The definition of “energy independence” is evolving. Until recently, it has meant the U.S. producing enough of our own oil so that we were not dependent on other nations for our energy needs. But now we’re in a world of oil interdependence. Oil markets know no national allegiance.

Illinois legislators aren’t the only people who have to borrow money to pay for services whose value they sometimes question. Tuition and fees at four-year public institutions in the U.S.

As public universities have been driven by budget-whacking lawmakers to seek ever-more private funding, schools that once prided themselves as being centers of free thinking are increasingly dominated by corporate-think, turning their institutions into sales centers.

STATE WORKERS NEED LINCOLN Abraham Lincoln’s most striking quality was his commitment to doing what was right, no matter what. As a lawyer, he passionately tried cases he believed in. As president, he fought against all odds for the abolishment of slavery.

For his part, the conservative Madigan doesn’t usually get too far ahead of his members. He polls his caucus regularly, and if he sees major resistance to an issue, he’s almost always reluctant to push it. Unlike Gov. Quinn, Madigan understands that defeat makes you look weak, and Madigan is obsessed with projecting his image of power.

The Illinois Commerce Commission, which is responsible for deciding on cases regarding public utilities, has 150 days to grant or deny an application, with the possibility of a 75-day extension. The deadline for the commission to respond is April 5, 2013.

Illinois homeowners who took out a mortgage through Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo or Ally/ GMAC may be eligible for a cash settlement or mortgage assistance under a federal class-action lawsuit fi led by several state attorneys general.

Capt. Thomas A. Dodd, 51, was arrested on Dec. 30 shortly after 6:30 p.m. when an employee of a gas station on West Wabash Avenue called 911 to report an unconscious motorist outside the station’s car wash. The employee told police that she woke the man by yelling and knocking on his window.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked a federal court last week to rehear a crucial case dealing with concealed carry of firearms. The court previously struck down Illinois’ ban on concealed carry, but Madigan hopes to reverse the court’s decision.

King isn’t the first to accuse Langan of inappropriate sexual conduct while on duty. In 2008, a prostitute said that Langan, then a Springfield police officer, pressured her into performing a sex act in Lincoln Park. Langan resigned after the woman led investigators to a used condom.

For Backs, former chief medical officer of St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and past president of both the Illinois State Medical Society and the Sangamon County Medical Society, getting fit is about more than just his own health. It’s about practicing what he preaches to his patients so they will take his advice seriously.

I was lying on my back during the visualization exercise. The teacher we brought in from Detroit had the “yoga teacher” voice; you know, the calm, quiet, melodious voice. I had just eaten a yummy lunch at Little Saigon and I was mildly distracted by the Thom Kha soup that was hanging around and.

How are food, money and sexuality related to our relationship wellness? Relationship wellness concerns our search for unruffled peace, ease of being in body, mind and heart in our relationships, what we might call everyday wholeness or worthiness. Our relationship to food, money and our sexuality is an exact copy of our relationship to life itself.

At age 54, he is the father of two, co-chair of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine pathology department and a doctor at Memorial Medical Center. He is also coowner of Capital City Crossfit, a specialty gym at 1615 W. Jefferson in Springfield.

Strength training is one of the most important things that everyone – men and women – need to fit into their workout. By working out with weights, you are helping to protect your bones and muscles. Both of these naturally deteriorate as we age and they need to be preserved in order to steer clear of diseases, bad posture and poor overall health.

2. Get clear on why you’re here Get clear on what you want, when you want it by and exactly why you want it. Most of the time we drop our goals because we forget one of these vital ingredients and the excitement, passion and purpose that give us the power to pursue them evaporates.

Forever Strong exercise class Tues. and Thurs.11:15am, Mon., Wed. and Fri. 1pm, for seniors to help strengthen muscles from head to toe using weights, bands, balls and tubes while in sitting position. $3. Walk-ins welcome. 757-6620. FitClub South, 3631 S. Sixth St.

Lou Murphy has lived with fitness buffs her whole life. Her son, LaVearal Maxeiner, who is a fitness trainer, had encouraged her for years to start a fitness routine, and her late husband, Dave Murphy, was a college track athlete and Olympic hopeful. Despite the urging from the men in her life, Lou had always felt that working out wasn’t for her.

Rendered neuter due to a botched sexchange operation, scorned by her lover and ripped off by her former musical partner, Hedwig is out for redemption, vengeance and love, using the only weapon available: rock and roll. Hedwig regales the audience with tales of a journey that begins behind the Berlin wall and culminates in a series of seedy U.

I was in Detroit frequently as a child because my father’s sister, Odena, and her family lived there. Uncle Marion worked for Ford in a midlevel management position. Whenever we visited, my dad would tease him, for what seemed like the millionth time, that the name Ford stood for Fix-Or- Repair-Daily.

Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons are an English family, vacationing in Thailand over Christmas. However, on Dec. 26, their lives are literally turned upside down when the first of many waves from the tsunami hit the shore outside the resort they are staying in, killing thousands and separating the family.

Most frequently in this column, the musicians I interview are either in Springfield or from another place. This week I was very fortunate to speak with drummer Greg Fundis, a hometown hero now residing in Chicago, working on a very successful and balanced career in the business of making music.

Leaving Ashland - Open Mic Night.

Original and classic rock jam band Deep Lunar Blue commemorates 120 shows as a band with a four year anniversary celebration this weekend. The rollicking band of Shane Quigley (guitar, vocals), Casey Cantrall (guitar, vocals), J.J. Moffat (drums) and Jay Bohn (bass) plays around town on a regular basis, as well as at area clubs and various festivals.

Jan 19, 9am-3pm, More than 250 boxes of books priced to sell. Friday 6-8 p.m. for Friends (can join at door). Blood drive. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713. Winter Papeback Sale.

The category-shattering string trio, Time for Three, plays at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS on Saturday, Jan. 19.

Love is in the air and in this production as audience members follow eight ways to have a relationship.

This week the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library opened its third installment of the Boys in Blue.