'THE PERFECT STORM'

Chris Powell, 05/27/12

Trainer/Transformation Specialist on ABC’s 'Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition'

Let's be honest: Working out can be monotonous. Want to know the best secret for breaking the mold? Make exercise fun again!

Ree Varcoe, 05/28/12

Head Angel, Social Angels

A good many people here still have an intrinsic trust in others in this age when we are quick to doubt, find fault or simply don't trust as easily as did our ancestors. Why is it so hard for us to believe that people will do the right thing when given the opportunity?

Dylan Ratigan, 05/26/12

Host, MSNBC's 'The Dylan Ratigan Show'; Author, 'Greedy Bastards'; Founder, Get Money Out Foundation

Over a million vets will be re-entering civilian life over the next five years -- one of the largest in our country's recent history. This Memorial Day weekend, we are focusing on the next mission facing our war heroes.

Lisa Bloom, 05/23/12

Author, 'Swagger: 10 Urgent Rules for Raising Boys in an Era of Failing Schools, Mass Joblessness and Thug Culture'

Young Americans, my generation has failed you. Standards have slipped, we've deprioritized education and we've hardly even noticed. And young Americans, you are suffering as a result, arriving into adulthood without the knowledge and skills you need.

Jason Salzman, 05/23/12

Bigmedia.org

When KBNO radio host Fernando Sergio launched his weekday Spanish-language talk show in 2004, you'd have been completely crazy to predict that the President of the United States would call in for a chat about seven years later.

Tom Engelhardt, 05/24/12

Editor, TomDispatch.com

Quiz Americans and a surprising number undoubtedly won't have thought about the "memorial" in Memorial Day at all -- especially now that it's largely a marker of the start of summer and an excuse for cookouts.

Carolyn Scott, 05/25/12

Executive producer, creator, host, writer, 'The Healthy Voyager'

Memorial Day marks the start of the "fun in the sun" season, so kick it off with an awesome get-together and killer food! Check out our fun menu of recipes for the weekend.

Marshall Fine, 05/25/12

Author and film critic, hollywoodandfine.com

Based on a true story, The Intouchables tells the story of Philippe, a quadriplegic who hires a Senegalese immigrant named Driss as his caregiver. Driss, just out of prison for robbery, seems an unlikely choice -- but he and Philippe develop a bond that goes beyond employer-employee.

William Astore, 05/22/12

Writer, Professor, Retired Lt. Colonel, Air Force

Americans admire plucky individuals, those who cry "Give me liberty or give me death." But how much liberty do we truly have when we cede so much power to corporations?

Matthew David Hopkins, 05/23/12

Creative Director, 360 Design Events

Want to throw the party of the season, but feel fresh out of ideas? With Memorial Day this weekend and many more reasons to celebrate this summer, try my "perfectly imperfect" approach to entertaining and your guests will remember your celebration for years to come.

Chris Krapek, 05/25/12

Film Blogger

Full frontal male nudity is the manifest destiny of dick jokes. It's all the hard -- and sometimes flaccid -- work of our forefathers of comedy finally paying off. Charlie Chaplin would be so proud.

Dr. Peggy Drexler, 05/23/12

Author, 'Our Fathers, Ourselves. Daughters, Fathers, and the Changing American Family'

These days, gay parents are no novelty: We see them strolling through our neighborhoods and appearing on our TV screen. But still many are left wondering: How will these children of gay parents fare?

Josh Sugarmann, 05/22/12

Executive director, Violence Policy Center

Each day, how many motor vehicles do you see or actually use? You probably couldn't keep track. Now, how about guns. How many do you see or actually use during the same period? For most people, not that many. If any at all. And yet, in 10 states gun deaths actually outpace motor vehicle deaths.

Caitlin Balch-Burnett, 05/23/12

Colorado Outreach Representative, Defenders of Wildlife

There is more than one way to help wildlife in Colorado. In addition to speaking with your elected officials about the importance of protecting crucial environmental laws, you can also help wildlife by getting outside and getting your hands dirty.

Miller Hudson, 05/24/12

Public policy consultant

TABOR, which includes provisions that are rapidly closing a vise on state spending, will soon undermine the quality of services provided to taxpayers.

Jed Kolko, 05/22/12

Chief Economist, Trulia

Aside from a dip in March, the recovery is slowly but steadily pushing ahead. The housing market is now 37% of the way back to normal, compared with just 20% back to normal a year ago.

Steve Ressler, 05/22/12

Founder, GovLoop

When you think of Pinterest, your initial perception might be people planning their future weddings, posting their perfect wardrobes and pinning up their dream homes. But is there a place on this social network for government?