Tuesday September 27, 2011: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

In observance of Banned Books Week (September 24 - October 1) AADL will hold a special screening of the acclaimed 2009 HBO film "Shouting Fire: Stories From The Edge Of Free Speech." This 80-minute film is not rated.

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Liz Garbus explores the current state of free speech in America and gives viewers a fascinating perspective on the First Amendment throughout our history, using contemporary case studies dealing with the complex issue of limits on free speech at public gatherings, in school, in print and on the Internet.

Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

It's that time of year to enjoy the many scenic drives of Michigan. Here are a few urban myths and frequently asked questions the State of Michigan has answered:

• Can you turn left on red onto a one way street from a 2-way street? The answer is yes, unless otherwise prohibited, for both 1-way or 2-way onto a 1-way (the one-way being in the direction of the left turn). It is often reported that you can only go from one-way onto another one-way. However, MCL 257.612 (1)(c)(ii) states "..may make a left turn from a 1-way or 2-way street into a 1-way roadway carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn, unless prohibited by sign, signal, marking, light, or other traffic control device."
• Riding in a trailer? From the Michigan State Police Urban Myth release: There is nothing in the Michigan Vehicle Code that specifically prohibits riding in a trailer, regardless of the type of hitch or configuration. Two-way communication between driver and occupants is not required. (reckless driving of course still stands)
• Barefoot Driving? Also allowed. From the same release: "There is nothing in the Michigan Vehicle Code that prohibits barefoot driving. Careless or reckless driving would really be a stretch, as an argument could be made that a barefoot person has more control over the pedals. "
• Driving with headphones? Allowed, although "A driver could, however, be cited for careless, reckless, or failure to yield to an emergency vehicle if a police officer could show that the headphones interfered with the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle."
• Open Alcohol in RV's and trailers? Prohibited, as an RV is considered a vehicle and in trailers with passengers are considered the same. "Alcoholic beverages are required to be stored in an inaccessible area if there is no trunk available".

More information on the rules of the road can be found at the Michigan State Police website. Drive safely this summer!

sofa

'Move 'em on, throw 'em out, cowhide! And every other fabric, shape and size of upholstered furniture at the city-sponsored Free Sofa Collection, Friday noon, Oct. 22 ~ Sunday, Oct. 24 . The round-up will take place at the corner of East University and Oakland. Why a sofa roundup? The City of Ann Arbor passed an ordinance banning upholstered furniture on porches that took effect Oct. 2. The free drop-off is open to all Ann Arbor residents and property managers.

Today is the birthday of Paul David Hewson, better known as U2's Bono. Bono is also well known for his humanitarian work, which has spanned causes from world hunger to AIDS to internet access (along with many others).

In honor of Bono's birthday, I have put together a small and hopefully helpful list of items for those of us who would prefer to avoid U2, Bono, and those annoying sunglasses.

If you're looking for something slightly less repetitive than U2, the AADL has a cd of just footstep noises! Actually, we have TWO! They're part of the BBC Sound Effects Library, of which the AADL has about 45 discs. Two of those are just livestock noises, another album I'd be happy to listen to before U2!

Afraid Bono might sneak up on you and try to get you to celebrate with him today? Look to James Watson (of Watson and Crick, describers of the structure of DNA) and his Avoid Boring People and other lessons from a life in science. Library Journal calls it "surprisingly wry, witty, and instructional."

But what if Bono catches you off guard? Hand him our copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Songwriting. For the price of free (assuming Bono returns it!), this is an investment you shouldn't pass up.

Finally, if you just can't escape the persistent sounds of Bono echoing through the streets and alleyways of your neighborhood, you may need Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise to help you understand your rights. What rights do you have to insist that your neighbor turn down the stereo? Can exposure to Bono be considered a danger to children? Who pays to repair your fence if your neighbor's copy of The Joshua Tree falls on it? If you have questions like these, this book may help!Bono

bankruptcy

Whether a major medical event, loss of a job or a house sunk you, bankruptcy won’t be a shining moment in your life, but it is an opportunity to get your financial life back on track. Not much free legal help is available in Washtenaw County so it is important to know as much as possible about the process and that is where the Ann Arbor District Library is a real help.
The library has a large selection of up-to-date books on the topic that you can find here: Bankruptcy
The library also has books that give great advice on how to proceed after bankruptcy that you can find here: Credit Repair
In order to file you have to pay your attorney up front, so if you are receiving a tax return soon, this could be a very good time to plan your strategy.
It is never easy to admit defeat. Just know that you have now joined a select club that includes Francis Ford Coppola, Walt Disney, Mark Twain, Wayne Newton and Donald Trump. Except for Trump's hair, they all ended up doing better than ok!

westside

The City of Ann Arbor will hold a Area, Height and Placement Public Meeting on Wednesday, May 27th, 6:30 ~ 8:00 p.m. at CTN Studios to discuss proposed amendments to the City Code. Five ward public meeting will following this community-wide disucssion of building heights, setbacks, street width, parking lots, parking meters, mass transit and sidewalks. Bring your ideas, your questions and get involved in planning your city's future. For more information contact Jeff Kahan, City Planner at jkahan@a2gov.org or 734.794.6265 ext 42614.

flag

There's a new tool for finding out where your tax dollars go and it's easy and fun (really) to use. USASpending.gov covers where federal contracting dollars and grant awards go. The Transparency Act of 2006 required the government to create this online access tool. There are great search options, pre-configured lists and tables of all kinds and comparability tools. One of the sponsors of this legislation? Your next president.

Thomas A. La Veist

Research Scientist, Author and Public Speaker Thomas A. La Veist will be in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health on Tuesday, November 18th 3:30 - 5:00 pm. The event is sponsored by the Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture, and Health and co sponsored by the Program for Research on Black Americans and the MICHR(Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research)/Health Disparities Research Program at the University of Michigan. Mr. La Veist will be speaking on Disentangling Race and Socioeconomic Status: Advancing Understanding of Race Disparities in Health.

vote

The most trusted name in non-partisan legislative research in Michigan, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan has produced analyses and summaries of the two proposals that will appear on the statewide Nov. 4 ballot. The MSU Extension Service has also produced a short analysis of the proposals. Proposal 01 would allow under state law the medical use of marijuana and Proposal 02 would permit--with certain limitations--stem cell research in Michigan.

Hey Commuter Challenge enthusiasts! Check out the book Pedal Power: The Quiet Rise of the Bicycle in American Public Life. DePaul University Professor J. Harry Wray takes a look at how the simple act of riding a bike may impact perceptions of the world. Professor Wray says, "Because the world is experienced in a different way on a bike than it is in a car, the rider inevitably thinks of that world differently than does the driver." (page 18). The author had the idea for the "Biking and Politics" class in which he and his students ride 35 miles through the South and West side of Chicago.