COUCH THEATER —DVD PREVIEWS By DNA SMITH PICK OF THE WEEK “The Back to the Future Trilogy” — One of the biggest blockbusters of the mid-’80s is being re-released this week. Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, a high-school student who uses Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) time-traveling DeLorean to travel back and forth in time — from the 1980s to the 1880s to 2015. If you don’t already have the trilogy in your collection, this is as good a time as any to buy, since the discs are being sold individually at a reduced … [Read more...] about COUCH THEATER — DVD PREVIEWS
CELEBRITY EXTRA
CELEBRITY EXTRA By Cindy Elavsky Q: It seems like ages ago that the brass at NBC announced that Conan O’Brien would be taking over “The Tonight Show.” When is that supposed to happen? — Brandon W., Charleston, S.C. A: Conan O’Brien is set to take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties in June. Last month he addressed the Television Critics Association about how “The Tonight Show” will change when he comes aboard. He explained: “I want to make sure I don’t overthink it. Television is changing drastically. I want to … [Read more...] about CELEBRITY EXTRA
Soap Updates 2-16
SOAP UPDATES By Dana Block ALL MY CHILDREN Amanda panicked after learning she was carrying David’s child. At Ryan’s request, Opal told Greenlee that it was safe for her to get married. Kendall kept her eye on Reese around Zach. Frankie agreed to doctor the results of Amanda’s pregnancy test. Aidan suspected there was a past connection between Dr. Sinclair and Richie. Wait to See: Annie hides in the shadows as Greenlee prepares to marry Ryan. AS THE WORLD TURNS Paul kidnapped Eliza during Meg’s meeting … [Read more...] about Soap Updates 2-16
Sue Suchyta 2-8
Laugh a lot at Spamalot: Mont Python returns to the Fisher By Sue Suchyta The Motor City can always use a good laugh, especially with winter and economic storm clouds closing in. And what better time to take the advice of one of “Spamalot’s” irreverent songs that urges us to, “Always look on the bright side of life?” The Tony- and Grammy-Award-winning musical is in town at the Fisher Theatre through Feb. 15, so don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss getting a dose of restorative laughter and comedy. “Spamalot” is … [Read more...] about Sue Suchyta 2-8
Cigarette smuggling rampant in Michigan
Michigan’s high excise tax on cigarettes causes a variety of criminal activity, including smuggling, violence and the funding of terrorist activity. The solution is to lower, not increase, cigarette taxes. By MICHAEL D. LaFAIVE On Nov. 13, 2008, more than 150 law enforcement officers were involved in a major bust of 18 people involved in trafficking contraband cigarettes in the Detroit area. According to the Detroit Free Press, the smuggling ring involved “104,300 cartons of illegal cigarettes worth more than $2 … [Read more...] about Cigarette smuggling rampant in Michigan
Shoddy road work should not be brushed aside easily
There is no shortage of issues facing Michigan’s roadways. Falling gas tax revenues have crippled maintenance budgets. A highest-in-the-country vehicle weight limit pulverizes main arteries. And the annual pavement-eating slurry of snow and salt, followed by a hyperactive freeze-thaw cycle, combine to make for a never-ending game of maintenance catch-up. So as governments struggle to figure out how best to bandage the bullet wounds that are our roads, the last thing needed is a shoddy job once those scarce funds … [Read more...] about Shoddy road work should not be brushed aside easily
Dingell to reach longevity milestone this week
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Sunday Times Newspapers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn) is set to achieve a unique milestone this week, when he will take over the title of longest-serving House member in history. On Wednesday, Dingell will surpass former Mississippi Congressman Jamie Whitten for the singular distinction. The historic occasion will occur earlier than first thought, however, as House historians initially had the date pegged for Valentine’s Day. But a day-by-day count of their time in … [Read more...] about Dingell to reach longevity milestone this week
Mayor’s youth council plans more events
TAYLOR — Members of the largest Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council in the city’s history are planning a variety of events with their peers in mind. The 23-member council consists of students from Harry S Truman and John F. Kennedy high schools and Trillium Academy, all in Taylor. The group just finished staging an overnight “lock-in” at the Taylor Recreation Center that drew 200 seventh- through 12th-graders who played basketball, wallyball, racquetball and video games, sang karaoke, worked out and enjoyed performances by … [Read more...] about Mayor’s youth council plans more events
Mother of abandoned baby comes forward
By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — Police now know the identity of the woman who left her newborn baby at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital Jan. 28. The woman, whose name and age are not being released, left her infant daughter wrapped in a blanket inside a public bathroom sink at the hospital about 2 p.m. Jan. 29. The baby was found shortly after. Police say the baby is less than two weeks old and appears to be in good health. She has been turned over to Wayne County Child Protective … [Read more...] about Mother of abandoned baby comes forward
Board criticized over separate counsel
By BROOKE STEVENSON Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE — The recent decision by the Wyandotte Public Schools Board of Education to hire its own legal counsel caught criticism during Tuesday’s meeting. The district already has spent $48,000 of the $60,000 legal budget for the year on the current firms, Thrun Law Firm and Clark Hill PLC. The board’s Jan. 20 vote authorized $10,000 of the remaining budget for new counsel for members, separate from that of the district. The Jan. 20 vote was 4-2 to hire separate counsel, … [Read more...] about Board criticized over separate counsel