theWheel

dnb

Time to weigh in on this one. What do we want on the “library lot” here in Ann Arbor. It seems self-evident that we need a public social space for Ann Arbor residents. OK. Let’s think about it. How do we get there? » Read the rest of this entry «

dnb

(UPDATE – Check out the music on the video – a classic of its type.)

The University of Michigan has a new football coach.

Salutations Brady Hoke, and welcome back to Ann Arbor.

I’m going to write about something I know very little about.  Please accept my apologies upfront – I have the best of intentions, and I might just possibly say something that you and the NCAA football industry in Ann Arbor needs to hear. » Read the rest of this entry «

So what’s going on here? The FBI has set up a command post at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department – that’s probably less than a mile (as the helicopter flies) from my house. I’m not going to pre-judge – but I’m damn curious. More news is trickling in.  From Fox News:

Seven people have been arrested for allegedly selling pipe bombs in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, Fox News has learned.

The arrests and raids in Michigan and Indianapolis are related to alleged militia activity in the region, but are not related to international terrorism. There is not a current threat to the public, according to a law enforcement source.

An official for the FBI’s Michigan bureau said initial court appearances are expected in Michigan on Monday.

Here’s some early video.

theOwl

Saw and heard these folks – or eight of them, anyhow – at the Top of the Park in Ann Arbor Monday night.  They were great.  The sousaphone player – a different guy from the one in this video -  was the best I’ve ever heard.  Great bass player on a big big horn…

theOwl

The weather watchers are saying we can expect 4 to 8 inches of snow here in Ann Arbor on Sunday night and Monday. What is it, April 5th???

Of course this is not a shock. In Michigan, I don’t look for Spring until May 1st.

I remember that I saw the Police in concert at the UM basketball arena – Chrysler Arena – on April 7th 1982, and it snowed 7 inches that day. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic was the big hit at the time.

The Concert sounded like a basketball arena.

And then the snow melted and Spring came…

theOwl

Big news here in Ann Arbor…

theOwl

Electrical generation technology developed right here in Ann Arbor, and testing right now in the Detroit River…

theOwl

A picture (or three) is worth a thousand words…

Update 9.7.08

But I’ll add a few words anyhow.

It is so easy to take all this bounty for granted. There have always been fall raspberries. Yeah, they’re great, but what’s the big deal…?

Fall Raspberries are miracles.

My children are miracles.

This beautiful planet is a miracle.

Humanity is a miracle.

Sunshine is a miracle.

Rain is a miracle.

The honeybees buzzing around my hands are a miracle.

We are beset by miracles on all sides.

I do not take it all for granted.

I do not take it all for granted.

I do not take it all for granted.

A couple of Thursdays ago, Dan Ladizinsky was in town from Oregon, and music happened at Oz’s. This particular session was doubly special, as Aron Kaufman was celebrating a milestone birthday that week, and Dan had composed a tune, N’faro Manaku (anagram of Aron Kaufman?) for the occasion. » Read the rest of this entry «

Today I went to see the Dalai Lama at our local basketball arena. This is one of the things I like about Ann Arbor. When the Pope comes to America, he sets up shop in Washington and New York. The Dalai Lama spends a few days in my home town… » Read the rest of this entry «