Awkward “Seventeen” Ultimately Rights Itself
Like many an awkward teenager, Kelly Fremon Craig’s The Edge of Seventeen takes one step forward and two steps back during much of its development, stumbling here, righting itself there before coming to a satisfying, albeit, hard-won conclusion. Like many of its characters, the film has nothing but the best of intentions in telling its…
Zoo director announces departure
Julie Peeler has announced her resignation as director of the Henson Robinson Zoo. Peeler, who was named zoo director in 2013, has accepted a job on the East Coast, said Derek Harms, director of the Springfield Park District that owns and runs the zoo. He said he believes Peeler, who could not immediately be…
Boomer bust
Note to baby boomers: Now’s your chance to relive the ’60s for real — only now Bull Connor is in the White House.
People, not Pontiacs!
Ever know a kid who never quite grew up because her parents wouldn’t let her? The Y block in downtown Springfield is a lot like that. I described the partial clearing of that parcel in 1978. (See “A shooting,” Dec. 30, 2015.) I returned to the topic of its unrealized promise in 1981 in “People,…
Why we should reach across borders
A nation’s border is nothing in and of itself. It’s just an inanimate line on a map, in the dirt, on a riverbank. It has no philosophy, personality, feelings or meaning – beyond what people on either side attribute to it. Unfortunately, thanks to Donnie Trump’s xenophobic demagoguery in this presidential election, America finds itself…
Letters to the Editor 11/10/16
PRESIDENT TRUMPWhoever said life was smooth? Jefferson said we need a revolution every 12 years to clean out the rot, adjust and start again. Well, Trump has given us that opportunity. But how could opportunity come with a Janus face – abominable moral character lacking even traces of empathy and compassion on one face,…
Editor’s note 11/10/16
Some of us who worried that Donald Trump if he lost might not concede now have our own concession speeches to write. Congratulations to Mr. Trump and his supporters who are pleased to have taken their country back, to make it great again. There is good for the country in having the angry and out…
Climate change after a year
Almost a year ago, 178 nations agreed to the Paris Climate Accord which recently was ratified as the first world climate agreement designed to eliminate fossil fuel energy, preferably by 2033. How are we doing one year later? Recent developments The density of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has now climbed above 400 parts per…
Contemporary visual artists
This Friday, visit DEMO Project for the opening receptions of “Sequel Sequence” by Mark Reamy and “Tie Them Up” by Angela Lopez. “Sequel Sequence” is a stunning installation that explores Vermont-based artist Mark Reamy’s fascination with the ways in which the present can influence and shape the past. Reamy’s exhibition “defies the laws of physics…
Women in the Civil War
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is offering families a new way to experience history this November with Civil War Saturdays. This week’s program will be presented by the Springfield Ladies Soldiers’ Aid Society, who will perform living history demonstrations of the work accomplished by women during the Civil War. Future Civil War Saturday…
Wealth care crisis
A female friend of mine just broke up with her billionaire boyfriend. She told me she wasn’t happy. The guy is super picky about whether you put things back in exactly the right spot and doesn’t have the greatest sense of humor. Still, I think she’s making the biggest mistake of her life. Doesn’t she…
Lawyers behaving badly
In television ads and on the internet, Ostling and Associates boasts that it is Illinois’ largest bankruptcy law firm. “When you need help, call Ostling and Associates,” the announcer on a television commercial urges viewers. “With 20 Illinois offices to serve you. Call Ostling and Associates now and stop the collection calls.” The ads apparently…
Lessons from Finland’s schools
When I was offered the opportunity to participate in an education study tour of the Finland school system, sponsored by the National Education Association Foundation, I welcomed the opportunity to see what is known as the No. 1 education system in the world. I had never put Finland on my bucket list, but now, I…
Studying for 77 years
Seventy-seven years ago on a cold winter night in February, seven African-American women met in a home on Williams Street to form a study group that would continue to this day. Known as the oldest black book club in Springfield, the James Weldon Johnson Study Guild meets bimonthly for programs of “discussions, Negro accomplishments, book…
End of the road for Illiana?
A federal court struck down last week an environmental study used to justify a new tollway in northern Illinois. It’s the second such loss in court for the controversial project, which was already suspended but still clings to life. The Illiana Expressway is a proposed 50-mile, east-west toll road which would connect Interstate 55 south…
Nuclear ‘bailout’ bill could subsidize coal
Controversial legislation to subsidize unprofitable nuclear plants in Illinois may see a vote after the election as lawmakers return to Springfield for the fall veto session. Characterized as a “bailout” by opponents, the bill may undergo last-minute changes, including a new way of charging customers for electricity and a roundabout subsidy for coal plants. Power…
FRESH FOOD FOR KIDS
Hungry? Looking for something to do on Veteran’s Day? If you have kids and the grocery bill is tight, you might to check out a food pantry scheduled to set up shop at the Springfield YMCA at 701 S. Fourth St. Don’t look for cans of tomato sauce, ramen noodles and powdered milk. Set up…
WHO VOTED?
The results are in. Whether you’re dismayed or elated, the voters have spoken. Republican president-elect Donald Trump took 50.83 percent of the vote in Sangamon County, leaving Democrat Hillary Clinton with 41.55 percent. Libertarian Gary Johnson got 4.57 percent in Sangamon County, and Green nominee Jill Stein took just 1.46 percent. Nearly 73 percent of…
Dr. Strange a worthy addition to the Marvel canon
Having already earned their bona fides in rendering earthbound heroics and taken the first step towards intergalactic adventure, Marvel Studios now introduces another aspect of their shared universe by dipping its toe into the realm of the supernatural. Dr. Strange, the 14th movie in the company’s superhero franchise, follows much the same pattern as the…
Electoral zoo tunes
Now that the most bizarre election cycle in my memory is behind us, here we are to let the beat go on. Nothing transcends the ups and downs of history like good old music through natural healing properties of sound waves done right. The continuity of passion and pleasure afforded to us by the wonderful…
The Kitchens
This father and daughter singing and music-making team covers more ground in gigs played, recordings made and joy displayed than about any other combo in town. Al has been a stalwart in the area country scene for decades, and Kathy has done her share of fronting bands and doing shows since she was a preteen.…
Hungarian goulash, good for cold weather
My father was of Austro-Hungarian descent so when I was a kid growing up in the 50s and 60s, we enjoyed goulash the way folks around here enjoy chili. Goulash is a beef stew seasoned with caraway seeds and paprika. Goulash was once a very popular dish in North America; a 1969 Gallup Poll found…
early november haiku
getting nippy outmy tomato plants are bloomingtoo late now buddies
‘Weaponized misogyny’ used against Rep. Bourne
The innocuous-looking mailer began arriving last Wednesday. Whoever sent it used plain, manila envelopes with first-class postage. Usually campaigns use bulk mail, but those have permit numbers, making them traceable. First-class mail isn’t so easily traceable. There was no return address on the envelopes. Whoever sent it used pre-printed address labels. The letters were addressed…
