Mislead by the Washington Post

Not that I'm surprised, but an article in the Washington Post last night gave me the impression that the public option was still a part of the Senate health care reform bill. But, I see now that they have substituted a PRIVATE plan for a government-run public option.

This is outrageous! Private plans are UNACCEPTABLE. Corporate control of our health care system is why millions of American's end up going bankrupt or become homeless year after year. What is WRONG with these weak don't-know-what-to-do-with-the-power-they've-been-given Democrats! This country overwhelmingly elected them a year ago to CHANGE things in this country. What a bunch of cowards!

Fight for the public option! Contact your Senators now!

The View is Getting Wider

The View from Kalamazoo has a new contributor! T Roosevelt Con and I have been talking politics and social justice issues since we met about four months ago. There have been some really great discussions between us, and I hope we can continue the conversation and share it with a wider audience on this blog.

Gaudy Gateway vs Saving East Hall

I’ve been thinking about this post since the new “gateway” at the intersection of Lovell, Oakland and Stadium Dr. was built in 2008. I’ve been so pissed off about it, I’ve had a hard time writing something that didn’t sound like a lunatic rant. Still not sure it doesn’t.


I visited East Hall this spring with my sister-in-law and took these photos. Whenever I have visitors from out of town, it is the one place I’m sure to take them. (All the photo’s in my blog header where taken there). I’ve recently discovered that many people that grew up in Kalamazoo have never seen this view either. After showing it to just such a friend, and sharing my passion on the subject, he told me that “people need to know it’s there — there needs to be a reason for them to go up there and see it.” I argued for a museum, but he said “museum’s don’t make money.” So now I’m on a mission to share it with everyone I talk to. If I can get a small, determined group of people to help, East Hall might have a chance for survival.


When I took these photos in April, it was covered with graffiti. I was happy to see that it had been cleaned up when I visited recently with my new friend. The Friends of Historic East Campus (formerly the Friends of East Hall) have cared for the building as best they can and they have made some progress in talking with WMU and the City about preserving the building.



The “gateway” cost over $650,000 — that kind of money would have gone a long way to make some of the much needed repairs to this historic building. East Hall is the original site of Western Michigan Normal School — now Western Michigan University. The City donated the site —Prospect Hill — to Western in 1904 for the purpose of creating an institute of higher education. WMU seems determined to let it crumble and fall. It’s not a priority for them. Instead, they want to build a new medical school (even though Kalamazoo already has one on East Campus) and have started to raise the money for it. That recent news has sparked my concerned about the fate of this beautiful, historic building and it’s view of our City. (I question many of WMU’s decisions, and even more so the City’s willingness to go along with them — no matter how they impact the neighborhoods around them. How can the City thrive without being trampled by this giant?)



I’ve been struck with an idea that I think could be a great joint venture for Western and the City. A way to partner in saving East Hall and create business opportunities and jobs while saving the view of Kalamazoo for all it’s citizens. More on that later.

What do you think? Isn’t East Hall worth saving? Sign the petition!

Life is Full of Surprises

Good ones, like meeting someone in real life that you really click with. A huge surprise because if I had read a “profile,” of this person, I would have passed him by in a quick minute. Lots of other reasons this connection was a surprise, but suffice it to say, it made the end of the summer (and the beginning of autumn — my favorite time of year) one of the best of my life.

And not so good ones, like hanging out on my patio with above friend and my next door neighbor last weekend having drinks, grilling dinner and watching in disbelief as two young, white males come walking down the hill in back of my house. They came from “the big house” at the top of the hill. They walked down along the fence line, and I wondered to myself (and then out loud) what are these guys doing? “Are they coming down to introduce themselves as neighbors?” No! They were cutting through my yard — with all the privilege and arrogance of GW Bush himself. “Steve” claimed that he thought “Greg” knew us (he sure acted like it). But “Greg” was the biggest little prick I’ve ever had the misfortune of “meeting.” He felt he had every right to just cut through my yard with no comment to me, no introduction — or explanation! I’m still in shock.

Good thing my friend was there. He was able to calm me down, and have a somewhat civilized conversation with them. Got us to introduce ourselves. (I was outraged and ready to punch that little prick!) It was a very good example of the entitlement this most recent crop of WMU students have. It’s shocking to me, though I’m not sure why. I see examples of it everyday living in Kalamazoo. I guess it was because it was literally in my own back yard.

Falling in Love Again

I find myself falling in love with Richard Brautigan all over again...

Another great from The Tokyo-Montana Express. From the beginning of

"Gone Before We Open Our Eyes"

I had nothing else to do but float along on a tide of memories carrying me toward no particular shore. I was lying in bed. It was the afternoon of a day that I would never really be in.

There are days like that when you just aren't there....gone before we open our eyes.

Is This Why I Stay in Kalamazoo?

While I’m still tired of doing stuff alone, there is no shortage of stuff to do in Kalamazoo — and for little or no money. I spent only $9 this weekend, but saw world famous art and photography up close, enjoyed a jazz concert and watched a really moving documentary about the Toronto Metal band, Anvil.

Concerts in the Park this week showcased the Blue Lake International Jazz Band. I wasn’t sure what to expect as the concert description was “striking, world-traveled jazz.” But I was thrilled when I saw all the saxophones, trumpets and trombones come out in the hands of really young people. It was a great mix with everything from Count Basie to Chic Corea.

But, the highlight of the weekend had to be Anvil! The Story of Anvil. It played at The Little Theatre all weekend. And, what a story it is! Sad, yet inspiring. It made me want to purchase their latest release. I’m not really a Metal fan these days — but these guys deserve a break!

Anvil! is a band (Robb Reiner and Steve “Lips” Ludlow) that didn’t make it on the Metal scene, yet is still together making music. They’ve produced 16 CD’s since 1981! Their influence seemed to be great in the beginning (though they reminded me of Judas Priest). They were supposedly groundbreaking with their fast paced heaviness and stage presence when they came on the scene in North America. I think it was Scott Ian of Anthrax that said they set the standard for Metal in the 80s and everyone just ripped them off and left ‘em to die.

But it was really a story about the love, dreams, and experiences that our lives are made from. These guys have been playing together since they were 14 years old, just hit their 50s, and are still trying to “make it.” It was a great reminder to live with a full heart even if your dreams never come true, because life goes by fast and can change forever in a split second. In pursuing your dreams, you create a life. Their story reminded you to not be left looking back to discover that you just sat there waiting for it all to happen. Now is all we have, so if not now, when?

Four-Dollar Friday

I had intended on spending this vacation day at the Lake. But, with temperatures only in the 60s, and clouds blocking out the sun, I decided to catch the Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit at the KIA. And, I got a couple of bonuses — tickets are only $4 on Fridays, and I didn’t get rained on there or back.

It inspired me to paint! So, with this cool weather making “The Yellow Room” a great place to hang out (my favorite in the house, though it’s usually only usable in the Spring and Fall due to heating and cooling issues), I finally got the canvas that’s been sitting around here unwrapped and marked out for my faux Mondrian. I started with yellow of course. It’s looking pretty good so far. Maybe I’ll post a photo when it’s finally hanging on the wall.

1953 CHEVROLET $50

One of the best stories about life is in Richard Brautigan’s The Tokyo-Montana Express. “1953 Chevrolet” tells the story of his friend’s dream of buying an old car to drive from Montana to California. He sees an ad “1953 Chevrolet $50” and his mind begins to build this great fantasy about it. He’s very excited — has taken the entire trip in his head with great detail by the time he goes to look at the Chevrolet. The old woman who owns it greets him at the door and they being the walk to the garage.

He asks “How are the tires?” and she replies, “Tires? There are no tires.” Hmmm. No tires, but he thinks that’s a pretty minor thing. He can buy tires for it. They continue down the path to the garage. “How are the breaks?” “Breaks? There are no breaks.” Again, a set-back but something fixable. It continues this way with the car slowing falling apart in his head until they get to the garage and the woman opens the door. And there sits a 1953 Chevy engine.

I LOVE that story and think of it every time I get too excited about something. It’s a great reminder of how you can’t have any expectations about anything (or anyone) in life. It NEVER turns out the way you imagined it would — so I just don’t let myself do that. It has saved me a lot of grief. It’s a rule I live by. No ’53 Chevrolets! Of course this story was reinforced for me right after I read it about 15 plus years ago when a friend invited me to go up to Alberta with her and watch her husband hang-glide off the cliffs up there. She told me there was “an old school house” in town where I could rent a room. I absolutely love that part of Michigan, and spun this great image in my head about staying in “an old school house” — on the Lake! Wow! It was going to be so cool! Well, the “old school house” was not the grand wooden structure I was expecting — and it was not on the Lake. It was an old SCHOOL — a cinderblock elementary school! The rooms were cold and void of any character. That was a great lesson — one that has stuck with me since.

This is true with people too. I recently started dating again. Something I went into reluctantly for sure, but I didn’t want to spend another summer doing “stuff” alone. I had no expectations about meeting my “soul mate” or any of that romantic crap. I had true love once, and I gave that up in search of passion — and I found it. That wasn’t enough either. But, I got to experience both things and I figure I’ve been pretty lucky. Many people never have either. I think it’s pretty likely that I will spend the rest of my life alone — and that’s okay.

Now, I don’t usually write personal stuff on here — that’s what my journal is for. But, I did end up meeting someone I really liked. I stuck with my ’53 Chevy rule. No big fantasies or expectations. I just really enjoyed his company. But, I made the mistake of sharing my feelings about how much I liked him way too soon — and he thought I was building that car in my head. So, guess I’ll be going to the Lake alone again this summer — in my 1996 Olds and the only expectation I’ll have is to enjoy myself.

What's Next?

I was recently asked that question after confessing that I wasn’t sure how I got “here.” I left a long relationship because I wanted to be with athletic people — and travel. Where I ended up is very different indeed. I’m not “athletic” anymore, that’s for sure!

So, what’s next? The question has really gotten to me — and it’s making me dig really deep. I know I want something different, but maybe I’m looking in the wrong direction. I have traveled a bit in the past 12 years, but I never did go see those “red rocks.” I think I need to quash my fears around job security and plan that trip soon. Who knows what I will — or won't — find when I get there.

My Independence Day

It's July 2nd and I am not hearing bottle rockets and firecrackers going off every five minutes. Weird! In a neighborhood like this, they usually start at the end of June and continue on through the end of summer. Weird, but nice.

It is very quiet with most of my immediate neighbors out at the lake, up north, or camping someplace. It feels kind of lonely, but it's exactly what I've been needing — a quiet weekend at home.

There was another deer in the yard today. I'm not sure it's the same one — too small. It's unusual, and so exciting in some way, but unfortunately they really like flowers and have eaten a lot of mine. It makes me wonder what happened to all the rabbits we used to have.

This is also my own personal independence day weekend. It's been 12 years since I left my marriage. Seems like a lifetime ago. And, in many ways it was.

PBS Rules

With the corporate media conglomerates leading last nights evening "news" with the death of Farrah Faucet and Michael Jackson (and covering nothing else), I breathed a sigh of relief when the News Hour lead with the Supreme Court ruling on strip searches, the Cap & Trade bill, questions about Bank of America, health care reform and Iran.

While I too, have fond memories of "The King of Pop" (I had a huge crush on him when I was a little girl), I don't consider his death worthy of an entire "news" broadcast. Entertainment news sure, but not the news that creates informed citizens and a strong democracy.

Which brings me to the real point of this post — a post on Google's "Blogger." Do you really know what this company is doing with all the information you give them? Once again PBS helped remind me of the implications of putting my "life" in Googles data banks. WGVU re-ran the excellent 2006 BBC production "The World According to Google"on Wednesday night. A very eye-opening look at how the company stores all data (including emails) — not to mention the mapping technology and satellite images — and what the potential of having so much information in the hands of one company means. I highly recommend it — whether or not you're a blogger out here or have a gmail account.

Lazy Summer Days and the Arrival of Digital Television

It's amazing to me that it's June 16th already. I've been so crazy busy with stuff, that I can't remember it all! And, there's more to come with weekend's booked until the end of July.

The big switch to digital television has happened as well. One thing is clear, they're still working it all out. I did loose the stations I expected I would, but gained one. Then, last night, lost it. So, I "rescanned," and to my surprise, found I am picking up CBS (kind of). It's not a solid "signal" but not many of them are with the exception of PBS — which is really what matters anyway.

Even with all the graduation parties, festivals, out of town guests, etc., I have made sure I catch my favorite Friday night PBS programs — even if I have to watch on-line. NOW and Bill Moyers Journal are the BEST journalism on television and have added to my understanding many of the complex issues the United States is dealing with right now.

I'm a huge fan — this is what journalism looks like, and one of the reasons I'm such a huge media reform advocate. If you've never watched, NOW or Moyers, I recommend a visit to their websites where you can watch past shows on-line, or read the transcripts. An informed citizenry beings there.

KAFI's Gone and Summer is Here

The weather has been beautiful, and I have not been on the web much because of it. Though I haven't been outside much either. I decided to redecorate the upstairs bathroom before it get's too hot (no air conditioning). I've come to the conclusion that the reason I've only done 4 rooms in the eight years I've lived here is that I forget what a time-consuming-pain-in-the-ass it is to remove wall paper, paint, install lighting, etc. But, it's looking good. I'm down to the trim and the fun part of picking out accessories.

I had a deer in the backyard a couple of weeks ago. Very cool. I could have reached out and touched her. A little country right in the middle of the City.

Here's the follow up about KAFI. It could have been a little more organized. These are some of the thoughts I had after attending 3 of the 5 screenings (and hope to pass on as a volunteer next year.):

Keep the Website Updated the Weekend of the Event:
The Catalog I’d downloaded, wrongly told me the Sat. morning screenings were at the Stryker Theater when they were at the State. A note could have easily been made to the site (that I referenced all weekend, including that morning). Information obviously wasn’t uniformly conveyed, or when I called I would have been told I could buy tickets for THAT mornings show at the State Box Office.

An update to the Sunday schedule would also have been appreciated. During Sat. evenings screenings, I missed WHEN on Sunday they were going to repeat Friday nights line-up and announce the winners of the Cartoon Challenge. That information was NOT available on the website Sat. evening or Sun. morning.

Package Deal for Screenings:
I would have attended all five. But, $10 a pop wasn’t in my (or many potential fans’s) budget, so I had to choose. I think you’d sell more tickets if people could have access to all five screenings, but only have to pay for 3 or 4 (or something in between).

Shirts for Sale Instead of Posters:
Shirts were sold on-site in past years, but the audiences were much smaller and I’m sure they lost money. They only offered them through CafePress this year (It will cost ya around $30 to have one delivered to your door, but there are lots of style choices.). I was ready to pay up to $25 on site, and the audiences were much larger this year — more potential buyers. A small run would have sold to “even” at least. The printing cost of the poster would have covered it. But, who knows! That technology has gotten pretty inexpensive these days! (I was not impressed with the poster, but I have one because they were giving them away at the end of Saturday night.)

DVD’s:
I would LOVE to see this weekend’s (and past years) festival(s) offered on DVD! It would be a wonderful collection of unique, moving art and social commentary from around the world. A great and unique addition to my film library!

KAFI: Right Brain Heaven

The 2009 Kalamazoo Animation Festival International was the best Fest yet! With over 80 films from all over the world, and exceptional talent competing in the Cartoon Challenge, it was difficult to choose the “best.” It was a great weekend of moving art and philosophy, social commentary, humor — ideas! —all wrapped together. Stuff you think about for days – or longer. A stimulating weekend of entertainment! Animation is so much more than "cartoons!"

The short films ranged from hilarious, to disturbing, to beautiful moving art set to music. All of them were great. I felt changed somehow after a weekend of viewing the best animation from around the world. Suddenly, I was seeing my own environment very differently. All of them left me wanting to create stories through animation myself. And, I missed over 30 of them.

The Cartoon Challenge — where students from all over come together for 3 days of intense production of a 30 second PSA (they sleep on cots in the lab) — starts Thursday and their "movies" premier Sat. night. All the teams produced excellent entries this year! (Not true in years past.). I couldn’t choose a favorite. I have decided I will volunteer for the next KAFI. It’s an incredible thing to have in Kalamazoo every two years, and I’m determined to get the word out to more fans — and potential fans!

I do have some suggestions on how we might make it better, but I'll save those for my next post.

The KAFI is Here!

I love animation — and this weekend Kalamazoo will be filled with it — and the people that create it — and those that want to learn to create it! The Kalamazoo Animation Festival only comes to town every two years, so don't miss the opportunity to see some really moving, funny and thought provoking little animated movies created by students from all over the world. Plus some great workshops, speakers and exhibits! The first screening is tonight at 5:30 at the Museum's theater. See you there!

To learn more, visit the website at www.gokafi.com

“So, you’re an atheist? Does that mean you don’t believe in God?

Someone recently asked me that question.

Yes, I am an atheist — I don't believe in god. I think the universe is WAY to big for a god (any god, in any religion) to have created. I think religion is an outdated concept. It helped us answer the questions we had about life at one time (and served to control the masses), but it's time for us to move on.

A couple of years ago I would have said I was spiritual — something as large and massive — and incredibly beautiful — as the universe must have SOME meaning. I've questioned life and looked for answers since I was very young. One of the things that bothers me most about religion is how it’s used to justify the most ruthless, inhuman violence, bloodshed and torture — all in the name of God.

I've come to the conclusion that life just happens. That's what it does — all by itself. It's hard sometimes. It would be so helpful to blame, thank or justify my actions by believing in “something greater than myself.” It would be comforting to think that “this” isn’t all there is. That we don’t “really” die. I understand why people believe in god. But, I don't.

I watched Religulous awhile back. I loved it! It was very Bill Maher — he’s a little too in people’s faces, but he asked some really good questions!

A Note to Green Gracious Readers

PVC is a VERY bad thing for our environment. I urge you all to check out the Blue Vinyl website to learn more. You can get a synopsis of the movie there (though the film is very funny — and horrifying all at the same time.)

And, no offense meant Lori. You're dad sounds very awesome — and like a lot of fun! It's just when you learn the horrible toll it takes on the environment, you can't not pass on the knowledge. Green Gracious is a great resource and I thought it was a good place to try to call attention to this issue.

Here's a sample from the site. The woman's name is Judith Helfand:

My father’s answer to rotten wood…
Everyone assured me vinyl siding was safe, and would only let off toxic gas in the rare event of a house fire. But after my experience with cancer caused by DES [a synthetic estrogen and anti-miscarriage drug prescribed to my mother and millions of other women], I figured any material so loaded with synthetic chemicals had to pose some kind of risk. Later I asked my dad, "If you had known that over the course of its lifecycle, from the factory to the incinerator, vinyl produces a wide array of deadly pollutants that threaten our future with a global toxic crisis, would you still have put it on the house?" "I hope not, honey," he said. "But they didn't write that on the box." So, with a piece of vinyl siding firmly in hand (a remnant from my parent’s house) I took off – on a journey to re-write the outside of the box.

(I see I didn't remember exactly how the story began in my previous post.)

On a similar subject, there was a bit of good news about an attempt to clean up the gigantic plastic island that's floating about in the North Pacific yesterday. This article actually uses the word "sinister" to describe this thing!

Blue Vinyl in Kalamazoo Tuesday

I just discovered the movie "Blue Vinyl" will be shown at the Library on Tuesday, May 5. This is a very powerful film I saw through the now defunct "The Film Connection." It was a film lending library with some great independent movies.

Blue Vinyl had a lasting impact on me. I think of it often. The story starts with a simple quest — find affordable siding for her parent's house. They want to use vinyl, but she thinks it's tacky and would ruin the charm of the home she grew up in. It turns into an education about PVCs and their impact on all of us. I highly recommend it! It starts at 6:30 in the Van Deusen Room.

One of the things I miss most about The Film Connection is the Media that Matters Film Festival every year. I was recently reminded of this when I saw someone had made a mainstream production of two women that clean up crime scenes. I saw a short about a lesbian couple who started the trend many years ago through one of those Media that Matters shorts. It was called "Family Values." Not a comedy, that's for sure, but a great story!

Postscript to Weirdness

Did the police have the right to do that?

Not that I wouldn't welcome them if someone had been brandishing a gun or something (and, for all I know they were). I do appreciate their presence and their roll.

But, I can't help but feel a reasonable expectation of a right to privacy on my own property — especially in a city as small as Kalamazoo. What if I had been on my patio — in my backyard — an extension of my house?

Having a cop pull ALL the way into my driveway (a good 50 ft. from the road) and walk across my backyard is just WEIRD. A total invasion of my space at the very least.

Ahh, city life!

THAT was Weird!

I'm inside on a beautiful (though cool) sunny Saturday afternoon with a horrible cold. And, I guess I'm glad for that. If I'd been out on my patio a minute ago, I'd have FREAKED out as a police officer came walking through my backyard!

I was sitting here in the office trying to get my wireless router working again when I saw the top of a car go by the window. I looked out, and saw it was a police car. Weird! The cop got out and walked through my backyard into the woods. I quickly grabbed the camera — just in case — and tried to see what was going on. I could see there was another officer out there, but couldn't really see what was happening. "Did they find a body back there!?" "Was someone running from the scene of a crime?" "I can't see!"

I did finally make out another person. "Maybe a homeless man living back there?" (A neighbor a few doors down let's homeless men live on his porch from time to time, so why not?) It's city property, so I doubt they'd come out and harass anyone for being out there.

One of my favorite things about my view is the woods in the back. When I first moved in, I have to admit I'd get a bit paranoid about who might be back there. I have seen at least one pretty rough lookin' dude walk through there and up to the houses to the west during the day.

But, I've gotten pretty comfortable with the idea that it's a private area, and sit out there by myself late at night quite often in the summer. But, with the experience today, my paranoia may have just returned.

Memories of A Walk Downtown

It was 85 degrees yesterday! It made me miss my walk to work in downtown Kalamazoo this spring. While I don’t miss the cold weather, the leafless trees allowed a great view of structures that we don’t get in the summer.

I meant to post these images when I took them, but I hadn't really thought about what words to put with them. I still don't have the words, but I like the idea of sharing a little snippet of the things you might see when you visit Kalamazoo.


I called this "duckmaid with dog collar" I've walked by this sculpture for years, and never really stopped to look at it. I was thinking it looked like a duck/mermaid when I took this picture, and I loved that someone had put a red dog collar on it. I took a better photo of it on the way home, but unfortunately, I cut off part of the left "wing" in the composition. When I went to try and retake the photo, the dog collar was gone.


This house was redone a couple of years ago. They pulled off ugly green asphalt tile and painted it in an historic color scheme. It was part of a learning workshop for The Old House Network. I meant to sign up to help, but I missed the deadline. (I've learned a lot from this group — another wonderful part of living in Kalamazoo.) Last year they landscaped the front yard, but that's not visible yet in this photo. It was really amazing to watch the progress.



These images are from a mural on a laundromat. Kalamazoo has a LOT of murals around town. Maybe I'll make a project out of finding and photographing more of them this summer. This one has added 3D "people" that makes it even more fun!







Then, there was this marker in Bronson Park. Something else I've walked by for years and never paid much attention to. I looked up "The Women's Relief Corps" and got a little history lesson. Something I never would have know if I hadn't had that camera in my hand!



That's it for today. I'm finding my first thoughts about writing a blog are proving to be true. Even though I have a list of things to write about, having the time to do so is becoming more of a challenge now that the weather is calling me to be outside. I do have all the images — and a new idea — for my post on East Hall. It's going to be involved — not only from a research perspective, but I get so angry about what has happened to it that I find it hard to concentrate.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALAMAZOO!

Our city turns 125 today! The year-long celebration begins tonight with speeches from city leaders and a display of historic photo's. Stay tuned for more details on our birthday party!

The Irony of Getting Lost in The Past — and How the Univers Sometimes Hears You When You Do

Something ironic came from that trip I took yesterday to the past. I just reconnected with an old friend (through the same friend that connected us in the first place) on blogger. Well, I haven't actually talked with him, but I feel like I did by reading his entry's.

While going through those old photos yesterday, I came across three images of him. He moved away several years ago to pursue his education. He had helped me with an assignment from that "traditional" photography class. The assignment was "panning" and I think you'll agree I didn't ace it, but the photos are still interesting.


I smiled and remembered, and wondered how he was doing, but moved on in my search. He is much younger than I am, but our lives had an intertwining thread back then — his first love.

I'd heard a lot about this love-of-his-life, but I'd never met her. I was at his place one night looking at the many photos he had on the wall. "I know that guy! That's Tony!" I said. "Yeah, that's C's dad!"

OMG! The love of his life was a little girl I once knew. Weird! But like I said, he's young.

I'd met C's mother in college but our friendship faded after a few years. Sadly, I found out that night that she died in a car accident some years before. He and her daughter were each others first love — and I thought, would always be together.

Hilarywho had introduced us, and she's how I heard he had a blog. Apparently while I was going through photo's yesterday in Kalamazoo, she somehow stumbled on his blog from Detroit. (Love irony!)


His entry's (which are sporadic) made me laugh many times. He hasn't been an active writer — other things have been keeping him busy it seems.

It sounds like his life in suburban Pennsylvania is not exactly as planned — as life often turns out for most of us. C seems to be missing from the story. Hope it's 'cause she's in school somewhere — she was a very smart girl.

He writes about a house he's working on, and trying his hand at being a "back to the earther," as we called them in the 70s (he's an old soul, it's part of the reason we were friends). He's raising chickens, growing a garden and fixing up the old (sounds very old) house. Part of what made his stories so funny for me (besides knowing him) is that I too struggle with an old house.

He always was a great thinker, and he had lots of energy (as we do when we're 20 years old). Seems to still have it. I think his blog reflects all that, but maybe it's just the irony that made me think it was great and want to write this all down and put it out "to the universe." Though it seems the universe already knows.

Lost in the Past

This morning I was looking for the architectural photos I took around Kalamazoo about 10 years ago. I remember now they weren’t digital. I shot, developed and printed them the old-fashioned way. I did scan and digitally manipulated a few of them, but they are not on any of the CD’s I have. Sadly, I believe they were lost in a hard drive crash a few years ago.


In my search, I came across a weird mix of images that, at the time, I thought were important enough to save on CD. None of them seem particularly creative or important now. An example of how our tastes and priorities change over the years I guess.


I realized too, that I have a lot of photo’s that are lost someplace in my house — including the prints and negatives of those Kalamazoo buildings. I have a large box of “before independence” pictures, but never took the time to create an “after independence” storage spot. Probably because my photo taking came to a stop for a few years and if I did take photo’s, I just tossed them in a drawer, or closet — or who knows where.

This quest to find my life of the past 12 years has also now eaten up most of a beautiful sunny Sunday! Easter Sunday a friend reminded me a little while ago. Either way, a Sunday that I should be outside working in the garden, but I got lost in the past instead.

April Fool?

This is the scene I woke up to this morning in Kalamazoo. I'm sure our fair City is not the only one blanketed in white. It's April — in Michigan!

Just a couple of weeks ago I had the "spring/fall" patio furniture out and a nice fire one evening. Looks like it will be awhile before I'm out there again.

My Kalamazoo Friends…

are Not from Kalamazoo, and Neither am I.

Claudia — Lansing
Sean — California
Rob — Escanaba
Dorothy — Inkster
Paul — Alpena
James — LaPier
Keanya — Detroit
Joyce — Chicago
Betsy — Illinois
Megz — Edwardsburg
Sterling — Mt. Pleasant (or Grand Rapids, not sure)
Tondala — “The South”
Megan — Detroit Suburbs
Cherie — Chicago
Karalee — Illinois
Gunnar & Renate — Austria and Germany
Judy E. — Texas
Cherryl — South Haven
Sean — Luddington
Meg — Muskegon

I met Hilary (Wyandotte), Janice (Portland, OR) and Alison (Traverse City) here, but they’ve moved away — Hilary back to the Eastside (not by choice), Janice back to Portland, and Alison is in Denver.

Susan, Christina, Judi and Andrea are the exceptions.

I’m not sure if it’s because Kalamazoo is a college town, and those that come here for an education like the City and decide to stay, or if it’s something else. The stories of my friends vary. Some did come for school and stayed, but others came for different reasons. It’s always struck me as funny. And, maybe it’s not “them” at all. Maybe I just attract people who’ve left behind their roots!

YES! There Really is a (Progressive) Kalamazoo!

A HUGE thanks to Commissioner McCann, who on the Monday before his wedding took time out to finally answer my question about whether or not Kalamazoo has (is) replacing it's incandescent traffic lights with LED's. I think this should have been something I could have found out easily — something the City should be bragging about on their website! And, definitely something the Gazette should have mentioned!

Here's the scoop right from the City's "public service staff"

Over the last several years, we have upgrade traffic signals on all the major street corridors in the City that we control. Generally, these upgrades have included installation of new signals with LED technology as well as camera activation which allows for smoother and less disrupted traffic movement.

Currently, the City has been able to reduce electrical usage by traffic signals as a result of these upgrades by 82%. We are currently working with Consumers Energy to get a credit on the City’s electricity bill for this since traffic signals are not separately metered but are billed based on a set calculation. We should have this rectified shortly.

As far as other benefits, four of the major corridors have been evaluated and the following reductions and fuel savings have been calculated just for these four:

Total Emissions Reduced per year:
228.2 tons of volatile organics, nitrogen and carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide emissions

Fuel Savings per year (gallons):
2,095,821 gallons

Fuel Savings per year (dollars):
$4,191,642 (at $2.00 per gallon)

Way to go Kalamazoo! I KNEW it had to be true even if I couldn't find us bragging about it.

Reorganized Junk

A couple of weeks ago in an attempt to lift myself out of the winter-long funk I’ve been in, I was organizing my jewelry making “stuff” when I came across this hideous beaded plant holder that my grandmother had given me in a box of odds and ends a few years ago. The majority of the beads were clear “crystal-like” things, but there were also a variety of fruits, vegetables and leaves.

I always thought it was one of the ugliest things I’d ever seen, but couldn’t bring myself to throw it out thinking I could find a use for all those beads. I have moved it around from place to place for years now. I’d think about taking it apart, but since I didn’t have any ideas for what to do with it, it was easier to keep it in one piece until I came up with an idea.

I’ve been reading Green Gracious regularly and was particularly inspired by the post on uses for dental floss. While organizing all that stuff, I came across stringing materials that I’d bought, but hadn’t tried yet too.


So, I went to work dismantling the plant holder and experimenting with rearranging it into “jewelry” of sorts. The one question I had when I finished was, “Is this like making a dress out of your grandma’s old doilies?” My initial thought was yes, it is very much like making a dress out of doilies. But, the hideous plant holder is no more.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood…er, Nashville!

Congratulations to Frankie Ballard, as the hometown boy makes good with a record contract with Warner Brothers. My friends and family in Battle Creek where Frankie grew up are excited for him too. In fact, they are how I heard about young Mr. Ballard in the first place.

I first saw Frankie playing blues music at Gary Fields in the Cereal City. Not long before, my aunt called me while she was watching him play there. Frankie and her son went to school together, so she’d heard him play many times. She’d been trying to get me to come over and see him for at least a year. When she called that night she said, “I’m telling you, you’ve got to see this kid. He can really play guitar — listen! And he’s just your type with long blonde hair! You’d really like him.” (No matter he was a puppy of 20 or 21 tops! Love my aunt M!) The photo of Frankie is from Clifford Babbcock’s myspace page — that’s how he looked when I first saw him. This is a show at Fields with "Those Guys," the blues band he played with there.

I finally heard him play blues at Field’s a few weeks after that phone call, with a friend who’s daughter went to school with him too. (Battle Creek is a small town!) His blues guitar was stunning. And, long hair is always a good thing on a man — even really young ones. He didn’t sing that night, but I was amazed at his guitar work.

He turned up at Louie’s in Kalamazoo a few months later — playing country music — his true calling. I’m not really a country music fan, but have been exposed to it most of my life through family and an exhusband. The thing about hearing him that night (besides surprise) was that I knew all the lyrics to the songs he covered. I kept saying, “how do I know this song?”

But, as cute as he is, his talent really is his best feature. He has a great voice that adds a lot to the country sound. He’s just one of those phenomenal local musicians you run into once (maybe 3 times) in a lifetime.

His covers of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Pure Prairie League, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the like, will have you up and dancing — or at lest singing along — if you’re an old school country/southern rock fan. His new stuff is in that style, and has me listening to country music for the first time in a very, very long time.

You can catch him before he goes to Holly…er Nashville this Saturday out in Richland. And, a special good-bye party at Louie’s is planned for April 18th. He told the Gazette that he’ll be back to play for us when he can. My guess is that could be a long way off. The kids got talent, and now more than just us hometown folks know it.

Best of luck Frankie. We’ll miss you’re holler ‘n swaller, but I’m sure we’ll see you on the radio!

Speak Out in Support of Kalamazoo's Anti-Discrimination Ordinance

There are only 5 days left to send comments to the Kalamazoo City Commission about the anti-discrimination proposal that would expand protection against discrimination to gay and transgender people. They've gotten an ear full from homophobic religious extremists from all over Michigan telling them they'll all burn in hell if they give "special rights" to "these people."

Imagine this rhetoric with race substituted for sexuality. It takes you back to a time we don't want to return to — ever. You can read more about the proposal (and hear for yourself the hate speech from religious extremists) on the City of Kalamazoo's website.

You have until midnight March 26th to contact the City Commission's Hotline at (269) 552-6089 or email your comments to questions@kalamazoocity.org. You might also want to email each commissioner. I understand the religious groups are. You can find commissioners emails on their profile pages. Commissioners are listed in the column on the right. Click a name to get to the profile and a link to their email address.

P.S. I just found this great video on You Tube. A friend had it posted on his Facebook page. It pretty much says it all.

It's Here!

Isn't there some famous poem about crocuses? There should be!

Happy Spring!

The View is Anticipating Spring!

I took these photo’s over a month ago. It was around 12 degrees this February 4 when I brought a camera with me on my walk. The brilliant blue sky and sun I’ve missed so much this winter helped me see things differently that day.

Maybe it was the influence of Charles Stroh’s Hidden Kalamazoo column that’s been running in the Sunday Gazette for … I think a year. The Hidden (View of) Kalamazoo has been a wonderful study of our city and its amazing architecture. It wasn’t until the last column appeared March 1, that I remembered the photo of the Ladies Library Gargoyle that HE took. (Though when I saw the gargoyle with all that ice hanging out of it's mouth, I laughed out loud and HAD to take a photo!)

Gargoyle Spitting Ice 2.4.09 — Grandpa Carpenter's Birthday too!

Whether it was some hidden memory of the article, or the life I’ve lead here noticing these small details subconsciously for years, who knows. Chances are, it was just the opportunity to walk downtown — not only to work, but in general for a few years now, as it’s not far from the hill.



It’s been getting warmer, the temp reached about 60 degrees today. The days are longer (especially with daylight savings time — that’s a whole blog. I hate it!) and I must say, I am feeling much more energetic. Longer days do wonders for ones disposition.

I’ve been walking downtown the last few days as well, and I feel like I’m looking at the City for the first time. (Ah spring! It IS coming.) I am paying attention to the physical Kalamazoo — the guts, the small details of a large thing block after block. It’s fun discovering and re-discovering the history — and the modifications.



Hope you enjoy the "Hidden" View of Kalamazoo and the few shots I've shared with you from my walk February 4. I’ve promised myself to take my camera with me on my next trip. There are amazing details and grand architecture all along the way! The KIA is going to be one of my first stops!

Metal Children Look Toward Spring. Bronson Park 2.4.09

Next I’ll dig up the photo's I took about 10 years ago for a class. It should be an interesting comparison – not so much for the cities history, but for the history of my own perception and a chance to reflect on what was interesting to me then. The shots are mostly black and white, but a couple of them I edited in Photoshop, so they have an interesting digital twist. Stay tuned!

The Jetson's Meet Art Deco. An example of the change.

Home again. There really is a great view from and of Kalamazoo from where I sit on the hill. This "scene" can be really intense certain times of the year. Spring and Fall mostly, because the leaves on the trees are gone. It's a scene I can see from the new patio I built in 2006, my kitchen (both windows), my dinning room, my bedroom and the nursery off of my bedroom. This is "Kalamazoo on Fire" from my bedroom window. The photo doesn't do it justice, but it gives you an idea!

Oats!

The night before last the cat was insistent on going into the sun room. She just wouldn’t stop pawing at the French doors. I was sick, and it irritated me because the usual routine is for me to get up and open the doors, she goes out, walks around once and comes back into the living room. Then I get back up and close the door. So I yelled (I never yell at my cat), stomped my foot, and finally threw a pillow at her. She still didn’t give up, but I did, and went to bed.

Last night, she started at it again. This time I just played the game and opened the door for her. But, instead of her playing out her usual role, she paced and cried, and paced and cried. “What is it?" I said. "Did you find a mouse?”

Nope. Didn’t bring me a mouse. (I found out this winter that she’s an excellent mouser! Then was horrified that I had mice!) I just thought to myself, “Crazy cat.” and laid back down to watch TV (I was still feeling pretty crappy) and ignored her.

Well, when I was talking with a friend last night, I went out to the sun porch myself, and there sprouted up nice and big on the bookshelf, were the oats I planted a few days ago and forgot about.

She could SMELL them! And, it was driving her crazy! So I moved them to the floor for her. Now she knows they are there, so when I got home tonight, that was the first place she wanted to go.

Miss Kitty got a bag of Oat seeds for Christmas a couple of years ago (from her cat friend Zima). She is an indoor cat, so they were a special treat. She viciously chewed them down and ripped them right out of the container as soon as they sprouted. So now I keep them away from her long enough for them to take strong root.

The folks that package them have a great label (pictured above) — it made me laugh — even before I knew how my cat would react to them — almost exactly as it was pictured! They really should have a contact info on it somewhere.

See for yourself how crazy Miss Kitty is for oats in this video. I have one from earlier this winter, but I couldn’t find it so I recorded this when I got home tonight.

Like Relgion!

Daylight savings time that is.

We follow this practice blindly without knowing why. Or rather, because of many reasons, none of which are true! It drives me up the wall. If we want an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day, move it to the end of the day and leave it there. Time has no meaning to begin with. It's a man-made construct, so who cares (besides your boss)!?

I watched Religulous the other night. Great questions, but he should have been nicer. Lots of the same information from "The God Who Wasn't There" but good to hear again. Then, when the time changed EARLY this year, I couldn't help make the comparison!

I was just reading hilarywho's blog and she mentioned a list of possible blogs. I too have one of those. Daylight savings time is one of the subjects. I knew this would be something hard for me to keep up with, so for now, this is all I've got time to say about this ridiculous practice!

Another Update on DC Voting Rights

From the League:

Amendments Stall Voting Rights Legislation

Movement of the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 through Congress has been stalled. Even though the bill passed the Senate, debate in the House has been postponed. Opponents of DC voting rights are attempting to derail the bill using an amendment that would repeal DC's gun laws. Click here to see how your Senators voted.

The vote that was scheduled for March 5 has been postponed. Now, more than ever, it is important to urge your Representative to support DC voting rights and oppose all amendments!

In order to keep you updated on all the happenings with the legislation in the House (HR 157), we're going to be posting new alerts and information on our site regularly. Click here to go straight to our action page. Check back often so you can be sure Congress knows you support DC voting rights!

Getting Closer!

The latest update about voting rights for the citizens in Washington, D.C. from The League of Women Voters:

DC Voting Rights Is Moving Quickly

The District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 is moving quickly through Congress. The Senate passed the bill late on February 26. Despite this victory, the fight is not over yet. In fact, it has only just begun! The House of Representatives is slated to begin debate on the bill and a vote is expected to be scheduled as soon as possible.

In order to keep you updated on all the happenings with the legislation in the House (HR 157) we're going to be posting new alerts and information on our site regularly. Click here to go straight to our action page. Check back often so you can be sure Congress knows you support DC Voting Rights!

Also, please send this message to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Representatives today!

BACKGROUND

Learn more what the League has done to support DC voting rights.

Sign up to receive Action Alerts directly by email. Don't miss an opportunity to take action! It's easy to sign up and the League will never share your email with others: https://member.lwv.org/Subscribe.asp.

For additional information, please contact LWVUS Grassroots Lobbyist Christina Vamvas at lobbying@lwv.org.

Action Alert #111-4, House, GLC, 02/27/09

A Non-Answer from the FCC

Obviously, they didn't read my letter. They don't answer my questions about the research in this email. But, they sent me a nice 15 page pdf file, with pictures showing you how to hook up to your outside antenna.

Oh yeah, new information about those too. Apparently "the performance of outdoor antennas can degrade over time due to exposure to the weather." So not only do you have to shell out $350 now, you'll have to do it again, in who knows how long. What a bunch of B.S.!

Here's the lengthy non-response from the FCC:

You are receiving this email in response to your inquiry to the FCC.

Dear Consumer:

During the transition to digital TV, many stations are temporarily operating at reduced power levels. If you are not receiving certain digital TV stations, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your antenna or receiver.

The digital television (DTV) transition refers to the requirement that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format on or before June 12, 2009. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. If you are having difficulty receiving digital broadcast stations in your area, try these troubleshooting tips on reception of digital signals.

Check Your Connections

o Check that your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television is connected properly. Make sure your antenna is connected to the antenna input of your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television. If using a digital-to-analog converter box, also ensure that the antenna output of your converter box is connected to the antenna input of your analog TV. Refer to the owner's manuals of your components if you are unsure of the proper connections.

o Ensure that your components are plugged in and have their power turned on.

o If you have a digital-to-analog converter box, tune your analog TV to channel 3. You should see a set-up menu or picture displayed on your TV screen. If you do not see a set-up menu or picture, tune your TV to channel 4. If you still do not see a set-up menu or picture, recheck your connections.

Perform a Channel Scan

o Digital-to-analog converter boxes and digital televisions have a button, usually on the remote control, that is labeled "set-up" or "menu" or some similar term. Press that button to access the set-up menu. Using the directional arrow buttons on your remote, scroll to the option that allows you to perform a "channel scan." The channel scan will search for digital broadcast channels that are available in your area. Consult the owner's manual of your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television for detailed instructions on how to perform a channel scan for your device.

o Once the channel scan is complete, you will be able to tune to the digital channels received by your antenna. You should perform a channel scan periodically to check whether additional digital channels have become available.

Adjust Your Antenna

o Small adjustments to your antenna can make a big difference in the number of digital channels you can receive. If you have an indoor antenna, try elevating it and moving it closer to an exterior wall of your home. After adjusting your antenna, perform another channel scan to see if your reception is improved.

o While adjusting your antenna, it may be helpful to access the "signal strength meter" on your digital-to analog
converter box or digital television to determine whether your adjustments are improving the signals' strength. The signal strength meter is usually accessed through the menu feature on your remote control. Refer to the owner's manual of your device for detailed instructions on how to access its signal strength meter. Remember to do another channel scan after you have adjusted your antenna.

o Television stations broadcasting in digital use both the VHF band (channels 2-13) and UHF band (channels 14-51). Many indoor antennas use "rabbit ears" for the VHF band and a "loop" or "bow-tie" antenna for the UHF band. Make sure you are using an antenna that covers both the VHF and UHF
bands and have connected it properly.

If You are Still Having Difficulty:

o On or before June 12. 2009, some stations will be operating at reduced power levels. If you are not receiving certain digital TV stations, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your antenna or digital to-analog converter box or digital television. Check with the TV station to find out whether they are planning changes that will improve reception.

o When an analog TV signal is weak or receives interference, static, snow, and distortion will often appear on the screen. Digital broadcasting will provide a clear picture; however, if the signal falls below a certain minimum strength, the picture can disappear. This "cliff effect" means that if you watch analog TV stations that have static and distortion, you may have to adjust or upgrade your antenna system.

o Simple indoor antennas provide minimal performance that may not be suitable for your location. If you are unable to obtain satisfactory reception with your current indoor antenna, you may wish to obtain an indoor antenna that includes features for better reception of UHF signals and/or an amplifier to boost the received signal (often referred to as an active indoor antenna).

o Generally, an outdoor antenna will get better reception than an indoor antenna. However, the performance of outdoor antennas can degrade over time due to exposure to the weather. If you are having problems, check for loose or corroded wiring, broken antenna elements and that the antenna is pointed in the right direction.

o Try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and digital-to-analog converter box or digital television as short as possible for best reception.

o "Splitters" that are used to connect a single antenna to multiple digital-to-analog converter boxes or digital televisions reduce the amount of signal available to each device. If you are having problems, check whether reception is improved without the splitter. In some cases an "active" splitter that includes an amplifier can solve the problem.

o If you are near a station's broadcast tower, reception of that station, as well as other stations, can be impeded by signal "overload." Consider using an "attenuator" or removing amplifiers to improve your reception.

o If you decide to replace or upgrade your indoor or outdoor antenna, many types are available from electronics retail stores at a variety of prices. Websites such as web.org/" target="_blank">http://www.antennaweb.org/ provide information on the locations of broadcast towers and the types of outdoor antennas appropriate for the stations you wish to receive. If you need assistance with upgrading your antenna system, check with a local antenna retailer or antenna installer.

Thank You


This e-mail contains an attachment that is in ".pdf" format. If you are unable to open this attachment, it is most likely because your computer doesn't have Adobe Reader, which is the program needed to open these types of files. You can install a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe Web site at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

Mailout Attachment Name : DTVMAILOUT.PDF (see attachment )
Representative Number : TSR55

Good News Petey! (Well, some)

Looks like our Senators are taking up an important vote for the citizens of Washington, D.C.! Petey Greene would have a lot to say about this!

Senators are poised for a critical vote on DC voting rights legislation. A cloture motion requiring the support of 60 Senators will hit the Senate floor on Tuesday, February 24. If cloture fails, the Senate will not even be able to consider this vital voting rights measure.
—From The League of Women Voters 02.19.09

Urge your Senators to Vote to give citizens of Washington, D.C. representation in Congress! It's LONG overdue.

More From LWV:

Voters in our nation's capital are not afforded the same rights as voters in the rest of the country. Citizens of the District of Columbia pay U.S. taxes, fight and die for the U.S. during wartime, and are governed by the laws that Congress passes. And yet they have no voting representation in Congress.

Read more about this, and lots of other great things too, on The League of Women Voter's website. The Kalamazoo League is one of the BEST in the country. It has the GREATEST group of women committed to making democracy work in our community. THAT'S one of the greatest untold stories of our city — maybe I'll tell it. Someone should!

AND NOW, FOR THE OUTRAGEOUSLY BAD NEWS

There was also a horrifying, racist cartoon in the New York Post today. The message was extremely ugly, and ignorant. Blatantly racist seems a mild way to describe it.

The message is terrifying. They can say it, but we can loudly object and demand action. The editor MUST be fired! Go to Color of Change to read and take action.

Switch to Digital TV Disenfranchises the Poor

Here it is — finally my rant about "the big switch" compacted into 500 words for the Gazette. I could still re-write it a million times!


In all the chatter about Digital TV, we’re only getting half the conversation. Everyone is focused on the consumer’s readiness, when the focus should be equally, if not more, on the broadcasters readiness. This narrow focus was also seen in the February 8 edition of the Gazette’s Homelife section, and in a viewpoint from the Saginaw Press.

This is not a quick set-top box fix for the estimated 15 million people who rely on receiving free broadcast news and weather. (Broadcasting that all citizens are entitled to in exchange for granting stations a license to use the public airwaves.) These millions are, for the most part, poor. They can’t afford a monthly cable bill, and certainly cannot bear the burden of the cost to install the rooftop antenna they will need to continue receiving many of the signals they now enjoy.

The most recent reports now tell us that at least 2% of viewers currently covered by existing analog signals will not receive the digital signal from the same stations. The real problem is that the FCC did not require broadcasters to duplicate their analog signals. This is crucial information citizens should have had when the conversation about this switchover began. And, it’s the missing side of the story — information broadcasters — and other media outlets — are keeping from consumers.

Michael Copps, our acting FCC Chair, was recently quoted as saying “Some consumers, through no fault of their own, are going to lose one or more channels as a result of the transition. That we did not understand this better long ago through better analysis, tests and trial runs is, to me, mind-boggling.” The FCC did testing, but the analysis was flawed because it assumed that everyone who receives analog TV has a rooftop antenna. But, the truth is that 75% of those consumers use indoor antennas (so 2% could really be 73%). The estimated cost to have a rooftop antenna installed is $350.

I discovered after hooking up my converter box, that I will loose many stations I currently rely on — two of them major networks (NBC & CBS) — stations that come in clearly for me now. It has been impossible to get an answer as to why, and I find it incredibly frustrating that this information is just now reaching the public.

According to the Associated Press, broadcasters could easily fix this “lost signal” problem through a number of options including fill-in stations. With these low cost minor adjustments by broadcasters, a converter box would be sufficient.

This “switch” will affect people with low and fixed incomes most of all. Think about people living in apartment buildings that don’t provide cable service. Even if they had the income to purchase an antenna, how would it be installed on the roof of a building shared with others? And what happens when they move?

I encourage you to write to your representatives and the FCC now. Demand that broadcasters make these easy fixes before the switch to digital TV in June.