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Discovering moon rocks in Illinois
I am a criminal justice graduate student whose professor assigns students the task of investigating and hunting down the whereabouts of the Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 moon rocks, given to the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the nations of the world.

The case against replacing Springfield High School
Having resolved to build new high school facilities it can’t pay for, the board of School District 186 is exploring several tax hike proposals that the voters won’t approve. The board’s preferred plan to bring Springfield’s public high schools into the late 20th century is likely to cost nearly a quarter-billion dollars.

How’s our economy doing?
For example, what’s better than a good meal and good conversation with friends to warm the cockles of your heart? Well, Neiman’s has it all arranged for you and a guest of your choice at the famed Algonquin Hotel in New York City.

beautypoem #4
when we were kids the magazine sat review asked famous folk their most beautiful words or phrases in the english tongue franklin p adams headed his list with “cellar door” many years later author ursula k leguin in her book the farthest shore named...

LETTERS
Please contact your state lawmakers and urge them to support the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, Senate Bill 1381 and House Bill 2514. The recent calling for a review of cannabis as a “schedule one drug” by the American Medical Association is one more reason why lawmakers need to protect Illinois cannabis patients.

Hynes looks like a fussbudget, denying loan to ‘little people’
You probably know by now that Gov. Quinn wants to take out a $500 million shortterm loan and use about half of it to help pay some of the state’s bills during the holiday season — particularly focusing on private, notfor-profit human service agencies that take care of the poor, the infirm and the aged.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Get in the spirit with Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays — a national program inspired by A Dog Named Christmas, a book-turned-TV-movie about a young man who invites a shelter dog into his home for the holidays.

BIG-HEARTED BIKERS
Though he doesn’t look a thing like Santa, the motorcycle-loving Unverzagt has worked to bring holiday cheer to disadvantaged Springfield kids for several years. He even has his biker buddies in on the action, donating toys and money for the Central Illinois Foodbank’s Kids Café.

Homeless clinic treats more than just illness
“It’s usually lower than that,” a surprised Quick says of her diastolic pressure. As she approaches a tape measure fastened to the wall temporarily with duct tape, Quick confidently predicts her height – nailing it exactly at five feet and one-half inch.

Access 4 producers satisfied
The Springfield city council on Tuesday approved a deal to accept management of Access 4 from cable provider Comcast. The recently-formed Access 4 Producers Group supported the deal after several of their concerns were addressed in talks with the city.

CWLP employees learn to deal with diversity
As a result of that incident and another involving a noose hung from a forklift at another CWLP facility, CWLP employees have begun attending a class on understanding diversity, according to CWLP spokeswoman Amber Sabin. All city workers will take the course eventually, Sabin says.

The tale of many Santas
These kids have waited all year to meet Santa Claus, the legendary North Pole dweller who guides his reindeer-drawn sleigh around the globe to deliver gifts to good boys and girls on Christmas Eve. When they step inside, that’s exactly who they meet..

Holiday Calendar
Find some holiday fun with this week’s compilation of Springfield area events and activities..

Community Wish List
Sojourn Shelter and Services, Inc. was founded in 1975 with a goal to provide a safe place to help victims of domestic violence. Sojourn currently provides 24-hour emergency shelter and hotline services, court advocacy, prevention, education, volunteer opportunities and operates Sojourn Westside Fashions.

5 music DVDs
For the music lovers on your gift list, let them know concerts are never expensive when they’re being watched from the comfort of the sofa and music videos don’t have to be a forgotten thing of the past.

Books for cooks 2009
Looking for something to give to the cooks on your holiday shopping list? Here are some suggestions for books that will be equally welcomed by would-be, novice and experienced practitioners of the culinary arts. These books are far more than cookbooks that consist merely of a collection of recipes.

Invictus: A moving testament to forgiveness and redemption
Having served a 27-year prison sentence, Mandela (Morgan Freeman) is elected president of South Africa four years after his release, inheriting a fractured country, rife with problems and on the verge of civil war.

Movie times
PLEASE NOTE: Kerasotes listings are for Friday, Dec. 18 through Tuesday, Dec. 22. All times are subject to change. For updates on Kerasotes films, call 1-800- FANDANGO. For reviews of other films, visit www.illinoistimes.com.

Miles Nielsen not a Cheap Trick
During our conversation Miles referred often to the band mates in his various combinations of music making in glowing terms, both musically and personally. This respect and admiration seemed very important to him, an essential part of his persona as a musician.

PUB CRAWL
Frank Trompeter Quartet with Trina Madonia Jazz Etc Happy Hour.

BAND SPOTLIGHT
The band Thornhill originally began when Tina Thornhill, lead singer, rhythm guitarist and namesake of the group, moved to Springfield from Ohio several years ago along with drummer Patty Kniss to play cover songs of the day, including those of Heart and other popular rock bands.

THEATER
Hold onto your scarves or other loose clothing and get ready to be blown away by Gordon Productions’ rendition of the hilarious 90-minute stage show, Every Christmas Story Ever Told..

THE CALENDAR
Submit calendar listings at www.illinoistimes.com.

CATS
If your home harbors a scratching pad or climbing tower, cans of kitty chow or long pole-like contraptions with string that your feline favors, you must head north to Lincoln on Monday evening. The Amazing Acro-Cats from Chicago are the Cirque du Soleil of the animal kingdom.

PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE UNDER ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME ACT STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF SANGAMON TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that on 2nd day of December, 2009 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of...

HOLIDAY
While Christmas-light cruising on Sunday with the family, drive by the Dana-Thomas house so the kids can see the 12,600 square foot Prairie-style structure alit in candle moonlight. Better yet, plan a trip to see the 950 candles in paper sacks lining the sidewalks and horizontal ledges and exit the car to take an evening tour.

NEWS QUIRKS
Police captured Juventino Sanchez Jr., 57, who they said tried to break into a bank in Topeka, Kan., but got stuck in a rooftop exhaust vent and had to hang upside down for as long as four hours.

THE ADVICE GODDESS
I have a suggestion for the woman wondering whether her boyfriend really has money or is carrying a million in debt: run a credit check. A friend’s daughter almost married a wonderful guy who turned out to be a gambling addict.

FIND LOCAL BIZ
Low-force chiropractic, massage, therapies and nutrition. January 23rd at 10 a.m. FREE Workshop: 5 Keys to Permanent Weight Loss 1533 S. MacArthur, Springfield 787-4345 www.frisinafamilychiropractic.com.