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This is the America of the 21st century, a country divided along lines of morality, where wealth equates to power and the gap between those who have and those who don't is increasing. I will continue to speak up for those who aren't able to speak up for themselves.

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Young love is a funny thing. When you find it, you feel invincible. You think no one can comprehend the depth of the connection you feel to your person, let alone destroy it. But when you lose it, you feel like you've lost yourself. You realize you knew really knew yourself without it.

Zoe Lintzeris

It was one of those 3 a.m. ideas that I had to act on. And that was to go paleo... for a week. Could I handle this almost-absurd change in my diet?

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If you go out to the bars even just once a month, you'll benefit from this post. That's because I'm about to break down five common social blunders that people make at bars (and other places too). These blunders make you look boring, unapproachable, or just plain lame.

When it comes to documenting the lives and stories of people of color, Hollywood is notorious for being more interested in the perpetuation of stereotypes than meaningful portrayals of marginalized communities with value and humanity.

Just two weeks ago, Orange County was making headlines for filing a lawsuit that blamed major pharmaceutical companies for unethically pushing sales of painkillers and other dangerous prescription drugs. Now, Chicago is filing an almost identical lawsuit against some of the same companies.

Whether you're looking for great food, music or simply a few new friends to complain about the Cubs to, put summertime in Chicago on your bucket-list. Just make sure you check your weather app before you pack.

Despite the slow pace of both the national and state's economic recovery, some businesses in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are experiencing incredible growth. These businesses offer a glimmer of hope to the future of the economic recovery in the state.

When looking to move and buy a home somewhere, the famous saying is "location, location, location." Yes, location is important. It influences how much your house may cost and how much you will be paying for property taxes.

John Kerry said recently that Edward Snowden -- who gave up his career, access to his friends and family, and a comfortable life in Hawaii to tell the truth about the illegal, secretive activities of the Obama administration -- is "a coward and a traitor."

Yea they call us the Second City -- but make no mistake, we're number one.

In the true Chicago theatrical tradition of rock-solid ensemble acting, director Michael Driscoll has elevated the material to a level that I'm sure will surprise many who plan to attend this for a campy, bloody good time.

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"Where are you from?" It's a simple question, but for a generation of 20-somethings constantly trying to find themselves and where they belong, it's so much more than that.

I've been watching, with great interest, Bruce Rauner's TV ads -- view here and here -- and it certainly creates the impression that he places a high value on diversity. Several African-Americans, Latinos and women appear in the ads.

There's an education problem in Illinois, and this one has nothing to do with students. It's the education of parents.

Chicago Police Superintendent McCarthy has failed to deliver in the category of reducing homicides in Chicago. McCarthy arrived in Chicago in mid-2011 to take over as Superintendent after Supt. Jody Weiss resigned.

According to the operating consensus, the American public has no right to know what the CIA is up to, even when what it's up to is extremely questionable in terms of dealing with our officially proclaimed enemies; and liberating such data from the crypt called classification is criminal behavior.