The very foundation of American democracy is the right of citizens to circulate petitions to appear on the ballot as candidates for public office. But just getting on the ballot as a candidate is a high hurdle, particularly if one seeks to run as a third-party candidate in Illinois.

Although they may not admit it, pretty much everyone at city hall knows the current “landscape requirements” imposed on commercial developers to “green up” new properties is a joke. Just take a look at the new national chain store that will soon open at 4th and South Grand.

Question: If you mix a cocktail of “black liquor,” biofuels, diesel and a generous splash of tax subsidies – then have it shaken vigorously by a U.S. senator and served in a golden goblet by corporate lobbyists – what do you call it? Answer: Koch Brothers Moonshine.

NONVOTERS LOUD AND CLEAR Ted Cruz [see “The people’s choice! Only, not really.” By Jim Hightower, Aug. 16] may be a nut and he may have only had 4 percent of the people who walked into the voting places and thus took advantage of their right to vote. Those who did not go to the polls, voted with the majority.

If you were following the news last week, you already know that hundreds of AFSCME members packed the Illinois State Fair Director’s Lawn last Wednesday afternoon and booed pretty much everybody who tried to speak at the annual Democratic event.

The troubled Springfield-based company, which has been bouncing checks and owes millions of dollars in delinquent taxes, has ceased operations and will liquidate rather than attempt to re-organize via bankruptcy, according to filings in the divorce case of Jeffrey Parsons, the company’s president.

John Sadowski, plans examiner for the Springfield building and zoning department, characterized the complex’s progress as “slower than expected.

Former Jerome police officer Steven Stirmell kept nude photographs of himself on the police department’s computer system and also made unwelcome advances toward women, according to investigative files prepared by village police and investigators with the state attorney general’s office.

Rock musician. Fine artist. Cycling champion. If lifelong Springfield resident Jeff Williams does not qualify as a genuine renaissance man, he’ll have to do until one comes along. In addition, these disparate areas of interest have built on each other throughout a 30-year career, in often unexpected ways.

Charlie Roberts, 51, of Springfield, knows what it’s like to race a motorcycle at speeds of more than 130 miles per hour around a flat track. He also knows what it’s like to lose control of a bike, ending up seriously injured and hospitalized a long way from home.

There are too few surprises left in American movies so, as a rule, I try to avoid watching previews when I go to see a film.

Just goes to show how much I knew. I entered a room full of large, hearty men and a couple of women. Everyone was goodnatured and jovial, but it quickly became apparent that many were serious about barbecue, veterans of multiple barbecue competitions as judges, contestants or both.

As these two acclaimed singer-songwriters work through an eight-day Midwest tour, the music is not the only thing being celebrated.

Murder of Crowes with Randy Charles and the Western Angels.

Let’s start with Thursday night as the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Springfield Area Arts Council, D’Arcy’s Pint and 104.5 WFMB combine forces to present a world famous Irish music group, The Brock McGuire Band.

The musical Man of La Mancha.

the regular festival fare and popcorn! manitopopcornfestival.com. Manito..

Poets, Painters and Performers.

Old Capitol Blues and BBQs returns to downtown Springfield, Aug. 24 and 25, with sizzling music and munchies. The BBQ competition is smokin’ with rib, pulled pork, brisket, open and dessert categories.

Local artists, poets and musicians are featured Wednesday, Aug. 29, during what should be an inspiring and entertaining evening of performances at Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, south side of Old State Capitol Plaza.

04-05, 9am-5pm Tue-Sat, 2- 5pm Sun, Through Dec. 30, modern American and European works from museum’s permanent collection. Free, $3 suggested donation. Krannert Art Museum, 500 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, 333-1861..

Folk duo Tina and Her Pony play what promises to be a remarkable, intimate concert Sunday evening at Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The couple’s original songs echo the sound of Appalachia, while creating new waves with radical, queer lyrics, uncommon instrumentation and tight vocals.

enjoying a continental breakfast. $10-$9, $8-$7. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821..

Springfield conference room (B149). Memorial Medical Center, 701 N. First St, 414- 7368..