Old Media Watch Section

Writing in the New Yorker, former University of Michigan professor Donald Hall describes poetry readings by himself and others, including one organized by Bert Hornback, who also taught at UM: “On a January day in the eighties, he borrowed the university’s Rackham Auditorium, sold tickets for a joint poetry reading – five-fifty each, fifty cents for Ticketmaster – and invited some friends to do a joint reading: Wendell Berry, Galway Kinnell, and Seamus Heaney. On a Friday night – against a basketball home game, against the Chicago Symphony – Bert filled eleven hundred seats with paying poetry fans…It was said that scalpers charged as much as fifty dollars.” [Source]

NBC’s Today Show featured a performance by Meryl Davis and Charlie White, ice dancers who attend the University of Michigan and are preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. [Source]

Writing for The Ann Arbor Observer, Vickie Elmer describes the new expansion at Zingerman’s Deli, which is expected to open for the general public later this month: ”The kitchen is huge, gleaming – and about 10 times as big as the original next door. And there’s another one in the basement, which [Paul] Saginaw said will be used mostly for catering, along with a huge walk-in cooler and an electrical panel that looks like it could power a Google office. So far, Zingerman’s staff has used the new kitchens mainly for prep work, carrying trays of sliced tomatoes and peppers over to the original building. They’re operating under a 90-day temporary certificate of occupancy.” [Source]

The Detroit Free Press reports on the problem of “bank walkaways,” when financial institutions abandon homes that have started the foreclosure process. From the report: “In Washtenaw County, 76% of the 274 properties in county tax foreclosure this year are those that had banks listed on property records as having a financial interest, such as through a mortgage. That’s a drop from the 99% – 632 of 637 – of properties that Treasurer Catherine McClary counted in 2011, which she attributes to a general improvement in the market.” [Source]

The Detroit News publishes a Q&A with athletic directors at the University of Michigan and Michigan State – Dave Brandon and Mark Hollis – in advance of Saturday’s UM-MSU football game in Ann Arbor. Regarding a possible night game in the future between the teams, Brandon had this to say: ”I’ve talked to a lot of my colleagues who have hosted games, and we’ve certainly played enough of them on the road to know that the atmosphere that you create in the evening, prime-time, partying all day, all those realities of how it works, is like pouring a little bit of gasoline on the atmosphere. That’s why the fans love it, that’s why the networks love it. My point of view … [Full Story]

The Livingston Daily Press & Argus reports that Michael Benham of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority will be making two presentations in Livingston County about the proposed Washtenaw and Livingston commuter rail project between Ann Arbor and Howell, known as WALLY. According to the report, Benham said a recent federal grant has spurred a “reawakening of interest” in the effort. [Source]

Michigan Radio reports that the University of Michigan Health System is reviewing aspects of its drug procurement policy following a national meningitis outbreak that has been linked to tainted steroid injections from clinics not associated with UMHS. The report quotes James Stevenson, dean of UM’s College of Pharmacy, about UM’s efforts: “What would it take for us to in essence be able to manufacture more of these things internally. What types of space, equipment, facilities would we require in order to do that successfully. The real question is what can we do…or what should our processes be…to assure the safety of the product to the greatest degree that we can.” [Source]

The Chelsea Standard reports that a recount will take place for the Aug. 7, 2012 Sylvan Township ballot question regarding a millage proposal for debt repayment on water and sewer bonds. A recount had been requested following the narrow passage of the millage – 480 yes votes (50.37%) compared to 473 (49.63%) no votes. But during the recount on Sept. 4, the county board of canvassers determined that the ballot seal had not been appropriate and the recount didn’t proceed. On Oct. 3, judge Archie Brown of the 22nd circuit court ruled that a recount could move forward within 21 days. [Source]

A National Public Radio report looks at how presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are addressing the issue of housing. The report quotes University of Michigan professor Michael Barr, a former Treasury official, who describes Obama’s approach in his first term and plans for a second term. Barr concludes: “There is no silver bullet. There are lots of things that need to get done. Each homeowner’s circumstance is somewhat different. And trying to figure out how to get them help is, I think, a more complicated and difficult task than would be reflected in a bullet point or a sound bite.” [Source]

The Detroit News reports that legislation for a metro Detroit regional transit authority covering Detroit and four counties, including Washtenaw, is seeing new signs of life in the state House of Representatives. The bill would allow for creation of a rapid transit bus system, which would include routes between Ann Arbor and Detroit. From the report: “One point of contention is the governance of the authority. … State Rep. Doug Geiss, D-Taylor, said suburban Wayne County should have two sole votes and proposed giving one of Washtenaw County’s votes to Detroit to equalize city-suburban representation.” [Source]

The Detroit News profiles Paige Comrie, a University of Michigan sophomore who’s working for Rent the Runway, a company that “leases” designer dresses. From the report: “Rent the Runway requires Comrie to make a serious commitment – she is responsible for at least 25 dresses. Each month, she must sign up at least 20 new subscribers, known as ‘key holders,’ for her closet of high-end clothing. Comrie needs to consult with the key holders to ensure they look their best and select new inventory to meet their individual styles. Key holders pay a monthly fee of $80 to have unlimited access to the closet’s inventory. One-time rentals are available to nonmembers for $30.” [Source]

The Dayton Daily News publishes an investigation of expenses related to Ohio State University president E. Gordon Gee. The report makes comparisons to other universities: ”At the University of Michigan, President Mary Sue Coleman’s travel and entertainment expenses from 2007 through 2010 totaled $410,235. Upkeep and utilities at the university-owned house runs an additional $100,000 a year and if Coleman takes someone to lunch or dinner, she pays the tab out of her own pocket… Coleman’s compensation package is $860,782 a year and includes housing and a car. Her employment contract does not call for first class airline tickets or private jets, as Gee’s does.” [Source]

Writing in The Atlantic, Alexis Madrigal describes his experience hanging out at TechArb, a “start-up accelerator” for University of Michigan students: ”What I couldn’t help thinking, while talking to these brilliant students, was how deeply start-up culture has penetrated general culture. The idea that building a business is something exciting and rewarding rather than a way to pay the bills is startling. ‘You ever been to a U of M football game?’ [Shiva] Kilaru asks me. ‘That’s the energy we bring to entrepreneurship.’” [Source]

Bloomberg News reports on the small percentage of women who lead the nation’s top university athletic departments. The article quotes David Brandon, athletic director at the University of Michigan, who says that about 40% of his leadership team is female: “Succession planning is a huge part of a senior executive’s job in the corporate world. In higher education, it’s something that isn’t emphasized. When you don’t have a plan driven by strategy, you become more of a victim of the marketplace.” [Source]

In a profile of poetry critic and Harvard professor Stephen Burt, the New York Times quotes Laura Kasischke, a poet who teaches creative writing at the University of Michigan. Speaking of Burt, who has championed her work, Kasischke says: “He hasn’t put my poetry on the best-seller list, but I think people read him. And because he goes everywhere and speaks, and has mentioned my name, it has made a difference with other poets and with readers.” [Source]

Voting applications printed by the Washtenaw County clerk will not include a question asking voters to affirm their U.S. citizenship on Nov. 6, following a decision by the Washtenaw County board of election commissioners. The Detroit News reports that clerks in Lansing and Macomb County are also resisting the citizenship question, which Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, a Republican, wants voting applications to include. From the article: ”Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum, a Democrat, had planned to order two different forms – one with the question and one without – and let election inspectors in the county’s five cities and 20 townships decide which one to use. But in a 2-1 vote, Kestenbaum was overruled Thursday by the other members of … [Full Story]

Writing in The Atlantic in a column titled “In Praise of Rupert Murdoch,” Charles Eisendrath – director of the University of Michigan’s Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellows – explains ”why I converted the Gospel of Rupertism.” He writes: ”Murdoch – and Warren Buffett, too – will do just fine, thank you. In their ninth decades, they remember what others have forgotten or ignore – that over the long haul, vibrant news, printed page included, makes pots of money.” [Source]

In a letter to the editor of the Chelsea Standard, Jeff Daniels thanks the community for their support following the death of his father, Bob Daniels. He notes that a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 in the Chelsea High School auditorium. Bob Daniels, who died on Sept. 1, owned Chelsea Lumber Co. and was well-known throughout the community for his work in local government, nonprofits and other Chelsea area organizations. [Source]

The Dexter Cider Mill is among Michigan’s many orchard businesses that are struggling after this year’s weather decimated about 90% of the apple crop, according to a Detroit Free Press article. From the report: ”The Dexter Cider Mill is buying apples and trying to pass on as little of the price increase as possible to customers, but it’s a tough balancing act, said owner Richard Koziski. He said he is concerned that smaller orchard businesses won’t be able to compete with the mass merchandisers this year. ‘This is a tradition that we want to preserve,’ Koziski said. ‘And we want to protect our business.’” [Source]

Chef Alex Young, founder and managing partner of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, is among the first chefs inducted into the U.S. State Department’s American Chef Corps, according to a report on National Public Radio. The NPR report quotes a Washington Post article that describes the corps as unpaid “food ambassadors” who will be part of a broader Diplomatic Culinary Partnership to “elevate the role of culinary engagement in America’s formal and public diplomacy efforts.” [Source]

The Detroit Free Press looks as the tenure and accomplishments of University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman, who was appointed to the position 10 years ago. [Source] A separate article talks to several UM regents about plans for selecting Coleman’s successor when her current contract expires on July 31, 2014. The report quotes board chair Larry Deitch: “It is important to ‘never say never.’ However, I am highly doubtful she will stay beyond (her contract). I believe she is ready for new opportunities and challenges – both personal and professional.” [Source]

State Rep. Jeff Irwin, the Ann Arbor Democrat who represents District 53, was a guest on “Off the Record,” a talk show hosted by Tim Skubick that focuses on state government. Irwin’s segment starts about halfway through the 30-minute show. He is interviewed by panelists about leadership issues, state ballot proposals, and Democratic efforts to take back control of the legislature. Irwin is co-chair of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. [Source]

In the context of five new colleges being added to the Football Bowl Subdivision this season, the Associated Press looks at the influence and impact that football programs can have on higher education. The article quotes former University of Michigan president Jim Duderstadt, who likened major college football programs to risky, little-understood credit-default swaps. ”Do you really want to put not only your institutions but yourself at risk for something that you’ll have so little control over, that you really will not understand?” [Source]

Previewing the college football season, the New York Times profiles University of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, and describes how the death of his older brother Timothy, who died when they were both children, has driven him to succeed. From the article: “The second and third youngest of seven children, Denard and Timothy had dreamed ‘just to make it, make it somehow’ out of their hardscrabble neighborhood in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Robinson said. That way they could provide for their family. When Timothy died, Denard promised he would make it for both of them. ‘I was young when I said that, but to this day, I still think about him,’ Robinson said. ‘I took everything more seriously after that.’” [Source]

In a guest column published by the Detroit Free Press, Rebekah Warren – a Democratic state senator from Ann Arbor – reflects on Women’s Equality Day in the context of the upcoming Nov. 6 elections. Warren writes: “There is no doubt that the disproportionate number of men holding elected office in this country creates an unbalanced debate on women’s issues. For example, if Missouri re-elects Sen. Claire McCaskill instead of Rep. Todd Akin for U.S. Senate, we will have one fewer voice in the discussion throwing around words like ‘legitimate rape’ without concrete understanding of their consequences. Female elected officials make up just 20.9% of the Michigan Legislature and 16.8% of Congress, which is a statistic that must change.” [... [Full Story]

Michigan Radio reports that DTE Energy will begin its major pollution cleanup on Monday of the former MichCon site, located next to the Huron River near Argo Dam. The report quotes Shayne Wiesemann, an environmental engineer for DTE: “These MGP [manufactured gas plant] residuals have a characteristic odor that smells a little bit like, uh, like creosote, so folks may smell that but we’ll be doing our best to minimize the odors.” [Source]

The Detroit Free Press reports that Andrew Shirvell has been ordered to pay $4.5 million in damages, losing on all counts in a federal lawsuit brought by former University of Michigan student body president Chris Armstrong. Shirvell, a former state assistant attorney general, created a blog to attack Armstrong for his “radical homosexual agenda,” according to the report. [Source]

David M. Halperin’s newest book, “How to be Gay,” is reviewed in the New York Times. Halperin is a professor of the history and theory of sexuality at the University of Michigan, whose course on the same subject has drawn fire from conservatives in the past. From the review: “The spray bottle of the author’s prose is often left on the ‘academic mist’ setting. You will stumble over phrases like ‘constitutive conditions,’ ‘heteronormative coordinates’ and ‘subjective agency.’ Far worse, you will stumble over all of them in the same sentence, on Page 335. But Mr. Halperin can also be frank and funny, and he gets a lot of interesting utterances off his plate in ‘How to Be Gay.’ The book … [Full Story]

The Detroit Free Press hung out with about 100 University of Michigan students and faculty on Sunday night to watch NASA’s landing of the Mars Rover Curiosity. The article quotes UM doctoral student Shannon Curry: “I’m excited to be a young scientist. This is a really exciting moment.” [Source]

The New York Times published an obituary of Paul W. McCracken, former economic advisor to several presidents, including Richard Nixon. McCracken, a moderate Republican, lived in Ann Arbor and was a University of Michigan professor emeritus. From the Times report: “A wide-ranging thinker, Mr. McCracken was part of a postwar generation of economists who believed that government should play an active role in moderating business cycles, balancing inflation and unemployment, and helping the disadvantaged.” [Source]