March 2011

The Nation's Oldest Net-Zero Home Belongs to One Green Ann Arbor Family

By going lean and green and making their 110-year-old Folk Victorian home ‘net zero,’ an environmentally conscious Ann Arbor family can watch their energy savings really add up.

The Politics of Foreign Language Education

“Plastics” was the classic, one-word, unsolicited career advice offered to Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate. Fast-forward several decades, and that word today could well be “Mandarin.”

By Rebecca Powers

How the Chicago 'Black Sox' Scandal Ruined a Bright Pitching Career

Eddie Cicotte, a pitcher from Detroit known for his talent and brains, committed the biggest blunder of his life by helping to fix the 1919 World Series, forfeiting his career and his reputation

Restaurant of the Year 2011: Iridescence

Exceptional food, refined service, and a well-priced wine list help the uniquely placed white-linen restaurant rise above the rest.

By Christopher Cook

The Politics of Foreign Language Education

“Plastics” was the classic, one-word, unsolicited career advice offered to Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate. Fast-forward several decades, and that word today could well be “Mandarin.”

By Rebecca Powers

New Cosmetics Put a Fresh Face on Spring

Color is back in season with this fresh makeup palette

Q&A: Grammy-nominated Music-Video Director Matt Stawski

Matt Stawski has directed videos for pop music’s top acts. Now he has his eye on feature films. (WITH VIDEO)

By Mark Kurlyandchik

Rapid Development

Whitewater parks may help Michigan cities shore up their economies.

By Mark Kurlyandchik

Gourmet Mustard Puts the Squeeze on Ordinary Bright-Yellow Stuff

The stalwart friend of coney-dog lovers is enjoying a renaissance. (With Recipes)

By Alexa Stanard

Rapid Development

Whitewater parks may help Michigan cities shore up their economies.

By Mark Kurlyandchik

Irish on Parade

This month, Michigan Avenue turns into an annual parade in the color of spring.

By Szymon Kietlinski

Legislators, by the Numbers

In a year when fresh U.S. Census Bureau figures will provide an updated snapshot of who we are, it seems fitting to note the demographics of those elected to represent us.

By Rebecca Powers

Re-user Friendly

Salvaged building materials get a second, sustainable life as part of renovated commercial spaces.

By Caitlin Costello

Q&A: Grammy-nominated Music-Video Director Matt Stawski

Matt Stawski has directed videos for pop music’s top acts. Now he has his eye on feature films. (WITH VIDEO)

By Mark Kurlyandchik

Cybelle Codish Takes Her Stills of Native Americans to the Smithsonian

When the Detroit-based freelance photographer was asked by a friend to shoot stills for a documentary being made on Native-American traditions in New Mexico, Codish saw it as an opportunity to see...

By Mark Kurlyandchik

New Cosmetics Put a Fresh Face on Spring

Color is back in season with this fresh makeup palette

Arts and Entertainment

March 2011

We've Got Mail: March 2011

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

Fresh Air, Fresh Start

This month, a major-league player will set the season’s first baseball aloft, sending it skyward along with our soaring dreams for an idyllic spring and summer.

By Rebecca Powers

Charles Lindbergh, 1927

Detroit was flying high in 1927, thanks to its native son, Charles Lindbergh.

By George Bulanda

Contributors: March 2011

Richard Bak, Cybelle Codish, Kim Rosen