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What about the banjo?
When I was a student, I was introduced to the concept that the simplest-sounding phrases had irreconcilable and contradictory meanings that rendered interpretation impossible. No intellectual test was more demanding, and some of the more elusive texts torture me to this day with the taunt, “Explain me!” I was in fifth grade.

Amid challenges, Congress makes a mess
The bitterness and dysfunction in Congress continue, with the Republicans in the Senate and the House refusing to vote for any bills which the Democrats might point to as something they, and Congress, have done to benefit the American people.

Greed trophy up for grabs
During the past several months, the Barons of Wall Street have established themselves as the vilest and most reviled corporate team in the land.

publiclibrary jumprope rhyme #1
city city count the cost how many book folk have we lost? one—two—three—four— no one reads any more five—six—seven—eight— let us set the record straight nine ten eleven twelve who is left, books to shelve? 13—14—15—16— 17—18—19—20— don’t you think...

LETTERS
What a great article from Scott Faingold on REO Speedwagon [“REO Speedwagon rolls home,” Feb. 18]. I have fond memories of REO concerts, having been to at least five or six. I remember seeing them back in 1975 at the Lincoln Park Nelson Center skating rink, along with groups like Uriah Heap, Sammy Hagar, ZZ Top and many others.

Can Illinois beat New Jersey in battle over red ink?
Illinois and New Jersey have more in common than you might think. They’re not exactly alike by any means, but they’re both Democratic-leaning states which have elected Republican governors in the past. They both have unemployment troubles, although New Jersey is better off than us right now, and they both have horrible state budget problems.

Let the sunshine in
As the fifth largest producer and consumer of electricity, Illinois is not living up to its sunharnessing potential. The state is seriously behind on solar energy, the Illinois Environmental Council says, especially when compared to other large states.

NOOSE BAN BILL
Reaction to the infamous “noose incidents” of summer 2009 was rightfully indignant. Now that impassioned energy is being channeled into a push for state legislation to ban the display of “hate symbols” on public and private property with intent to harass or intimidate.

GET YOUR GARDEN ON
Want to start a garden but have no space? The Illinois Department of Agriculture has just the thing. The department is offering garden plots at the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand race track. The plots are 12 feet by 12 feet and cost $10 each.

Rail study seeks public input
Springfield-based Hanson Professional Services Inc. has begun an environmental impact study to weigh options for a rail expansion in Springfield that will carry an increased number of freight and passenger trains through the city.

Permit process slows down manufacturers
Katy Lawrence of U.S. Steel says an extended permit process can cost companies like hers a great deal of time and money. For manufacturers who have to order equipment up to 48 months in advance, waiting on a permit can mean four years before actually starting to hire workers.

Illinois launches Health Information Exchange
The technology puts physicians and their patients on the same page, says Laura Zaremba, deputy director for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Instead of sifting through paper charts, physicians can access their patients’ complete medical records on one computer screen.

The final round
On a warm October day at the Harriet Tubman Susan B. Anthony Center on Springfield’s east side, 30 to 40 young men and boys dressed in gym clothes amble into a narrow room that seems to double as storage space. Though they range in age from about 10 to 30 years old, they laugh and joke among themselves as if they are family.

Alaska visits Springfield in photos and artifacts
Looking at some of the photos, one wonders if they are of Alaska. “Meltwater Flowing over Golden Sand and Silt Bars, Baffin Island” on first glance could be an aerial view of the Sahara Desert. And “Bear Trail in Old Growth,” a green woodland scene, could have been made in the Shawnee National Forest.

Is soda a sin?
In light of current health statistics, many public health experts are saying that soda should indeed be considered a sin. Excessive consumption of soda has been linked to the escalating rise in the incidence of childhood obesity, as well as what used to be known as “adult onset” diabetes.

Movie times
PLEASE NOTE: Kerasotes listings are for Friday, Feb. 26 through Thursday, Mar. 4. Bracketed show times are Sat-Sun only matinees or Fri-Sat only late shows. All times are subject to change. For updates on Kerasotes films, call 1-800-FANDANGO. For reviews of other films, visit www.

Stranded on Scorsese’s Island
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Teddy Daniels, a federal agent who’s been sent to Shutter Island with his new partner, Chuck (Mark Ruffalo), to investigate a strange disappearance. Seems a patient (Emily Mortimer) has vanished from her cell and after an extensive search, is still missing.

February flurry of fun
On Thursday when REO, Styx and 38 Special come to town for the big concert at the PCCC, Styx drummer Todd Sucherman makes an appearance at Daddy O’s Music Shop on Stevenson Drive. Sucherman, recognized by many as one of the greats among current rock drummers, drops in from 4 to 6 p.

PUB CRAWL
Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project featuring the Ohio Players trumpet virtuoso Kenny Anderson.

BAND SPOTLIGHT
With 36 shows in the can, including many at the main, local hot spot nightclubs, and an 11-song CD ready to shine, Deep Lunar Blue is rising like a full moon upon the lonesome prairie.

Out of darkness come Needles of Light
This is truth in advertising. Most of the first dozen poems deal with a drunken father who brutalizes his wife and rapes his daughter. Child welfare intervenes but that adds a new layer of horror as sisters are separated. There are echoes of Sylvia Plath because — let’s face facts — Plath has a lock on the words ‘Daddy’ and ‘Nazi.

FILM
This film beautifully examines the love affair between a young John Keats, the famous Romantic poet, and the out-spoken student of high fashion, Fanny Brawne, in 1818 London. Jane Campion directed this Oscar-nominated picture. The Michael Victor II Art Library of the Springfield Art Association sponsors the immensely popular film festival each year.

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

THEATER
Over the Moon Productions presents a play reading of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

PUBLIC NOTICES
BUSINESS NAME ACT STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF SANGAMON TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that on 29th day of January, 2010 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Sangamon County, stating that MICHAEL J.

WORKSHOPS
Promote your class, workshop or fundraiser here. Up to 30 words $10 per week; additional words .35 per word, per week. Contact your display ad rep OR email your ad (and contact info) to cenlow@illinoistimes.com.

FIND LOCAL BIZ
IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR AT LAUTERBACH TIRE It’s a good bet that each time you step inside the door at Lauterbach Tire you’re dealing with someone by the same name. Brothers Mark and Brian work side by side their dad Jay to manage this very successful full service automotive service center.

THE ADVICE GODDESS
I was a woman-using jerk in my 20s, but I mended my ways, stopped chasing arm-candy and sought a relationship with substance. This woman from college is exactly what I should want. However, on our first date, she said her last boyfriend cheated on her, and she’s “quit playing the game.

NEWS QUIRKS
After recognizing themselves in a surveillance video on TV, two women went to the police station in DeLand, Fla., and, according to sheriff’s official Brandon Haught, “wanted to know what is going on.