GO Ask Voters

An Ann arbor group, GO ask Voters has started a charter amendment petition drive to allow Ann Arbor citizens to vote whenever general obligation bonds, (GO bonds) are issued. Additional information is at their web site www.GOAskVoters.org

Council Declares War on Graffiti Art

Our City Council has proposed a graffiti ordinance. The ordinance states that any property owner or manager who fails to remove graffiti within two days of receiving an order from the city (four days from the date of mailing if the order is mailed) will be fined $100 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses within two years have greater fines, up to $500. The ordinance further states that each day the graffiti remains is a separate offense.

Suppose someone paints the word 'peace' or an artistic peace sign on your building or garage. Maybe you like it and would like to leave it. Under this ordinance you do not have that right. If you refuse to remove it the city can clean or paint your wall and bill you for the cost.

Not everyone finds graffiti so offensive. Just Google “Ann Arbor graffiti alley” most of the postings are favorable. Discussing painting over one of the walls in graffiti alley University of Michigan Art and Architecture Prof. Janice Paul said that graffiti is a common component of many public murals and that whitewashing is "destructive and shocking." "I consider it (the removal) vandalism , if the (graffiti) is established for a long time," (Ann Arbor News article)

President elect Obama does not seem too upset over graffiti. In a Washington Post interview with graffiti artist Shepard Fairey, Fairey stated: . . . "I've been arrested," "I really want him to win, so I didn't want to do anything that would cause him problems."

Fairey produces a letter from Obama. "Dear Shepard," the candidate writes. "I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign. The political messages involved in your work have encouraged Americans to believe they can help change the status quo. Your images have a profound effect on people, whether seen in a gallery or on a stop sign."

Our city spends many thousands of dollars commissioning art in public places. The library holds an annual Teenage Graffiti Art Contest but Council wants to fine citizens for possession of graffiti. Isn't this a little off the wall?

I encourage all citizens, particularly those in the art community that do not want a sterile lifeless city, to email their Council members and express opposition to this proposed ordinance. But do so before the final vote on the ordinance January 20. Graffiti can be a form of public art in Ann Arbor.

There is further information, and a copy of the proposed ordinance at Citizen's News Service.

More Documentary Films

Free Documentary Films 7 pm Every Tuesday,
Amer's Delicatessen,
312 State St., Ann Arbor
(734) 761-6000


Tuesday, September 23 - Waco: The Rules of Engagement (part 1)
Should have won the Oscar for Best Documentary that year. Even if it seems this topic wouldn't be of interest, you have to see this film. We see Davidians, government agents, investigators, with all their faults and humanity. Nothing any reviewer can say could approach the impact of watching and listening for yourself. Evidence includes congressional testimony, 911 tapes, news footage, expert commentary, photos and home videos -- all seamlessly woven together. Told with unflinching eye and gripping style. If you think conspiracy theories are for paranoid disturbed people, this could change your mind.

Tuesday, September 30 - Waco: The Rules of Engagement (part 2)

Oct. 7 - Patent for a Pig
The seeds of the world are now owned primarily by one company, Monsanto. Monsanto is aiming to extend its control to pigs by patenting and thus privatising gene sequences, many of which are found naturally in pigs. Steven Druker, judge and civil rights activist, says "This, I believe, is one of the greatest frauds ever perpetrated by any government in history." A well made, "must see" docu.

Oct. 14 - Orwell Rolls In His Grave
This documentary is the best of all the "expose the media" docus. Very well reasoned look at what's wrong with how we get our information. Taking no side, neither left nor right, it examines the corporations that control what we see and hear. The film brings together a slew of interesting voices, from filmmakers, to politicians and media experts, to discuss the current state of the mass media. Many of us are skeptical about the media but don't really understand how it works. This documentary explains HOW and WHY it works. The material presented is on the money, is not preachy, and the film runs along coherently in an easy to watch pace. It brings together disparate stories and facts of the last 25 years tying them together in a coherent pattern.

Oct. 21 - Control Room
The film focuses on U.S. Marine Lt. Josh Rushing and the producers and staff of the much-maligned Al Jazeera, the Arab world's most popular news outlet. It's a rare window into the international perception of the Iraq occupation. We see Rushing, intelligent and empathetic, become self-analytical and empathetic - ultimately recognizing how much he hates war. With the release of the film, the Pentagon ordered Rushing not to comment on the film when asked for interviews. Offended by this gesture, he left the Marines and now, amazingly, works for Al Jazeera.

Oct. 28 - 9/11: Press for Truth
This was an amazing documentary! None of the 911 documentaries that have come before this have been so professionally produced and edited. This one actually cites the source of the information. They not only speak to family members and witnesses but, as was said, they provide credible sources for every bit of data they produce. This is a documentary based in fact and not fantasy. It raises real questions and provides real proof.

Sponsored by a group of concerned citizens

Interesting Stove

Here is an interesting variant of the common wood stove. It is an insulated high temperature combustion chamber followed by a large heat radiator.


Video by Robert Hughes

Ann Arbor Ward 5 Council Candidate Debate

In the closing argument Vivienne Armentrout states her distinction from the other candidate.

Olive Oil Guy

Here is the story of a person that wants to sell olive oil at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. For all you Ann Arbor Foodies the simple question is should he be allowed at the Market? Leave a comment or contact the Market Manager or the Market Advisory Commission.

Robert L Bailey - An Exhibit