Sound Patrol 6-17-04
The Magnetic Fields i (Nonesuch) On their seventh album (or ninth, if you count 1999’s 69 Love Songs as three CDs rather than one), the Magnetic Fields deliver more of the devastatingly clever/cleverly devastating songcraft that’s endeared them to overeducated self-loathers the world over. The flagship band of dyspeptic genius Stephin Merritt — who also…
Now Playing 6-17-04
Here we are passing the middle of June. I love June. The word invokes so many things: June Carter Cash (Johnny), June Miller (Henry), June Cleaver (Beaver), June Lockhart (Lassie), June bugs (badminton rackets), Junior Sample (BR-549), Juneau, Alaska, (someday), junipers (gin and tonic), and Juneteeth (party and parade). See what I mean? How could…
Peace of paper
There was a graduation ceremony recently in Springfield. Nothing unusual about that, especially this time of year. But the setting — the back yard of 830 S. College Ave. — was remarkable, as was the school holding it. The occasion was the conclusion of the first year of the Heartland Peace Academy, sponsored by the…
Little theatre production pairs highly regarded stage veterans
The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan launches its new season with a whopping good show, the ageless Hello, Dolly!, featuring two lead performances that could not be better Ñ Anna McNeely in the title role and Michael Haws as Horace Vandergelder Ñ and an ensemble of singers and dancers that literally lifts the…
Lincoln the poet
There should be no question that Springfield is a poet’s town. Since the days of the legendary Vachel Lindsay, the capital city has been replete with poets. Poetry readings thrill audiences at least twice monthly, and new chapbooks pop up more frequently than Section 8 housing, with any major new publication sending shock waves through…
Knoepfle 6-17-04
sandalwood poem #6 I would enjoy even your telephone sadness for a little while that voice your center a cobalt blue drop the eye of the dragon my rill of pleasure come home soon my blind words they want to touch you and you are not here © John Knoepfle 1978, 2004
Little big man
Stifling their yawns and wiping sleep from their eyes, a steady flow of slightly disheveled lawmakers shuffled into the Capitol. Most were still recovering from the previous night’s marathon legislative session that held them hostage past midnight. House Speaker Michael Madigan assumed the podium sporting a fresh haircut and dapper suit that countered the general…
Food, service set Los Agaves apart
It’s unfortunate that the décor and feel of Los Agaves don’t rise above the offerings of the typical Mexican restaurant — the food and service certainly do. The interior of the restaurant, which opened in November in a strip shopping center across from White Oaks Mall, is standard-issue Mexican eatery. The bold gold-and-green walls are…
Grace about town
I recently met Kevin Hughes, an officer with the Illinois State Police. He came to “Grace Talk #1,” and I felt well-protected, knowing there was a law enforcement official in the audience. In case there was a shoot-out. I keep thinking Kevin’s title is Grand Quartermaster Brigadier General, but that’s completely wrong. It’s Master Sergeant,…
Whitewash
A community art project depicting workers as cogs in a profitable weapons factory was painted over recently by the Springfield Housing Authority. The mural, titled “Corporate State: 1984,” covered one exterior wall of the SHA Community Center on East Jefferson. It was designed and painted by artist John Yancey and a group of East Side…
The Joy of retirement
Last Friday, half an hour before she was due to report for work at the Springfield Police Department, Lt. Lea Joy was on the phone trying to find an officer to cover her shift. Even though she had used all her vacation time, Joy still wanted another day off. When she found out no other…
The bagworm invasion underway
Summertime brings joy to most gardeners Ñ blooming flowers, fresh vegetables, green grass. However, summer-feeding insects can wreak havoc on some of our favorite plants. Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) are actively feeding on evergreens in our area at this time. Bagworm larvae hatched at the end of May, a little earlier than in most years. Bagworms…
What could be finer than pigskin and suds?
You may never have heard of the Capital City Outlaws, Springfield’s very own semipro football team, but they’re making lots of noise in the Original Midwest Football League. They placed second last year in their division. This season, they’ll be busy “kicking butts and taking names,” promises Jay Gooding, the team’s general manager. “We’re sitting…
American wine, Eastern Euopean barrel
One of the lesser-known legacies of Ronald Reagan’s years in the White House is a band comprising citizens of the Czech and Slovak republics, formerly Czechoslovakia. It’s probably fair to say that without Reagan’s efforts to end the Cold War, Fragment would not have come together. The band, which formed in 1983, has performed here…
Movies Review
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story Running time 1:30 Rated PG-13 Grade B Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East Dodgeball, the favorite sport of unprepared physical education teachers everywhere, has made something of a comeback with adults. Writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber mines that newfound interest in his debut feature, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, a mostly hit-and-miss comedy…
letters 6-17-04
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, IL 62705 Fax: (217) 753-3958 E-mail: editor@illinoistimes.com IN DEFENSE OF HONOR It’s Thursday, I made my usual trip to the office…
Quicktakes 6-17-04
TRIBUTES AND TRIBULATIONS Visitors to the Capitol last week had the opportunity to sign a commemorative book for Ronald Reagan. Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois, was among those who signed. Here’s what Garcia wrote: “Thousands of American men, women, and children were dying from HIV and AIDS during his administration. He said nothing.…
Root cause
How often do we hear a musician praising his or her record label as the fairest group of people you ever could hope to meet? Close to never. Labels and artists have been at odds with each other since records were pressed into wax. But ask those recording for Bloodshot Records about their label, and…
Getting his kicks
Last week in Tulsa, Rochester artist Bob Waldmire won Route 66’s most prestigious honor, the Steinbeck Award. He is the third consecutive winner from Illinois and the fourth overall. The family of John Steinbeck (author of the Grapes of Wrath and other American classics) and the National Historic Route 66 Federation present the award annually…
Riding the tide
As a tide of great expectations, created by the splash of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, sweeps through downtown Springfield, Mike Sigler, owner of the Jewelry Service Center, is treading water. A part of downtown at 219 S. Sixth St. since opening his shop in 1996, the goldsmith hopes the influx of new…
Earth Talk
Dear Earth Talk: So many juices are labeled Ònatural.Ó Which ones are most healthful? Ñ Zenas Lu, Boston, Mass. The most healthful juice you can drink is one thatÕs made fresh, right before you drink it, preferably from organic fruits or vegetables with nothing added. The beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and minerals are at their peaks,…
