0 0 0 The'U' A year of pomp gives the U' oi of tor BY STEVE KNOPPER The University is like a well-oiled machine, Vice President for Government Relations Richard Kennedy said last January. It chugs on, no matter who the driver is. In 1988, though, the University built up an unprecedented list of replacement parts. By year's end, there was a new president, provost, chief fi- nancial officer, athletic director, Dearborn chancellor, and edu- cation school dean. Openings sprang up for the posts of LSA dean, engineering dean, communications director, Affirmative Action Office director, Residential College director, and Gen- eral Counsel. Some of these positions were vacated because workers tend to change jobs when they receive a new supervisor, or in this case, president. Others opened because workers moved up to higher positions, leaving their former posts. James Duderstadt, for example, dropped his title of "provost" and exchanged it for "president." 1988 was a transition year for the University. It bridged the gap between the presidencies of Harold Shapiro, who left to head Princeton University in 1987, and Duderstadt, who will start his first full year in 1989. And Kennedy was right. The machine kept running. But it needed something to keep it on track until it could hire a new driver. While the University's Board of Regents searched for Shapiro's replacement, a familiar gray-haired figure hauled his electric typewriter to the driver's seat in the Fleming Administration Building. Interim President Robben Fleming, who led the University during some tumultuous times - from 1967 to 1978 - ush- ered in the 1988 New Year. Many expected him to simply sit and watch while the University kept running. But Fleming came in with an agenda to tie up some of the loose ends left by Shapiro. Fleming was in a powerful position. He had already proven himself as president in the last two decades, and his only bosses were the regents, who were all elected while he was nachine rolls on and protest, 1988 ir newest leaders morrow president or after he had left. And he was to depart as soon as the new president took over. In short, Fleming had free reign. During his very first week as interim president, he proposed a policy which student ac- tivists had been resisting for years. The policy, which led to a year of protests and rallies, would punish students accused of harassment or discrimination. Fleming and his supporters called the plan a first step to- ward combatting incidents of campus racism. His opponents labelled it a code of non-academic conduct and an erosion of student rights. The Michigan Student Assembly represented the latter view. Then-President Ken Weine and Vice President Wendy Sharp tried to build a "united front" of students against Flem- ing's policy. A new, loud student voice against the policy emerged dur- ing the debate. Former MSA Student Rights Committee chair Michael Phillips was the force behind many of the protests. At forums, regents' meetings, and rallies, Phillips spoke softly, but never backed down. Phillips was elected MSA president in March after his main opponent dropped out because of embez- zlement charges. Many of the "no coders," though, found themselves at odds with anti-racism activists, who. grudgingly admitted that Fleming's proposal at least partially addressed some of their demands. Several student groups, such as the Black Law Stu- dent Alliance and the Black Student Union, submitted detailed critiques of the policy. As Fleming revised his proposal, the policy's vocal opposition dwindled. The first draft of the policy prompted a protest of about 300 student and city activists. It drew fire from the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and some city coun- cilmembers and state legislators for chilling free speech. But when the regents voted on Fleming's final draft in April, only about 20 protesters showed up, including Phillips and MSA Vice President Susan Overdorf. Despite clapping and chanting, which forced the regents to close the meeting to the public, and Regent Veronica Smith's insistence that the policy was "vague" and poorly written, it passed, 5-2. FILM Continued from Page 5 biblical films in favor of streetwise accents. Finally, a biblical movie that doesn't talk down to its viewers. The Thin Blue Line - Ostensibly a documentary about justice gone wrong, this film plays around with the genre. It leaps between standard talking-head test- imonies and highly stylized reenactments of events linked to the murder of a Dallas cop and the conviction of a possibly innocent man. Director Erroll Morris deftly blurs the distinction between documentary and fiction film, thus proving how easily "the facts" can be manipulated - by a filmmaker or a prosecutor. Wings of Desire - This fairy tale for grownups is one ci the most beautifully realized movies of this or any year. Director Wim Wenders ventures into realms where filmmakers rarely tread - into peoples' secret thoughts, through seemingly impenetrable barriers - and takes us along for the exhilarating ride. Bruno Ganz is wonderful as an angel who longs to be human. Mark Shaiman 10.A Player To Be Named Later - Some of the films touted to be some of the best of 1988 have not yet reached Ann Arbor, primarily Mississippi Burning. So number ten is actually a floating position. 9.Who Framed Roger Rabbit? - Maybe not the best storyline, but a genuine feast for the eyes. What is more exciting than this film is the possible advancements to follow. And Bob Hoskins stole the show from the Bugs Bunny clone, at least for me. 8.The Thin Blue Line - Film has the potential to do important things, and this film makes full advantage of this opportunity. Because of Erroll Morris' documentary, the murder case has been reopened and an innocent man may be set free. And if that's not enough reason to include it in the top ten, then the creativity that's been added to the normal documentary style is. 7.The Accidental Tourist - William Hurt again turns in an incredible performance. And Geena Davis is nearly as good. A great novel becomes a great film., 6.Eight Men Out - Director John Sayles knew exactly what he wanted from this film and he got it. He is one of the few American directors that doesn't just film a story, but creates a film. 5.Ilairspray - I never thought it! would happen, but John Waters made a film with class (well... except for a scene or two). Divine is terrific and the film is just a whole lot of fun. 4.Rain Man - It's been said before and it'll be said again, so one more time won't hurt: Dustin Hoffman is astounding. And Director Barry Levinson has kept a straight-edge on the film, preventing it from becoming sappy, and rendering it meaningful. 3.Married to the Mob - Like Hairspray, this film is just a lot of fun. Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Modine get to ham it up in their roles of an ex-mobsters' ex-wife and a CIA agent. Director Demme likes to try new genres and styles with each of his films and he always seems to get it right. 2.Salaam Bombay! - The brilliant colors-in this film are in stark contrast to the bleak lives the characters lead. But this film shines far above most of the rest this year, even though it's not one of the happiest movies around. 1.Wings of Desire - This story about angels on earth may have been heaven-sent itself. Wim Wenders delves into the minds of mortals through the minds of immortals and thus brings the film to life. And Peter Falk has the best cameo role of the year - as himself. John Shea 10.The Manchurian Candidate (1962, re-released) - Putting this on the list may be cheating, but it sure was fun to watch. Angela Lansbury steals the screen from Frank Sinatra - no small feat. 9.Shame - The best treatment of the subject of rape was not The Accused but this outstanding film from Australia. 8.The Year My Voice Broke - Touching import from Australia centering around a young boy in love. 7.Die Hard - Bruce Willis is a surprisingly strong dramatic presence in this non-stop roller coaster ride. 6.The Naked Gun - Can you remember the last time you laughed so hard? 5.Things Change - Does anyone question David Mamet's right to be called America's best screenwriter? 4.Rain Man - Yes. Dustin is good. Very good. So is Tom. 3.The Good Mother - The most underrated film of the year, starring Diane Keaton. The film is slightly condescending but always compeling, and keaton is a real tour deforce here. 2.Wings of Desire - Wenders works on creative overdrive. Among the more notable technical accomplishments here is the stunning black and white photography. 1.Who Framed Roger Rabbit? - The plague of bad writing which New Republic film critic Stanley Kauffman cites as responsible for the decline of American cinema (read: piss-poor screenplays) reached into the farthest corner of 1988 releases, infiltrating any would-be top ten list - including this one. It only seems right that in a year where performance reigns over well-developed stories, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, a landmark in technical achievement, should be the Best of '88. The synthesis of live action and animation has never been so seamless - or entertaining. A pure joy. My list is flawed because I haven't seen, among other films, Salaam Bombay!, The Thin Blue Line, and Mississippi Burning. The latter is said to have the inside track for Best Picture. Tony Silber What's in a year? 1988 offered a lot to forget, not remember, especially in the field of motion picture entertainment. It was the year of Cyndi Lauper's first role, Pee Wee Herman's second, and Rambo's third. It was a year of bad writing and weak direction. Although out of this forgetful slew of cinema, a few bright lights worthy of recognition did shine from the brain trusts in Tinseltown. 10.The Accidental Tourist - A cross between Ordinary People, Tern and give som 9.Tuck thru you of a byg piec 8.The grea terr: doc shar brai 7.Patt dra Am poli cul kid 6.Stat Oln imf det< on 5.A F Pyt triu Inn off per ger 4Die mo any we mo 3.MiG and cor Hil are ple 2.Ra. ret In his inaugural speech in October, Duderstadt outlined plans to carry the 'U' into the 21st century Fleming blazed a path for his successor. The new president would have to deal with these issues, but he could continue along Fleming's trail instead of initiating his own controver- sial action. Thus, Duderstadt would not have to confront stu- dent opposition as directly as Fleming did. In July, for example, Fleming shocked a smaller student body by proposing that Washtenaw County deputize the Uni- versity's safety officials. He also proposed that the University Council, a nine- member panel comprised of students, administrators, and fac- ulty members, be disbanded. The council previously wrote and approved all University conduct rules, although Fleming by- passed it when he wrote his own anti-discrimination policy. Once again, student activists were outraged, protesting that such actions trampled their rights. But they were unable to sway the regents, whose votes made Fleming's proposal Uni- versity policy. Last September, Duderstadt took office and had a lot to prove. And as he moves into 1989, he still does. First, he must silence the critics who felt he didn't deserve the job in the first place. Last May, when the presidential search was nearing an end, the Ann Arbor News and the De- troit Free Press filed suit against the regents. The newspapers said the regents broke the state's Open Meetings Act by meeting with candidates in larger-than-quo- rum groups of regents. But the regents chose Duderstadt in June, before the suit went to court. Though the search took place in private, it was later re- vealed that Duderstadt may have placed behind New York Public Library Director Vartan Gregorian on some of the re- gents' lists. The News reported that Regent Deane Baker (R- Ann Arbor) disillusioned Gre- -gorian after calling and urging z him not to come to Michigan.. Duderstadt's selection spurred several campus reac- tions. The regents, many alumni, and the executive offi- cers showered him with com- pliments. Others, like many members of the student search advisory committee and some vocal faculty members, said he ranked dead last on their lists. Duderstadt's supporters praise his speedy, hard-hitting approach and his good-natured style of getting things done. His opponents criticize his background as engineering dean, saying his selection will hamper the humanities and tilt the research-teaching balance See UNIVERSITY, Pa e 13 music Continued from Page 4 Mike Rubin Best Heavy Metal Album By Jazz Musicians: Last Exit, Iron Path. Ultra-abrasive total im- prov skree that makes Sonic Youth sound like Poison. Best Treading of Water: Di- nosaur Jr., Bug. Sounds a little bit too much like last year's You're Living All Over Me (Neil Young with an M-80 in his butt), but since that LP was a mighty fine listen, this one's a winner as well. Most Ominous Trend Among Independent Labels: Onslaught of Big Black-inspired clone/spin-off bands. Less than a year after the demise of the Weekly World News-damaged Evanston trio, a veritable deluge of densely pro- duced, drum machine-based noise- makers has glutted the record shelves, led by Steve Albini's pre- dictably-titled Rapeman. Big Black's use of a drum machine has liberated every misunderstood musician/ mis- creant too anti-social or one-dimen- sional to find a full set of band- mates, and thus created an entire army of one-man bands, minus the accordion and glockenspiel. Other offenders include Arsenal, Flour, Bitch Magnet, Bastro, and My Dad Is Dead. Biggest Disappointment: Metallica, ...And Justice For All. Closer to Wagner than speed metal. Homeric epic length songs belong in Great Books courses, not rock al- bums. Biggest Joke: U2 discovering the blues. Prospector's outfits and trips to Elvis' studios do not a roots band make. Go back to standing on top of buildings, boys. Best Record to Wag, Wag, Wag Your Hair To: G r e e n River, Rehab Doll. Rocks-era Aero- smith to the nth-degree. If you grow it, throw it. Runners-Up: Mud- honey, Superfuzz Bigmuff, and Halo of Flies, Headburn. Comeback of the Year: There is no such thing as a musical comeback: When you stink, you stink. Best Cover Version: It's hard to overlook Einsturzende Neubau- ten's romp through the Grateful Dead chestnut "Morning Dew," but feedtime's massacre of Animals', Rolling Stones', Beacr Boys', and Stooges' songs on their all-covers LP Cooper S renders those oh-so- familiar tunes so thoroughly unre- cognizable that they win this award hands down. Frisbee of . the Year (A Registered Trademark of the Whammo Co.): Wire, A Bell Is A Cup. Even worse than last year's The Ideal Copy, if that can be be- lieved. Dire, plodding, facile, and slick. If the band continues at this pace, they'll completely erase their late '70s accomplishments and repu- tations by this time next year. Best evidence that golf is all that middle- aged musicians should play. Biggest Yawn: The Guns N' Roses phenomenon. I guess they're pretty raucous for mall rock, but compared to nearly any riffmeister on Seattle's Sub Pop label, G n' R are just bandanas and booze. Even if you couldn't care less about "inde- pendent" label rock, if you have a predilection for the raw riff thang, make it your business to check out Green River, Mudhoney, Soundgar- den, and Tad. Chuck Skarsaune Stuff I liked: Shows: Metallica, Cobo Hall (Detroit), November Guns n' Roses, State Theatre (Detroit), May Terence Trent D'Arby, Royal Oak Music Theatre, April Big Name LP's: Metallica, ..And Justice For All Keith Richards, Talk Is Cheap Seduce, Too Much...Ain't Enough Local Stuff: Junk Monkeys, Kick Out The Jelly Holy Cows, Greener Sidewalks Best Band: Guns n' Roses (national) Holy Cows (local) Stuff I didn't like: U2 - the band, the movie, the al- bum, the Book, the whole thing. Anyone named Martin Television - rock videos, network anything. Mark Swartz I'm doing my best to forget 1988, but there may be some thera- peutic value in re-living the year in. music. Here's what I remember: Most Daring Dylan covers: Guns 'N' Roses - "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" U' corpo a...") Bi of Fn M Con Fo St R cept - V S Faitl S To ] Way ID Johr "Till (0. Man The Gol Lenn N Hum 13 Interim President Robben Fleming and students saunter back to the presidential residence on South University after the Regents passed the Discriminatory Acts policy at their April meeting. PAGE 6 WEEkEND/JANUARY '131989. WEEKEND/JANUARY-43,1989