Aldermania
The City of Springfield has finally made an offer to Renatta Frazier in the race discrimination lawsuit filed by Frazier and other black current and former police officers. The dollar amount remains secret–at least as of press time. But the response filed by Frazier’s attorney, Courtney Cox, provides some detail. Apparently, during a teleconference with…
Best of Springfield, part two
Best idea out of City Hall The departure of Chief John Harris Best Democrat 1. Tim Davlin 2. Dick Durbin 3. Jesse White Best Republican 1. Tony Libri 2. Larry Bomke 3. Raymond Poe Best Teflon politician 1. Tim Davlin 2. Rod Blagojevich 3. Neil Williamson Best departure from public office 1. George Ryan 2.…
Movie Reviews
Secondhand Lions Tim McCanlies’ Secondhand Lions is a deftly handled, heartwarming story that gives its audience exactly what it wants–an affirmation of a sound moral code rendered in the best Capracorn tradition. Credit McCanlies’ fine cast for bringing this coming-of-age story set in rural Texas, circa 1962, to life. Michael Caine and Robert Duvall are…
Best of Springfield winners, part one
Best use for the Governor’s Mansion You readers must be dreamers, even visionaries. What else could explain your brilliant, top-notch idea for what we should do with the Governor’s Mansion? We should use it, most of you proposed, as a place where the governor and his family can live. Why didn’t Rod Blagojevich think of…
The lighter side of Tikrit
TIKRIT, IRAQ – Tikrit is Saddam Hussein’s hometown. The place was showered with goodies while he was running Iraq, so its residents have been more than a little reluctant to praise their new masters. Throughout the city, the walls are covered with graffiti, most of it lauding the former dictator: “Down with Americans, We love…
Swing, the next big thing!
John Sluzalis loves swing music. The drummer still listens to recordings by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, and over the years he’s even organized his own big bands. But Sluzalis was forced to abandon his last group when Club on Broadway closed in 2002. Then this summer Sluzalis called up trumpter Dick Garretson.…
Daffodils, Narcissus, or Jonquil�
You say narcissus, I say daffodil. No matter which name you use to refer to this plant, most gardeners would agree that daffodils are one of the most vigorous and colorful flowers of spring. Daffodil is the common name, while narcissus is the Latin or botanical name for the genus. Jonquil refers to a specific…
Best of Springfield 2003
See winners below.
Now Playing 9-18-03
First off, let’s all bow our heads and say a heartfelt good-bye to the Man in Black, the great Johnny Cash, who left this world last week. He’s been a staple in music for 40-plus years and will continue to influence and entertain long after his passing. Now on with the live music portion of…
Dueling Democrats
Let’s continue our examination of U.S. Senate candidates. This time, the Democrats: • Dan Hynes. Obviously the man to beat. State Comptroller Hynes has lined up big-time labor support, he has the backing of most county chairmen, and he has put together a good organization. He’s already won two statewide elections by wide margins. So…
Knoepfle 9-18-03
rising with mars the best of springfield how about that the merry-go-round the brass ring have a muffin I like the blueberry this is the best that I can do this is the best for the best in springfield the carousel is called a lively uncle in spanish let us all get up and look…
Best kept secret
Two Olives and a Pepper, a restaurant owned by Marsha Smole-Christy and her fiance Dean Brogdon, has more than 50 items on its Italian-inspired menu. Besides sandwiches, soups, and salads, an array of homemade creations has attracted a loyal following since the place opened a year ago. A new sandwich shop is usually not big…
Wrong moves, right moves
FALLUJAH, IRAQ – “Ego Buster” was painted clearly on the side of an American tank that rumbled past the Fallujah police headquarters. Below the tank’s name, its crew had painted a motto: “1-2 to the head.” The tank was part of a convoy of heavily armored U.S. infantry vehicles patrolling Fallujah, while a handful of…
Your Turn . . . 9-18-03
Hats off to Gentleman Joe Dear sir: Thank you very much for the wonderful article on Mr. Joe Bonefeste [“Il Professore,” September 11]. This gentleman, who is 81 years young, is a fascinating conversationalist whom we consider a dear friend. This past Fourth of July we had the honor of enjoying a band concert with…
Bards of the Sangamo 9-18-03
By Lee Gurga Here is a piece by Martha Vertreace-Doody from her new series of poems on Elizabeth Caldwell Smith, wife of Joseph Duncan, the sixth governor of Illinois. Northern Cross Railroad, 1838 Engineer Fields coaxes a crochety locomotive, “Rogers,” from Meredosia to Morgan City, tracks laid with his magic pen filled with State funds…
The highway side
EIGHTEEN I dialed the McKinley Truck Stop and asked for Maddy Miller. “Who?” “Sorry. Peggy Miller.” I was in the trailer of an Allied Van Line rig, parked just off the shoulder of the Pacific Coast Highway–all six doors open to the ocean breeze–about a quarter mile from where Topanga Canyon Road curved down to…
