December 2008

45 Presents With Personality

Make the people on your ‘nice’ list extra happy by doing a little typecast shopping.

Styling by Aleene Jinn Hang

Made to Measure

In bringing Leonard Slatkin on board as its new music director, the DSO found a harmonious fit: a solid conductor who can also drum up support for the orchestra.

By George Bulanda

Check-in Time, Again

After an extensive renovation, the long-neglected Fort Shelby Hotel awaits guests once more.

By Nancy Nall Derringer

Staying in Focus

Forty years after its founding, hope springs eternal for an organization dedicated to fighting injustice and poverty.

By Scott Martelle

Location, Location

Detroit gets a close-up in a film about a native-born pediatric neurosurgeon.

By Jim McFarlin

Banishing Act: (Amazing) Words That Need to Go

Every New Year’s Day, Lake Superior State University unveils its list of Banished Words.

By George Bulanda & Rebecca Powers

Links to Lincoln

Honest Abe left quite a few footprints in Michigan.

By Richard Bak

Ink Spot

More than just body art, a tattoo proclaiming ‘diabetic’ can be vitally important.

By Ana Dragovic

Table Traditions

Dinner rituals and classic recipes feed cultural connections during the festive season.

By Annabel Cohen

Fresh Start

A unique Detroit program rolls out the welcome mat for the homeless.

By Terry Parris Jr.

Talking Shop

As encouraging as it is to see the downtown revival take flight with refurbished theaters, new restaurants, and lofts, the one area that’s sadly missing in the comeback is retail.

By George Bulanda

Kim Nye

A true company woman, Kim Nye relies on Saks for her stylish wardrobe

By Aleene Jinn Hang

Making a Statement

Big-impact jewelry says being meek and mousy is for Minnie.

Photographs by Scott Breithaupt

Come Clean

When you’re faced with removing makeup, try these disappearing acts.

Arts & Entertainment

December 2008

We’ve Got Mail... December 2008

Praise us or pan us, but just put it down in words. Bravos or boos, we want to hear from you.

Seeing the Light

From the time we’re young, we resist darkness.

By Rebecca Powers

Kern’s Department Store

The emporium was marked by exquisite touches, such as marble floors, mahogany counters, and soaring ceilings.

By George Bulanda

Contributors: December 2008

Thanks to the freelance writers, photographers, illustrators, and stylists who contributed to Hour Detroit in 2008.