Classic Ann Arbour
Classic Ann Arbour moments #243-4:

Yesterday, work required me to go to AA City Hall, so I waited at the elevator right next to the Police window - hoping to hear the details of a decent larceny or apartment murder case. I was thrilled to see a man run up to the dispatcher. But, in typical AA fashion, I was diappointed to hear the man complain about his neighbor putting trash on the curb a couple days too early. I had to get on the smellevator, but I wish I could have seen the dispatcher rally the required 3-squad car trash-enforcement armada with a knotted face.

Later, we ate dinner in AA with an out-of-town friend and were treated to the sight of a drooling homeless guy doing the nod dance a couple of tables over. He eventually stumbled out of the restaurant and passed out in the doorway of the nearby club where one of my bands last played years ago (the doorman was robbed at gunpoint that night).

Maybe if the trash can complainer had better things to do during the day (like feed the homeless), Ann Arbor wouldn't seem so overrated. And the UoM's lack of appearance on Mother Jones' list of activist campuses this year bodes well for the Campus Republicans. Them kids is smart. They's knowin' which corporations 'n defense contracters are buttrin' thems bread and fundin' they's reesearchin', right Hoss?

(steve) Earle was sidelined by two kidney stones. ("I've been through withdrawal for heroin and crack," he says, "and this was worse.")