There's only one star in this singer's life

Melody Anderson would like you to listen to her new CD, but it's OK if you don't, because she pretty much recorded it for an audience of one. Or two, if you count her. - 11/16/2009

• Audio: Clip of Melody Anderson's 'Fantasy Land'
• Audio: Clip of Melody Anderson's 'It's Not What It Use To Be'

Actress Rita McKenzie sees a lot to like in Michigan

People keep telling Rita McKenzie they're surprised her show was so much fun. It makes you wonder why they'd popped for a $39.50 ticket in the first place, but it's the same thing McKenzie keeps saying about Michigan. - 11/12/2009

Kids learn to bake pies in fundraiser for autism

It seems to Renee Clark that pie-making has skipped a generation. Grandma can bake, but mom can no more roll a crust than she can roll a hoop down the street with a stick. - 11/10/2009

Bookstock to raise funds for literacy, education projects

In my role as honorary co-chair of Bookstock -- the title sounds so much nicer than "persistent and annoying shill" -- I'm frequently asked how to donate merchandise for Metro Detroit's largest used book and media sale. - 11/10/2009

Lions VP of communications tackles Oxford school board

Oxford High School has hired a basketball coach and an athletic director since Bill Keenist joined the school board last summer, and in both cases, he suggested a question to ask the candidates: "How do you define winning?" - 11/09/2009

Chinese food and optimism fuel VIP Pancake Breakfast

In a huge warehouse that smelled like breakfast Friday, the Wayne County Executive talked about unidentifiable Chinese food, and the smallest "Biggest Loser" made something only vaguely recognizable as a flapjack. Syrup and optimism reigned. - 11/08/2009

I-75 work means limbo for Mexicantown's Mercado project

Fern Espino looks out at the orange plastic construction fence in front of the Mexicantown Mercado and pictures happy shoppers strolling past a burbling fountain. That's the optimistic view. - 11/05/2009

Polar Bears' chilling story

The 5,500 men of the North Russian Expeditionary Forces -- the Polar Bears, they eventually called themselves -- are all long gone and mostly forgotten. But as wars drag on in the Middle East and their purposes come more and more into question, it's worth remembering that protests did not begin with Vietnam and that, in 1919, the government listened. - 11/03/2009

• In Detroit History: Detroit's Polar Bears and their confusing war
• YouTube video: 339th Infantry Regiment in northern Russia 1918-1919

Downtown tailor Orlando Nalli hangs up his chalk

The last time Orlando Nalli left downtown, he told himself he was making a statement. Now he's leaving again, and the only statement involved is this one: "It's time to be free." The namesake of Orlando Clothiers turns 70 in a few weeks. He's been working since he was 10 1/2. - 11/02/2009

• Neal Rubin's blog
• More columns from Neal Rubin

Election Preview
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Trucks rule on Kauai

The only Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealer on Kauai sold every Lincoln MKS sedan he ordered this year: a grand total of one. It was cinnamon-colored. - 10/29/2009

For boy, grandpa's surgery nothing to take for granted

Harold Jackson Jr. made it to age 83 with original parts, but last week the former automotive publicist went into the shop at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak for an aftermarket knee. - 10/15/2009

Automotive Hall of Fame deserves everyone's attention

As far as Jeff Leestma is concerned, the 241 assorted pioneers, visionaries and geniuses who've been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame should be instantly recognizable. Kids should collect their trading cards and pets should carry their names: "Here, Gottlieb Daimler! Here, boy!" That's not going to happen -- but we could at least stop by once in a while. - 10/12/2009

• Neal Rubin's blog
• More columns from Neal Rubin

Nobody likes drivers who text -- and some don't like motorcycle helmets

Some stuff, we simply won't all agree on -- where the peanut butter goes in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, for instance. (My strong personal belief: on the bottom.) Or motorcycle helmets. When it comes to texting while involved in personal transportation, however, we are very nearly united. - 10/11/2009

Beggar or ambassador? Lifting drivers' spirits is William Carter's goal

At first, William Carter admits, he was a beggar. He'd pilot his three-wheeled electric scooter to the corner and hold up a sign: "Disabled. Please help." Or something like that. It's been so long, he doesn't remember exactly what he wrote. But there's no sign anymore, and no beggar, either, not the way he sees it. - 10/08/2009