Elvis Himselvis (Rick Dunham) performs with a full entourage and band, Sat. May 23 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. I’m not even going to bring up the fact that we’re already at Memorial Day weekend for 2015. But let’s talk about all the music happening this weekend and beyond, enjoying that we are […]
Illinois Times
Posted inArts & Culture
A fun, family float
Abe’s River Race is a fun, family float that offers men, women and youth the opportunity to paddle 13.5 miles down the Sangamon River in canoes, kayaks and wooden boats. This year’s course is slightly longer than years’ past, running from Irwin Bridge to Lincoln’s Riverside Park. A shuttle will leave Riverbank Lodge in Petersburg […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The shoo must go on
I’ve been dating this guy long distance for six months. He’ll often fail to return texts for an entire day or even a few days. I keep breaking up with him, but he keeps apologizing, acknowledging that he can be “distracted” and then offering convincing excuses or making me feel I’m overreacting. This is getting […]
Posted inFood & Drink
In love with lettuce
PHOTO BY KERRY MICHAELS/TNS The lovely young lettuces of late spring/early summer are gorgeous enough to be ornamentals; some so beautiful they’re worthy of floral arrangements. Green lettuces range from palest celadon, chartreuse, Kelly green to forest. Some are speckled with red – one is named freckles; some varieties, such as Lollo Rosso, are darkly […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ferocious Fury Road a grand vehicular opera
Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron stars as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures Like a Road Runner cartoon on steroids – replete with gizmos that surely came from ACME, Inc. – George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road is a glorious ode to vehicular destruction, outdoing the Fast and […]
Posted inOpinion
CNE syndrome strikes state governments
It’s well-known that harsh climate conditions can mess with your mind – from cabin fever to heat delirium. But America is now experiencing an even more dangerous mind-numbing disease called Climaticus Non-vocalism Extremism. Oddly, CNE syndrome almost exclusively afflicts a narrow segment of our population: Republican political officials and candidates. Scientific studies suggest that CNE […]
Posted inArts & Culture
mother poem #11
mother poem #11 for a long time I’ve considered myself “young-old” pretty soonI better start thinking “old-old”if I knew then about old what Inow know I’d have been moreunderstanding more helpful to my“old-old” mother—mom, I’d havecoaxed from you your untold storiesharkened to any fear behind yourwords realized when you rubbedyour wrist it was hurting but […]
Posted inOpinion
Rauner’s secret, legislative ‘working groups’
I recently obtained a document distributed by the governor’s office detailing the membership list and meeting times and locations of the secret state legislative “working groups.” The governor’s office has insisted that not only should legislators dummy up about what goes on at the groups’ meetings – which are designed to forge compromises on the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Dr. Zoo-little
On Saturday, May 9, Henson Robinson Zoo hosts Dr. Dolittle Day. The fun starts at 10 a.m. with Springfield Theatre Centre performances of selections from Dr. Dolittle, Jr.: The Musical. The rest of the day includes soda pop giveaways (while supplies last), face painting, snow cones, sand art, food, turtle races, vendors and more. Additionally, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The spears of spring
Asparagus polonaise PHOTO BY PETER GLATZ Yes, I know that asparagus is available in groceries these days pretty much year round, but it’s still something best enjoyed in spring, just plucked as it shoots from the earth in nearby fields. Grocery asparagus that’s been stored for long periods and shipped thousands of miles may be […]
Posted inMusic
Frank’s Discount Lounge Act
Remember those entertainment relics called “lounge singers” who could somewhat sleazily, but mostly cheesily, easily charm the pants off a mannequin? Bill Murray famously portrayed one in the 70s on Saturday Night Live and Lord only knows how many made an honest living doing it for real in days gone by. Now Frank Trompeter, renowned […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Let’s get growing!
The Springfield Civic Garden Club brings knowledge, expertise and May flowers to the livestock section of Illinois State Fairgrounds Sale Barn 26 this Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. until noon. This year’s sale has the theme of “Let’s Get Growing!” and will feature perennials such as hostas, daylilies and grasses, plus herbs, trees and […]
