Keith Koeneman, 02/22/12

Author, 'First Son: The Biography of Richard M. Daley'

Boss is a classic, one of the great books of American literature. If you've never read it, I recommend it to you. Chicago is a much changed city since it was written, but Rokyo's words still carry insights into our city and politics.

Steven Cohen, 02/20/12

Executive Director, Columbia University's Earth Institute

We've experienced a three-decade long attack on government. While this may have had the effect of constraining unchecked power, it has also started to destroy critical government capacities. This has been especially true at the local level.

Nico Lang, 02/22/12

Co-Creator and Co-Editor, In Our Words

Heigl is good at talking the talk -- speaking out about the inherent sexism in the movie industry -- but she seems almost willfully against challenging the norms of gender in cinema that she criticizes.

Alonso Zaragoza, 02/21/12

Candidate for 31st Ward Democratic Committeeman

Nepotism and patronage might have been useful in old Chicago, but they have no place in today's society.

John Barrett and Daniel Cousino, 02/21/12

Since we've heard a lot of praise about some newer burger establishments in the city, we dedicated a few of our recent "meatings" to exploring two of them: Butcher & The Burger and Three Aces.

Teeny Lamothe, 02/17/12

lady pie baker

Here's a universal truth that I'm not sure many people know: drinks and pies, pies and drinks... they are the perfect pair.

Patricia Crisafulli, 02/22/12

Author, founder, FaithHopeandFiction.com

Seeing what other humans can create with passion and intensity (and the right genetic proclivity) does make one wonder: What could I do?

Mark Zupan, 02/20/12

Dean, University of Rochester’s Simon School of Management

Abraham Lincoln is the most revered president. This is especially striking in light of the fact that Lincoln presided over a period more challenging and economically destructive than any other in America's history.

Marshall Fine, 02/21/12

Author and film critic, hollywoodandfine.com

The Forgiveness of Blood is quietly compelling, a film about the traditions of the past hamstringing the present. It's a look at a clash of cultures that brings medieval thinking into the modern-day.

Megan Smolenyak, 02/21/12

Genealogy Expert, Author of "Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing" & "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Michelle's maternal grandmother, Rebecca Jumper, did an admirable job of keeping her past a secret, but that's probably because she didn't know much about it herself. That's unfortunate, because hers is an intriguing history.

Kenzo Shibata, 02/22/12

Editor, Chicago Union Teacher

Last year CPS made 930 layoffs and teachers at schools with a higher-than-average percentage of African-American or low-income students were twice as likely to lose their jobs.

Shawn Lawrence Otto, 02/16/12

Author, 'Fool Me Twice'; Science Advocate; Filmmaker; Co-founder, Sciencedebate.org

Recently leaked budget documents from the Heartland Institute, the leading voice of climate change denialism, lay out plans to spend $100K on a phony K-12 science curriculum based on propaganda.

Tanya Barrios, 02/15/12

Social media coordinator and Notre Dame grad

Being in a homosexual relationship at Notre Dame was one of the hardest things in my life. We were accepted amongst our friends. But walking down the quad holding hands, or sharing a kiss outside of a classroom -- normal heterosexual couple actions were completely taboo for us.

Andrew Brandt, 02/17/12

President, The National Football Post

The longest offseason in major professional sports has begun. While we wait for the next edition of "As Peyton Turns," let's examine a high-profile position group -- wide receiver -- that offers a substantial amount of talent.

Del Phillips, 02/15/12

Aspiring Speaker, Reframe Shame™ & Unemployed

We have applied to the online ads, attended the networking events, used social media and crafted multiple iterations of our resume based on each new blogger's opinion. There are even those of us attempting to gain additional skills. We're eager and ready to get back to work.

Paul Klein, 02/16/12

Art advocate

Jonathan Kim, 02/16/12

Film Critic for ReThink Reviews, the Uprising Show, What the Flick?!

The biggest problem with Mr. Foster is how universally Foster and his work are praised, which often makes it feel like you're watching an artfully made promotional piece from Foster + Partners' PR department.