Recently I visited Asheville, N.C., and witnessed how the 1 percent used to live. About one million people make the pilgrimage to the Biltmore House each year, and my wife and I now number among them.
With annum’s end here again, it’s time to bring out paper and pen – iPod or -Pad? – to begin another list of good intentions for the new year. For me it’s a challenge&nbs
As millions of Americans gather around dinner tables this holiday season, there’s no better time to be mindful of where our food comes from and who is ensuring its safety. This is particularly i
Can it be possible that the good ol’ boy political machine is weakening in Sangamon County? Clearly, some kind of change is underway. The normally disciplined and restrained Republican Party eng
For fiction lovers, the upcoming presidential campaign, which might match Newt Gingrich against Barack Obama, promises to deliver a cornucopia of entertaining untruths.Gingrich published a book last y
Get ready voters, election season is here again. Door knocking has already begun as candidates for national, state and local offices pass petitions to get their names on the ballot. Critical offices l
Sept. 10. Pops had been in bed sleeping nearly 24 hours, so Karen and I went in to try to wake him, get him up. His eyes were open and staring straight ahead. The harsh snoring sound coming out of his
Arizona, Alabama and Georgia have each enacted stringent laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Before saying more, let’s be clear about the alleged problem. What is an “illegal immigr
This week the Capital Area Independent Business Alliance launches its second annual SHOP LOCAL FIRST HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES. More than half of the 200-plus businesses that belong to the alliance are part
During the fall veto session there is the potential the state Tourism Promotion Funds (TPF) could once again be targeted for cuts. Though there may be no immediate direct threat to this fund, it is be