Opinion

<b>At Elf's House.</b>

The life of a reference librarian isn't as easy as it looks. They teach you how to find the answers to any and every question in the years of extensive schooling the position requires, but when it comes to learning how to deal with the public, you're on your own.

Who are you? Are you what you are or what you do?

<b>Good Morning, Squirrel.</b> Squirrels stay out of focus now that grown-up eyes can see them more clearly.

Have you managed to keep to those New Year's Eve resolutions? Unless you carved them in stone or signed a contract in blood, there's still time to make some new ones that might be greatly appreciated.

Mankind's place on the food chain is in serious jeopardy. If you didn't pick up on that by the fact that Joe Millionaire got a second season, then let the "ant incident" clear any doubt from your mind.

Still smug after all these years... Tom Robbins writes, are we still reading him?

<b>Change, and I don't mean two dimes and a nickel. </b>Approaching adulthood and turning sixteen is a big deal when you vividly remember so many details from being a child. Still, in the end, it's just the process of becoming who you are, but a little more so.

<b>Good morning, sunflowers. </b>Sunflowers are everywhere in Hamtramck, evoking memories of the past.

Oh, sure, you could be like the rest of those sheep and try to make yourself a better person this year. Or you could come up with a list of resolutions like these and be the same person you were last year -- just more so.

What could make a holiday with the relatives even better? Add a pirate you've picked up on the rebound and plenty of rum balls. A glimpse of some fond memories from Christmas Past.

A young woman achieves her majority in a place she never expected. A place her deceased father knew very well. Is it just a coincidence?

<i>"...hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir." "Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.</i> We all remember that line from <i>A Christmas Carol</i>, and we all think that Scrooge was a stingy jerk. How does that play out in real life?

<b>Good morning, glories! </b>Backyard views from alleys and trains show us a soft, vulnerable view of life. We are sneaking in the back door, spying on real lives.

Forget about the arms race -- America's problem is lagging behind in the hair race. Our men (and women) can't make the grade when it comes to growing stuff on their face.

The final Mes de los Muertos piece. A story about the struggle between a man of good and a chicken of evil. Thank God for the wooden leg.

A letter of loss and hope, from generation to generation.

I am standing on my back porch, marveling at what turns out to be a sunrise as beautiful as the ones on vacation, over lakes, or fields of green. Marveling, because this is a Hamtramck sunrise, and it's never occurred to me before that crumbly urban areas had such things as sunrises. Or sunsets.

Several Filthy Pikers attempt to explain the madness that overcomes them in November.

A held-over tale for Dia de los Muertos detailing the adventures of two young men who grew up to enforce curfews for their own children. With good reason.

Another Mes de los Muertos piece. The life, death, and remembrance of Great-Uncle Buddy teaches a sharp lesson. We're not sure what, but it's probably a good one.

An introduction to Dia de los Muertos and some food for thought.

The race is on! Who will win? Who will fall to the sidelines in disgrace or defeat? And what will befall us all 28 days from now? Only time will tell...

Looking for a "bunker buster" to roust terrorists out of their underground hideouts? Forget the nukes, go with little creepy-crawly things. Alex's dad can attest to their effectiveness.

Is nothing safe anymore? Safe from warning labels, that is.

An object lesson in why it doesn't pay to brag in the near vicinity of your dog.

Line 'em up, barkeep! Let us tell you the stories of our lives, and keep your eye on that glass!

Sand drags Bernie off to the movie theater again. "Look honey, this one has horses and fish and shotguns in it! I call that a Must See!"

Sand drags Bernie off to the movie theater again. "Look honey, this one has horses and fish and shotguns in it! I call that a Must See!"

How do I love the dry white wine called Pinot Grigio? MMmmm, let me count the ways!