RoboCop — the statue —is finally ready to be installed in a public place … or is it? Legendary Free Press columnist Neal Rubin joins ML, Marc and Shawn with the latest on the long-running saga about the effort to install the iconic cop somewhere in Detroit. 

STRAIGHT DOPE: Shawn is late and ML is early — even after stopping on the way in to get a haircut. If you like his new ‘do, listen and learn where you can get yours from the same hair artiste.

It started with a tweet. “It” is the genius plan to create a RoboCop statue to celebrate the 1980s cult-classic about a corporation’s plan to save Detroit by putting cyborgs on the street. Neal Rubin has been covering the story for years, and provides an update on what may be the final chapter of this seemingly interminable odyssey. Read his latest column here.

Neal says the RoboCop campaign started with a crowd-funding effort that very quickly raised the $65,000 needed to make the 11-foot tall bronze statue. But, as often happens, the hidden costs kept mounting. He tells ML, Marc and Shawn why the bottom line kept growing.

You’ll never guess how long the RoboCop statue has been done — like actually completed and ready to put on a pedestal. Luckily, you don’t have to. Because, if you listen, Neal will just tell you. You won’t believe your ears!

ML, Marc, Shawn and Neal wonder aloud whether RoboCop is racist. Tell us what YOU think at [email protected]

Guess which one of the crew went to film school? HINT: He once helped a girlfriend search for clove cigarettes in Tennessee … and now lives in Ann Arbor.

While Detroit dithers, a small town in Wisconsin offers to take the RoboCop statue off our hands. Neal reveals who is trying to steal our cyborg!

Neal knows where IN DETROIT the RoboCop statue is expected to land — soon. Listen and learn where you can see the big fellah … one of these days.

Controversy erupts in Pontiac after Neal and fellow judges pick the winner of a fake orgasm contest for a new RoboCop-related honor. Hear the whole story in yet another Soul of Detroit exclusive.

ML reveals how the Detroit business community is lining up behind Mike Duggan for governor in his latest On Guard column. Read it here.

Shawn meets MSU’s new athletic director who, like all pretentious Spartans, only uses his initial. Get Shawn’s take here.

Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal.

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GEEK OF THE WEEK

The Florida officials who blew their chance to hire a university president who would let their athletic department run wild, who would bend to the political winds and who would pretty much do whatever they wanted him to do are this week’s geek.

ROOM 7609 

Kevin comes up with a new nickname for ML and sends in a Thomas Dolby-esque tune “Athena” by the Born Ruffians. Send us your favorite tune or deep cut or track from an obscure band – along with a story about the ditty – by writing to [email protected].

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FEEDBACK

Joe shares a hidden benefit of becoming a Soulmate — sparking a nostalgic look back at the early days of MTV. We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at [email protected]

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