Lead balloon
A freshman Sangamon County board member who recently tried to enact whistleblower legislation has learned his first lesson in county politics: Know thy place. Board member Sam Cahnman, a Democrat elected last year, filed a proposed ordinance in late November to protect and reward Sangamon County employees who report wrongdoing in county government. Under the…
Chase away the winter gardening blues
While you won’t be able to do many outdoor gardening activities, winter’s a great time to learn. University of Illinois Extension is offering several programs for gardeners to learn more about their favorite hobby. • The U. of I. Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit and the Springfield Civic Garden Club will sponsor “Garden Basics” seminars. This series…
Grace about town
I guess it’s a good time to reflect upon the past year. It was an OK year for me, all-in-all. I didn’t get killed when my mom tried to capsize her fishing boat by crashing into a tsunami and I fell backward and hit my head on the bottom of the boat. I organized all…
A year of food
Since I began writing this column a year ago, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking with many restaurant owners, cooks, and food professionals. What I have noticed more than anything is that these people have one thing in common — unrelenting passion. To be a success in the food industry, like many other…
The P.U.-Litzer Prizes for 2003
The P.U.-litzer Prizes were established more than a decade ago to recognize the stinkiest media performances of the year. As usual, I have conferred with Jeff Cohen, founder of the media watch group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), to sift through the large volume of entries. In view of the many deserving competitors, we…
Letters 1-1-04
Letters policy We welcome letters, but please include your full name, address and a daytime telephone number. We edit all letters for libel, length and clarity. Send letters to: Letters, Illinois Times. P.O. Box 5256. Springfield, Illinois 62705. Fax: (217) 753-3958. E-mail: editor@illinoistimes.com KEEP ‘EM COMING While I have always enjoyed reading Illinois Times, I…
The Year of Living Dangerously
A new governor, a new mayor, a new war, a new plan for Springfield city government — a lot of exciting things happened in 2003. Of course, a few old scandals hung on and will probably still be hanging on this time next year. But we’re going to go out on a limb here and…
Lip service
Politicians may or may not provide strong leadership. Some are good role models, some aren’t. You can argue about the wisdom of the laws they pass. But no one can deny they have a way with words. They proved it in spectacular fashion during 2003 — especially the new governor. Rod Blagojevich’s attempts to sound…
Police stories
Next to a popcorn machine and hidden behind a pile of boxes is the Texas Thunderbolt, an electric chair purported to have been used in the Lone Star State during the 1930s and 1940s. On the floor just steps away is an old plastic milk crate, containing a heavy steel ball attached to a chain…
Quick takes
A SUM’LL COME UP, TOMORROW At least since August the Springfield Theatre Centre has listed the sponsor of its January production of Annie as The Law Offices of Frederick Nessler, a Springfield attorney. But as of Tuesday morning, Nessler hadn’t made good on his $2,500 pledge. Could it have anything to do with the fact…
Now playing 1-1-04
Welcome one and all to 2004, the newest year on the block. With each passing year comes the opportunity for change and decisions that affect our lives. Of course, that really happens every day, but most people prefer a special occasion, like the coming of a new year to make the effort to change. Speaking…
Movie reviews
Bad Santa [R] Two cons, dressed as Santa and his elf, work the holidays at malls. They’re not doing it to spread holiday cheer. “The foulest holiday movie I’ve ever seen — and the funniest.” (Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune) Calendar Girls [PG-13] The women of the Rylstone Women’s Institute in North Yorkshire drop everything for…
Knoepfle 1-1-04
new year 2004 new years eve again belling over with rockets splashing fire on the horizon all friendly again ready for a day sparkled with hope there will be peace in the middle east compassion in washington there will be brand new hours everyones complaint will be heard we will fill our boxes with excess…
