Winter-wonderland fare
Untitled Document I’m always a little slow waking up to the holidays. If it weren’t for Rudolph, Cindy Lou Who, and Winter Warlock, my cartoon friends for more than 30 years, I’d still be taking my Thanksgiving nap. Last week, while making dinner, I could hear the musical stylings of Burl Ives as Sam the…
Smorgasbord of sound
Untitled Document It’s 1927, the Jazz Age, with poet Carl Sandburg toting a funny little guitar and strumming carelessly to the old tunes: “Whisky Johnny” and “Where O Where Is Old Elijah?” The Galesburger-Chicagoan published his wildly popular American Songbag with 280 songs from sailors, cowboy, railroad hands, pioneers, prisoners, and preachers. Sandburg, motivated by The…
Twang Gang rides again
Untitled Document Look out, pardner — one of the most popular modern-country bands in central Illinois is back in the saddle. The Twang Gang ruled the range around these here parts from 1993 to 2000, headlining nightclubs, beer tents, and local festivals while opening for touring country stars such as Tim McGraw, Sammy Kershaw, T.…
Not child’s play
Untitled Document In light of the massive recalls of Chinese-made children’s toys, what are the major issues associated with chemicals in toys? Recent concerns surrounding toxic chemicals in children’s toys have focused on “phthalates” (pronounced THA-lates), a group of chemical compounds typically added to plastics to increase their softness and flexibility, and bisphenol A (BPA),…
Consider the possibility
Untitled Document Did you find your jeans, Sandy?” Feet are scurrying about upstairs. A faint “Yes” floats down the stairwell. Kay Steingraber tells me to have a seat; on the kitchen table I note the remnants of a breakfast interrupted by my early arrival. Through the kitchen window, I spot Steingraber’s grandson, raking leaves. Kay’s…
With malice toward none
Untitled Document In his family, Keith Harris is known as the favorite uncle who will take a few of the nieces and nephews for the day, go to the nursing home and hang out with the aged aunties, even bring their favorite pets to visit. In his neighborhood, he’s known as the guy who will…
Lend a hand
Untitled Document American Red Cross 1045 Outer Park Dr., 217-787-7602 The American Red Cross, Illinois Capital Area Chapter, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The organization requests donations of travel-size shaving cream, facial tissues, shampoo, bar soap, and deodorant; razors; toothbrushes; combs; washcloths; sample-size laundry-detergent…
Heartland holiday treats
Untitled Document ’Tis the season to celebrate. In days gone by, exotic specialties from far away were eagerly anticipated once-a-year treats and highlights of holiday meals. Children were thrilled to get a single orange in their Christmas stockings. Wooden barrels packed with oysters layered carefully with ice were shipped by rail to the Midwest for…
Holiday Highlights
Untitled Document Holiday Hall and Fine Craft Exhibition Through Dec. 15. From more than 40 central Illinois artists, an array of handmade gifts including coin purses, jewelry, sculpture, and paintings. Proceeds benefit the artists and Springfield Art Association’s gallery. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St. (217-523-2631) Christmas at Dana-Thomas House Through Dec. 30. The…
Accentuate the positive
Untitled Document Springfield spiritual leaders said Tuesday that they plan to focus on progress as the city prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the notorious August 1908 race riot. Two organizations, the Ministerial Alliance and Praying for Revival All Year, are calling 2008 “The Year of Reconciliation” and will host a series of eight…
People’s Poetry
Untitled Document ecopoem #4 we are more than flirting with catastrophe we are climbing right in bed with it © Jacqueline Jackson 2007 Here’s a holiday poem by Steven Schneider that I like very much for its light spirit and evocative sensory detail. Isn’t this a party to which you’d like to be invited? Chanukah…
Letters to the Editor
Untitled Document We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address, and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to Letters, Illinois Times, P.O. Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705; fax 217-753-3958; e-mail editor@illinoistimes.com. IMMORAL NOT TO WATERBOARD Two seemingly unrelated opinion pieces in the most recent Illinois Times point to a problem with today’s Left.…
Oops!
Untitled Document Historians researching the life and times of Springfield merchant Seth Tinsley have uncovered new information about another famous Springfield resident. What they’ve discovered may come as a shock to thousands of people who’ve toured a downtown landmark. It turns out that the renovated Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, at Sixth and Adams streets downtown, said…
A compelling vision of the apocalypse
Untitled Document The third time’s the charm where Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend is concerned. The classic sci-fi novella has been the basis of two previous film incarnations (1964’s The Last Man on Earth and 1971’s The Omega Man) and has served as a prototype for countless other sole-survivor postapocalypse stories. However, with this latest…
The cost of living rich
Untitled Document Time for another peek into the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Cranky.” Most Americans — those earning $50,000 a year or less — are stretching to make ends meet, but I’ll bet they never pause to think about how hard it is for the immensely rich. Luckily, we have Forbes magazine’s “Cost of Living…
Gift ideas for gardeners
Untitled Document With gardening being America’s No. 1 hobby, it is likely that you have several gardeners on your gift list. Here’s a short list of items that most gardeners will appreciate. • Garden knife. A garden knife can be used for a variety of gardening activities, including digging, weeding, and cutting. Desirable features include…
A closer look
Untitled Document Plans for a new east-side development project stalled Monday because aldermen still have not sorted out contractual issues involving an unrelated but similar development project. The City Council met during a special afternoon session to approve the final plat and site-development plan of Timberlake Estates, Abundant Faith Christian Center’s new assisted-living development. Instead,…
