Chef, author, and artist, Jacques Pepin was born in 1935 and began his formal apprenticeship at age 13 at the Grand Hotel de l’Europe in his hometown of Bourg-en-Bresse, France. For two years he sharpened knives, refreshing the wood or coals, scaling fish. He was finally allowed to approach the...
As a country, we take holidays seriously. Functions include celebration of good causes and important commemorations. Holidays are time off from work both as a reward and to celebrate the day in grand style. Celebrations should not be diminished. Importance of holidays vary from decade to decade in concert with...
It was in the village of Birstwith in Yorkshire, England that Emily celebrated the Valentine’s Day of 1980. She had been touring the English countryside during a fortnight vacation and decided to linger in the village. The medieval wool trade thrived here. There was an open park area that was...
Snow? What snow? We have Spring in full measure, or, so it has been made to feel as though while we are suffering through 50-degree weather and warmer in early February. Some commentaries have led us to think it is related to global warming. In reality, we are a few...
Time for this and that. Bits: Northern Illinois University student body includes every state as well as 76 countries. Last enrollment international students numbered 966. Pieces: Some of the endangered species include wild salmon, ferrets, jaguar, whooping cranes, polar bears, Canadian lynx, and the grizzly bear. Bits: Starting 45 centuries...
Have you ever heard anyone, dear reader, say that he was going to Hell when he dies because of his “bad behavior”? Of course not. Everybody – even those who have committed atrocious acts of violence – believe they are going to Heaven/Paradise, according to their religious beliefs. I’ve read...
Variety and family information in The Voice, as usual, this week includes: •Theatre is important to most communities. •The focus is for both Paramount Theatre and the building of the Stolp Island Theatre. •Both are in Aurora, however, it promotes more than just Aurora theatres. They are for the Midwest....
“There goes God with an army of banners.” —Poet Carl Sandburg comparing the Canyon to a Divinity. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is 277 miles long, a mile deep and as much as 18 miles wide. All of it has been carved out by erosion of the Colorado River. The...
We have a plethora of items in news and information designated for our eyes. Galentine’s Day is a relatively new celebration, based on women’s friendship day. If we blink we may miss some of the items constantly going in our direction. The Voice will present a full accounting in the...
Illinois allocated $160 million to migrant aid in November, more funding is ‘on the table’ By Andrew Adams Capitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Chicago – As Illinois faces sub-zero wind chills, thousands of recently arrived migrants are sleeping in precarious situations throughout Chicago and its suburbs – overcrowded shelters, police stations, former convenience...
Frigid weather should not be a surprise to us in the northern part of Illinois section of the planet. January means cold weather. We have been blessed/suffered(?) with mild weather the last few years sufficient enough to have us endure chatter on global warming. We have not heard such talk...
“For pomp is a tenacious force. And a wily one too. How numbly it bows as the emperor is dragged down the steps and tossed in the street.” A Gentleman in Moscow He was the prince from the moment he was born. The heir. The chosen. The selfish young man...
We continue to encourage writers to write in to The Voice, both Reader’s Commentaries and letters to the editor. We seek a dialogue in essence, every week. In spite of some persons thinking so, nobody has all the answers, and we receive benefits from articles, commentaries, and dialogues in periodicals...
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” — Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau was an American poet and naturalist, who was born in Concord, Mass. in 1817 as the son of a pencil-maker. He studied at Harvard College, taught school, and worked in his father’s pencil factory....
Dear reader, once again I am officially announcing my intent to run for the office of president of the United States in 2024. I have thought long and hard (about five minutes) concerning this decision, but I believe it is my civic duty to seek this office. I am making...
Out with the old. In with the new. The year 2024 will provide a new dimension and at the same time more of the same. It is up to each one of us to decide what is important in our lives and protect, enhance, and perpetuate the good things in...
By Russ George Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley stress that the most important resolution you could make, is to be tested at least once a year, to see if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic. Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause vision problems,...
From AD 711 until 1492, Iberia was in Islamic hands. There was a peaceful intermingling of Muslim, Christian, and Jew under the tolerant caliphs. This was the tenth-century Cordoba. Power and wealth created a civilization of affluence. The Alhambra shows the glories of Cordoba when it was Christian ruled. It...
Everybody is allowed to have thoughts and express opinions. Those who send in letters to the editor and who express opinions do not have to write for anyone’s approval connected to The Voice. All subjects are worthy to be addressed. It should go without saying that there are appropriate ways...
To choose the Top Ten for this year was quite the task. During the Winter months, I would read at least eight books each month. But, here goes. Some of the finest. Bonus: John Grisham’s latest title “The Exchange” and “Mary Churchill’s War” are worthwhile reading....
