Hello,
I am just starting to get interested in the aikido art. I have been reading alot on the whole art and find it quite intriguing to who i am and what it is all about. I live in michigan near the detroit area. Currently i am looking somewhere to start. I enjoy the aspect of aikido and what it is.
Any suggestions would be helpful. Not a whole lot around here offered in aikido.
http://www.anshinkandojo.com/aikido.htm
i found this dojo doing searches on the internet.
I am looking for help in the following areas.
1. what to look for when searching for the right dojo.
2. what differant direcitons there are in aikido. (i enjoy being able to manipulate peoples movements)
3. what books would be beneficial for me to start reading as a newbie to the scene.
4. well, basically where to start.
any constructive criticism i welcome. and i appreciate anyone who will take the time to help me.

Hi, welcome to the Forum.

Have you tried the Dojo Search function on aikiweb (http://aikiweb.com)?

There are 2 dojos in the Detroit area.

In answer to your questions:
1. what to look for when searching for the right dojo.

Find a good teacher first. Most people start by finding a dojo in their area. Whilst this is usually a convenience thing, it is not the right way to look for a dojo.

2. what differant direcitons there are in aikido. (i enjoy being able to manipulate peoples movements)

Not sure what you are asking here. Please clarify "different directions".

3. what books would be beneficial for me to start reading as a newbie to the scene.

There are lots of books on aikido by many reknown people. Try searching on Amazon.

4. well, basically where to start.

Find a good teacher first. (Your book search would have revealed some names).

differant directions...
i mean are there differant styles of aikido? if there are what should i be looking for when going to a dojo to find what they teach.
im hearing numerous styles such as "ki". should i be asking questions... what questions should i be asking.

http://www.ryokukai.com/
http://www.bushidoma.com/index.php
those are the ones i found.
the top one is 11 miles away
and the 2nd is roughly 30 miles away.
leaning toward the first one. any thoughts?

There are many "styles" of aikido. Find a dojo that will teach you the basics of standing, breathing and stepping.

"Ki" is fundamental to many MA, more importantly so in aiki. Different styles have different emphasis. The typical teaching method is to train basic technique and it is up to the student to discover the principles for themselves.

I have not trained with either of the 2 schools you listed, so I am not in any position to comment either way.

Unfortunately, MA is a personal journey. The role of the teacher is mainly that of a guide as you progress along the path of discovery.

What are your learning goals?
Why aikido?

If you can answer these questions, then you'll know what questions to ask your prospective "guide".

Good luck.