Fall fun at Dexter Cider Mill

Yesterday, EJ and I made our autumnal pilgrimage to the Dexter Cider Mill. It was awesome. The cider they were pressing was superb. We picked up a gallon and a half-dozen fresh donuts. We consumed them at the park on Huron Creek but not before checking out a free wine tasting from Sandhill Crane Vineyard. It's hard to beat a free wine tasting.

Missing Lion

Did someone loose a small lion in Maryfield Wildwood Park?

Interesting use of a bike rack

I guess it beats lugging your longboard to class.

Not all cyclists are jerks

Jim Saksa has a article in Slate that makes an argument that cyclists are becoming more courteous and violating traffic rules less frequently. The article goes on to explain why people often lump cyclists into a single category as inconsiderate jerks with a death wish. From the article:

I'm an asshole cyclist. I'm that jerk weaving in and out of traffic, going the wrong way down a one-way street, and making a left on red. I'm truly a menace on the road.

But it’s not because I’m on a bike—I'm an asshole on the road no matter what. I’m also a stereotypical Jersey driver, someone who treats speed limits as speed minimums and curses those who disagree. And I'm just as bad as a pedestrian, another jaywalking smartphone zombie oblivious to the world beyond my glowing screen. If I’m moving, I’m an accident waiting to happen.

Biking is my primary means of transportation, so when someone defames cyclists, I feel particularly bad. The fact is, unlike me, most bicyclists are courteous, safe, law-abiding citizens who are quite willing and able to share the road. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia studied rider habits on some of Philly’s busier streets, using some rough metrics to measure the assholishness of bikers: counting the number of times they rode on sidewalks or went the wrong way on one-way streets. The citywide averages in 2010 were 13 percent for sidewalks and 1 percent for one-way streets at 12 locations where cyclists were observed, decreasing from 24 percent and 3 percent in 2006. There is no reason to believe that Philly has particularly respectful bicyclists—we’re not a city known for respectfulness, and our disdain for traffic laws is nationally renowned. Perhaps the simplest answer is also the right one: Cyclists are getting less aggressive.

Get ready for Harvest Fest

The U of M Sustainable Food Program is celebrating its first Harvest Fest next Tuesday at the Botanical Gardens. There will be local food, local music and even a free shuttle from campus. I think one of the best parts of fall is eating tons of delicious food in preparation for winter.

Oktoberfest at ABC

Gentle readers, do you like to polka? If so, you wont want to miss the Oktoberfest Block Party this Friday and Saturday at Arbor Brewing Company. It's always a super fun event. There's beer, brats, veggie brats, music from the Rhinelanders and you might even see Matt and Rene in lederhosen and a dirndl, respectively.

Have you guys heard about College Fashion Week yet?

This is kind of low hanging fruit, but here goes. Come to College Fashion Week Ann Arbor on October 6th at the Necto. Check out this seasons hottest Ugg and legging combinations. You won't want to miss these super high-wasted shorts/crop top combos.

I like how the application for the guest list just directly asks how many Facebook Friends and Twitter followers you have.

Classy DIY privacy screen

Spotted this window privacy screen in the apartment on the corner for Forest and Hill. Great use of recycled cans. Also, if you're ever short on cash, you can just return the cans.

Earth Tones

Next Tuesday, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters is throwing a benefit concert at the Ark. Lots of cool bands will be there including Match by Match, Dragon Wagon and Brennan Andes and Ross Huff of the Macpodz with special guest Chris Good.

Life imitates art

This headline on the Com makes me think of the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana on Parks and Recreation. Where "The raccoon problem is under control. They have their part of the town and we have ours."

Another Ann Arbor style blog

Holy crap. There is another Ann Arbor style tumblr. This one is, somewhat cumbrously titled, ... But Actually Ann Arbor Style. Really rolls off the tongue. I like to call it "Hipsters in coffee shops."

Previously:

New Ann Arbor fashion tumblr

Back to School Bang in photos

Finally made it to a Bang! for the first time in a few months. It was tons of fun. I can say without doubt, the Bang! is one of the top 3 monthly dance parties in Ann Arbor.

Non-local banker makes appearance in Bang poster

Spotted this last night at the Blind Pig. I like how quickly this cartoon has been appropriated.

Stripe bike

I saw this sweet bike parked on Church Street yesterday. I imagine the stripes function much like a zebras; these bikes from an indistinguishable blob when traveling in packs.

Neutral Zone fundraiser featuring Chris Bathgate and Lightning Love, tonight at the Blind Pig

This is going to be a great show, and how cool that it helps out the Neutral Zone. I know Ben and I have a lot of fond memories of that place, back when it was still on North Main...

The Blind Pig tonight at 9:30. RSVP and invite your friends here.

On an editorial side note, the new Lightning Love songs sound GREAT live.

Back 2 School Bang tomorrow

The Back 2 School Bang! is tomorrow!

Blue Pontiac at the New Dodge tomorrow

Somehow that seems like it should be a contradiction, but I assure you it's not. Blue Pontiac is a county band from Pontiac. Patrick Dunn (you remember him from Ann Arbor's AV Club, right?) turned me on to them. They have a nice twangy slide guitar honky-tonk sound.

Anyway, they'll be playing a show tomorrow at the New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck tomorrow. Doors are at 9pm. The show is free, but there is a $5 suggested donation which will go to the Obama/Biden campaign organization in the area.

Bridget McCormack ad reunites West Wing Cast

Holy crap! This is awesome. So freaking awesome. Bridget McCormack is a dean at the U of M Law School and runs the school's innocence project. She is running for State Supreme Court. Her sister, Mary McCormack played Kate Harper on the West Wing.

Cider time

The weather is getting chilly. The equinox is nearly here. This can only mean one thing: cider time is upon us. Fortunately, A2GastroBoy has a great diatribe on the subject of cider and a rundown of some great local cider mills.

Fun fact: did you know Canadians call cider mills "apple barns?" Crazy. Pinot of Interest: Living in a border state fosters Canadian friendships. I’ve recently learned that my Canadian friends share our love for Cider and the experience of visiting orchards in the fall. However, like so many Bizzaro-world US-Canadian twists, they have their own colloquialism for this cultural icon. They refer to Cider Mills as ‘Apple Barns’, as in, “I can’t wait to visit the Apple Barn.” Those Kooky Canucks.

Hot new look for fall: silk tricks in a tree

All the cool kids are doing it.

The Varsity

Varsity Ann Arbor from Campus Apartments on Vimeo.

The slow pans are really nice, but this vid could really use some music.

Green Screen Improve Troupe

Check it out: Vinnie Massimino's Green Screen Improve Troupe videos are up. The videos were created at this summer's Shadow Art Fair. Visitors could spend $1 per minute to be filmed in front of a green screen of their choice. The results were pretty weird to say the least. Check out MarkMaynard.com's above. I can't wait to see what Vinnie gets up to next.

Hot new look for fall: dog in panniers

Spotted this cycling pooch yesterday heading up Washington.

Wolverine CuiZine

Looks like there is a new student food blog on campus. So far, Wolverine CuiZine has managed to crank out 4 articles for the month of September. Their staff page lists 6 people, so hopefully they will be able to sate us with a few more still.

Love Herb? Love Art?

This makes me think of those stories about police officers who go undercover at a high school to bust all the stoner kids. It looks like a trap. Maybe.

Via Allie

Vintage Ann Arbor

Postcard of the Bell Tower and Rackham, circa 1938.

Creative Rights: In Progress

The late great Shakey Jake by Adam Bota.

EJ and I were fortunate enough to check out Creative Rights' In Progress reception last night. It was a lot of fun and we got to see some really cool art. Tonight the party continues at 1250 N. Main with more art, more performances, live music, a DJ and a dance party. The evening starts at 7 pm and runs till 2am. Cover is $5 and goes to benefit Creative Rights. It should be a really fun time and the venue, on the corner of North Main and Lakeshore, is a really cool space. Without further ado, here are some pictures form last night's reception.

A man with a large head

Is walking down the middle of Fifth Ave.
Photo credit: Quinn Davis

A visit to Blue Tractor and Mash

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending a press event at the recently renovated Blue Tractor and Mash. It was really cool to peak behind the scenes at the brewery and see Mash for the first time.

New Ann Arbor fashion tumblr

Seems like a new Ann Arbor street fashion tumblr pops up every month or so. The latest is Ann Arbor Style, which comes on the scene just as A2 Street Style disappeared. Seems like these local street fashion blogs have a half-life of about 6 weeks.

Garagapalooza 2k12 part 2

If you are into garage sales, this might be the event for you.

Pre-Gaming with Pat: Season II

Everyone's favorite U of M Football pre-gaming webseries is back for a second season. He even managed to track down Da'Quan. I wonder if the Com will take this opportunity to write another pearl-clutching article about drinking culture at U of M?

Belle Isle Aquarium reopening this weekend!

This is really exciting! Should be a fun day on Belle Isle.

More info here.

And here's an idea. It's already starting to feel like fall, so before it gets cold out, pick up a sandwich from Mudgie's or Slows To Go and enjoy it on the riverfront with this gorgeous view of Detroit before or after the Aquarium:

The non-local banker marches on

Apparently there are now commercials featuring the non-local banker. I have to say, I'm not used to having such a thorough advertising campaign targeted at the Ann Arbor market. Gentle readers, what do you think of this latest addition to Bank of Ann Arbor's advertising blitz from Perich?

Ann Arbor Update: an homage to Arbor Update?

Probably not.

I noticed a new Tumblr earlier this week, Ann Arbor Update. The name reminds me of the late, great Arbor Update, back from the golden age of blogging in Ann Arbor. Though as you can tell, from the picture of suggested tags above, Ann Arbor Update focus much more on cannabis related posts rather than City Council agendas.

In Progress benefit this Friday and Saturday

Creative Rights is a cool non-profit that provides legal representation for artists and other people in creative industries in Southeast Michigan. They are having a benefit reception and exhibit this Friday and Saturday at 1250 North Main. The show will feature over 40 artists and performers. Tickets for the Friday's reception are $35 in advance or $50 at the door. Tickets for Saturday are $5 at the door.

Creative Rights provides very affordable legal services to young artists that sometimes need help navigating the legal world. I'm really excited to see the artists they bring together this weekend.

Billboard mystery solved

The great Billboard Mystery of 2012 has been solved: the spooky cartoon guy is a non-local banker.

Thanks to @FinerThingsMI for the tip.

Turbo Fruits and some great local acts at Lager House tonight

Turbo Fruits are playing with three great local acts at PJ's Lager House tonight. This is a line-up not to be missed!

RSVP and invite your friends.

Pure Michigan singalong

This video is wonderful and just a little corny. Ypsi's portion was great. I think the guys did a great job showcasing some great features of the state.

Secret Cafe

There is a secret cafe today from 1-6 on Miller and Fountain.

Mystery billboard

Anyone know what's up with this billboard by the Aldi on Dexter and Maple?

Update:

Here's the poster from Kerrytown. Spooky.

This is not what my welcome week was like

Apparently being a grad student is very different than being an undergrad.

Spooky prototype cars

I've been noticing a lot more spooky prototype cars driving around Ann Arbor lately. I saw a convoy of three white cars on Maple earlier this week with all of their brand marks covered up. Well I should say most of their brand marks covered up: the Buick logo on the wheels was still visible. Is this a sign of the auto industry improving, or am I just noticing these prototype cars more?

Meadower EP release and more at the Magic Stick

Meadower are releasing their EP titled Sturdy this Sunday, September 9 at the Magic Stick. Check it out here, and I heard the record will be free at the show!

RSVP and invite your friends! And you could show up early for some bowling and pizza at Garden Bowl downstairs. Or have a beer or coffee and a snack on the patio at Great Lakes Coffee across the street. Sounds like a perfect afternoon in Detroit to me!

HomeGrown Fest tomorrow

HomeGrown Fest is tomorrow form 6-10 pm at the Farmers Market. Local food, local beer and local music. Sounds pretty great.

MarkMaynard.com 10th Anniversary Party

This Saturday MarkMaynard.com is celebrating his 10th year of blogging. The party is at Woodruff's in Ypsi and there will be bands. Mark would really like to see you there, saying:

...I’m terrified of large groups, painfully awkward around people, and prone to devastating panic attacks when put into situations where I’m the center of attention.

Hope to see you all there.

Festifall

Once per fall, I exit my building onto the Diag and find Festifall. Each time, I am left in awe by the sheer number of student organizations at U of M. If you get a chance, gentle readers, you should totally check out Featifall. I hear @ryanvis at the M+ table has free, pre-moistened M+ boxers.

Are Ann Arbor's libraries anti-napping?

Damn Arbor reader, Mike Hulsebus, tipped us off to the following comment on the Ann Arbor District Library's webpage about the Nov. 6th Library Millage:

I love my library[,] been going there since I was little I would totally back u guys up but I have a problem[:] I seem to be having the same problem at most of the branches[.] I recently got called "inappropriate and childish" from your security staff at the downtown library because I was laying down reading books and eating my funnier bears in a far corner minding my business where no one could see me cause no one was really on that floor anyways but a hour later I was told I need to sit up. I ... didn't do anything wrong an I feel I deserve an apology. And now at the beach(sic) on [P]ackard road this happened a year ago but I had got done with my doctors(sic) appointment an I was tired and drowsy from the medicine and I went to the library to wait for my mom[.] [N]ot even a minute pass by that this lady told me I had to leave cause I kept dosing(sic) off so I went outside sick as a dog in the cold... Then just recently I had to catch the bus downtown it was going to be there shortly and I had got done checking out so I was gonna take a 5 min nap till I had to leave I got asked to leave. It's not like I'm a bum or something I understand you want to keep the limit of homeless people out of the library and I've noticed the security I feel like I can't do anything in the library but get my stuff and leave all I'm saying is please loosin up a bit that's all.

I think the real question here is what are "funnier bears" and where can I get some?

Cow Tipping

Friend of Damn Arbor, Jessica French, sent in the above picture with the following message:

Spotted on the corner of Liberty and Fifth? Or was it Fourth...? Either way, it made me smile. Any idea who is behind these?

Well gentle readers, do you know who is behind this cow-art?

Free Tomatoes

And blackberries.

Saw this sign while I was finishing up some field work at Miller Woods this morning. There were no more blackberries, but the tomatoes were delicious.

Bonnie Jo Campbell at Kerrytown Bookfest

THE Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of Once Upon a River and American Salvage, will be at the Kerrytown Bookfest this Sunday. She will be moderating a panel discussion on New Voices in Women's Fiction. I'm super excited. I've really enjoyed reading Bonnie's books, which are set in rural Michigan. I hope I can meet her and we can talk about our favorite trees.

SWAGGIN

There is something beautiful about a vanity plate on a Hummer.

Photo via Allie

Congress EP release and more tonight at Woodruff's

This show's going to be seriously rad. And only $5! Don't miss out. RSVP and invite your friends here.

And check out the new Congress EP here.

Sweet mailbox art

The mailbox outside of Tienda la Libertad has some great pirate art on it.

Pat Stansik on ESPNU

Check out this interview with Pat Stansik about his I Love you Denard music video. I think the question on everyone's mind is whether there will be a second season of the hit webseries, Pregaming with Pat.