What Mark Maynard does from 9-5 is important but not nearly as interesting as what he does the other 16 hours a day (beside sleep). From The Shadow Art Fair to a popular blog to planning a bike-powered film fest to a local talk show that features a puppet stand-in, Maynard personifies Ypsilanti's do-it-yourself creativity.

Walking through Royal Oak's downtown, it's hard not to notice the bars, restaurants and shops that have popped up over the last decade. But do you ever wonder what goes on upstairs? Terry Parris Jr. visits Main Street's second story and discovers a community of new economy creatives. And lots of cereal boxes!

As an indicator of what Michigan's forces can do when left to their own devices, the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office has joined in an alliance to obtain $70M in federal energy funds. Outreach Director Amanda Dentler writes about Metro Detroit's energy efficiency model, and neighborhood efforts to manage consumption.