Date: Tue, 1 Oct 1996 11:20:22 -0400

From: Elizabeth Gibbens gibbens[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]NYTIMES.COM

Subject: "Michigan Handshake"



A few months ago, Ann Landers included in her column the phrase

"Michigan handshake." She received 5,000 letters on the expression, and Mr.

Safire has decided to write about it. Does anyone know anything about its

meaning or coinage? Ms. Landers reports hearing it in the Traverse City,

MI, area. I've called several Michigan English and American Studies

Departments, and I've had no luck. Please share your ideas--thanks.

Elizabeth Gibbens

Research Assistant

Mr. William Safire, The New York Times