Here’s a recap for those who spent the past few weeks standing in line at Walmart: In November, Bill Cellini, Springfield’s very own robber baron, was convicted on federal charges of attempting to extort a Hollywood producer eager to protect a profitable business deal with a State of Illinois agency.

As millions of Americans gather around dinner tables this holiday season, there’s no better time to be mindful of where our food comes from and who is ensuring its safety.

“We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki [see “Holy warrior,” by Bruce Rushton, Dec. 8] claims that child sex abuse victims sue bishops because of the devil’s influence and because “the most effective way to scatter the flock is to attack the shepherd.” He’s dead wrong..

When pressed to explain why the petitions were denied, the FDA reportedly said its hands were tied. If so, by whom? If the industry will not voluntarily stop irresponsible use of antibiotics on its own, then it is time we demand our government do what Americans have entrusted it to do and impose stiff regulations to protect us.

A massive turnaround in the Illinois House may have whetted political appetites for even more corporate tax relief. But don’t count on it just yet As you may recall, a tax cut plan for corporations and individuals failed miserably in the House a few weeks ago, getting 8 votes – comically short of the 60 needed for passage.

But Dr. Stephen A. Cullinan, the Peoria physician whose alleged indifference to Burris’ suffering prompted a separate settlement this month between himself and Burris’ relatives, remains free to practice medicine, despite a history of malpractice...

Although the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation is supposed to post on its website disciplinary actions against doctors taken by other states, the state website contains no mention of the Michigan fine levied against Cullinan, who admitted no guilt but did not contest the charges.

At issue is whether Internet retailers like Amazon.com, Inc. should have to collect state and local sales taxes.

The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, a state advisory group mandated by federal law, revealed Dec. 13 a damning report on the failures of Illinois’ juvenile justice system.

“I’m glad they’re here, kicking the arts in the butt,” smiles Betsy Dollar, executive director of the Springfield Art Association.

“In Springfield, we realize that our niche is continuing to be: we do the plays. A lot of people do the musicals around town, and we love musicals, but we’re a little more the place for dramatic literature onstage,” he explains.

“I’m really excited about the future,” concurs multimedia artist David Cain, the Hoogland’s current artist-in-residence. “Being in the context of the Hoogland, you’re reminded of the excitement of young people wanting to tell stories – they want to be a part of something,” he says.

“But, being in the arts you need to be creative and find ways to increase awareness of your organization so that you get attention, you get needed funding and you get growth. We had a very successful ‘Garden and Studio’ tour this summer which I think helped broaden the perspective of what we do.

Cruise has grown nicely into the role, wearing a sense of confidence and a bit of worldweariness. (That he’s not above poking fun at himself in the film’s exciting opening prison break sequence makes him even more appealing.

Loosely based on a true story in England, the film switches its locale to California, where we find the Mee family in turmoil. Still trying to come to terms with the death of his wife, Ben is grasping at straws to get his life back on track and help his son (Colin Ford) deal with his anger.

The first thing that strikes you when you meet Gary Oldman is that physically, he’s quite average. For all of the larger-than-life performances he’s given over the years, you expect him to be much taller than five-feet-ten. To be sure, his personality does fill a room, a fact that became immediately clear when he sat down with Illinois Times.

It was in Grandmother’s desk, the same desk she used to write to her sister in the 1880s. It is the same desk my mother used to write letters to me while I was in the army, and I have some of them in a drawer yet. My daughter used the desk to doodle on and do schoolwork in the 70s.

Mayes is no longer making cookies or her other renowned specialties, but the Springfield area’s Italian-American community, as always, has many outstanding home cooks. And nothing showcases their traditional dishes and abilities more than their Christmas feasts.

If you want a way to mess up a good weekend for local live music, try putting Christmas Eve on a Saturday night and see what happens. That’s what the calendar gave us for 2011 and the Pub Crawl reflects the effects of that scheduling maneuver. Without a lot of fine entertainment to crow about, I metaphysically meandered to the holiday music thing.

Saxophonist, singer and band leader Frank Trompeter celebrates 200 nights of the Jazz Etc. Happy Hour at Marly’s this Friday. Here’s a breakdown for you math-challenged folks: for the weekly show, take 52 weeks a year rounded off to 50, divided into 200 makes about four years of Friday nights.

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

Find more details and gigs in our online calendar at www.illinoistimes.com.

The Illinois Executive Mansion is open to the public to view 21 unique holiday trees through January 7 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

coffee, dessert and juice served to benefit Helping Hands of Springfield. $6, $5 seniors, $.25 per year for children 12 and under. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St, 525- 1360..

The Springfield Park District hosts evening walking tours of the Henson Robinson Zoo that feature holiday lights each night through Dec. 23. Thousands of lights and displays mark the paths. This is a walking tour that the entire family will enjoy to brighten the holiday season.

Dec 30, 7-11pm, Large floating hardwood dance floor, music by request. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560..

Dec 29, Jan 05, 6:30pm, Every Thursday, informal political discussion and socializing with fellow progressives. springfieldil@drinkingliberally.org.

What do they do with all those seasonal blooms? The Springfield Park District gives them away. The public is invited to drop by and receive a free poinsettia from the display on Wednesday, Dec. 28, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m..

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEV- ENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF SANGAMON IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORMA J. CLARK, DECEASED. NO. 2011-P-632 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION - CLAIMS NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES Notice is given of the death of NORMA J.

Journey the short distance to Clinton and enjoy Candlelight Tours for two more Friday nights during the holidays at the DeWitt County Museum in Clinton. The restored C.H. Moore Victorian Mansion and Farm Museum are decorated for the season. There is also a gift store for unique holiday shopping before and after Christmas.

are admonished to check the court file and title records to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).