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The bird and I
The stout birders of Springfield set out just after New Year’s Day again this year to count birds because, really, what else is there to do this time of year? During what was the 80th such census since 1909, 23,113 birds were seen or and/or heard within a 7 ½-mile radius of the Old State Capitol.
James Krohe Jr. Page 3
Step up the fight against climate change
The latest United Nations climate report is arresting because it confirms prior trends of climate change and emphasizes for the first time that dramatic climate change could hit us suddenly. The scientists therefore propose that mankind should use new technology to take a portion of the CO2 we placed in the sky back out of the sky.
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How tacky can the golden arches get?
McDonald’s is scrambling, and I’m not talking about eggs. You know your business has what image consultants call “quality perception issues” when you have to launch a PR initiative that publicly addresses such questions as: “Does McDonald’s beef...
Jim Hightower Page 4
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Rauner’s promised changes are coming
“We have every reason to thrive,” Rauner said during the speech. He then laid out his reasoning for why the state is on a “fundamentally unsustainable path,” pointing his finger at the “policies and the politics mostly coming out of Springfield [which are] really at the core of the problem.
Rich Miller Page 7
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Crisis for Christians in Iraq
That scene of fear and disarray is one of many that have become common in northwestern Iraq with the rise of the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Several Dominican Sisters from Springfield visited Iraq earlier this month and saw firsthand the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.
Patrick Yeagle Page 8
CALLING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Sangamon CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) has announced a recruitment event for its 2015- 2016 class.
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No walk in the park this time
“Currently, we’ve had the same park board president for almost a quarter of a century,” Schmidt said. “It’s a long time for anybody to be doing any one thing. For a public body, I think it really resonates with people that we need change. We need fresh ideas.
Bruce Rushton Page 9
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Statehouse hot topics
For the first time in a more than a decade, the governor’s office and the Illinois General Assembly are controlled by two different parties, which will make for an exciting and entertaining legislative session. There is no shortage of contentious issues for the legislature to take up.
Alan Kozeluh Page 10
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Packing heat
The Illinois State Police released data showing 2,081 people had active concealed carry licenses in Sangamon County by the end of the law’s first year, ranking the county 10 th statewide.
Patrick Yeagle Page 11
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No easy answers
All of the candidates, for example, raised their hands when asked whether the city should hire a planner, and most also raised hands when asked whether they favored the creation of a neighborhood revitalization department comprised of officials from the police, public works and building departments.
Bruce Rushton Page 12
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Raising a last toast to Smokey, friend of gay Springfield
At 2 p.m. on Jan. 11 the faithful gathered to celebrate the life and passing of a V.I.P. to the Springfield gay and lesbian community. After all these years, the memorial was held in the last location of “Smokey’s Den,” which closed in 2003. The gathering was in a bar now called “The Elixir,” on Washington between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
Martha Miller and Buff Carmichael Page 13
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A Soviet immigrant in Springfield
Before David Brodsky and his family immigrated to the United States almost exactly 25 years ago, with the help of the Springfield Jewish Federation, he was literally a man without a country.
Scott Faingold Page 14
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A bowl of super snacks
• 2 T. minced parsley, preferably flat-leafed Melt the tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until soft, but not browned. Add the tomato paste and wine; cook until slightly reduced. Add the lobster, pepper, nutmeg and mustard, and sauté until the lobster is warmed.
Julianne Glatz Page 18
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Black or White a flawed but noble look at race
Kevin Costner, who invested $9 million in the film, gives one of his finest performances as Elliot Anderson, a barely functioning alcoholic whose world is turned upside down.
Chuck Koplinski Page 20
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Through January
Start your week off with a crash, boom and bang by visiting the Black Sheep Cafe on Thursday. Yes, you know the place. It’s near the corner of Eleventh and South Grand where the all ages shows happen. Generally “all ages” means no drinking and underage events.
Tom Irwin Page 21
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BAND SPOTLIGHT | Tennessee Borderline
Playing a mixture of modern and classic country combined with Southern and classic rock, this area-based quintet fits the bill for a classic, central Illinois cover band.
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CHILDREN’S CORNER | A Friday night fairytale
This weekend’s hottest – or should we say iciest – party for kids is the Sangamon Valley Youth Performance Group’s Fairytale Ball. The Friday night dinner and dancing event is open to Frozen.