor web logs.


For anyone that may be visiting for the first time, I don't live in Ann Arbor.


I usually post things about the city I live in, Ypsilanti.


Things you can buy at the Ypsi Food Co-op
Shopping in Ypsilanti

Value World Testimonial


I have written a couple things about Ann Arbor though.


A2 Doesn’t Really Want Us

They asked... My Response to the Cool Cities Survey

I made my bi-annual donation to Locks of Love yesterday. I've been dying to get it cut since Jessica had hers cut. Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that makes wigs for children with medical hairloss from donated hair and time. They'll take money if you're short on those.


Shear Impact at 548 Church in Ann Arbor gives free haircuts for donors. Minimum donation is 10 inches. This is my favorite bob yet.


Now begins the difficult transition between the pulling-hair-back phase to the tucking-hair-behind-ears phase.

Steve and I went to the Patsy Chandler tea and Ypsilanti District Library park fundraiser at the EMU "University House" yesterday.


Patsy Chandler was a long time resident of Ypsilanti and community activist. She hosted benefit teas on her birthday, March 13th, to buy the original park and fountain at the YDL and other causes including scholarship fundraising and work with the Red Cross.


The park currently features the original fountain championed by Patsy Chandler (non-working) and a statue of Elijah McCoy. The proposal includes:


Glass Tiles for "Fountain Enhancement": $11,375
Seating in the Youth Story Time Area: $5,000

Safety Surfacing in the Youth Story Time Area $3,200
Circular Tree Bench: $5,000

Benches: $1,600 each
Game Tables: $2,000 each

Uplighting for Trees and Library: $1,000 each
Trash receptacle: $900 each

Trees and other plantings: $500 each
Art: Bronze Sculpture of Harriet Tubman: $300,000

UPDATE: The bronze sculpture would cost around $30,000... much better!


I think the park could use some improvements, but the plan they have is over-doing it. I think they should focus on fixing the fountain, straight benches, lighting, trash cans, and trees and plants. The glass tiles might be cool but I haven't seen a depiction of what the finished fountain might look like. The game tables are crap. Who will pay to fix them when the backs break off? who will maintain them? I think metal tables would have been a better choice.


I'm disappointed that the feature artwork of the park is slated to be a statue of Harriett Tubman. Let Battle Creek have Harriet Tubman. Ypsilanti has it's own history and heroes. I'd like to see statue of Patsy Chandler there instead.

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman of the AFA, sent an email out today. It says, "Cast your vote. Forward to a friend. Help us feel the pulse of America."


The poll asks, "Whom do you favor for the next President of the United States - John Kerry, George W. Bush, or Ralph Nader?"


John Kerry's currently getting 90% of the 50000+ votes received.

Ralph Nadar is beating George Bush.

A friend and fellow Value World shopper has informed me that Goodwill has online auctions. Now I can bid on the crucifix with accessory holy water bottle that I always wanted. Maybe I'll get a Last Supper Clock instead.


Seriously though, they have some really nice things that they know nothing about. If only I were in California...

On Flashpoint this morning (a local version of Meet the Press), the first topic was the recent spike in gun violence in Detroit. Host Devin Scillian suggested that drug law reform might be the answer to ending gun violence. I knew there was a reason I liked him. After that, there was a round table discussion about the "creative class " in Detroit and the sold-out lecture recently given by Richard Florida.


The prevailing thought seems to be that throwing money at Detroit will solve everything. There are 2 problems as I see it; the community has to be more accepting of lifestyles, personal appearances, and cultures not like their own and the "creative class" has to join the community at large and existing community organizations.


On Meet the Press, Rudy Giuliani was there defending the Bush administrations insistence on using pictures of WTC coffins in his campaign, despite refusal to show coffins coming in from Iraq. I'm glad to hear that our President will continue swinging the stick of partisan politics so wildly that he hits members of his own party.


Just before I shut it off, there were advertisements for "quality constructed" condos including "gourmet custom kitchens" in Sprawlville, USA near MAJOR highways. One purported buyer of such a residence said he was sold immediately... didn't even have to think about it.

I was looking for a link this morning ans stumbled upon this article in the China Daily published 3/1/04, "The Human Rights Record of the United States in 2003".


It's a fun read. I like the comments like,


"Great job... Thank you chinadaily for exposing the truth on the the evil zionist entity of the USA. Long Live China and True Nations of the free world!"


"Let me add to my earlier comments: The US is an Israeli colony, run by the Jews for Jews. The media and govt is dominated by Jews who funnel countless billions to Israel each year and fight Israel's wars. Its domestic policy is also completely controlled by Jews, who give tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% who are 35-40% Jewish. The US is no longer a Christian nation, but a puppet of warmongering hardline neoconservative Jews. This change, I'm afraid, is permanent."


"aftrt reading the excellentwork i think it is terrible living in the U.S.A, fortunately i am a chinese and living in china. i love my country!!!


John from Australia writes:
"Excellent and well researched article. We expatriates are much safer living in China that in the US. That's the reality."



I think I'll leave a comment!

Hi! I'm a real, flesh and blood American from Ypsilanti, Michigan, near Detroit.


I don't have the time to detail all the inacuracies in this "report", but I would like to point out that Detroit and Baltimore are #1 and #2 on the US crime report and not representative (at all) of the whole country.


I own a police scanner. Unless you are a firefighter, you can't use them in your car. Otherwise, you can legally listen to and record police traffic.


There are 1.5 million people in China infected with HIV/AIDS. That number is expected to grow to 10 million by the end of this decade because the Chinese government doesn't want it's citizens to know that CONDOM USE PREVENTS HIV/AIDS.


The story about the woman having her finger cut off by the Detroit police omits that she didn't realize she was being arrested and was fighting the police officer when he accidently cut the end of her finger off. The quote that the officer "boxed her ears" and "tore out her hair" is fake.


And BTW... who accidentally posts the exact same comment twice with two different names? The Nazis would never have allowed shoddy propaganda as low in quality as this "report" to reach the public.

Changing your name is a pain in the ass. I had some initial successes. I was able to change my cell phone account and my credit card with a few clicks online. Then things started to go badly. I have bad luck with things like this. I had to change my address at my last employer 6 times. The post office botched my address change 3 times.


Yesterday, I waited over 2 hours at the Secretary of State. I failed to take the title for the car with me and have to go back to the branch to renew now.


It was easier to cancel my Victoria's Secret account than change my name. There was a series of menus followed by an advertisement. When I declined the offer, there was another advertisement urging that I take it followed by another series of menus. At some point, canceling became an option and I decided that would be better than continuing my search for a customer service representative. I never shop there anyway.


The cable company wants me to go to their branch on Washtenaw. They're open Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. I guess I'm supposed to quit my job now. Maybe they've decided to support family initiatives as they've done with the war on drugs. I'm pretty sure they'd apply a check from John Wayne to my account so I'm not going to bother.


I'm closing my bank account too. I opened it 9 years ago when I lived in downtown Grand Rapids at the Franklin and Eastern branch. Every time I need to change something about my account, they tell me I have to go to my "home branch". I've tried to change my "home branch", but that's not possible. I'd have to close my account and open a new one. Rather than drive to Grand Rapids or argue with yet another CSR, I'll open an account at another bank that's still headquartered in Michigan.


Tomorrow: Social Security office, insurance, retirement account and witholding/benefits.

Planned Parenthood is circulating a petition to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development.

As we approach the tenth anniversary of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo, Egypt, Americans throughout the country are declaring their commitment to the landmark “Cairo Consensus.” At its core, the Cairo Consensus is about people — it’s about educating girls, empowering women, and saving lives. And it’s about promises — promises made by the world’s nations, including our own, to commit the moral and financial resources to fulfilling the promise of the Cairo Consensus.


Ten years later, the world community still needs our support. Yet the United States government — the world’s wealthiest nation — is not only lagging behind in its financial commitment to achieving the goals of the Cairo Consensus, but also politicians are threatening to rewrite the agreement, turning back decades of progress in addressing the world’s most pressing problems, including HIV/AIDS, poverty, and environmental degradation.


It’s time for us to stand up and be counted. The majority of Americans believe we, as a country, should be a good global citizen and work hand-in-hand with other nations to ensure women’s health and well-being, peace and prosperity for all the world’s citizens.


The goal of A Mother’s Promise campaign is to secure signatures, proclamations and resolutions from individuals, organizations, and legislatures reaffirming a commitment to the Cairo Consensus. These collective statements will demonstrate to our government and the world that Americans believe in keeping our promises.

I'm not sure petition is the right word, but that's what they're calling it. It's more like a pledge.

Steve and I got married today!


We didn't plan much so I suppose not much could go wrong. Last week, I bought a dress at Value World ($4.10!), Steve had his suit taken in at McClatchey's in Ann Arbor (It didn't fit right before and she fixed that too!), and I had Steve's grandmother's wedding ring reshanked at Olde Towne Coin and Gold in Depot Town. Cheryl Farmer performed the ceremony at Ypsilanti City Hall. No passing out or crying. It really couldn't have been better.


Maybe it's old fashioned, but I'm taking Steve's name. I like the idea of our new family having a family name. "Rhymes with cow" isn't as fun as "like the fruit" either.


Big love to Coley for introducing me to Steve. Your tree-fruit-pie pronunciation key will come in handy too. Thank you thank you thank you!

Steve and I spent the weekend drinking purified snow in unseasonably warm northern lower Michigan.


Friday night around midnight, we backpacked about a mile through 12 inches of snow to the Cherry family compound in Lake County. The snow was much deeper than when we were there in 2002. It was generally treacherous and I fell twice. After seeing our tracks in daylight, I'm not sure how we made it.


Steve realized Saturday morning that he'd left his cigars in the car, so we dusted the snowshoes off.


Other than that, we laid about in the 90 degree cabin, played Yahtzee, listened to the radio, watched birds, melted snow and cooked things.


Here are some pictures of the cabin, snowshoeing back to the car, backpacking in the dark, driving home in the fog, and Steve measuring the snow:

I came accross this quote the other day and have been thinking about how it might relate to "big box" stores.


Alan Greenspan, "The Assault on Integrity", 1963

Reputation, in an unregulated economy, is a major competitive tool. It requires years of consistently excellent performance to acquire a reputation and to establish it as a financial asset…Thus the incentive to scrupulous performance operates on all levels… It is a built-in safeguard of a free-enterprise system…Government regulation is not an alternative means of protecting the consumer. It does not build quality into goods, or accuracy into information. It's sole "contribution" is to substitute force and fear for incentive as the "protector" of the consumer… What are the results?


To paraphrase Gresham's Law: bad "protection" drives out good. The attempt to protect the consumer by force undercuts the protection he gets from incentive. First, it undercuts the value of reputation by placing the reputable company on the same basis as the unknown, the newcomer, or the fly-by-nighter. It declares, in effect, that all are equally suspect…Second it grants an automatic guarantee of safety to the products of any company that complies with its arbitrarily set minimum standards…The minimum standards, which are the basis of regulation, gradually tend to become the maximums as well…A fly by night securities operator can quickly meet all the S.E.C. requirements, gain the inference of respectability, and proceed to fleece the public. In an unregulated economy, the operator would have had to earn a position of trust...


Protection of the consumer by regulation is thus illusory. Rather than isolating the consumer from the dishonest businessman, it is gradually destroying the only reliable protection the consumer has: competition or reputation. Government regulations do not eliminate potentially dishonest individuals, but merely make their activities harder to detect or easier to hush up.

I'm not sure if consumer protection regulations started it, but people have come to assume that the government would shut down unscrupulous businesses, so all businesses start on equal footing in their minds. When all businesses are assumed to be equal, brand recognition is more important than reputation. The company able to pay for the most ads then has the best brand recognition. Thus the big box stores come to have the best "reputations".

Kai sends this review of a documentary about people who drive RVs Walmart to Walmart to "see the country" titled "This Is Nowhere".

The filmmakers interviewed their subjects in Wal-Mart parking lots, mostly in their RVs, and in doing so, provide a glimpse at not only the lives of these RVers, but their living spaces as well. One woman gleefully explains how well she and her husband have gotten along in their small trailer on their current trip. "I take tranquilizers in the evening and he drinks beer," she says, laughing. Another RVer gives a tour of his motorhome, proudly pointing out all the amenities.


...


The interviews with the RVers are delightful, and their reasons for camping at Wal-Mart varied. As much as this is a documentary about "camping" at Wal-Mart it's also about full-time RVers and their lifestyle. As these nomads move about, one state rolls into another into another. "Where are we tonight?" one woman asks her husband. RVer James Hruska explains why he gave up his 3,000 square foot home to move into a motorhome and become a wanderer. "I have everything I need," he says.

Meanwhile, this thread at Thunder Bay Indy Media has been growing for 2 years. Highlights: Internet inept RVers looking for Walmart "camping" info argue the "I'll do what I want!" position against "liberal tree huggers" that selfishly want a clean environment and a future for their children and local businesses.


Related, here's a guy who thinks he's tent-camping cheap... with an air conditioner from Walmart.

On February 24th, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned in his testimony before a Senate committee, “As a general matter, we rely in a market economy upon market discipline to constrain the leverage of firms, including financial institutions. However, the existence, or even the perception, of government backing undermines the effectiveness of market discipline.”


He was talking about GSEs (government-subsidized enterprises) Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which have in Greenspan’s opinion, assumed more risk than they can back with capital because investors assume that Freddie and Fannie would be bailed out by the government should they default on their debt.


This situation sounds eerily like the savings and loan scandals of the 1980’s when lenders approved risky, and in some cases illegal, loans knowing that they would be bailed out should their companies go under. This resulted in $500 billion in government bailouts and the collapse of the savings and loan business. Freddie and Fannie combined back more than three quarters of single-family home mortgages in the United States, totaling roughly $4 trillion dollars. The collapse of the mortgage industry would be devastating.


Greenspan suggests that this could be avoided by creating a GSE regulator with authority similar to that of banking regulators to set capital holding standards and debt limits and to liquidate the assets of these companies should they fail. Of course, Freddie and Fannie are fighting against Greenspan’s recommendations vigorously. Richard Syron, who became chairman of Freddie Mac in 2003, testified that the chances of Freddie Mac failing are similar to those of "an asteroid hitting the United States.”


Syron replaced 1 of 2 former Freddie executives ousted after Freddie Mac admitted to underreporting earnings by $5 billion dollars between 2000 and 2002.


Have we learned out lesson yet?

It's good to have a couple of productive days to put things in perspective. I usually resist the urge to start my spring cleaning at the first thaw knowing the nice weather won't last and then when April comes, we're busy. Not this year! I mixed batches of tile cleaner and window cleaner yesterday and scrubbed the entire bathroom and kitchen. I've come to the conclusion that washing soda clogs spray bottles and doesn't dissolve well, so I'll be mixing my tile cleaner without from now on and sprinkling the washing soda on my sponge instead.


We also went to Target for the first and hopefully last time this year. We were able to get wood hangers, silverware, a beard trimmer, a laundry hamper, DVC tapes, a carrot peeler, and magnetic hooks for hanging oven mitts on our refridgerator. I'm counting our trip as a success even though we were overcharged $11 for a clearance item and they didn't have plastic paper plate holders. I can't believe that Target shoppers aren't interested in paper plate holders. Maybe K-Mart?

It's going to be fiery in Arizona and New Mexico this summer. The National Interagency Fire Center is predicting a fire season in the southwest comparable to that of 2002 with a similarly early start.


Not here! According to the NIFC, chances are very high that we'll have above average precipitation May-July in Michigan (sorry, Frank!), so fire season should be pretty boring. Not that it's exciting in an average year if you don't like muck fires. Fire Officers in Michigan have trouble finding a dry day to burn things between the time the snow melts and everything turns green.

Every year about this time, I get the itch to plan our first camping trip. We've decided on Memorial weekend in northern Michigan. We usually freeze our asses off in the rain Memorial weekend and 2 years ago, we swore we weren't going to do it again. I'd better buy some new long johns.


So... Only 3 1/2 months until our first camping trip of 2004! I've been using the same list to pack for 2 years and we haven't died in the woods yet, so I thought I'd share it. I'm having it laminated for dry-erase writing and durability.


Steve and I are lazy backpackers and don't like to carry a lot of stuff.

=> Read more!

February 11, 2004



Thank you . . .


. . for contacting me to share your opposition to the federal marriage amendment to the U.S. Constitution.


I understand your strong feelings. It is my intention to vote no on this amendment.


Again, thank you for contacting me about this issue. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you.




Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow

United States Senator

I'd been walking around in clothes 2 sizes too big for some time, but was dreading the visit to Old Navy, maker of jeans that fit me. I'm happy to say I'll never go to Old Navy again because thanks to Laura, I've found Value World.


Value World is a thrift store on Michigan Avenue just east of Lewis Caskets. They sell used clothes, shoes, accessories, and assorted trinkets and household bits.


The amount of clothing in the store is overwhelming at first, but it's really well organized. They have a hounds tooth slacks section and a red t-shirts section. I don't like either, so I saved time by not pawing through them. I was there looking for jeans. Not only did they have 3 enormous racks of womens jeans, but the average price was easily under $2. I would have bought many more than 3 pairs of Old Navy jeans if I'd been able to try them on. I'll be better prepared next time.


In addition to the jeans, I also bought a pair of corduroys and 2 shirts. My total? $10.83. Value is an understatement. I'm headed back in some thin shorts and a tank top.

There was some trouble over the weekend where one of my projects posted prematurely while I was off playing Sim City 4. Also, someone over at the 555 artists complex was nice enough to post this for us (though email is a better means to communicate such things):

your blog is spectacular. hope to see you at this opening.


the following art show (opening on Valentines Day) concerns "coupling," so feel free to bring a friend.


please encourage all those interested in contemporary art and ideas to attend.


best,


555 artists

This sounds like a great show to see on Valentine's Day before Quality Porn at the Elbow Room. We'll be there!

=> Read more!

The American Friends Service Committee in A2 sent an alert today regarding a proposed amendment to our state constitution that will probably be voted on this Thursday:

Please oppose the Marriage Amendment legislation introduced by Senator Alan Cropsey known as Senate Joint Resolution E and the proposed House legislation being introduced by Rep. Gary Newell. This proposed legislation would amend the State constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.

Info From The Triangle Foundation:

The initiative was started by the ultra-conservative American Family Association (AFA). Civil marriage licenses cannot be granted to same-sex couples anywhere in the United States and Michigan specifically has already banned such marriages and will not honor them if they are performed in others states. Despite those prohibitions and two federal bans on marriage for same-sex couples, Senator Cropsey, State Rep. Gary Newell, and the AFA seem to think yet another ban is necessary. Urge your Representative to say no to this cruel amendment!

You can send a free fax to your representatives in the Michigan legislature here.


Alan Cropsey represents Clinton, Ionia, Montcalm and Isabella counties. Gary Newell represents Ionia and Barry counties.

I currently live in Ypsilanti, MI, with Steve and 2 cats.
I was born 11/5/76 in Grand Rapids, MI.

I am predominately Dutch, German and British.
I’m an obsessive list-maker.

I played the tuba and flute in high school.
I have 1 brother, 1 foster brother, 3 stepbrothers and a stepsister.

I went to GRCC my senior year in high school.
I grow hair for Locks of Love.

My favorite games are scrabble, hearts and cribbage.
I also play Final Fantasy, The Sims, Sim City and Grand Theft Auto.

I studied criminology and psychology at Western Michigan University for 1 year.
I'm a minimalist utilitarian.

I like Japanese furniture.
I mix my own household cleaners.

I've always liked cemeteries.
I collect purses.

I’m picky about quality.
I visited family in England for the summer when I was 2 1/2. I don't remember much, mostly food.

Seasonal dishes are my favorites to make.
Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite old standard.

I’m an ACLU member.
I recently lost 50 lbs.

I'm on a whole foods/dairy free diet.
I collect antique clocks.

I collect Russian enamel on silver.
I spent summers sailing the great lakes in middle school.

I went to Thornapple Kellogg schools 13 years.
I crochet hats and afghans.

I’m an atheist.
I'm mildly colorblind.

I have certificates in Firefighter I and II, HAZMAT Awareness and Operations, and Wildland Fire Behavior.
I drive a 94 VW Golf, mechanic's car (the rear bumper is the wrong color, the glove box is held shut with a bent coat hanger and the hood is dented from a tree falling on it).

Steve and I spend many summer weekends camping in northern Michigan.
We currently can applesauce, jam and peaches.

I don't watch movies.
I will eventually have to take up gardening. I will probably start with an herb garden.

I sew a little.
Whiners piss me off.

I’m a Planned Parenthood supporter.
The Cure is my favorite band of all time, Disintegration my favorite album.

We lived in a fire damaged church 4 miles outside Freeport, MI, until I was 8.
I’m an anti-consumer.

I enjoy getting rid of things I no longer need.

Time to quit my job and live in isolation while I write my book!


Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. dropped out from his job at General Electric to become a full-time writer.


Henry David Thoreau went off for two years to live alone in a cabin at Walden Pond.


Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space.


Memphis millionaire Frederic W. Smith, whose father built the Greyhound bus system, founded Federal Express.


Scottish botanist David Douglas discovered the Douglas fir.


Ernest Hemingway published his first novel, The Sun Also Rises.


Boston dentist William Morton pioneered modern anaesthesiology after learning that inhalation of ether will cause a loss of consciousness.


(via Erica)

I was inspired by our Goebbels discussion and have been busy reading speeches these past few days. Grand Rapids' own Calvin College has a huge archive of German propaganda online, including Goebbels speeches. If you have time to read one speech, I’d recommend “Communism with the Mask Off”, Goebbels attempt to explain the difference between Bolshevism and the Reich.


In addition to all the Goebbels speeches, I read a few Bush/Karl Rove speeches and statements like the State of the Union and Presidential radio addresses. Comparison is difficult as Goebbels is specific and wordy in his statements, but his use of the word terror as a noun is frightening. Here are some quotes I found to be of interest:

=> Read more!

I was attracted to Clark by his New Patriotism idea.

The New American Patriotism is not just about waving the flag and guarding our borders. It's about guarding what makes us distinctive as Americans: our personal liberties, our right to debate and dissent. We are not a country that manipulates facts, ignores debate and stifles dissent. We are not a country that retaliates against people who critisize the government.

Wes has a plan for everything.


Clark's tax reform plan would eliminate taxes for 3.2 million of America’s poorest, reduce taxes for all people making less than $100,000, and increase the tax rate on those whose income exceeds $1 million by 5%. It would also simplify the tax code and eliminate the need to file taxes for the majority of Americans.


Clark would offer the health care plan available to members of congress to adults unable to get health care at work, would offer reduced premiums for low income adults, and would insure all children. Not universal coverage, but covers the uninsured and underinsured. He supports reproductive choice for all women, including foreign women and those in the military. He supports stem cell research, insurance coverage for contraceptives, repeal of the global and domestic gag rules, truth based sex education and expanded access to family planning services.


Clark supports background checks at gun shows, enforcement of existing laws and advocates responsible gun ownership.


In an article Clark wrote for the Gay City News

“I remember a conversation I had with a fellow Army officer a few months ago. He hadn't thought through my position supporting equal rights for gays. I asked him, "If you had a gay child, would you love that child as much as your other children?" And he said, "Yes, of course." And I asked if he would want his child to have the same rights and opportunities as every other child. And again he said, "Yes, of course." When we look at it in human terms, we recognize that this issue is about how we want our children to be treated. In America, every child should be equal in the eyes of the law, period.”

Most of all, I believe him. If Wes Clark is a liar, he’s the best damn liar on earth.

The Henry Ford Museum has a great secret online exhibit of photographs taken around 1905 by a photographer for the Detroit Publishing Company. I say secret because I couldn't find the exibit anywhere on their site.


Detroit Waterfront Panorama
Marquette, MI

Woodward Avenue
Belle Isle

Corner of Woodward and Michigan Avenues
Geness Avenue, Saginaw



My favorite picture was "Flirtation", a woman feeding a bear in Yellowstone.

From this article I saw at The Czars Court:

"The administration proposal, which is open for comment from federal agencies through Friday and could take effect in the next few months, would block the adoption of new federal regulations unless the science being used to justify them passes muster with a centralized peer review process that would be overseen by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

I predict that this panel, should this plan be implemented by the Bush Administration, will find the following:


Marijuana is a gateway drug.
Global temperatures are not rising.

Logging helps forests.
The hole in the ozone ebbs and flows like the tide.

Drilling for oil doesn't have a significant impact on the environment.

Non-traditional families are harmful to children.

I was surprised at the number of people we knew or knew of at the meeting. We were obviously new as we were the first to arrive. We talked to Jennifer Goulet a little and then found some chairs to warm. The speaker from the developer involved began by reviewing a list of the problems identified at the first meeting that we missed.


The drawings of the student area in Zone 1 were comical. The sidewalks shown weren’t wide enough for a residential area, let alone a business district. Steve offered that wider sidewalks would be better for walkability and community. The presenter tried to tell Steve that we wouldn’t be able to line Cross Street with trees if the sidewalk were wider. Another man mentioned that historically there have not been trees on Cross and that he didn’t see a need for them. Steve reiterated that we wanted a wider sidewalk at the expense of decorative trees. She then claimed that removing the trees and grass to extend the sidewalks to the street edge is dangerous. Apparently, they think people walk as close to the edge as possible and helplessly fall into the street sometimes. She wasn’t getting it.


It was obvious to me that the developer was looking for things to build regardless of what the city needs or wants to maintain. They weren't pushy about it, but the presentation was everything they could think of. They want to install planters and low decorative walls all over town. The speaker also presented the idea that “inconsistent building facades” are a problem and that “consistent signage” should be implemented. I wrote them down exactly for my records I was so disgusted. She was giving me Speedway flashbacks with her use of the word “signage”. At least they liked Steve’s kiosk idea.


One such decorative wall was proposed for the corner of St Johns parking lot in Zone 2. Mayor, Cheryl Farmer immediately mentioned that the display of cement and foliage as drawn would require far too much maintenance (edging, trimming, mowing, etc.) and that we have a hard enough time keeping plants alive as it is. Steve offered that Zone 1 and 2 should be more student-friendly with durable, low maintenance improvements that are easier to clean up when puked on. The man next to me (I think he's a professor at EMU) suggested that students need places to throw up in the bushes. We agreed that student areas should be designed with this in mind.


The proposed “artists district” in Zone 2 would be very cool. Kudos to the residents at the first meeting for suggesting it!


When the presenter mentioned early in the meeting that the “gateway concept” for the bridge in Zone 3 was a major issue (though suspiciously, it wasn’t listed anywhere in the presentation as being an issue at all), Steve asked her to define “gateway”. She said that it wouldn’t necessarily be an actual gateway; that it might be achieved with signs announcing that you’re entering a new area.


The drawing of the bridge was atrocious. There were railings drawn at the inside edge of the sidewalks on both sides of the bridge and huge metal arches over the street in 3 places. One man asked, “Why are we fixing the bridge?” The presenter claimed that our bridge is “dangerous” because there’s no railing between the sidewalk and the street. Another resident mentioned that he walks the bridge several times per week and feels safer there where the curbs are high than he does walking in any other area of the city. He also pointed out that there are plaques on the bridge now that serve as a gateway. When a woman complained that you can’t see the plaques as you drive past, the other residents were unsympathetic. Mayor Farmer, voice of reason, said she likes the open feeling of the bridge and felt that the metal arches made it look cluttered. She suggested that simple lighting could be used to highlight the structural beauty without clutter and most everyone agreed. Steve’s suggestion that the original architect be invited to make recommendations was popular as well.


Depot Town was the last area discussed. I think the first meeting was attended mostly by members of the Depot Town community. "Trees need trimming" someplace in Depot Town was on the list. We all agreed that more signs to parking areas were needed, but attendees of the last meeting wanted to re-pave the parking lot at the freighthouse and add more parking by Frog Island and Riverside parks. Residents attending last night opposed this. One woman said something like “there will never be parking allowed in those parks”.


After the individual zone discussions, we were asked to decide whether we would like to continue the same lighting, trash cans, signs and other elements in Depot Town to the other zones on Cross. Only one man openly supported continuation. A woman offered that many of the buildings on Cross are Deco in design and that we might like to incorporate Deco elements in our streetscape in zones 1 and 2. I love this idea! I think it's student friendly, yet historic. Brilliant!


Last, we rated pictures of design elements in other cities, like paper vending boxes and trashcans, on desirability. All but 3 or 4 of the photos were repulsive. Benches were on the list of things to add to other zones and I don't think they're a good idea. Groups of tables or benches near restaurants are great, but random benches are magnets for loitering and homeless people who will likely sleep on them in the arts district. We may gather pictures for the next meeting ourselves.


Overall, I'd say the residents of Ypsilanti are surprisingly utilitarian and believe in quality. Cost and maintenance were the major concerns. I'm biased, but people seemed most interested in having well-maintained, simple streetscapes.

I was looking through the archives at DirtGrain, Mark's "Blog it Forward" pick, and found these quotes:


From an address to a joint session of the US Congress: President George W. Bush.
"Americans are asking 'Why do they hate us?' They hate what they see right here in this chamber: a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other." George W. Bush, 20 September, 2001


From Goebbels' New Year address to Germany

"They hate our people because it is decent, brave, industrious, hardworking and intelligent. They hate our views, our social policies, and our accomplishments. They hate us as a Reich and as a community. They have forced us into a struggle for life and death. We will defend ourselves accordingly. All is clear between us and our enemies." Goebbels 31 December 1939

Anyone who would like to eat more vegetarian food should visit Krista at Being Vegan. Her recipe archive is a goldmine.


I found Being vegan at MI Blogs

I just found carolforpresident and sharpton2004 in my refer log. Great.

This is my first Blog it Forward. You can look forward to more uncomfortably nice posts of this nature in the future.

The rules are really simple. For those of you who are new to this, all you have to do is pick someone from your blogroll and post (on your site) just what makes them blogworthy. Whassat? Ok, you can pick two people. What? Ok fine, three if you must! Be sure to track back to this post so that we can all find out who you chose and can discover some new sites.

Mark Maynard was the first blogging Ypsilantian I discovered. Mark posts about art, civil liberties, friends, Ypsilanti and ball shaving. I read Mark's blog for his unique perspective on the news and dry sense of humor. He and spouse, Linette Lao, also publish a magazine that I read, Crimewave USA. I can't think of nicer people I'd like to bump into while shopping over the coming 50 years.


Thanks to Erika at swirlspice for this link and all the good press as of late. I'm so touched I can't think of a thing to say. Erika is a former Michigander now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of America's coolest cities. I love her blog.

The Bunker - Technology blog. Incredibly difficult to navigate. Almost Best Designed UK Weblog 2003 (#2). Great Bunker picture! Earliest post I could find was 9/03.


Elena Steier's The Bunker Blog - She's a cartoonist. She draws interesting depictions of Ann Coulter.


The Bunker: Online Diary of Sand Magazine. Earliest post 5/28/03. Good writing.


Close, but not quite:

Captain Scott's Electric Love Bunker

The new "Live Work Learn" from Washtenaw Community College came in the mail yesterday. On the whole, WCC has a great selection of language and computer courses. Then there are these;


The Power of Music in Health Care - $48 - "Sandwiches are provided. You are invited to bring an acoustic musical instrument."


NEW! 42-hr, 3 semester - $500+ - Feng Shui Certificate Program: Includes Lighting the Eye of the Dragon, Feng Shui Schools of Compass and Black Hat, and Space Clearing and Blessing.


The Healing Wonders of Essential Oils $35: "You will learn how to use thirteen oils safely and correctly for therapeutic results."


NEW! Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee), Level 1 - "Easy to learn and apply, Reiki differs from other similar energy modalities in that you are "attuned" to the energy. Once attuned, Reiki is with you the rest of your life."

Thank you . . .


. . for contacting me to express your opposition to racial profiling. I share your opposition to this deplorable practice.


Like you, I believe that law enforcement officers should not target individuals based on their race, religion, or ethnicity. During the 107th Congress, I cosponsored a bill (S. 989) introduced by Senator Russell Feingold to prohibit federal, state, or local law enforcement officers from using racial profiling. Although this bill has not yet been reintroduced in the 108th Congress, I assure you that I will continue working to put an end to racial profiling. Should any related legislation come before the Senate for consideration, I will keep your strong views in mind.


Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Please do not hesitate to do so again if I may be of assistance in the future.



Sincerely,

Debbie Stabenow

United States Senator

It probably seems odd that a minimalist anti-consumer keeps a list of things to buy, but I've had a running list for several years now. My current list is as follows:


Dining room chairs: Steve and I have been sitting on 2 padded folding chairs my father gave me in 1997. New chairs must work with my kitchen table. This is the oldest item on the list at 3 years. I have not actively looked for them.
Security box: must be fire proof and good for papers

Art for the living room: We currently have 1 shelf with 4 objects on it.
GPS: for scouting campsites

Silverware: our silverware is too heavy
Mixing bowl (K5THSBP): Thinking about having it engraved, but with what?

Knife (4589/20CM): Every cook needs a good knife
Clock: I like clocks made in the late 1800s, early 1900s. My favorites are Ithica calendar clocks and early Le Coultre Atmos clocks.

Spade/short handled shovel: for digging latrines while camping. must be light.
Sleeping bags: 2 semi-rectangular, down bags. I want to try to get a 40 degree bag and a 30 degree bag that mate together..

Quick drying shoes: I don't want to carry extra shoes with me, but wearing wet shoes sucks.
Plunger:

Wood hangers: We have coats hanging on wire hangers.

Apple peeler: We peeled 2 bushels of apples this year with a paring knife and a steak knife..

We decided that Chaos might benefit from a shave. Pet City Grooming said they would brush, trim, or shave my cat. Whatever my cat would allow. That's what I was looking for!


I dropped Chaos off yesterday morning. She hates the car and cried all the way there. I started to worry after we left that she was going to hate it, but it's just hair right?





When I came back a few hours later, I was surprised to find that my cat likes the groomer. She wasn't happy about the bath, but really likes the attention while being shaved. I also found out that she had a rash under all that fur. Money well spent.

It looks like the Michigan Cool Cities Initiative is a success before it's actual launch. Last month, I had 19 hits for Richard Florida and another 30 for the Cool Cities Initiative in December.


Searches people did for "el bunker" and "der bunker" are very interesting to me. I've had 86 hits from Germany, 26 from Belgium and 23 hits from Austria as well as some from the Netherlands, Poland, Lebanon, Australia and New Zealand, all in less than 3 days.


Googlers I may have helped in the December:
michigan firefighter exam - 26

reasons to live in michigan - 2
how to can applesauce - 5

cleaning stovetops/solutions - 7
la fiesta mexicana - 3

chicken ypsilanti - 3
who doesn t like grand rapids mi? - here I am!

what city was the capital of michigan before lansing - The Bunker is the #1 hit for this string even though the answer was in my comments section.


People I was not able to help last month:
clyde ohio drug free skits

ypsilanti this bad idea
kentwood police afraid to tell the truth

fuck you c i a internet squelchers

Accomplishments of 2003:
Bought a real couch.

Lost 20 lbs. (Steve lost 30!)
Saved money for house.

Established home office.
Spent 2 weekends slackpacking

Canned raspberry, strawberry and plum jam, applesauce, and peaches.
Started web log


Goals for 2004:

Open store
Buy house in the City of Ypsilanti

Replace car

More canning, more camping, more blogging