Abe World opened five years ago this month, on April 19. Drawing on all the dark arts of electronic hucksterism, the new museum was to transform Springfield into a Mecca for patriots who would make their hajj by the millions in their Caravans and Odysseys.

Nuclear power has never lived up to the promises of its backers. Their latest claim — that nuclear energy represents an easy answer to global warming — has as much validity as that old industry chestnut of producing energy “too cheap to meter.” Let’s not be duped again.

To see a troubling sign for our nation’s famed, free-enterprise frontier spirit, sneak a peek at the downward flight path of America’s major airlines. These corporations have become no-can-do, anti-competition behemoths, whining that there are too many airlines, too many planes, too much competition.

it’s not that I don’t like robins it’s usurpers I deplore but are they such? they came they saw that it was good they sat down squirmed around at least the wife did trying it for size all it took was some grass and mud to remodel it into their sort...

Now smokers, read the following advice – and I’ve written it real slow so you can comprehend the following warning: If you want to avoid having to pay increased tobacco taxes (and remember, tobacco companies just pass those taxes along to you) and,...

The Illinois General Assembly usually tries to adjourn by the end of May. That hasn’t worked out too well the past few years as partisan bickering, the state’s huge budget problems and the bloody war between former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan forced months-long overtime sessions.

Smith, a leading spokesperson on the health dangers of genetically modified foods, brought his message to Springfield last weekend, as the keynote speaker for the Earth Day celebration. Smith also visited the Capitol April 23, urging legislators to enact statewide laws banning products containing genetically modified ingredients.

Join the national “Got Milk?” campaign for games, prizes and education as part of a free event to raise awareness about the benefits of milk and family dinner time.

Trenda Kennedy has seen the recession up close and personal. The Springfield resident lost her job when the economy tanked because her company closed its Illinois office, and she soon fell behind on her mortgage payments. When Kennedy approached her bank about refinancing her mortgage, however, she was basically put on hold.

Taylorville Energy Center, which could generate enough electricity to power about 600,000 homes, is currently under review by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Project backers have submitted their financial report to the ICC in hopes of receiving state subsidies.

It was to be a place, separate from the prison system, where kids gone wrong could be steered right. But, like Eve from Adam, IDJJ was created from the proverbial rib of the Illinois Department of Corrections, and though the two are now separate agencies, they are still entwined by their shared resources and attitudes toward corrections.

Held May 1 to May 4 at various locations throughout the city, the multi-faith interdenominational festival features a variety of programs designed to promote sacred and liturgical arts, while fostering a dialogue between people from different backgrounds.

Illinois, known as the “Prairie State,” has several native plant species. Prior to European settlers in Illinois, 60 percent of the 22 million acres was prairie. Today less than one hundredth of one percent of the original undisturbed prairies exists in Illinois.

Our yard is achingly beautiful in spring – especially the mostly wooded west side. Delicate blooms of spring beauties, Dutchman’s britches, and dog-toothed violets form a carpet of white. Here and there are drifts of daffodils, patches of bluebells, stands of May apples and wild yellow violets.

In a large saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium high heat. Add the asparagus tips, sprinkle lightly with salt and stir-fry until the tips are just crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately remove from the pan and put them on a plate to cool quickly.

There are so many problems here it’s hard to know where to begin. The cast strains to create a tone of cuteness, which proves grating, while the number of odd circumstances that keep Zoe and Alex running into each other is insulting.

Sent to help take down a drug lord in Bolivia, the group led by Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) finds itself in exile when they disobey a direct order that leads to the death of 25 innocent children.

The first official outdoor music event (correct me if I’m wrong, and surely someone will) must be the Haymarket Festival at Douglas Park in the band shell on Saturday, May 1, 1 to 9 p.m.

Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

Shelley Miller Thurs May 6, 9pm Bar None w/Micah Walk www.shelleymiller.net.

$13, $12 sr/child. 523-2787. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St..

May 1 arrives with the second Haymarket Festival at Douglas Park. This annual music festival and celebration of the working man includes performances by: Sarah Schneider Band, Kerwin

Joining the Springfield Ballet Company on stage and dancing in tights for a humorous evening dubbed Men in Tights.

Steve Stark, Seibushi, of Kansas and Bill Gossett, Koubushi, of Missouri will teach advanced concepts and principals of the ancient life protection arts of Okinawa karate. Masters with more than 30 years of training, both have traveled the world with Taika Oyata teaching.

Silly Joel is a five-member Billy Joel cover band from Illinois that not only performs rockin’ music but sometimes pops out into Weird Al-style high jinks. They perform May 1 at the Hoogland to celebrate the famous singer/songwriter who was born May 9, 1949.

NOTICE UNDER ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME ACT STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF SANGAMON TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that on 6th day of April, 2010 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Sangamon...

After Canadian slow-pitch softball player George Black, 53, lost sight of a line drive in the setting sun and wound up getting hit in the face while playing third base, he filed a lawsuit seeking $1.5 million.

I’m a theater performer, and there’s a tendency among theater people that disturbs me: dreadful over-the-top flirting. I’m a portly, bearded guy pushing 40. At my last show, I was sitting in a seat minding my own business when a young woman in the cast I barely knew came and sat on my lap.

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