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The Presidential museum turns five
Abe World opened five years ago this month, on April 19. Drawing on all the dark arts of electronic hucksterism, the new museum was to transform Springfield into a Mecca for patriots who would make their hajj by the millions in their Caravans and Odysseys.

Don’t be duped by nuclear power
Nuclear power has never lived up to the promises of its backers. Their latest claim — that nuclear energy represents an easy answer to global warming — has as much validity as that old industry chestnut of producing energy “too cheap to meter.” Let’s not be duped again.

Killing the competition
To see a troubling sign for our nation’s famed, free-enterprise frontier spirit, sneak a peek at the downward flight path of America’s major airlines. These corporations have become no-can-do, anti-competition behemoths, whining that there are too many airlines, too many planes, too much competition.

housingpoem #1
it’s not that I don’t like robins it’s usurpers I deplore but are they such? they came they saw that it was good they sat down squirmed around at least the wife did trying it for size all it took was some grass and mud to remodel it into their sort...

LETTERS
Now smokers, read the following advice – and I’ve written it real slow so you can comprehend the following warning: If you want to avoid having to pay increased tobacco taxes (and remember, tobacco companies just pass those taxes along to you) and,...

I’m not getting my hopes up for early adjournment
The Illinois General Assembly usually tries to adjourn by the end of May. That hasn’t worked out too well the past few years as partisan bickering, the state’s huge budget problems and the bloody war between former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan forced months-long overtime sessions.

Are genetically modified foods harmful?
Smith, a leading spokesperson on the health dangers of genetically modified foods, brought his message to Springfield last weekend, as the keynote speaker for the Earth Day celebration. Smith also visited the Capitol April 23, urging legislators to enact statewide laws banning products containing genetically modified ingredients.

MILK MUSTACHES
Join the national “Got Milk?” campaign for games, prizes and education as part of a free event to raise awareness about the benefits of milk and family dinner time.

ANNIE TAKES THE STAGE
We all remember the tales of Little Orphan Annie, whether it’s the cheery comic strip from the 1920s or the charming motion picture from the 1980s. Now, the story is being brought to life in Springfield with a stage performance by 100 kindergarten to eighth grade kids from Little Flower Catholic School and St.

Central Illinois group fights for bank accountability
Trenda Kennedy has seen the recession up close and personal. The Springfield resident lost her job when the economy tanked because her company closed its Illinois office, and she soon fell behind on her mortgage payments. When Kennedy approached her bank about refinancing her mortgage, however, she was basically put on hold.

Proposed ‘clean coal’ plant has drawbacks
Taylorville Energy Center, which could generate enough electricity to power about 600,000 homes, is currently under review by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Project backers have submitted their financial report to the ICC in hopes of receiving state subsidies.

Kids in prison
It was to be a place, separate from the prison system, where kids gone wrong could be steered right. But, like Eve from Adam, IDJJ was created from the proverbial rib of the Illinois Department of Corrections, and though the two are now separate agencies, they are still entwined by their shared resources and attitudes toward corrections.

Let the arts take you on a spiritual journey
Held May 1 to May 4 at various locations throughout the city, the multi-faith interdenominational festival features a variety of programs designed to promote sacred and liturgical arts, while fostering a dialogue between people from different backgrounds.

Native plants like it here
Illinois, known as the “Prairie State,” has several native plant species. Prior to European settlers in Illinois, 60 percent of the 22 million acres was prairie. Today less than one hundredth of one percent of the original undisturbed prairies exists in Illinois.

A past with a future
Our yard is achingly beautiful in spring – especially the mostly wooded west side. Delicate blooms of spring beauties, Dutchman’s britches, and dog-toothed violets form a carpet of white. Here and there are drifts of daffodils, patches of bluebells, stands of May apples and wild yellow violets.

RealCuisine Recipe
In a large saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium high heat. Add the asparagus tips, sprinkle lightly with salt and stir-fry until the tips are just crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately remove from the pan and put them on a plate to cool quickly.

Back-Up needs a better plan
There are so many problems here it’s hard to know where to begin. The cast strains to create a tone of cuteness, which proves grating, while the number of odd circumstances that keep Zoe and Alex running into each other is insulting.

The Losers lives up to its name
Sent to help take down a drug lord in Bolivia, the group led by Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) finds itself in exile when they disobey a direct order that leads to the death of 25 innocent children.

Movie times
PLEASE NOTE: Kerasotes listings are for Friday, Apr 30 through Thursday, May 6. 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.

The Haymarket Festival, weighty and fun
The first official outdoor music event (correct me if I’m wrong, and surely someone will) must be the Haymarket Festival at Douglas Park in the band shell on Saturday, May 1, 1 to 9 p.m.

PUB CRAWL
Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

BAND SPOTLIGHT
Shelley Miller Thurs May 6, 9pm Bar None w/Micah Walk www.shelleymiller.net.

THE CALENDAR
$13, $12 sr/child. 523-2787. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St..

FESTIVAL
May 1 arrives with the second Haymarket Festival at Douglas Park. This annual music festival and celebration of the working man includes performances by: Sarah Schneider Band, Kerwin

DANCE
Joining the Springfield Ballet Company on stage and dancing in tights for a humorous evening dubbed Men in Tights.

FITNESS
Steve Stark, Seibushi, of Kansas and Bill Gossett, Koubushi, of Missouri will teach advanced concepts and principals of the ancient life protection arts of Okinawa karate. Masters with more than 30 years of training, both have traveled the world with Taika Oyata teaching.

MUSIC
Silly Joel is a five-member Billy Joel cover band from Illinois that not only performs rockin’ music but sometimes pops out into Weird Al-style high jinks. They perform May 1 at the Hoogland to celebrate the famous singer/songwriter who was born May 9, 1949.

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 6th day of April, 2010 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Sangamon...

NEWS QUIRKS
After Canadian slow-pitch softball player George Black, 53, lost sight of a line drive in the setting sun and wound up getting hit in the face while playing third base, he filed a lawsuit seeking $1.5 million.

THE ADVICE GODDESS
I’m a theater performer, and there’s a tendency among theater people that disturbs me: dreadful over-the-top flirting. I’m a portly, bearded guy pushing 40. At my last show, I was sitting in a seat minding my own business when a young woman in the cast I barely knew came and sat on my lap.

FIND LOCAL BIZ
Promote your local biz in print and online Call Nan for details - 753-1724.

WORKSHOPS
$10 a week for 30 words. To place your ad, contact your display rep or e-mail your ad and contact information to nbulli@illinoistimes.com.