Barry Sanders is long gone, and he can never truly be replaced, but we look for meaning (and promise) in the backfield we got

Visions in the backfield

The Lions have a history of bizarre injuries, so we're forecasting who's going down and in what weird way this year

Building a pregame party in a parking lot that roars

Pimp my tailgate

Fantasy football for losers

A guide for the hopeless

How we imagine our interview with Lions coach Jim Caldwell would have gone if we had one

The tryout

The Freep's Georgea Kovanis and her weaponized underwear

The latest column from the Freep's style writer is a hot, steaming pile of patronizing nonsense.

A lefty look at Detroit's water tug-of-war

‘Rehab Addict’ host wants to set the record straight about Detroit theft

"It kind of reminds of that game telephone we played in Junior High," she writes.

Two days left to comment on Detroit hazardous waste facility’s expansion

Plans to expand a hazardous waste facility a half-mile from Hamtramck has some people alarmed.

Detroit Lions players read their own superlatives on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Joe Louis Arena adopts clear bag policy this season

John Oliver sounds off on Todd Courser, Cindy Gamrat, and their whole odd sex scandal

Councilperson Cushingberry takes a dip on Belle Isle in new video

This video is enough to make you wonder what Councilman Cush had for breakfast that day.

Stir it up: Planting seeds

Politics & Prejudices: Nuclear waste and you

Weekly advice from sex columnist Dan Savage

Feedback: Weekly reader responses

Horoscopes (September 9 - 15)

Funky 7 goes outside the box to show hometown pride

Not your father's T-shirt store

Murals in the Market festival announces schedule of events

In addition to bringing more than 45 local and international artists to create new large-scale works in Detroit's Eastern Market district, the festival will feature more than 20 different cultural events — such as block parties, bike and walking tours, lectures, and more.

What you need to know before going to the Dally in the Alley

Hitting the Dally in the Alley this weekend? Read this first.

Update: Detroit City FC Hamtramck move approved

The rehab work could start as early as October, and is expected to be completed in April 2016.

This could be the last season for Tigers manager Brad Ausmus, says source

According to WDIV, a source says Ausmus is on thin ice with owner Mike Ilitch.

This 1995 Chevrolet sheep dog van is for sale in Michigan

MSU's Sparty has been vandalized

Vandals painted a blue "M" on Sparty's chest, and maize "alpha" and "omega" symbols on his torso (they also painted his penis).

Riding the bus with Gary Winslow: Etiquette

Gary sees a fellow rider call the police about a car with a flat and sees potential trouble.

Scenes from 1992's Dally in the Alley

While nursing our Ghettoblaster hangover Sunday, we stumbled on this video shot at 1992's event.

Update: Metro Detroit native Rick Lax outsmarts Penn and Teller on 'Fool Us'

Lax dropped us a note to let us know he'd be appearing in an episode of Penn & Teller's show on Monday.

Jerry Vile and Orby reunited after 16 years

For now, St. Mary and Vile are trying to find a proper place to store the head, hopefully on display as part of Detroit history.

On passing a kidney stone

Your friendly Metro Times scribe on the most painful experience of his life.

T-shirt offers tart reply to Galapagos

This T-shirt offers a tart retort to Galapagos Art Space.

Detroit Artists Market shows the many sides of Detroit

Be the change

Rusted Crow Spirits amasses loyal following

Eastside connector: The Bridge

Drink up

Beer run: Celebrate Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.’s 20th anniversary

Food, beer and a block party, in Ann Arbor? Count me in.

Dr. Sushi to host Japanese-themed brunch at Yemans Street

Sushi for brunch? Yeah, something like that.

Chef Brion Wong OUT at Antietam

Pedal pubs gearing up to hit Metro Detroit

UFO Factory offers Laika Dog 'back to school' specials

UFO Factory head honcho Dion Fischer dropped us a line to let us know they're offering "back to school" specials.

Foodies, nerd out at Nerd Nite, support restaurant career development of people of color

Food geeks, you'll want to make sure to mark your calendars.

Get a behind-the-scene peek at Zingerman's Cornman Farms

Nothing like a dinner party in the country.

Avett Brothers continue 'flying under the clouds'

Show preview

The band called Death plays Ann Arbor for the first time

A long time coming

Oak Park native Mary McGuire draws from many influences on new album

Genre bending

Motörhead plays Fillmore with Anthrax and Saxon on Sept. 12

Still raising hell

Mark your calendar today for these upcoming shows

Recently added

Dates announced for Trip Metal Fest #1: Memorial Day weekend, 2016

That's the big news: yesterday, the absolute official date for Trip Metal Fest was set — May 23, 2016 — along with a Facebook page for the event. There is also a website, but it doesn't seem to do much at the moment.

Archival Midwestern underground rock LPs out soon from Smog Veil's 'Platters du Cuyahoga' series

Here is great news for fans of Midwestern underground rock: A set of releases from Cleveland's Smog Veil label that looks pretty groovy, the 'Platters du Cuyahoga' series.

Science fact: You cannot possibly get sick of 'September' by Earth, Wind and Fire

Ba de ya de ya de ya Ba de ya de ya de ya Ba de ya de ya de ya de ya

Velvet Underground's full 4CD set of 'Matrix Tapes' to finally be released Oct. 30

Finally we get to hear all the Matrix Tapes, professional quality live recordings made in 1969 when the band had a small residency at a club in San Francisco called the Matrix.

Just announced: Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard to play the Fox Theatre on Oct. 20

Two great tastes that taste great together.

Steve Mackay, sax player on 'Fun House,' in critical condition

Steve Mackay, the saxophone player best known for his phenomenal work with the Stooges, is hospitalized and in critical condition in Daly City, CA.

"Local music news flash: Tributesville IS Detroit Music News"

"All Tributesville shows start at 9 PM (except Eagles & Pink Floyd)."

Event preview: Soul Clap BBQ Sun., Sept. 13 at TV Lounge

Looking for something fun to do this Sunday? Why not head to TV Lounge where Soul Clap will be doing an extended set and delicious BBQ is served?

Show review: Detroit Ska Fest at the Sanctuary, Sept. 4, 2015

The theme of the festival was ska and ska-inspired bands. The roster featured not only local Detroit bands, but also performers from all over the country.

Event preview: George Tysh and Craig Tayborn at Trinosophes, Sat., Sept. 12

his looks to be a really solid evening to please and tease your ears — poetry by a writer (with strong MT ties) who's solid enough that Kevin Killian sings his praises, and then sound by a musician who releases music on the excellent ECM label and is beloved by the New York Times.

We are not going to wade into the murky waters of the Jack White/ Black Keys guy controversy

I don't care; do you? Lets not-care together.

Local metal heroes Child Bite embark on another national tour today

Pitchfork just announced Detroit kickoff for their online radio station

Pitchfork is revitalizing its online radio station, and kicking off their new series of live broadcasts from Detroit next month.

Historic recording studio United Sound announces special week of lower rates

Rapper Lil George signs with Sony

The Detroit rapper best-known for his single, “Sauce,” inked a deal with Sony Music Group on Monday, according to his Instagram.

This Thursday's Julian Schnabel Penny Stamps talk rescheduled for Nov. 5

In lieu of Schnabel kicking the series off this Thursday, Michigan Theatre will screen his 2010 film 'Miral' (for free). And Schnabel will be back on Thursday, Nov. 5

Show preview: Loren and Mark at Ford Performing Arts Center Fri., September 18

Combining elements from bluegrass, jazz, and the Grande Ole Opry sound makes for an interesting and fun performance.

M. Night Shyamalan falls further down the cinematic ladder with latest flick 'The Visit'

'The Transporter: Refueled' is just plain stupid

'Chloe And Theo' comes up short