Opinion

The ground squirrel instinct to dart out in right in front of the only car to have passed that way in weeks, also known as nature's recipe for road pizza, is a widespread phenomenon.

Can't tell if that's a loved one or an evil cyborg replica cooking you breakfast? You need a Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. There's several of them out there -- Gotta CAPTCHA'm all!

The last time the cicadas were here, he was only nine years old. The next time the cicadas come, he'll be out of the country.

A patron's request for an overview of the concept of Baptism leads to a journey through history, symbolism and personal experience.

A simple zombie infection simulation run on a computer sparks the Week of the Living Dead, sapping the brains and the will to live from one hapless couple.

In a bold and spectacular novel-writing debut, author Alice Sebold takes on that most terrifying of subjects, the brutal murder of a child...

War is never pretty, but bad poetry is even worse. Based on the true story of a Piker Staff meeting.

Since the 2004 Presidental campaign is shaping up to be a clash of the intellectual titans, here's a little advice for both candidates to help their images.

Why don't we eat them while they're still small and tender? It can only be a miracle of nature.

In hating "The Old Man and the Sea", one comes to learn its true meaning. But it still stinks.

Long live Democracy -- despite everyone who participates. Lawmakers and politicians have always been a bunch of crooks.

Some people raise livestock because it's their job. Other people just like to eat the stuff below them on the food chain. But even the most hardened of carnivorous farmers sometimes get soft spots.

Had your fill of April Fool's jokes? Take a walk on the wild side of real life.

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?