The Times Columnists News

Taking pride in what we do here

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

Small diners or upscale restaurants, it doesn't matter. I suspect at some point the cook leaves the fire to gaze into the dining room. The reason — simply to see people eating and enjoying.

I have to think

I am hunting for truth

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

The hunting season in Illinois is open.

Bow hunters are in the woods standing or sitting on the sides of trees quietly hoping a deer passes within range of their stand. Waterfowl hunters are in boats or blinds trying

Feds should pay big for Thomson

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

SPRINGFIELD – Pat Quinn wants to make Illinois the permanent home of some of the world"s worst terrorists.

My beef with Quinn"s plan isn"t that he wants to sell the Thomson prison to the federal government. The feds are

Loving in-laws so important

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

I have had the new experience of becoming a mother-in-law twice in the last couple of years. While it"s not like being a "new mother" of a baby, I do consider it a significant passage, one that both honors and

Green is good, right?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

I can honestly say I care about the environment. I also can honestly say I am thoroughly confused by the methods being used to care for our treasured planet and its ecosystem. And that is what this column is about.

Small school, small town have helped shape me as a person

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

For me, there is nothing better than that small-school feeling.

In the U.S., we are required to attend school from kindergarten through 12th grade. The versatility in the U.S. allows its youth to attend school in a variety

Your rights vs. your wants!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

In light of the current health-care and a few other political debates, one often hears people talk of "their rights", or it is my right, to have health care, etc. That has given me cause to think about what

Who are true heroes of seas?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

The passing of one holiday often begins the enthusiastic hope for the next. I currently find myself reminiscing of Halloween while simultaneously awaiting Thanksgiving.

Strangely enough, at this intermediate point, I find myself thinking about ... pirates. Yes, pirates.

Another chance for right decision

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

In May, I used this space to suggest the federal government use the 1,600 vacant maximum security beds at the Thomson Correctional Center to house detainees currently stationed at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

I wasn't the first person to

Secret to happiness (in phone book)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

According the phone book, there are 25 churches in Streator.

I know a lot of people shrug off this thrilling news. They"ve got so many other exciting things to do than go to church. Like watching lint gather on

A gift, 99 handkerchiefs

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

I have always used handkerchiefs in my pockets. My handkerchief drawer holds about 200. I treasure them (nostalgia).

My friend gave me 99 handkerchiefs. I looked through every one, each a different color, design or edging that was