Feature | Wednesday, December 17,2008

Cook by the book

Take 10: Award-winning cookbooks of 2008

Give the giftof delicious desserts, mouth-watering meats and bountiful breads. Skip the extra calories with new award-winning vegetarian and diet cookbooks. Or simply

Feature | Wednesday, December 17,2008

Save the day

Take 10: Superhero film favorites of 2008

By Genevieve Knapp

Good versus evil doesn’t always play out in a stylized drama with dramatic lighting and inventive camera angles. Sometimes the battle is simpler – and more fun. Movies based on

Feature | Wednesday, December 10,2008

Fringe voices

The fading promise of public access TV

By Dusty Rhodes

It’s been about three years since John Anderson stumbled into cable access TV. He got a phone call from Micah Roderick — a man he had met briefly as his wife’s co-worker

Feature | Wednesday, December 10,2008

Shopping local is more fun

A guide to gifts with a Springfield flavor

By Ginny Lee

It may seem easier to shop online for Christmas gifts, but a growing number prefer shopping in person and buying local. Maybe the rise in shopping at farmer’s markets has folks look

Feature | Wednesday, December 3,2008

Lend a hand

Springfield nonprofits also need your skills to pay their bills

By R. L. Nave

As they make the their annual push for charitable giving this holiday season, nonprofit organizations in the capital city urgently need cash as well as stuff: agencies that serve children are countin

Feature | Wednesday, December 3,2008

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Move over, Mario. Outta the way, Donkey Kong. The newest video game star is you. It’s time to rock

By Jeff Fleischer

By Jeff Schnaufer Whether you’re a guitar shredder, tambourine tapper or karaoke crooner, the music video game has made rock ‘n’ roll stars out of anyone intrepid enough

Feature | Tuesday, November 25,2008

Hollywood close to home

For a winter adventure, visit movie sites in southern Illinois

By Cindy Ladage

Tired of the same ol’, same ol’? If so, maybe it is time to rev up your holidays with a bit of Hollywood glamour, southern Illinois style. Southernmost Illinois has a few conne

Feature | Tuesday, November 25,2008

For the holidays, plan some jollydays

From the Festival of Trees to First Night, here’s what to do for a special season

By Jolonda Young

Untitled Document With the holiday season upon us, the Springfield community hosts a variety of celebrations that will have even Ebeneezer Scrooge joyfully singing, “ ’Tis the seas

Feature | Tuesday, November 25,2008

Great books for kids

Let the University of Illinois guide you to the best children’s books

By Phil Ciciora

Even in an age dominated by iPods and other “must-have” electronic gizmos du jour, everyone loves buying children’s books during the holidays. But beyond the tried and tru

Feature | Tuesday, November 25,2008

Holiday calendar

The holiday season is in full swing. We hope this compilation of Springfield area events and activities will help you find some fun and your place in the life of the city. — Patrice Worthy, calendar editor

By Patrice Worthy

Ongoing Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed The American Red Cross Meals on Wheels program has an ongoing need for volunteer drivers during the holiday season. The American Re