Sun

SUN

The Sun has finally come out of Pisces, which means that spring is in the air. Read all about it in what we expect to be a monthly astrology column on page 21. Richard Nixon is coming closer to his doom daily, his efforts to clear his name sinking him deeper into the mud instead: Phil Ochs talks about impeachment on page 17. A $5 marijuana law, rent control and the third annual hash bash are the big stories for the next two weeks; see page 5 and our special Election supplement with endorsements in the middle of this paper. The Republicans on City Council may actually vote for an effective anti-rape proposal. That's on page 11. Have you noticed that the streets beneath are full of gaping pits: Page 7. The Ann Arbor SUN will be three years old on May 1.

Judge Chuck Ravitz of Detroit Recorders Court has sentenced the manager of the meat department of a Wrigley's inner city store to one day in jail for selling customers short-weighted meat. In sentencing the man, Ravitz said that he viewed the crimes of corporations more seriousiy than those of individuals. Ravitz said that the Chairman of the Board of Wrigley may be subject to a jail sentence as well. Ravitz was elected to his post last year.

Speaking of elections, the City Council races and ballot proposals come up for a vote April Fools (that's Clyde Colburn on the cover in the medieval fool's outfit). For those of you with children, the Childen's Community Center will be offering baby-sitting service on election day. Details on the service can be found exactly o the right of this weirdo column.

SPOTS

Attention Ypsilanti readers! If all goes according to plan, hick Ypsilanti won't be known as Ypsi-tucky anymore, for on April First Ypsi-ites can vote for $5 weed. The proposal has a good chance of passing, but only if large numbers of students and other dopers turn out in droves at the polls. If you live in Ypsi and are interested in helping to promote the ballot proposal contact Dave Nicholson at 481-0592 or Harold at 482-3654.

Well it's finally happened. McDonald's has become the largest food outlet in America, outstripping the US Army, which is second. McDonald's last year sold $1.03 billion worth of "food." A recent survey also showed that 96% of American school-children can identify Ronald McDonald, placing him second behind Santa Claus.

In court this week, Tribal Funding's attempt to reclaim the $16,000 Council Republicans stole from a fund intended for the recreation of a People's Ballroom is gaining ground. Judge Patrick Conlin has ruled that Clyde Colburn must give a sworn statement to the Tribal attornies. The City Attorney had asked that the statement-giving be delayed until after the election, obviously to keep the issue cooled out and quiet. Conlin will rule on the city's motion to dismiss the case on March 27th at the County Building.

A major state-wide anti-rape conference will be held in Ann Arbor March 23 at the unlikely scene of the American Legion Hall, 1035 S.Main. See the article on page 10 or call the Women's Crisis Center, 761-Wise. for details.

There ís a new bus line that will be running between Ann Arbor and YPsilanti going down Washtenaw. For the exact route, call the Transportation Authority at 665-7701. Seattle, Washington has taken a tip from socialist Cuba and instituted a free bus system for their entire downtown area.

The University has announced that it will raise dorm rates by 8%. In 1969 students were paying $1,000 average in dorm rentals for 2 semesters. In 1972 students payed $1300, and next year they will be paying at least $1400. Students in South Dakota recently won a decision from their State Supreme Court that said it was unconstitutional for the state university to require students to live in University Housing. We need rent control. We need tenant control.

On WABX FM, Sunday, March 24 at 9pm, Ann Arbor's own Lisa Gottlieb will host a show featuring great women in music. Ruth Etting, Helen Morgan, Jane Fromann, Fanny Brice, Billie Holliday, Bette Midler, Janis Joplin, LaVern Baker, and Dinah Washington will all be featured. Lisa's show will be heard every two weeks. ABX is also sponsoring its annual Kite In and Balloon Fly on Sunday, April 7 at the Scott Fountain area of Belle Isle in Detroit. Last year 50,000 turned out for the occasion on the site of the original 1967 Detroit Love In, where the Psychedelic Rangers were founded.

Music to mend the soul and fulfill the mind is happening all over Southeastern Michigan. Here are some tids and tads meriting special attention. The Temptations will be in Ypsilanti April 5th. Johnny Winter & Brownsville Station play Cobo Hall on April 6th. J. Geils and the ultra-sonic Rockets will shake, rattle and roll Crisler Arena on Wednesday, April l0th. Gladys Knight and the Pips with the Persuasions hit Crisler April 18th in yet another UAC Daystar presentation. Big doins' in Toledo -- the Blues Extravaganza at the Sports Arena will host Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Hound Dog Taylor, BoBoJenkins & One String Sam on April 5th. Dr. John & Captain Beefheart play the same arena April 19th, once again with the Rockets. Back to Detroit jams -- genius pianist McCoy Tyner plays the Strata Concert Gallery at 46 Selden April 5th and 6th.

It gets pretty funky behind the sceens in the Music Biz. A while back Grand Funk Railroad broke away from their manager Terry Knight, who responded by filing a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the band. Soon more suits and counter-suits were filed. Well a settlement in the case has finally been reached. Terry gets to keep the band's tax-break oil wells and Grand Funk gets to keep its name.

In upcoming issues of the SUN we will be featuring interviews with Jr. Walker, Koko Taylor, the late John Coltrane, J. Geils and Charlie Haden. If you have any suggestions or comments on our musical coverage, please drop a line this way.

Special Bonus to Streetsalespeople; Sell 100 SUNS and Get a Free Album. See the back cover for details. There wasn't much room for this column this week, but SUNSPOTS will return on Friday, April 5th.