GRAND RAPIDS -- In old Westerns, the good guys wore white hats, and the bad guys were dressed in black.

On the editorial pages of hundreds of newspapers that carry Pat Oliphant's syndicated cartoons, the bad guys generally are drawn big, and the good guys appear smaller.

But consider how President George W. Bush fits into Oliphant's cartoon world.

"I made him normal size for the first year or two," he said. "And then he went down to his proper size."

Continue reading "Hope College to display Oliphant's cartoons, sculptures of President Bush" »

Here's your guide to spooky spots, ghoulish parties and family-friendly fall activities planned in West Michigan:

• Scary spots
• Family activities
• Adult parties

SCARY SPOTS
The Haunt
Where: 2070 Waldorf Ave. NW, Walker
Spooky scoop: One of the largest and most popular haunted attractions in West Michigan has expanded its indoor and outdoor attractions. The Haunt features dozens of professionally designed sets and rooms. Outside, "The Dark Maze: Get Lost in the Fear" is even bigger this year. The Haunt also has a new attraction, "Claustrophobia." Not recommended for children younger than 10.
When: Open 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. various weekdays. Call/go online for complete schedule.
Cost: $14-$30
More info: 791-9818, the-haunt.com

Continue reading "Guide to West Michigan Halloween parties, activities" »

Members of the Japanese Taiko Group from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, play the drums during the second annual Japan Festival Sunday at the Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House.

Follow the 'continue' link below for additional photos.

Continue reading "Japan Festival continues for second year despite wet weekend weather" »

PAW PAW -- A good weekend is coming up for wine drinkers, motorcycle riders and fun lovers of all kinds.

As part of the 18th annual Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival, St. Julian Wine Co. and Warner Vineyards are holding wine tastings and winery tours all weekend. And as a new addition to the festival, a Vineyard Motorcycle Ride will take area motorcyclists on a scenic tour through grape country Saturday afternoon.

Continue reading "Taste the harvest this weekend in Paw Paw" »

TODAY

Jeff Daniels with Kelly Joe Phelps & Steppin' In It -- Actor and Michigan native performs country-blues and folk music, 7 p.m. Aug. 28, Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. $35 for members, or $37 for others. www.starticketsplus.com or (616) 957-1580 or www.meijergardens.org.

Continue reading "On the weekend: entertainment options" »

The following are listings for upcoming concerts and other events. Tickets for most of these shows may be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 373-7000 or going to www.ticketmaster.com.

Announcements

Daniel Tosh -- 8 p.m. Oct. 11, State Theatre, Kalamazoo. $28.50 in advance, $30 day of show.

The Cheetah Girls' "One World Tour" -- 7 p.m. Dec. 2, The Palace of Auburn Hills. Ticket prices yet to be announced.

On sale now

American Idols Live Tour 2008 -- 7 p.m. Sept. 3, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids. $39.50, $68.50.

Doodlebops Live! -- 4 p.m. Sept. 7, Allegan County Fair, Allegan. $14, $19, $25, $43. (888) 673-6501, or Star Tickets Plus at all Michigan Meijer stores: (800) 585-3737 or www.starticketsplus.com.

Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson -- 7 p.m. Sept. 8, Allegan County Fair, Allegan. $22, $24. (888) 673-6501, or Star Tickets Plus at all Michigan Meijer stores: (800) 585-3737 or www.starticketsplus.com.

PAW PAW -- A Golf Ball Drop to benefit United Way has been added to the lineup of the 2008 Wine and Harvest Festival, set for Sept. 5 to 7 in Paw Paw.

Continue reading "Golf Ball Drop to aid United Way added to lineup of 2008 Wine and Harvest Festival" »

TRAVERSE CITY -- Raise a glass and say farewell to chlorophyll at the first "Microbrew Color Tour" late next month.

KalamaBrew just got word of another seasonal, Michigan beer-related activity happening at the Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. Five Michigan microbrews -- New Holland Brewing Co. of Holland, Right Brain Brewery of Traverse City, Short's Brewing Company of Bellaire, Founder's Brewing Company of Grand Rapids and Arbor Brewing Company of Ann Arbor -- will participate in the two-day taste-a-thon from Sept. 26-27, a key time to also watch the leaves change colors up north. You can enjoy an array of Michigan beers while absorbing the vast colors of autumn.

Timber Ridge is opening its campsites, cottages and cabins to the outdoor-loving, craft beer sampling masses. You must check-in either Sept. 26 or 27 and there's a late check-out Sept. 28. The brew will begin flowing at 5 p.m. Sept. 26 and from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 27. Packages begin at $59, which will get you a campsite with water and electricity and admission to the beer tent.

(Read the full press release by clicking the link below).

Continue reading "Chloro-fill up on Michigan craft beer next month in Traverse City at the "Microbrew Color Tour"" »