Make Tracks to the Tractors

Tue, 05/29/2007 - 1:51pm by Debbie G.

Fun for everyone at the Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Show at Hudson Mills Metropark beginning Friday, June 1 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, June 3rd. They’ll be pulling and showing tractors all weekend and there’s even a tractor pull for the little ones on Saturday.

Amazon.com, the iTunes killer?

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 2:35pm by remnil

Amazon.com and EMI recently announced that they're launching a new online music store a la iTunes, and that announcement set music and copyright watchers atwitter. Why? Because the songs will lack digital rights management. This means audiophiles will be able to copy and burn songs onto whatever and however often they want: mp3 players, cds, other computers, etc.

Many record companies (aside from EMI, of course) feel that such a move will be the death of their industry. Or maybe, as Wired editor Chris Anderson says in The Long Tail, open access and niche markets are the logical progression of the internet. Regardless, digital media like mp3s are changing the way we interact and do business. And we're have to change the way we think about copyright in the digital era.

What do you think? Will less copyright protection mean more sales for Amazon and EMI? Could Amazon become the iTunes killer?

Read it/See it

Wed, 05/23/2007 - 3:03pm by anonymous

During its opening weekend in theaters, Shrek the Third surpassed box office expectations. This installment continues the story of Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey started in Shrek and Shrek 2, and it explores who will rule the kingdom, Far, Far Away. But, did you know the character of Shrek originated in a story written by William Steig, author of such books as Doctor DeSoto and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble? If you decide to check it out, look for Shrek! in the youth section and enjoy the humorous tale of an ogre thrown out of his home by his parents!

Start Your Own Business Boot Camp

Wed, 05/23/2007 - 11:45am by ulrich

If you're thinking about starting a business you can get a some great help by attending the 'Start Your Own Business' Boot Camp at Washtenaw Community College on May 31. At this forum you will learn about personality traits that impact entrepreneurialism, create a marketing plan for your business, learn about legal, accounting, franchises, business plans and financing options. You will receive one on one counseling with a business expert and have an opportunity to get advice from a variety of business experts and organizations that are available to support new ventures. The fee for the program is $25 and includes breakfast, lunch and materials. For details and to register call (734)484-6707 or (734)821-0075 or register online at the web site above.

Clearing the Way on Memorial Day

Tue, 05/22/2007 - 10:37am by Debbie G.

You’ll see fewer orange barrels on Michigan roadways this weekend when MDOT suspends work on 153 of 172 road projects. That'll make it easier to get out and enjoy Michigan State Parks and travel destinations.

Duke's 100th Birthday

Tue, 05/22/2007 - 9:23am by Debbie G.

Saddle up, pardner and celebrate the original dudester's 100th birthday this Saturday, May 26th. John Wayne started in movies in 1926 and starred in some of the best American movies ever made, especially when the Duke teamed up with John Ford. Don't miss The Searchers, Red River and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Your favorite?

Can yodeling cause an avalanche? The MythBusters find out!

Mon, 05/21/2007 - 7:47pm by emilyas

Have you ever wondered why pirates with two good eyes might wear an eye patch? Or if a Ninja really can stop a sword blade with his bare hands? The MythBusters on the Discovery channel have tested out these myths and others. NPR has a fun interview with Jamie and Adam (the lead mythbusters), and the official website for the show can be found here. Watch out! You may become addicted to myth busting!

Stardust

Thu, 05/17/2007 - 5:02pm by Robb

Stardust was quite a good read. It’s a fairy tale but for mature teens and older readers. Be advised that there is some graphic language. And Yes they do ultimately live happily ever after. Gaiman is a central figure in the emergence of the "graphic novel," a genre that combines novelistic storylines with comic-book graphics and is well known for his many other works such as the graphic serial novel "Sandman": and other works.
It’s exciting to learn that Stardust has been made into a movie that is coming out this summer with a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Peter O'Toole and narrated by Ian McKellen. Hopefully the movie will remain faithful to the story line. There is also a graphic novel version of this book illustrated by Charles Vess.
The Ann Arbor District library has a great collection of graphic novels with collections for youth, teens and adults.

Pick a Park to Make Your Own

Wed, 05/16/2007 - 9:25am by Debbie G.

What's the oldest Ann Arbor city park? What city park hosts the summer concert series? Can you name the city park with the champion-size oak tree? Find out about the Adopt-A-Park Kickoff Saturday, May 19th and you'll find the answers. Adopt-A-Park volunteers get to mulch, mingle and make our parks beautiful.

Doin' Up Downtown

Wed, 05/16/2007 - 8:59am by Debbie G.

More fun than you can throw a rake at and you don't even have to bring your own. The City of Ann Arbor will provide the tools, free parking at the Library Lot, pizza and more at Downtown Cleanup Day this Saturday, May 19th. Meet up at Liberty Plaza at 9:00 a.m. and help beautify our bodacious downtown.