For eight years, "Billy Elliot the Musical" has been racking up awards and knocking audiences out on both sides of the Atlantic. Whether it's Elton John's rousing music or the story's believe-in-yourself-no-matter-what-others-say sensibilities, the show seems to be that rare adaptation that's every bit as good as its source material. Local audiences will find out for themselves on Tuesday when the Tony Award-winner for Best Musical pirouettes across the Wharton Center's stage.

On Dec. 28, the ownership of two longstanding Lansing barbershops — Jerry's Hairport and Modern Barbers — changed hands. The common date was nothing more than a coincidence, but both situations are strikingly similar.

"Les Misérables" is quite possibly the most perfect movie ever committed to film: A visionary adaptation of the powerful Broadway musical starring some of modern film's most exciting actors — where could it go wrong?

Don't panic now, but there's a bomb in a park on the campus of Michigan State University. However, the woman who put it there, Lynn Hershberger, isn't crazy about that word so she's changed it — at least the spelling of it. She prefers bOMb.

Next week, J's Pub opens at 208 S. Washington Square in downtown Lansing. If you're wondering where in the world they found room to fit another bar on the 200 block, well, they didn't — J's Pub is taking over the slot previously occupied by Brannigan Brothers

When Peter Jackson wrapped up his ambitious "Lord of the Rings" saga in 2003 with the triumphant "The Return of the King," it was assumed that was the end of Middle-earth as we knew it — and that was fine. Now, however, after a decade of production woes, Jackson is once again whisking us away for a series of halfling-centric magical adventures with "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," part one of a new planned trilogy.

In the world of fashion, the seasons are all messed up. It's the beginning of winter, but for high schoolers, it's almost time to start looking for prom dresses. If you're a spring bride-to-be, well, if you don't have your dress in the alteration stage, you're already behind schedule.

Ah, December in Michigan: the nights are long, the temps are low, and it's socially acceptable to eat dessert three meals a day. No matter what kind of healthy diets we try to maintain the rest of the year, this is the month when all bets are off for sugar intake.

If you've ever lost a day's work slinging ornery-looking cardinals at grimacing green pigs, you should probably stop reading right now — this story could cost you several hours of productivity. But hey, at least you could say you're supporting a local startup.

It's a heartbreaking story, made all the more touching because it's based on actual events. In the early days of World War I, a British family has to sell their beloved horse to the frontline cavalry. The family's son, too young to fight, lies about his age in order to enlist so he can find his horse among the ranks and bring him home.