The Goodspeed Update

I just registered for the South Asian Awareness Network’s upcoming conference, to be held in Ann Arbor the weekend of Jan 30 - Feb 1. Although the registration fee is $40, I’ve been promised it will be well worth it: participants will get a t-shirt and four meals, including and a formal dinner at Burton […]

I just found out that actor Sir Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings Trillogy, is a gay rights activist and a founder-member of the Stonewall Group UK, an equal rights advocacy organization. (I happened across the link on T.J. Wharry’s blog, of all places.)
And this, from an article in Southern […]

Hans C. Masing is an independent candidate running for U.S. Representative in Michigan’s 15th District, which includes Ann Arbor and is now filled by none other than John Dingell. What’s unusual about that? Nothing, except perhaps the fact he’s created a detailed website and campaign blog many months before the election. Optimistic? In his own […]

I’ve heard that the U-M Center for South Asian Studies is trying to create a Bengali language program for next year, but they need to raise $20,000 by March, in combination with funds from the Depatment of Education.

“Cold Mountain,” the long-awaited Civil War epic adapted by Anthony Minghella from Charles Frazier’s acclaimed novel, is ruthless and realistic in its portrayal of the hardships faced by Southerners during the war between the states. The white ones, that is: There are about 12 African-Americans in “Cold Mountain,” and if you don’t blink you might […]

“Keep Ypsi”
Keep Ypsi what, you ask? Good question. Here’s some ideas from Hillary about how to invest in local business.

Here’s a few more holiday break-ins:
“400 block of North Thayer Street, 1 p.m. Wednesday. Entry gained through unlocked window; jewelry and other items taken. Total value: $180.
500 block of Catherine Street, 12:33 p.m. Wednesday. Screwdriver used to pry off window to business; a computer valued at $1,200 taken.
1100 block of White Street, 9:21 a.m. Tuesday. […]