Ponderous Tone, Pace Sinks “Chappaquiddick”
John Cullen’s Chappaquiddick is a film that’s long overdue. This recounting of the tragic death of Mary Jo Kopechne and Senator Ted Kennedy’s involvement in it couldn’t be more timely, what with today’s constant manipulation of the media by the powers-that-be. The filmmaker covers all of the familiar points of this case in a workman-like, albeit cursory manner that…
The anti-welcome lady
Rosanna Pulido was nearly unknown in Springfield until last fall when she emerged as the strongest citizen voice opposing the city council resolution to make Springfield a “Welcoming City.” The resolution is positive, progressive and innocuous, with phrases like, “the City of Springfield is committed to continue building a neighborly and welcoming atmosphere in our…
How low can the barons of high finance go?
Betsy DeVos is Donald Trump’s multi-billionaire education secretary who hates the very idea of public education and loves the plutocratic idea of corporate rule over democracy. DeVos presently holds first place in the contest for worst member of Donald Trump’s cabinet. Her claim to be first among the worst has been buttressed by her bizarre…
Letters to the Editor 4/5/18
FAIR ELECTION ACTFrom questions surrounding the NRA’s use of foreign funds for election purposes to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency’s $50-per-night rental agreement for a Washington, D.C., townhouse that is owned by the wife of a prominent energy lobbyist, it seems that stories about money and politics are dominating our headlines. Yet our…
Editor’s Note 04/05/18
Sometimes our mail seems too important to pitch, so we feel compelled to pass it along to our readers. This photo arrived in an envelope with the return address, “Bruce R., Natural Resources Way, Springfield 62702,” and included the following note: “Here’s an actual photo of me after a hard day workin’ on the family…
Artistic renderings of Abe
On Friday, April 6, from 5-7 p.m., join Illinois Times for a gallery reception honoring the winners of the 2018 Capital City Visitor cover art contest. The reception is your opportunity to view this year’s submissions, congratulate contest winners, enjoy light appetizers and refreshments, and take home your complimentary copy of the 2018 Capital City…
Bingo, crafts and more
On March 23, Disney Junior launched “Muppet Babies,” a CGI-animated television series that features younger incantations of classic Muppet characters from the “Muppet Babies” television series that aired on CBS from 1984 to 1991. Children of all ages are invited to celebrate the recent launch of “Muppet Babies” on Saturday, April 7, during a play…
An illustrious Illinoisan
Enjoy actor Walt Willey’s one-man tribute to James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok on Saturday, April 7, at 7 p.m., or on Sunday, April 8, at 4 p.m. Willey, who starred as Jackson Montgomery on the popular daytime soap opera “All My Children” for nearly 25 years, first became fascinated with James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok…
Hipster replacement
I’m a 57-year-old lesbian, and I’m only attracted to much younger women (very early 20s). We’re obviously in very different places in our lives, and these “relationships” don’t last very long. I also get a lot of grief from my friends. I can’t change whom I’m attracted to, but I would like a long-term relationship. …
Master farmers
You need to be really good at what you do. You’ve got to be an innovator while respecting tradition. An inspirational leader and a public servant. A mechanic, conservationist, lobbyist, financial planner, gambler, philanthropist and working-class hero. Four people have what it takes this year to be selected as Master Farmers by Prairie Farmer magazine:…
New director plans changes for Sangamon Auditorium
Bryan Rives took over as director of Sangamon Auditorium in October 2017 and has been busy for the past six months reimagining the 40-year-old, 2,005-seat venue both physically and conceptually. His plans include a revamped approach to booking and some long-overdue renovations as well as an upcoming overall rebranding. “It’s been going fantastic,” said Rives…
Southtown expands its reach with an art show
This Saturday marked the fifth annual Black Sheep Art Show held at the longstanding independent music venue Black Sheep Café, usually associated more with raucous punk rock concerts than visual art. This is the third year Black Sheep Café co-owner Clare Frachey has acted as primary coordinator for the show. “This year is the most…
Lopez tournament in limbo
Amid accusations of skullduggery by a Republican businessman, Springfield School District 186 no longer will put the name of Adam Lopez, a Democrat who is school board chairman, on a basketball tournament held at Lanphier High School. The decision comes after Frank Vala met with district officials, including Superintendent Jennifer Gill, then publicly accused Lopez…
Cleaning house
RIP, Grape and Wine Resources Council. So long, Offshore Wind Energy Economic Development Task Force. Hit the road, Manufactured Home Quality Assurance Board. These are just some of the government bodies created by the Illinois General Assembly that are heretofore no more, thanks to Gov. Bruce Rauner, who last week eliminated 19 state boards and…
Comcast Gives Back
In a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Springfield, the Comcast Foundation made $10,000 donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, to help them carry out their missions to help young people reach their potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region…
Quiet Place’s lack of logic is its undoing
John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place has been impressing audiences at the festivals it has shown at, and now it has the burden of living up to the resulting hype. As with most situations of this sort, the truth often lies somewhere in the middle, and while the film certainly has its moments, it’s surely not…
April music showers
As we roll the rock into the first full weekend of April, there’s music-making galore, coming in all shapes and sizes to fit all needs and desires. Start your weekly music mission off with a bang and a visit to The Alamo on Thursday for the jamming reggae-blues sounds of Aaron Kamm & the One…
Bruce Katz Band
When so many blues cats play guitar while the blues master is on keyboards, the music is that much more special. When the dude on the keys is Bruce Katz, you are indeed in for a very special, special treat. Bruce is one of the world’s best performers of blues on the Hammond B-3 organ…
Morel mushrooms
Around mid-April, after the roaring March winds have yielded to the mild rains of spring, seemingly normal people begin to disappear into the woods. Young and old, they steal away to secret patches of farmland and secluded hillsides to scour the terrain, armed with baskets and driven by a desire that began burning weeks ago…
aging poem #7
aging poem #7 we moved my dad with a hip mending to a facility in a nearby village old friends employees invarious stages of degeneration an active aviary he hated it refused food snarled at the staff turned his wheelchair on the finches we brought him home a granddaughtermoved in he sat in his easy…
