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September 9, 1999
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An early
warning
for Y2K?
k's 9-9-99
ITD anticipates no
computer problems with
9999 termination code
By Jodie Kaufman
For the Daily
A hile fears of computer melt-
n have been center on the effects
of the calender rolling to the year
2000, many computer-dependent
users think today could be a poten-
tial disaster.
The University's Information and
Technology Division checked
University computers in anticipation
of potential problems, but found
none.
ITD 2000 project manager Gloria
7ly said yesterday the "University
has tested the administrative com-
puter systems and we are not wor-
ried."
She adds that the big hype is related
to the possibility that the 9-9-99 sym-
bols will tell the computer to end or
stop its current activity. In the Cobalt
computer language, the program used
by University computers, those num-
bers equal terminate if not programmed
atrw is e . n
MattDent wh seres s ICNet's
JEREMY MENCHIK/UDaily
The Rock, located at the corner of Hill Street and Washtenaw Avenue, has been coated with so much paint since it was removed from a land-
fill in 1932 that a plaque dedicated to George Washington is still attached to the Rock but has not been seen since 1982.
BETWEE HE ROC
Tenants
strive to
kep cash
By Sarah Lewis
Daily MNit Reporter
Although many students have settled into their apartments
or houses and would like to put the hassles of moving behind
them, keeping two words in mind could keep money in their
pockets - security deposits.
The premise of security deposits is straightforward - ten-
ants put down a certain amount of money when leasing a
house or apartment. and the landlord returns the amount after
they move out, deducting money for any damage to the unit
or for unpaid rent or utilities.
LSA junior Ebony Kelley, who is an employee for the
Prime Student Housing rental company, said the landlord
will assess any damages to the unit, then take out the exact
amount it costs to make repairs.
Kelley said damages can include clothes left behind and
posters nailed to walls, as well as major repairs like broken
windows.
"If there is no damage you get the full amount back,' she
added. But LSA senior Ed Chusid, a counselor for the Ann
Arbor Tenants Union, said the return of security deposits isn't
always so simple because many tenants are not aware of their
rights.
"A lot of first-time renters are students and are taken
advantage of by landlords," Chusid said. While landlords can
legally deduct money - which technically always belongs to
the tenant, "the tenant has the legal right to contest the deduc-
tions," he said.
Tenants must notify landlords in writing of the address to
which they may return the money within four days of mov-
ing out, Chusid said. The landlord then has 30 days to return
the money or send a list of deductions.
"The key is documentation," he added, recommending that
tenants save and make multiple copies of any correspon-
dence with their landlord.
Chusid added that if tenants do not agree with a landlord's
deductions, tenants can dispute them. If the Tenants receive
no reply within 45 days after move-out, they can sue for up
to twice the amount of the original deposit.
He said some landlords make illegal deductions, including
cleaning fees, which he said landlords cannot deduct accord-
ing to the Michigan Security Deposit Act. "The law clearly
says no security deposits for cleaning," he said.
"I try to get my security deposits out" within the deadline,
said Duane Black, who has been a landlord for more than 30
years.
Black said he has not been sued over a security deposit "in,
a long time" because he works out problems with tenants
See DEPOSITS, Page 2A
AND
A HARD
PLACE
manager of net-
work opera-
tions, said "the
early '80s con-
vention of plac-
ing all the infor-
mation into one
system where by
the 9-9-99 keys
'Old signify an
end to a pro-
City struggles with tradition, vandalism
Y2K
Outlook
By Lindsey Alpert
Daily Staff Reporter
Artists beware! Ann Arbor's time-honored
tradition of painting the Rock is under fire
with a new set of city guidelines which can
land offenders with a $500 fine or the
removal of the Rock.
The Rock, located at George Washington
Park at the corner of Hill Street and Washtenaw
Avenue, traditionally has been painted with
birthday messages and Greek letters.
Officials from the City of Ann Arbor
Department of Parks and Recreation say they
support painting of the Rock, but will not tol-
erate vandalism to surrounding properties
and what they deem inappropriate behavior
in the park.
The guidelines prohibit alcoholic bever-
ages, loud noises, littering, painting anything
other than the rock, dumping paint into storm
drains or into the street, vandalism to private
property and trespassing on private property.
"There have been guidelines for a num-
ber of years," said Ron Olson, associate
city administrator/superintendent of Parks
and Recreation.
"These guidelines are being presented as a
reminder for everyone to respect the rights of
the whole community. The best way to keep the
Rock tradition is to obey these simple rules of
conduct that exist in every other park and not
to harm private property of park neighbors."
One of the park's neighbors is the Delta
Phi Epsilon sorority. The pillars at its house's
entrance are covered in paint.
A member of the Delta Phi Epsilon
sorority said the sorority members don't
even attempt to clean off the pillars
because they assume the pillars will be
vandalized again.
Alison Young, a Kinesiology junior and
Delta Phi Epsilon member said, "There
should be guidelines, but the Rock shouldn't
be removed. The Rock is a part of Michigan."
The Rock has been a University land-
mark since 1932 when Eli Gallup, superin-
tendent of parks for Ann Arbor discovered
See ROCK, Page 2A
gram are long gone, for the most
part."
The individual computer worksta-
tions mentality, the way all PC's oper-
ate, employs each computer to main-
tain its programs without the worry of
the' 9-9-99 and Y2K controversies,
Dent said.
It's the larger operating systems that
t*1 to be checked for potential trou-
ble.
Students do not seem to be too
concerned - but they are hoping
nothing too terrible will happen.
LSA sophomore Lisa Graham said
she thinks "there is some reason to
worry, but nothing to be alarmed
about."
Some students question whether
this is a legitimate problem or just
l e. LSA junior Jen Bovair said
compares the idea with an e-mail
forward claiming to act as a
fundraiser.
"It is a definite media frenzy," she
said.
Tealy explained that where there is
not good quality assurance, comput-
ers work through the 9-9-99 code as
a file deliminator and as a result ter-
minate the file. Most computers
J-uld not have difficulty but there
those that may pull off a "string
of mines"- a disaster in computer
language.
Dent said most places, besides
large data-based organizations like
hospitals, will not be affected
because all systems have been
upgraded to the individual worksta-
tion mentality.
Festifall takes over Diag
earlier than in past years
Diag delight
By Risa Berrin
Daily Staff Reporter
Today's walk through the Diag might
be a little more difficult due to the many
student groups publicizing their organi-
zations with sign-up sheets and flyers at
the annual Festifall.
The festival, held from 12 p.m. to 4
p.m., will feature more than 300 booths
representing student organizations, acad-
emic departments and community non-
profit organizations.
Festifall, an annual event for more than
15 years, is the time when organizations
introduce themselves to students.
Roger Fisher, associate director for
multiethnic student affairs, said group
organizers target first-year students.
"Festifall is one of the easiest and cel-
ebratory ways for first-year students to
connect one-on-one with student groups
and really make a connection," he said.
This year's Festifall is being held earli-
er in the school year and on a different
day of the week than usual. Fisher said
two reasons warranted a date change.
"There were some holiday concerns
and traveling concerns having it on
Friday," he said. "And many of the orga-
nizations wanted it earlier in the year so
they could get information out before
their mass meetings."
University Activities Center President
Abby Adair hopes to attract first-year
students to her booth, which will promote
UAC, the parent organization of campus
performing arts, groups like Comedy
Company and Amazin Blue.
"We're going to be passing out para-
phernalia that will describe our 13 com-
mittees and let students know about our.
auditions and mass meetings," saidAdair,
Festifall
,
Where: On the Diag
When: Noon to 4 p.m.
What: Student organizations
introduce themselves to the
University at individual tables with
literature and other items.
an LSA senior.
LSA first-year student Jenna Reed
said her resident and academic advisors
told her about Festifall.
"They told me it was a big huge gather-
ing of all different organizations and that I
had to go and check it out,' she said. "I'm
sure I'll stop by on ny way to classes"
LSA senior Edward Chusie said his
organization, the Ann Arbor Tenants Union,
is not just targeting first-year students.
See FESTIFALL Page 2A
Bollinger set for a change of pace
sy Nika Schulte
Daily Staff Reporter
Students, faculty and other University commu-
nity members looking to start off the school year
on the right foot can par-
ticipate in the
University's Third Annual
Sh Run with University
President Lee Bollinger
tomorrow morning.
Hundreds of University
community members are
expected to wind through
the 5-kilometer course in
WibncArlnats
3RD ANNUAL
./
"This is something that is unique to President
Bollinger," Kosteva said.
Kosteva said Bollinger often uses the campus'
track facilities, but this event creates an opportuni-
ty for fun and fellowship for the entire University
community.
LSA senior Julia Sutherland said although she
has missed the event in past years, she is planning
ahead this year and will be running with a few of
her friends, including other members of the LSA
student government.
Sutherland said she is excited about the oppor-
tunity to run with the president because such
events make faculty and staff members seem
expects more pairs of sneakers at the starting line
because many student groups and residence halls
have encouraged participation.
Registration for the run will
be held in the Burnham House
in Arb beginning at 7 a.m.
Those who registers early will
receive T-shirts commemorat-
ing the event.
The run will begin an hour
later at the Washington
Heights entrance to the Arb,
which is located behind Mary
Markley Residence Hall, and
Rntlnoarwill co~nclude with refresh-
i
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