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The questionable future of FutureGen
When U. S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu met with the FutureGen Alliance on Monday to discuss whether to proceed with a largescale coal gasification demonstration plant near Mattoon, he faced enormous questions.

Fertility in the age of the Octomom
As specialists in the field of fertility, we cringe every time a higher order multiple pregnancy (three or more gestations) receives special attention. Almost every Mother’s Day contest for “Mother of the Year” selects a woman who has carried and delivered four, five, or six babies at once.

Obama’s triple surge into Afghanistan
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to war we go! As President Barack Obama begins winding down the Bush war in Iraq, he is building up his own war farther east. We’re told that it will be a new, expanded, extra-special American adventure in Afghanistan, involving a vigorous surge strategy to “stabilize” this perpetually unstable land.

LETTERS
As we head to the polls, let us empower our children to grow and develop by seating a board that will watch out for the interests of our schools and not get bogged down in the usual school politics in Springfield. Roosevelt G. Pratt Curator, Fashion Afrique Springfield.

farmpoem #11
my father speaks in similes some are his own I think flat as a flea between lovers useless as a fifth tit walks like a constipated meadow lark some are common coin cold as a witch’s tit or worthless as a bucket under a bull however in the breeding...

Where to start cleaning up Illinois?
Both Gov. Pat Quinn and House Speaker Michael Madigan have said that they’d like to see Illinois politics and government cleaned up before any deficit-closing tax increases are debated.

Quinn picked two 29-year-old directors over these more experienced men
When Gov. Pat Quinn chose a young West Point graduate to head the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs last month, he skipped over a highly decorated veteran who served eight years as deputy director of the agency scheduled to receive $80 million in federal stimulus funds.

CHANGE FOR THE HOMELESS
Springfield will seek its share of $1.5 billion in federal funds for homeless services. The funds were set aside by Congress “for short-term rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services for families who may become homeless due to the economic crisis.

DANGER: BABY BOTTLES
If you’re concerned about what your baby sticks in his mouth, add his bottle to the list. That’s the message behind the Child-Safe Chemicals Act, a proposed Illinois law that would outlaw baby bottles, sippy cups and any other children’s food containers that contain the chemical bisphenol-A.

Illinois EPA takes hands-off stance toward manure regulation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has expanded its investigation of the Illinois EPA, according to a group seeking improved regulation of factory farms.

Sub conscious
“Oh, I’ll just sub.” At some point, the thought of substitute teaching enters the mind of every unemployed worker and fresh-faced college graduate not sure of what to do with their life. But these days, landing a substitute teaching gig isn’t as automatic as it used to be, depending on where you live.

Support the troops
March 19, the sixth anniversary of the Iraq war, Adjutant General William Enyart asked Illinoisans to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in the Illinois National Guard.

The Illinois that Lincoln knew
Abraham Lincoln surrounds visitors to and residents of central Illinois. The Lincoln image the region presents and sells to the world, however, is often a caricature.

Illinois women scorned
You’re an Illinois woman in the middle 1800s and you find yourself pregnant after your sweetheart — who promised marriage — left. Your reputation and chance of finding a husband are ruined and you have to depend on your family for support. What to do? Sue the cad’s sorry behind.

Some ‘tried and true” blue perennials for your garden
It’s time to begin thinking about adding new plants to our gardens. One of my favorite colors is blue. Unfortunately there are only a handful of blue-flowered perennials. Recently I had the privilege of attending a program given by Richard Hawke, plant evaluation manager at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Old Lux = old school = delicious
Springfield is lucky to have one of those classics — the Old Lux. Its formal name is The Old Luxemburg Inn, but I’ve never, ever, heard it referred to as anything other than “The Old Lux” — an indication of both the familiarity and the affection with which it’s regarded.

Movie times
Kerasotes listings are for Friday, Apr 3 through Thursday, Apr 9. All times are subject to change. Bracketed show times indicate Saturday and Sunday matinees. For updates on Kerasotes films, call 1-800-FANDANGO. Reviews of other films can be found at.

Adventureland features roller coaster of love
James’ (Jesse Eisenberg) summer is not getting off to a good start. Told that his trip to Europe and perhaps his attending NYU for graduate work are in jeopardy because of his father being laid off, he’s forced to take a job at Adventureland, a run-down theme park that’s one lawsuit away from closure.

Ten years of The Station
“I was 18 years old when we started, so needless to say, everything has changed for me,” said Carter. “Literally everything has changed for us as a band too, from marketing to music.

BAND SPOTLIGHT
If you’re looking for classic country without the amped-up, modern country, rock crossover, chic currently in style, do yourself a favor and take a listen to The White Lightnin’ Band.

PUB CRAWL
7:30-9:30pm. XXL Oldies 50’s, 60’s

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

THEATER
World renowned St. Louis Black Repertory Company, known as The Black Rep, performs The Strong Men.

SCIENCE
The University of Illinois at Springfield, in partnership with the Sangamon Astronomical Society, has a series of events planned for this weekend in connection with 100 Hours of Astronomy to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

ART
This year’s self-guided art tour in Downtown Springfield includes the musical performance of Second Harvest.

MUSIC
Neha Mhaskar, Chandana Nandi, Kamal Chopra, Gyanesh and Bhupen Thakkar lead Kirtan, an evening of music, chanting and meditation at Namaste Yoga. The kirtan is one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world.

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 the 4th day of March, 2008 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of...

Real Estate Foreclosures
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SANGAMON COUNTY — SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS SUNTRUST MORTGAGE INC.

NEWSQUIRKS
Police pursuing a bank robber said they caught up to the suspect after he made a wrong turn and wound up in a police station parking lot in Southfield, Mich. WXYZ News reported the 24-yearold Detroit man gave himself away by drawing a mustache and beard on his face with a Sharpie marker to disguise himself.

THEADVICEGODDESS
When I married my wife seven years ago, she was 20 pounds lighter. She’s unwilling to sacrifice a constant flow of sugary stuff, and lazy about working out. During our last conversation about her weight, she said I should be attracted to her no matter what, then said, “I’m happy with my weight, and don’t intend to change it.