Tourist town

Springfield and Illinois hope to increase tourism despite poor economy

Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner refuses to dwell on the poor economy and its effect on tourism.In mid-February, as she delivered the annual State of the State of Tourism Address

Behind the scenes at Shen Yun, a controversial practice: Falun Gong

Promotional flyers for Shen Yun — a multimillion-dollar stage production set for Feb. 9 at Sangamon Auditorium — are lavish, four-color photo montages of elaborately costumed dancers, whir

Urbana’s grand stage

University of Illinois’ Krannert Center aims to provide a space for all to enjoy the arts

Mike Ross, director of Urbana’s Krannert Centerfor the Performing Arts, is hard-pressed to name his favorite place to be inside the University of Illinois’ celebrated arts space.Ross

Adults invade Facebook

"I'm trying to get the hang of Facebook, but it's not going well."

I had seven e-mails from an older gentleman who is the president of a highly respected nonprofit asking me to become his friend on Facebook. It was so unnerving I joined Facebook just to make the e-

To Japan and back

Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence explored in documentary

Untitled Document One need only look at the roof of the Dana-Thomas House, with its upturned corners, to see Japan’s influence on architect Frank Lloyd Wright. ̶

Hot dogs

Illinois Humane raises funds with motorcycle enthusiasts

Untitled Document Illinois Humane hosts the Hogs for Dogs dice run for the second year in a row on Saturday, June 16. Money raised at the run “goes directly to animal care

Grin and bear it

A dental mission trip to Jamaica turns into an adventure

Untitled Document Larry Harnly, a retired State Journal-Register sports editor, was part of a group of 32, about half from Springfield, who spent one week in Jamaica on

Fashionable holiday fizz

Versatility makes sparkling wines a great choice to have on hand

’Tis the season to be toasting, and, according to experts, it’s the perfect time to raise a glass with some sparkle. “The wine is alive,” says Charles Stanfield, sparkling-wine

Party time, excellent

Wake up to 2007 without a hangover - but wth many happy memories

Untitled Document Don’t get caught stuck to a barstool in lieu of ringing in the new year. The last day of 2006 is a time for changes. Make this year the year you actually remember singing

From the land of the Gullah

You may only be "haa'dly'kin" (barely able) to understand Anita Singleton-Prather and the Gullah Kinfolk, but you won't want to "tek'e foot een 'e han" (to run, or to leave quickly) once you hear the