I can only barely keep time, but while I could never be a drummer I love to talk with my father about the drummer’s craft. He’s worked as a professional musician for 76 years now – he’ll turn 90 this week – which means he’s been supplying the beat for other people to dance to even longer than Mike Madigan.

Once more, the State of Illinois has an opportunity to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It should act to do so quickly. The ERA quite simply establishes gender equality under the law. The amendment reads as follows: “Section 1.

These digital conduits are essential parts of America’s utility infrastructure, nearly as basic as electricity and water pipes. They connect us to worldwide knowledge, news, diverse viewpoints and other fundamental tools of citizenship.

When I first read about this settlement and negotiated contract, I thought, “What a stupid idea!” Collect revenues from local customers then give it to an out-ofstate utility company? How many millions have been collected and given away since 2006?...

“Right now,” Rauner continued, “Madigan controls the Legislature from his little pot of cash. It isn’t that much money. And he runs the whole state government out of that pot. We need a pro-business, progrowth, pro-limited government, pro-tax reduction PAC down there in Springfield working with the Legislature for those who take tough votes.

The Phoenix Center will observe Transgender Day of Remembrance tonight from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the organization’s offi ces at 109 E. Lawrence Ave. The event has been growing nationally since its inception in 1998 to remember Rita Hester, a transgendered woman who was murdered in Massachusetts.

Whether the county should have a deputy assigned full time to hunt down drunken drivers became an issue in the sheriff’s race this year, with eventual winner Wes Barr pledging to resurrect the position prior to the Republican primary last spring. Barr, who prevailed in the general election earlier this month, has not yet been sworn in.

The tax dispute centers on how much the team should pay in state income taxes on revenue earned from broadcasting fees. The state figures that the Bears owe slightly more than $1 million in taxes for 2009 and 2010 and more than $520,000 in penalties and interest for those two years.

That’s the message of a group of school administrators calling for a comprehensive overhaul of how Illinois staffs, funds and equips its schools. The group, Vision 20/20, is planning a major legislative push to implement its plan over the next six years.

If this company, Clinic West Loop, gets its way, that stretch of road will also be home to one of the 13 medical marijuana dispensaries scheduled to open next year in Chicago as the state rolls out the medical cannabis pilot program created by legislation passed and signed into law by Gov.

Applications to grow, dispense and use marijuana in Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Pilot Program are pending with the state, and the fi rst legal medical pot could surface in Illinois by spring 2015.

Combine eagle watching with winter hiking on 13 miles of trails bordering canyons and ice falls; a lodge with a roaring fire, indoor pool and sauna; a lively sports bar and multiple flavors of fudge, and you’ve got yourself a weekend. The park, 130 miles north of Springfield, has been voted one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.

Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude and, of course, food. The centerpiece of any truly authentic Thanksgiving meal is a succulent, flavorful turkey – but preparing the bird takes more than just a pan and an oven. Here is our simple guide to achieving the perfect Thanksgiving turkey in four easy steps.

Long a favorite in Europe, cider’s popularity in the U.S. has soared in recent years, aided by a booming artisanal cider movement. Like wine, cider comes in a wide variety of styles and flavor profiles, and since it’s a “harvest beverage” cider seems all the more appropriate around the holidays.

So for those of you who are looking to get adventurous with your cocktails this holiday season, here is a ciderbased recipe courtesy of Virtue Cider and Cristiana DeLucca, mixologist at Bangers & Lace in Chicago..

Michael Keaton, giving the most daring performance of his career, is Riggan Thomson, an actor who made millions and became an international superstar by starring in three superhero films as the character Birdman.

As a working blues-rock artist, if you’ve had Willie Dixon, one of the most profound, prolific and professional blues guys of all time quoted as saying, “You’re the only hurricane I can appreciate,” that says a lot. Actually, that says it all in my opinion, but it’s only part of the story of “Hurricane” Ruth LaMaster.

Even so, they seem out of place with the rest of the Thanksgiving meal. The three forms of sweet-tart cranberry preparations on our Thanksgiving table – (homemade) jellied in a Tupperware mold, a ground relish and a cranberry sorbet – seemed better foils to the richness of the rest of the dinner.

Mike Burnett and Brooke Thomas w/ Shay on Sax.

What sounds come to mind when gypsy-jazz music gets mentioned? If it’s soaring vocals, speedy guitars and swinging bass you are in the realm of the Chicago-based Fumée Gypsy Project.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Chatham Holiday on the Square.

Louis-based Circus Flora, a traveling one-ring circus featuring acts that emphasize the connections between people and animals. The show will also feature a special performance by high wire daredevils The Flying Wallendas. This performance will be around for one night only.

Sing “happy birthday” with meaning this Saturday, Nov. 22, at her first birthday party at the Henson Robinson Zoo from 10 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. Jari the gibbon, who is on the endangered species list, joined the zoo family in October and has quickly and happily adjusted to life in her new home.

On Monday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m., join the Springfield Race Unity Committee at Lincoln Library for a public meeting on restorative justice, expungement of court and arrest records and mentoring. Sara Balgoyen, executive director of the Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice Project, will be the featured speaker.