Liz Kozak, 02/22/12

Writer, Mom

I wish I could call up every single person who told me, "Sleep while you can!" and inform them that their advice was terrible. I wish I had used all that nap time to go to the movies, because I miss it a whole lot.

Paul Szep, 02/22/12

Two-time Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist

David Murray, 02/22/12

Chicago based writer/editor

State-of-the-town speeches exploded during the housing boom, when mayors could describe the growth in the tax base and bask in the glow. After everything went to hell in 2008, mayors would probably have preferred to skip the speech.

Jason Salzman, 02/21/12

Bigmedia.org

There's a good chance someone is going to say something newsworthy when they preface it with, "some folks in my office cringed when I said this, but I'm going to say it again."

Jon Soltz, 02/21/12

Co-Founder of VoteVets.org, Iraq War Veteran

A better way to show the thanks of a grateful nation -- more than any parade or handshake or embrace -- is to make certain that all veterans have a fair shot at building an America worthy of our service.

Ron Radziner and Leo Marmol, 02/17/12

Design principals, Marmol Radziner

In order to provide clients with a "simple user experience" architects must begin to take responsibility for the entire process of design and construction.

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.

Vanessa Becknell, 02/21/12

TV and Film Department Editor, The Donnybrook Writing Academy

This week's The Walking Dead ended with... more talking! Ugh.

Marlo Thomas, 02/20/12

Award-winning actress, author, and activist

For many of us, Presidents Day means an extra day off work and the chance to hit up the holiday sales. But, as we recall from our school days, it's actually more than that.

Javier Sierra, 02/17/12

Media consultant

Among us Hispanics nothing defines our ties to nature, to the divine creation better than the amor por el terruño, or loosely translated, our love of country, an often spiritual connection with the land that sees us grow, that nurtures us, that gives us life.

Christopher Brauchli, 02/16/12

Lawyer

Tuition policies vary from institution to institution but it can be useful to examine how at least one state university has responded to the decreasing support from the state legislature and increasing tuition costs.

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.

Wayne Trujillo, 02/17/12

Freelance Writer, Cultural Observer

Whitney Houston's funeral will be the antithesis of Michael Jackson's theatrical farewell. That is only fitting.

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.

Michael Brown, 02/15/12

CEO and Co-Founder, City Year

A record-breaking number of young people are raising their hands to serve. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority are being turned away.

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.

Ariane Zurcher, 02/15/12

Writer & Award-winning jewelry designer

Emma is my daughter, who happens to have autism. The autism piece is complicated. The beautiful little girl/daughter piece is not.