Neal Rubin

5 days ago | freep.com | Neal Rubin

The fish are newcomers. They flew to Michigan from California like the blacktip sharks, or traveled by truck from Florida like the cownose rays. Or if they were small enough, like the cichlids, FedEx dropped them at the door. Most of the mammals and other creatures at LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium were already here, at the original Reptarium across the street.

2 weeks ago | freep.com | Neal Rubin

First off, William Smith is a liar. Second off, too. Smith, 52, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison April 24 for embezzling at least $44.3 million from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. A day later, conservancy board chairman Matt Cullen told the Free Press that "he's lying still.""He has told the court that he had cooperated — that he had worked to help us find the money — and he has not. That's a lie," Cullen said. Just add it to the list.

3 weeks ago | freep.com | Neal Rubin

Michael Schommer's favorite part of Bookstock comes the day after it ends. His second-favorite will come April 30, when he lets a busload of Aim High School students use his schoolteacher discount to buy already cheap books, movies and music for 50% off. On behalf of Michigan's largest charity used book and media sale, I heartily endorse both of his visits. Our 21st almost-annual Bookstock extravaganza starts April 27 at Laurel Park Place in Livonia and runs through May 4.

3 weeks ago | lansingstatejournal.com | Neal Rubin

Jack Krasula, a collector, obtained Pope Francis' signature on a Time magazine cover and a letter outlining his life philosophy. Krasula developed a friendship with Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, who assisted Pope Francis. Pope Francis' letter emphasized serving Jesus Christ and helping those in need. Former Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, who was an authority on such things, told Jack Krasula that his request was an impossibility.

3 weeks ago | freep.com | Neal Rubin

Former Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, who was an authority on such things, told Jack Krasula that his request was an impossibility. This was in early 2014, a few months after Time magazine had anointed Pope Francis its 2013 person of the year. Krasula, of Bloomfield Hills, is a renowned collector of autographs, memorabilia and, somewhat more uniquely, inspirations.