As three long, tiny trains snake down their own rail lines, kids stare intently; focused on their every move. They love the animations, too – a windmill that turns, cows that “moo,” and cartoons playing on the drive-in movie screen.

Even before Thanksgiving begins, we start thinking of what we will want to do with the leftovers.

Dirt biking, skydiving, motocross racing, snowboarding and the other extreme sports the men of Kinetic Energy spend their free time doing are dangerous and expensive hobbies, but they say the rush is so worth it.

In December 2003, the Governor of Illinois named Kevin Stein Illinois Poet Laureate, filling the position previously held by Howard Austin, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks. This accolade is one of many Stein has earned during his career as poet, critic, editor, and teacher.