Arts

Kilwin's serves modern treats with old-fashioned flavor

The old-fashioned ice cream parlor has yet to vanish from Ann Arbor. Establishments like Kilwin's continue to preserve the antiquity of ice cream service. Opened in 1996, Kilwin's Ice Cream Parlor is a unique departure from the usual brightly lit, tile-floored ice cream shops of today. Located on 109 E. Liberty, its atmosphere is anything but modern. Hardwood floors, brick walls, floral wallpaper and soft lighting contribute to a warm, comfortable look.

Drive-ins create classic, unusual cinematic atmosphere

DEARBORN - You've waited for tonight. It's dark. It's cozy. You're sitting right next to each other and whispering in each other's ears as the movie starts. And then, you make "the move" - giving a gentle yawn and stretching your right arm over her tank-topped shoulder.

Mackinac Island displays living historical ambiance

Two hundred miles and 100 years away from Ann Arbor is a tiny island that attracts millions of tourists each year. Unlike Michigan tourist spots such as the Henry Ford Museum, Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island allows visitors to experience history firsthand and immerse themselves in the past. The island, with an eight-mile circumference, keeps tourists spellbound with natural and architectural beauty and historical landmarks.

Law Quad offers tranquil refuge from life's anxieties

Michigan Stadium's 102,501 seats have been filled for every home game since 1975, and last Saturday's contest with archrival Notre Dame was no exception. All the better for the handful of people who spent the afternoon in the Law Quad courtyard instead, enjoying the warm and mild weather.

Modern movies fail to meet quality of vintage cinema

If you are like me, you are sick and tired of your parents and assorted other "old people" telling you about how everything was better when they were young: the streets were safe, ladies were ladies (until marriage, that is) and movies were always great and important.

Memoir explores real-life crime

To be a writer, you need to write about what you know. But what happens when all you know is crime, death and unresolved investigations? You become a crime novelist, of course. James Ellroy is the author of 13 books, including "L.A. Confidential," recently released in a film adaptation starring Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger and Danny DeVito. Taking place over eight years of Los Angeles history, "L.A. Confidential" tells the story of police department scandal in the 1950s as seen through the eyes of three members of the LAPD.

Is the "party" over?

Once upon a time, "Party of Five" was a quality show, a breath of fresh air compared to "90210," "Melrose Place" and all that other trash on television. Yes, the memory is a hazy one, but it's still there. When the show first began, Charlie (Matthew Fox), Bailey (Scott Wolf), Julia (Neve Campbell), Claudia (Lacey Chabert) and Owen (Steven and Andrew Cavarno), mourning over the loss of their parents who had died in a car crash, had to bond together and pull through a financially and emotionally trying situation.

Premature nuptials ruin collegiate bliss

In the last two weeks, I have become privy to some startling information. A few of my closer friends - people my own age, whom I have known and confided in for years - have announced to me that they are, in fact, engaged to be married in the next few months.

Oprah signs contract; U2 kicks off fall tour

It looks like Oprah Winfrey will be on TV for a few years longer. Despite recent rumors that the queen of all media would leave her show to pursue even more lucrative endeavors, Winfrey recently extended her contract with King World Productions to run through the 1999-2000 television season, according to Entertainment Weekly.