E. M. Timberlake
Former journalist, now employed in legal office. Married with one child. Covered government, healthcare, churches, schools and many other institutions and events. Have keyboard, will write!
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Displaying Results 1 - 41 (of 41) for All Content
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Blagojevich Determined to Go Out in Blaze of Media "Glory"The impeachment trial of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich begins Jan. 26. He has offered no defense, instead choosing to plead his case to the media, and will likely be removed from office before the end of the week.
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The True Meaning of "Fitzmas"The term "Fitzmas," referring to federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, was originally coined by liberal bloggers in reference to anticipated charges in the Valerie Plame affair. Now, "Fitzmas" has come to Illinois with the arrest of its governor.
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Unusual Spanish Christmas Tradition Tweaks Famous and Not so FamousOne of the world's oddest Christmas traditions comes from the Spanish region of Catalonia, where Nativity scenes include a "caganer" -- a person in the act of defecating. Explanations for this practice are as colorful as the practice itself. -
Illinois' Old Capitol Takes on New Significance - Historic Lincoln Site to Promote Obama ConnectionThe Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., is now linked to two U.S. presidents -- 16th President Abraham Lincoln and 44th President Barack Obama, who began his historic 2008 presidential campaign there. -
As American as Pumpkin Pie: A Brief History of ThanksgivingThe origins of Thanksgiving Day go beyond the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. Thanksgiving as we know it today really dates from the Civil War era. -
Endless Flood: A History of the Illinois River ValleyMelting glaciers formed what is now the Illinois River in Illinois about 17,000 years ago. It has attracted plant and animal life and human activity for at least 12,000 years. Today attempts are being made to restore it to a more natural state. -
How to Make Hickory Nut "Coffee"A delicious hot drink, similar to tea or coffee, can be made using the meat and shells of hickory nuts, which are plentiful in the fall.
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The Freedom of Choice ActPresident Barack Obama pledged during his campaign to sign the federal Freedom of Choice Act guaranteeing abortion rights. If it is resurrected in the new Congress, the House or Senate Judiciary Committee will tackle it first.
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How to Make Your Own ButterHomemade, fresh butter (and buttermilk) can be made quickly at home with just heavy whipping cream and a lidded jar in place of a churn.
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Illinois Governor's (Blagojevich) Hopes for White House (Thankfully) DashedThe rise of Sen. Barack Obama as a Democratic presidential contender kept another Illinois politician, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, from realizing presidential ambitions that, based on his actions as governor, could have been disastrous for the nation.
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Illinois Con-Con Issues: Special SessionsIf a constitutional convention is called in Illinois, one of the issues it may deal with is the ability of the governor to call special legislative sessions. -
Illinois Con-Con Issues: The Convention ProcessIf Illinois voters approve a constitutional convention, the next step will be to elect convention delegates. The document resulting from a convention will also require voter approval. Controversial provisions could be voted on separately. -
Illinois Con-Con Issues: TaxationThe current Illinois constitution mandates a flat rate income tax for individuals and corporations. A con-con, if approved, might consider changing this provision to permit graduated income tax rates like those of the federal government.
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How to Prepare and Serve Spaghetti SquashSpaghetti squash -- a variety of winter squash with stringy but tender flesh that resembles strands of spaghetti -- can be cooked and served just like spaghetti with only a fraction of the starch and calories. -
Illinois Con-Con Issues: RedistrictingThe current Illinois Constitution gives political parties control of the legislative redistricting process after every federal census. More often than not, the process is resolved by what the state Supreme Court called "a game of chance". Reform is urgently needed.
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The Consequences of 'Choice': Catholic Politicians, Abortion and CommunionA Catholic Church law allowing persons in "manifest grave sin" to be refused Communion is increasingly being invoked against Catholic politicians who support abortion rights.
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Illinois Con-Con Issues: Amendatory Veto PowerThe current Illinois constitution grants the governor amendatory veto power to change the wording of bills. Some want this power restricted because they believe the current governor has abused it. But others say it can be a useful tool if used properly.
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"Lost" Literary Works RediscoveredThis year, two unreleased literary works by authors Vladimir Nabokov and Ralph Ellison were due to be published or republished; both have been delayed.
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Illegal Immigrants and TaxationMany people assume that illegal immigrants pay no taxes. However, most pay into Social Security with false SSNs, and many also file income taxes. The federal government makes money from them while states and cities bear the costs associated with them.
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Dropping Out of the Electoral College - Proposed Interstate Compact Would Put Popular Vote FirstA number of states are attempting to form an "Electoral College Compact" awarding their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote.
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Writing Tips: How to Tell "Affect" and "Effect" ApartThese are two of the most troublesome words in the English language. Here are a few tips for knowing when to use each word.
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Illinois Con-Con Issues: Public PensionsThe current Illinois Constitution forbids any reduction in the agreed pension benefits of state or local government workers and retirees. Much of the opposition to calling a new constitutional convention is based on fear that this provision will be changed.
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Illinois Con-Con Issues: Term Limits and RecallElected officials in Illinois are not subject to term limits or recall by voters. If a "con-con" takes place, delegates may consider adding one or both provisions to the constitution.
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One-Book Wonders - 20th-Century Authors that Are Known for Just One NovelSome of the most influential and best-selling novels of the 20th century were the only successful or award-winning books -- and in some cases the only books of any kind -- ever written by their authors.
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Why Vote on a Workday?Voting on a workday makes it difficult for many to get to the polls on time. Many believe voter turnout could be improved by moving Election Day to a weekend, making it a national holiday, or moving it to the Veterans' Day holiday.Also published on:
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A History of Etiquette GuidesGuides to proper social behavior are as old as society itself. The oldest literary work in existence is an ancient Egyptian etiquette guide. Today's etiquette guides most frequently deal with weddings and workplace or business manners.
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Autism: Disease or Difference?A movement comprised mainly of adults with autistic spectrum traits questions whether autism should be treated as a disease. They believe it is simply a different way of thinking and communicating that the outside world should accept and adapt to.
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Bird Flu: Still a Threat to People?Almost 400 human cases of avian flu and over 200 deaths have been reported worldwide since 2003. New case reports have slowed, but U.S. and world health experts remain on alert in case it becomes capable of human-to-human transmission.
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How Older People May Help Fight The Next Flu PandemicResearch on survivors of the 1918 influenza pandemic indicates that they retained lasting immunity to the deadly virus. Should a similar pandemic happen again, older people may be more likely to survive, and help others survive as well.
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How "Traditional" Weddings Aren't that TraditionalMany wedding customs people think of as "traditional" originated among the rich, and represent a culture that is alien to most of today's couples. This is a big reason wedding planning is stressful for many.
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Chastity Means More Than Just Saving Oneself for MarriageMany Christian groups encourage young people to remain virgins until marriage. But while virginity may be temporary, chastity is needed throughout life and can be practiced by anyone regardless of their past.
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Is Roe vs. Wade Overemphasized?The emphasis pro-life and pro-choice supporters place upon the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision can leave the impression that legal abortion did not exist prior to that, or that it will end if Roe is overturned. Neither assumption is accurate.
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Hurricanes More Dangerous After the Winds Stop BlowingHurricanes rapidly weaken after hitting land, but that doesn't mean their destructive rampages are over. Flooding from storm remnants can be an equal or bigger threat.
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Lessons of the Swine Flu "Fiasco" of 1976The swine flu scare in 1976 left many people skeptical about the threat of a new pandemic. Yet health experts say they learned valuable lessons from it.
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Pros and Cons of an Illinois Constitutional ConventionEvery 20 years Illinois voters decide whether to rewrite the state constitution. This year the issue is hotter than ever.
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Tracking a Super Storm - The "Six State Supercell"The extraordinary longevity of a tornadic supercell thunderstorm that crossed six states on March 12, 2006, intrigues researchers
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The Trend of Casual Dress Seeps into ChurchHow to dress for church is a touchy issue that needs to be resolved with an attitude of reverence and charity.
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How You Can Influence Government Rules and RegulationsOfficial publications, review bodies, and hearings allow the public to influence federal and state rules
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The Tornado (Near) Disaster in Roanoke, IllinoisImportant safety lessons learned after an F-4 twister destroyed Parsons Manufacturing in Roanoke, Ill. in 2004. -
How to See Movies in the Theater CheaplyOptions such as second-run theaters, drive-ins, and college film festivals can help you enjoy the moviegoing experience without going broke
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Supreme Court Gun Decision: The "Roe" of the 21st Century?The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in D.C. vs. Heller is only the beginning of the gun control debate. We will be debating its effects for years, just as we still are with abortion 35 years after Roe.