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Making Springfield a better place
“‘Intellectual oasis’ might be asking the venerable place to shoulder more weight than it could plausibly bear, but homage is overdue.” I was trading anecdotes about Shadid’s when Michael Skube said that. He is the Eastsider who went from a cub reporter covering prep games for the old Illinois State Journal.

Freedom is not free
Smith was captured on Nov. 2, 1950, near Unsan, North Korea, when Chinese forces sprang a surprise attack on the lead elements of advancing United Nations troops. It heralded a dramatic change in the war. The brass had long insisted that the Chinese would not intervene despite their threats to the contrary.

Who’ll win the 2010 “Icky” award?
It’s not nearly as well known as an Emmy or Grammy, but the annual awarding of the “Icky” often produces high drama, fierce competition and gasps of surprise. This coveted corporate prize goes to the group of CEOs whose performances in the past 12 months exhibit the best combination of greediness, goofiness and grossness.

LETTERS
Columnist James Krohe Jr. in his thoughtful article on boom cars and noise [see “Noise about noise,” by James Krohe Jr., May 20] had not emphasized the fact that noise is more than an annoyance – it is a health hazard! The academic literature is replete with studies demonstrating that noise can adversely affect our mental and physical health.

farmerpoem #9
just had word a close friend in the seed business near janesville has decided to throw his whole operation in with funks — a big national seed corn company — and discontinue wisconsin strains entirely. this is a blow because we were growing for each other and working on development.

Jason, just release those tax returns
Then, in 1998, gubernatorial candidate George Ryan released his tax returns for the first time. He had adamantly refused to do so while he was secretary of state. And Ryan continued to refuse to release anything other than his current returns.

ILLINOISANS IMAGINEERING
The competition challenges teams to demonstrate their creative, technical, artistic and business skills by designing a ride, attraction, hotel or a land within an existing Disney theme park or resort. Projects can also create an entirely new theme park, resort or themed restaurant.

AFRICA IN SPRINGFIELD
The two-year-old Nigeria Association of Greater Springfield welcomes all to join the fun of their Memorial Day outing. Organizers estimate there are 200 residents of Springfield from the most populous African nation, and the Nigeria Association is setting goals, gaining members and becoming an active presence in town.

Coalition taking on issues of older neighborhoods
The house at 826 S. Fourth Street has seen better days, and by Steve Combs’ account, it should have seen its last day more than three years ago. Siding hangs precariously from the squat little house as the exposed, unshingled roof sheeting rots away. Saplings grow from the foundation while weeds taller than a meter choke the yard.

Paying for preservation
The fund aims to provide financial assistance to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations looking to preserve historic buildings (more than 50 years old) within city limits. The Sangamon County Community Foundation Historic Preservation Fund will target primarily buildings in the downtown area and adjacent neighborhoods.

Eliminating the ‘pre-existing’ problem
Without federal health care reform, almost 2.5 million Illinoisans would be at risk of losing their health insurance, a new report says. The report, released by the Campaign for Better Health Care, says 23 percent of Illinois residents have a pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage in the individual insurance market.

Danger: Too many crossings
Like a giant iron cradle, the antiquated railroad car gently sways to the click-clack and steam whistle of the lumbering train. Outside, clanging bells and flashing red lights announce the train’s arrival at every crossing.

2010 Summerlong Summerguide
Taste of Downtown/ American Music Show P19.

The summerlong guide to fun in central Illinois
Fourth Annual Artists Market, MacArthur Boulevard Business Association.

Old Capitol Farmers Market
Downtown Springfield Inc.’s market manager, Ann Frescura, announced that this year’s Farmers Market extends past Adams Street, which is closed off between Fifth and Third streets, to include seven new spaces on Broadway Street, southwest of the railroad tracks.

Taste of Downtown and American Music Show
Chefs will cook and serve ethnic, classic and eclectic cuisine. Visualize the mouthwatering flavor of such foods as fried oyster poor boys, an elk burger from Augie’s, a barbeque ponyshoe from Caitie Girl’s, or a jerk turkey taco from Café Brio.

Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth Celebration is a community-wide cultural celebration, in its 17th year in Springfield, but also held in towns and communities all across the United States. It marks the day that slaves in Galveston, Texas celebrated their release into freedom.

Illinois State Fair
No good reason to stay home. Like sculpting from butter instead of marble, it’s easy to find plenty to do for everyone and every wallet size. Those watching their budgets, and sun exposure, can browse the clothing, craft and food exhibits or watch one of the many shows or competitions.

Old Capitol Blues and BBQs
Get fired up for 12 hours of rapture as your ears and taste buds join in harmony at the Old Capitol Blues and BBQs. Downtown Springfield, Inc., and Illinois Central Blues Club cook up a smorgasbord of bliss as blues music and barbequed meat fit together, ah so perfectly, like peas imbedded in mashed potatoes.

Plan a summer getaway to the Gateway City
It’s known for its 630-foot arch that greets you upon entrance to its city, a site to behold. The “Gateway City” has much to offer. From festivals and fairs to amusement parks, concerts and museums, a trip to St. Louis is sure to keep you and your family busy during those dog days of summer.

Isaac Ellwood, Illinois king of the barbed wire
Most of us know the song “Don’t fence me in.” For those in the late 1800s who owned cattle, fencing them in was part of the ever shrinking range mentality and the “stay in your own pasture” one. One Illinois gentleman, Isaac Ellwood, made his fortune in barbed wire.

Explore central Illinois
McDonough County, which centers on Macomb, 84 miles northwest of Springfield, offers barn tours by car. These architectural masterpieces are now rare, as wooden barns are replaced by aluminum buildings. “Discover the beauty of rural life by seeing our historic barns nestled in the countryside of McDonough County.

The 10 top flicks of the season
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more than 80 different films will be released in North American movie theaters. Some will fly under the radar, with total budgets amounting to less than what’s spent on advertising for a studio blockbuster. Others will be so overhyped it will seem like they’ve been in theaters long before they actually arrive.

The summer of rock
This year’s packs 24 bands in two evenings at the Old State Capitol. June 4 has performances by Gypsy Collabo, The Waves, Tom Irwin and The Hayburners, Micah Walk Band, and The Station. The fest returns June 5 with the Ramblin’ Blues Band, Deep Lunar Blue, Luke Turasky Project, Telegraph 3am, Dan Hubbard and The Humidores, Wabash Run and Cabin Fever.

Summer onstage brings classics and comedies
An abundance of exciting and fun theater takes place on area stages this summer. It is interesting to see how summer theater fare has changed in recent years. In years past, summer theater was all comedies and musicals. Those are still with us, but there is quite a list of new and little-known works, as well as classic drama: Apartment 3A;.

Raise a glass to nearby winemaking
More than 100 years ago, Illinois was the fourth largest wine-producing state in the nation. Now the Treasury Department holds Illinois responsible for just 72,000 of the more than 41 million gallons bottled in February of 2010. While other states may have surpassed ours, the industry in Illinois is actually a growing one.

Bike and run for fitness and fun
There’s no better way to blow off steam and stay in shape than running or biking this fair city. And whether you need a little help working the winter kinks out of your joints, or you’re simply looking for a way to dissipate some of your boundless energy, Springfield’s biggest running and biking groups have something for you.

Dinner and a movie under the stars
It was one of my special childhood summertime treats: The Route 66 Drive In on South Sixth Street. Truthfully, most of my remembrances are less about the movies than the playground. Its main attraction was a miniature Ferris wheel; the rest was common playground equipment.

RealCuisine Recipe
Mound the arugula or lettuce evenly over the meat or mushrooms/tofu. Lightly press the cheese into the bottom bread half to keep it in place and then invert it over the greens. Cover the sandwich with plastic wrap and place a heavy weight over it (an iron skillet is ideal).

Time for Shrek to stay away
Ironically, the film comes to resemble its main character as Shrek (voice by Mike Myers) is dealing with a midlife crisis. Depressed over not having the freedom he once had, he leaves his home, as well as Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and their brood behind, in a tiff one day.

MacGruber short on ammo
As stupid as they are, I always get a kick out of the short “MacGruber” spots on “Saturday Night Live.” This “MacGyver” parody is a one-joke gag – Will Forte tries to defuse a bomb, though being distracted, he’s blown to bits every time – though it’s still amusing due to the performer’s over-earnest approach.

Movie times
PLEASE NOTE: AMC and Route 66 Drive Inn listings are for Friday, May 28 through Thursday, June 3. All times are subject to change. For updates on AMC films, call 1-800-FANDANGO. For reviews of other films, visit www.illinoistimes.com.

Music out of doors
Regardless of these consequences and dilemmas, the fact remains, music outside seems special and well suited to warmer weather and central Illinois plays host to many forms of outdoor summer concerts. One sad note to report concerns the demise of the Washington Street Jazz and Blues Festival.

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

BAND SPOTLIGHT
Normally this space is reserved for “Springfield’s Celtic house band” during the week of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but the show at Celtic Mist’s monthly “Hooley” on Thursday is a special one for this Celtic-rock group. The band plays on but the members change and the present incarnation of The Emerald Underground is no more after this gig.

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

HISTORY
Korean War soldiers are remembered at the Presidential Museum with a series of June programs titled, “Korean War POWs: A Tragedy in Three Acts.” Oral Historian Dr. Mark R. DePue presents three PowerPoint presentations on the first three Thursdays of the month.

ARCITECTURE
Things are looking up. Don’t miss your chance to look up at one of Downtown Springfield, Inc.’s free professionally-led walking tours where you can discover architectural facts about the design of our fair city.

MUSIC
Singer/songwriter Tom Irwin opens the season for the Springfield Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer music series. These noon-hour concerts held from June 1 to Sept.

COMPETITION
Illinois’ Got Talent is brought to Springfield by the same folks that put on the Miss Illinois Teen and Pre-teen Pageant held Sunday at the Hoogland, the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, in association with Dolphin Entertainment. In fact for $40, you can attend both events.

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 18th day of May, 2010 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Sangamon County, stating that PAMELA J.

NEWS QUIRKS
FBI investigators said Lois J. Harvey, 40, handed a hold-up note to a bank teller in Columbus, Ohio, who informed Harvey she couldn’t read it. While trying to explain the note, Harvey noticed an off-duty police officer in full uniform waiting in line behind her.

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.

THE ADVICE GODDESS
This divorced dad I’ve been seeing for a month is really sweet, but he’s pushing to go way too fast. Lately, he’s been very intense. He came over after I specifically told him I wanted a night alone. He said he thought I needed him but was “too independent” to say so.

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