The Other Illinois is a 1958 nonfiction book by Baker Brownell that examines the history, culture, and economic decline of the 31 counties in southern Illinois. Published by Duell, Sloan & Pearce as part of the American Folkways series, the work is based on Brownell’s research as the first director of the Division of Area Services at Southern Illinois University from 1952 to 1954.
The book details the region’s transition from a prosperous area with mild climate and abundant resources to one plagued by poverty, depleted forests, and dwindling towns. Brownell analyzes the causes of this decay with clarity and humor, providing a documented study of social history that remains a key resource for understanding the unique identity of southern Illinois, often referred to as “Egypt.” — Book promo by the publisher
“Christa Pike is unconscious and on a ventilator after a botched execution late Wednesday evening”, her attorneys said. I would not describe that as a botched execution, take her off the ventilator and she dies, that is a successful execution. This country has gone completely crazy!
I think I’ll play the part that Burt Lancaster did in The Rainmaker where he played Bill Starbuck, a charismatic con man who promises to make it rain. Friday evening when I look Erik out there were a few sprinkles that I could claim as rain although they were not even a trace. I can’t seem to get away from rain so I might as well try to make a buck!