My boyfriend of two years has always disparaged gentlemen’s clubs. I truly believed him until he visited his family and I searched Google Maps on his computer for something in his hometown. The text box predicted “strip clubs” there. I confronted him, and looking to prove me wrong, he showed me his “places” history. Various […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
Toy land, toy land … tablet, game and joy land
Disney infinity (above) Skylanders swap force (below); $74.99 each Innovation. Building skills. Out-of-the-box thinking. This year, toys trends are more about stretching the mind than providing temporary entertainment – or finding new ways to do both. “This is the year of toys powered by kids’ imaginations,” says Marianne Szymanski, the founder and president of Toy […]
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Some like it hot mess
Why do “helpless” women have men constantly doting on them, while women like me are deemed “too strong”? I was raised by a 1970s feminist and single mother. (“A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle!”) At 21, I became a widowed single mother. I put myself through school and own a […]
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Another kind of schoolhouse
Students and staff of the Ambidexter Institute, which operated at the Taylor House, 902 S. 12th St., from 1901 to 1908. PHOTO COURTESY SANGAMON VALLEY COLLECTION AT LINCOLN LIBRARY The 150-year-old Taylor House at 12th and Cass streets in Springfield now faces possible demolition after numerous attempts to save it. New efforts to preserve the […]
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Burn, smell, love
Yankee Candle Candles truly are the gifts that keep on giving. According to the National Candle Association, America’s love for waxing poetic burns bright: $2 billion is spent annually on candles and they are used in 7 out of 10 households. Versatile and inexpensive – they are a wonderful gift option for moms, grandmas, teachers, […]
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Tree-trimming traditions
Suzanne Kasler and Suzanne Alexander While the cast of characters and décor may change year-to-year, the traditions rarely do. These designers and celebrities share their favorite decorating stories. Suzanne KaslerAtlanta-based interior designer “I love decorating for the holidays. It’s a way to transform your house into a whole different look for an entire month. I always […]
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Change of pace
Whether your personal style is funky, classic, rustic or luxurious, sometimes you just want something different to show your guests for the holidays. Dress it up Create a beautiful glassware display with what you have on hand. Collins glasses can serve as candleholders and upside-down martini glasses can elevate a display. A cake pedestal can […]
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PlayStation & Xbox: The next generation
Among the billions of gifts Santa sifts through this holiday season may be millions of the latest eighth-generation video game consoles: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Sony’s PS4 teases innovative game portability and simple social sharing. Microsoft’s Xbox One has the potential to replace your remote control. Both consoles promise next-level gaming and entertainment experiences, […]
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Took the wind out of her zales
Around Valentine’s Day, my beloved boyfriend of a year kept hinting about a big surprise. He’d been talking about moving in with me, and I was expecting a proposal and a ring. I got a fondue pot. I have two children and, apparently, the idea that a man should put a ring on a woman’s […]
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Elevate their photo game
There’s an old cliche in photography circles: The best camera is the one you have with you. For many of us, that’s our smartphone. For everyday use, smartphones are tough to beat. They have full-featured cameras, large, high-resolution displays, and fun apps for editing and sharing photos. In fact, sales of point-and-shoot cameras have been […]
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2013 game critics’ award winners
Each summer, the top video-game media name the best gaming titles of the year. Here are their picks for the best of the 2013. Titanfall Best of ShowBest Original GameBest Console GameBest PC GameBest Action GameBest Online MultiplayerPC, Xbox 360, Xbox One$59.95 Watch DogsBest Action/Adventure GamePC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii-U $59.95 TearawayBest […]
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An art guide to Indy
Matisse paintings such as “Purple Robe with Anemones” reveal his love of color and his emotions. Indianapolis is known for the Pacers, the Colts and the Indy 500, but this heartland city has much more to offer. Indy has a wonderful mix of cultural treasures such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, now hosting a […]
