Still turning
Believe it or not, Bulgaria may be responsible for the most common carnival ride at any state fair. “Pleasure Wheels”–powered by strong men cranking large wooden rings with riders sitting on attached chairs–were created in the 17th century, according to Scott Webel, curator of the Museum of Ephemerata in Austin, Texas. Antonio Manguino, a Frenchman,…
Fair food
It just wouldn’t be the Illinois State Fair without some new food items–shoved on a stick, of course. And this year the newest culinary treats tempting fairgoers run the gamut from the lean and healthy to the rich and gooey. With more than 200 vendors serving everything from cotton candy, corn dogs, and corn on…
Our fair city
Seeds of changePrisoners take pride in their fancy foliage Next year, when he comes to the Illinois State Fair, Trinity Payne plans to eat ice cream and caramel apples and try “that big slide.” Justin Hartmann hopes to sample the ribeye steaks and “walk around—like I can’t do now.” “Aw, c’mon, be honest,” their supervisor…
Your Turn . . . 8-14-03
Another Findley fan To the editor: During the years in which I served in the public sector, I came to know Congressman Paul Findley on a primarily business and somewhat personal level. I always had a great respect for him as a public official who spoke his mind on the basis always of what he…
Bards of the Sangamo 8-14-03
By Lee Gurga And for those of us who have Seabiscuit on our minds . . . Hooves Pounding Capitol Teletrack contains the fascinating world of horseracing. I’ve gone there in winter to warm, bet races, and get something to eat. I’ve gone there in summer to cool, play races, and beat the heat. At…
Now Playing 8-14-03
Get a grip, guys and gals, and hang on for dear life. It’s a bouncy, busy ride this week in Springfield’s music world. But you wouldn’t have it any other way, now would you? In case you haven’t noticed yet, the Illinois State Fair is in full swing with bands and beer guzzlers, sheep shearers…
Movie Reviews
Open Range More than once the death of the Western has been greatly exaggerated. Whenever critics are ready to hammer the final nail in the genre’s coffin, someone comes along to remind us of why it is the most American of movie types. The Western has always served as a reflective template for whatever social…
The highway side
THIRTEEN I had an aisle seat in business class. The guy sitting by the window kept fiddling with his reclining chair. He was up, he was down, he was back, he was forth. He was wasting his charms on the stewardess–calling her dear, sweetheart, doll, and hon–as she kept him stocked with tiny bottles of…
Making America’s favorite condiment
Tip of the week Regular watering and mulching can help prevent blossom-end rot on tomatoes and peppers. Prevalent during periods of high humidity, blossom-end rot is revealed in small, sunken black areas near the end of the fruit. Are you stuck with bushels of tomatoes and peppers? How about making salsa? One of my favorite…
