Opinion

Cover story. The theme for this summer is "back to nature," so throw away your razor and let it all grow out! An April Fools Day spoof.

How come high school sports stick to things like football and tennis when there are so many more interesting activities out there?

A new author finds that the road to publication is not paved with good intentions but instead involves a lot of anxiety, tears, sleepless nights and good vodka. A look at the process of producing an honest-to-goodness book, from proposal to the triumphant, Valium-assisted book signing.

<b>Beeing.</b>

A Hamtramck fix to tide everyone over until next week. A look at a Detroit neighborhood during a power outage.

From before the primaries, a look at the 2004 Presidential Campaign for Dummies

In spring, one woman's fancy turns not to love, but to the possibility of tasting a tomato again.

For better or for verse, some people's sense of "art" hasn't evolved out of the Stone Ages. Has Robert Frost written some stupid poetry? Some Neanderthals think so.

<b>Home in Hamtramck.</b>

A look behind the scenes at one of the most influential individuals within the ranks of the Filthy Pikers. It is her birthday, after all. How could this be passed up?

Fashion. Gossip. Lattes. Is there any better office for a writer than a small table in the corner of a coffee shop? Maybe.

<b>Immaculate Conception.</b>

It's a mad, mad, mad cow ridden world out there. A simple trip to donate blood turns into an eye opening experience.

<b>Kitty, Kitty.</b>

At forty-three years of age, there's no reason to feel guilty about not practicing all week come the Wednesday night piano lesson. After all, who is paying who? ...Just keep telling yourself that.

We can teach people how to do linear algebra, how to map the human genome, and how to split atoms. But how many people know how to recognize True Love(tm) when they see it? In honor of Valentine's Day, this humble author offers a clue.

Sure, you could buy a Ferrari Enzo for $670,000. Or you could purchase a Geo Metro for $8,000. When the chips are down, how do you get the most mind-blowing automotive fun for your money?

<b>Good Morning, Puggles.</b>

When real estate agents get out of hand, there's only one thing to do. Train crocodiles to eat them.

What do you get for the relative who hates everything? Here are a few gift ideas that prove it is infinitely better to give than to receive.

Karen and Katie were best friends for a while, as much as sisters can be until families start dividing -- husband from wife, sister from sister. The girls separated as the parents did. It just took more time.

<b>A tree essay.</b>

An innocent question at the Reference Desk yields an answer that has particular relevance and controversy for today. The Writ of Habeas Corpus is all about ensuring people's constitutional rights weren't violated. For a librarian, the first thing this brings to mind is the recent Patriot Act.

Love and the editors of romance novels are blind. It's one thing to enjoy a good book or a good game, but why are we compelled to suffer through crap?

There is fashion magazine winter, and then there is real winter. Don't be fooled by imitations!

I was taught manners as a child. Some I've disregarded as unnecessary over the years, but some seem as natural to me as breathing. Yet still, it seems that common courtesy is more and more disregarded as time goes by. Am I the last courteous person on earth?

Christmas isn't about snow and the decorations. No, it's about people clawing and scratching and gouging each other's eyes out in the shopping centers.

<b>Not a Pet.</b>

Dust off some Thanksgiving leftovers this week and learn how giving a relative their 'just desserts' can affect your family karma. Then give it to 'em anyway.

We've been wanting to try this restaurant for years. At last we had the time to spare, at the right time of day, and the properly dressy clothes -- time to check out the fabulous One Market Restaurant!